The Iranian nuclear game of poker continues to ebb and flow. One side makes a vague political threat, the other decides to show their military power by having some ill planned war games. Back and forth, back and forth goes the ball…
I tend to take notice when the back and forth nature of the situation changes. When something that, on first glance, doesn’t fit into the picture seemingly just pops up with no warning is usually a signal of changing undercurrent that the general public is unaware of. Today saw such a hint come into the public vision – China urges diplomacy instead of sanctions with regards to Iran.
The two major players in the political arena that had ’supported’ the Iranian position were Russia and China, mainly due to their involvement Iran’s energy sector. Russia, however, backed away from their hard line position last fall leaving only China holding up additional sanctions against Iran.
Why did Russia back away? Because the United States magically removed the missile shield from Poland. Surprise how things like that work.
Why is China the only one still supporting the political process with Iran? Easy – follow the money, and the money points to one thing. Oil.
From the Washington Post:
Iran is China’s second-biggest supplier of oil, and imports are rising. In a country where more people are expected to buy cars this year than in the United States, China’s appetite for oil is unquenchable.
China’s investments in Iran also lessen the likelihood that Beijing will support enhanced sanctions. China’s state-run oil behemoths have committed so much money to Iran — an estimated $120 billion over the past five years.
To see China make a public statement makes me think the U.S. is going to make a push for sanctions sooner rather than later. Will they be successful remains to be seen.
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