The Myth of “Isolated” Iran: Following the Money in the Iran Crisis

[marmar]

from TomDispatch:



The Myth of “Isolated” Iran
Following the Money in the Iran Crisis

By Pepe Escobar


Let's start with red lines. Here it is, Washington’s ultimate red line, straight from the lion’s mouth. Only last week Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said of the Iranians, “Are they trying to develop a nuclear weapon? No. But we know that they're trying to develop a nuclear capability. And that's what concerns us. And our red line to Iran is do not develop a nuclear weapon. That's a red line for us.”

How strange, the way those red lines continue to retreat. Once upon a time, the red line for Washington was “enrichment” of uranium. Now, it’s evidently an actual nuclear weapon that can be brandished. Keep in mind that, since 2005, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has stressed that his country is not seeking to build a nuclear weapon. The most recent National Intelligence Estimate on Iran from the U.S. Intelligence Community has similarly stressed that Iran is not, in fact, developing a nuclear weapon (as opposed to the breakout capacity to build one someday).

What if, however, there is no “red line,” but something completely different? Call it the petrodollar line.

Banking on Sanctions?

Let’s start here: In December 2011, impervious to dire consequences for the global economy, the U.S. Congress -- under all the usual pressures from the Israel lobby (not that it needs them) -- foisted a mandatory sanctions package on the Obama administration (100 to 0 in the Senate and with only 12 “no” votes in the House). Starting in June, the U.S. will have to sanction any third-country banks and companies dealing with Iran’s Central Bank, which is meant to cripple that country’s oil sales. (Congress did allow for some “exemptions.”) ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175490/tomgram%3A_pepe_escobar%2C_sinking_the_petrodollar_in_the_persian_gulf/#more (follows an intro titled 'Pepe Escobar, Sinking the Petrodollar in the Persian Gulf')

[polly7]

1. Thank you for this.

Pepe Escobar summarizes it all so well, and in detail ......... fantastic read.

[bemildred]

2. Excellent exposition of the delusional isolation of the US Government. nt