Unlikely American Allies in Struggle with Iran

In what seems to be a turn of events, some world leaders are acknowledging the threat Iran is imposing on the world. Even in Washington D.C. where political wrangling has become precedent over dialog agree now. This reflects the uneasiness in Congress about Iran's hostility toward the West and Israel.

During a debate on the House floor Rep. Tom Lantos, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said, "Iran faces a choice between a very big carrot and a very sharp stick," adding "It is my hope that they will take the carrot. But today, we are putting the stick in place."

Congress passed the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1400), which blocks foreign investment in Iran (in opposition to some in Europe), In particular its productive energy sector. It also expressly bars the president from waving U.S. sanctions.

At the United Nations summit, the newly elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy showed his uneasiness about Iran. This is a change of course for France who historically has been opposed to American foreign policy. Sarkozy made it known that the Iranian nuclear crisis will only be solved by a blend of "firmness and dialog," and that pacification will only lead to "war."

He continued by stating that if Iran continues to arm themselves with nuclear weapons would pose an "unacceptable risk to stability in the region and the world." Sarkozy stressed the urgency of the imminent threat Iran imposes and that a call for immediate action is needed. "You have understood my point that France believes that we do not have any more time to wait."

Sarkozy vowed that if the situation did not get resolved that, "France calls for action, France will be involved in action in the service of peace throughout the world." This message was nowhere to be seen in mainstream media. It could only be found in very few media sources such as the Jerusalem Post. It is nice to know that the French have aligned with our country on this grim issue. Will this last though and can we count on France?