A New Plan for Iran

The week of outrage continues, although this particular outrage might be calculated:

"But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together," he says.

And here's the video:



Outrageous, right? Maybe.

But maybe not. It's tempting to recall Obama's campaign rhetoric about the Iranians not posing much of a threat because of their tininess and his vow to Bill O'Reilly in regards to stopping an Iranian nuke. But maybe it's all part of a "smarter than you" plan regards terrorism and rogue states in general--a reverse psychology maneuver designed to put our enemies on the defensive in the court of world opinion.

We've already seen step one--banning Bush-era buzz words like terrorist and enemy combatant along with closing Gitmo (pending closure) and they've vowed to not 'torture' anymore anymore.

Heck, it sounds like something A'jad might do, but in reverse, removing the enemy's propaganda talking points (the biggest one being already nullified by the presence of Obama himself). And since the Israelis also sent a message to the Iranian people today there appears to be at least some coordination involved, although Netanyahu is a wild card.

The question is whether the Mullahs will buy it. They aren't idiots and it's doubtful they'd be happy about being treated as such. Tehran already called Bush's bluff and they know Obama won't attack, especially if presidential poll numbers continue to drift downward. Right now it's so far so good but we don't know what we don't know.

The nasty part is the plan's political risk for the One. He's betting that America will come through his first term without a major attack (outside the war zones) AND with no significant progress made on an Iranian nuke front. Should either occur the American people may not easily see the wisdom of a crafty subterfuge game while the wreckage smolders. It also depends on the enemy caring more about their world image than dying for Allah. While the visible leaders may not take the suicide plunge there's always a proxy around to do the work, and this plan does nothing to marginalize never-heard-of groups who may spring and take credit for an attack. It might end up a hard-sell.

But even a closet socialist cannot possibly desire such a bad outcome, one which would almost guarantee one-terminess, so perhaps there's something legitmate here. Then again, based on recent events the warm fuzzies may not kick in for awhile.