THE GATHERING STORM - AT 9:18 A.M. ET:  That was Churchill's phrase to describe events leading up to World War II.  It applies to the building confrontation with Iran. 

Iranian President Ahmadinejad has now given his latest response to President Obama's "outreach" to Iran.  From AP:

TEHRAN, Iran — President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday Iran will neither halt uranium enrichment nor negotiate over its nuclear rights but is ready to sit and talk with world powers over "global challenges."

His statements came as the international nuclear watchdog warned of a "stalemate" over Iran's nuclear program. Members of the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency began meetings in Vienna that could set the stage for a toughening of sanctions against Iran.

Ahmadinejad also said Iran will present a package of proposals for talks to the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany but rejected any deadline for such talks.

He said the package would "identify challenges facing humanity ... and resolve global concerns."

COMMENT:  In other words, no change.  And why should Iran change?  What has happened to the Iranian government as a result of its defiance over its nuclear program?  Essentially nothing, except some tough words and an occasional post card to Tehran with some vague warnings.

Time is not on our side, and the administration is now weakened by declining public support.  The president has given Iran until the end of this month to respond positively to his insistence that Tehran negotiate seriously over its nuclear future.  What then?  A promise of "tougher" sanctions.  Iran doesn't seem concerned.  Ahmadinejad has just named as defense minister a man wanted by Interpol for terrorism.  You'll notice the international uproar.  Again we ask:  Why should Iran change?

September 7, 2009