THE BAD JOKE CONTINUES - AT 4:45 P.M. ET:  The Iranians are playing us like the proverbial violin:

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- An Iranian court will hear the appeal of an American journalist convicted of spying for the United States next week and will open the proceedings to experts from the country's bar association, the judiciary spokesman said Tuesday.

The advance notice was the latest sign that Iran may be trying to lower tensions with the U.S. over the case, after Washington called the charges against 32-year-old Roxana Saberi ''baseless.''

COMMENT:  It is one of the oldest diplomatic games.  First, do something thoroughly outragious.  Then, in an act of "humanitarianism," ease the outrage.  Then watch as the grovelers, professional appeasers and assorted leftists, praise you for your "enlightened" actions. 

This woman will probably be released.  The Obama team will call it a great victory for "engagement."  Iran will suddenly look reasonable.

And it will be a farce.

May 5, 2009