Originally published on the CGS blog on September 7, 2007.
Mohamed ElBaradei, “Rogue Regulator” and head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, accused his Western detractors (read Washington Post Editorial Board) of being “back-seat drivers” when it comes to the recent cooperation deal he and his agency struck with Iran, and requested patience (gasp) in order to avoid yet another disastrous pre-emptive war of choice with a Rogue State.
Patience?! I guess he hasn’t heard the President’s story about Munich…or Stalin…or Hitler…
Reuters reports:
“We don’t see based on evidence we have that (Iran poses) a clear and present danger requiring you to go beyond diplomacy,” he said, alluding to military action mooted by U.S. hardliners.
“I see war drums (being beaten) by those basically saying the short solution is to bomb Iran, which makes me shudder because the rhetoric reminds me of pre-Iraq war,” he said.
ElBaradei took aim at rising criticism of IAEA-Iran dealings in U.S. media, which IAEA officials feel is being steered by Bush administration hawks fed up with Iran gradually expanding uranium enrichment despite diplomatic efforts to stop it.
“Some people have been trying to shoot down the plan before they even read it. If you look at some of the American newspapers today there is a coordinated, orchestrated campaign to undermine the process, undermine the agency, undermine me.”
Anybody else think Mr. ElBaradei reads the Washington Post editorials?? Tsk, tsk. Always remember: When it comes to the Washington Post–News, Politics, Sports, and Opinions sans Editorials.
