US State Dept on British Hostages in Iran

From today's briefing received via email:

QUESTION: On this again. Is there a concern that the Iranians are trying to use this to draw the U.S. in?

MR. MCCORMACK: Draw us into?

QUESTION: Into whatever malevolent, nefarious schemes they --

MR. MCCORMACK: You know -- scheme they may have, right. You know, again, Matt, an answer to that really requires some insight into their thought processes. I think that it stands to reason that they would like to use it as a means of distracting the rest of the world from Iran's current set of problems: you know, the fact that they just were subject to a second Chapter 7 resolution as well as the international spotlight on a number of their behaviors over recent months. But I couldn't say definitively whether or not they want to draw us in or not, but we're stating quite clearly that we don't -- we reject any sort of linkage between this particular issue and any other.

QUESTION: Is it fair to say that any attempt to draw you in would be unsuccessful?

MR. MCCORMACK: We -- as I said, we're out of hand stating that there is no linkage between this as well as any other issue, and I think you're hearing the same thing from the Brits.

QUESTION: And not willing to -- not willing at all under any circumstances to allow this --

MR. MCCORMACK: Matt, we reject any linkage between the -- between this incident and anything else.

No, I wasn't at today's breifing...but the question is one that I would have asked. Notice how the State Department is essentially taking military action off the table...it is talk like that that allows the Irans the cover that they need to do the sorts of things that they do.

Mark's Remarks

The State Department has been a travesty since the post-George Marshall period. Instead of being part of the government, it thinks it supercedes the government. It is more interested in serving international whims than in protecting and advancing American interests. Now, before all the lefties begin saying I don't understand nuance, you are wrong. I have taken quite a few courses in international relations, but don't you think the Iranians have as well? Historically, all the nations of Islam have understood is strength and power. Doing the diplomatic tongue wagging does nothing but make them believe we are all bluster and no boom.