DISGRACEFUL! – AT 11:14 A.M. ET:  But expected.  The International Atomic Energy Agency has caved in to Iran, opening the door to billions in sanctions relief for one of the worst regimes in the world.  From the Washington Examiner: 

The board of the nuclear watchdog group agreed to close the file on Iran's past nuclear work on Tuesday, clearing the way for Tehran to receive billions in relief from international sanctions, according to news reports.

In truth, Iran stiffed the group and did not provide full information.  But who cares?  Let the good times roll!

The board's decision, according to diplomats quoted by Agence France-Presse, followed the recommendation of International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano, who earlier on Tuesday said "the agency has no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009."

Amano is a good man who has vastly improved the agency.  But he's under substantial pressure by the Obama administration and European business interests to open Iran.  Never mind Iran's support for terror, its brutal regime, or its recent missile tests, in violation of Security Council resolutions.

"Nor has the agency found any credible indications of the diversion of nuclear material in connection with the possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program," he said.

"Significant progress has been made on the Iran nuclear issue, but now is not the time to relax. This issue has a long and complex history, and the legacy of mistrust between Iran and the international community must be overcome," he said. "Much work lies ahead of us. All parties must fully implement their commitments under the JCPOA. Considerable effort was required in order to reach this agreement. A similar and sustained effort will be required to implement it."

Amano said Iran must now complete its preparation to carry out its end of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the Iran deal is known. "Implementation day" will occur when the IAEA verifies that Iran has carried out the measures agreed to in Vienna between Tehran and six world powers.

COMMENT:  It's hilarious.  Iran hasn't even ratified the agreement, and apparently there are powerful forces in Iran who are opposed to it.  So no one is actually sure where we are.  And on this the future of the region may rest.

Another Obama triumph.

December 15, 2015