White House Leading From Behind On Iran Sanctions

Obama Administration Takes Back Seat On Iran Sanctions -- L.A. Times

Congress and Europe have been much more aggressive in punishing Iran for its alleged nuclear weapons program.

Reporting from Washington — Despite the Obama administration's vows to cripple Iran with economic sanctions, it is leaders in Congress and Europe who have seized the lead in the West's long-running campaign to punish Tehran for its suspected nuclear weapons program.

In recent months, the toughest moves to deter Iran from pursuing its presumed nuclear ambitions have come from a bipartisan group in Congress and European allies, especially Britain and France. The White House at first resisted these steps before embracing them as inevitable.

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My Comment: White House fears of a war with Iran are justified .... and the last thing that they want is to have this conflict happening now .... in an election year. Hence .... I can understand why they want to take a back seat in this debate, and let others take the spotlight. Unfortunately .... it is not going to work.

If sanctions results in war, the U.S. will be dragged into it even if President Obama tried his best to not get involved. Oil embargoes, closing the Strait of Hormuz, gas at $6.00 and up for a gallon, the world's debt and financial markets being rocked, terrorism and retaliation the rule and not the exception .... and this does not include the heavy U.S. military involvement and commitment that will be mobilized to protect our allies in the Gulf and elsewhere. The worse case scenario is going to happen .... and it will involve everyone.

Sighhhh .... bottom line .... all of our options are terrible .... and (unfortunately) this strategy of taking a back seat is not going to work .... even though the isolationist in me wishes it would.