Warning the Mullahs

This report would be more refreshing if there was a credible threat of action from the European Union.

European officials began a fresh round of talks with Iran over its controversial nuclear program Tuesday with a warning against any activities that would violate the spirit of a deal worked out late last year, diplomats said.

Britain, France and Germany "are going to read the riot act to the Iranians," a diplomat close to the talks, which is aimed at getting Iran to guarantee that it is not developing nuclear weapons, told AFP.

The European trio, who are leading the negotiations for the European Union, are following advice from UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei "who has warned Iran in two letters in December and January" about quality control work on centrifuge parts despite an agreed freeze on nuclear fuel cycle work, said the diplomat, who asked not to be named.

But Iran was warning that it is running out of patience in talks that began in December on suspending uranium enrichment in return for possible cooperation in atomic technology, regional security and nuclear verification.

Gentle reader, I once again cite the following scene from Team America: World Police.

Hans Blix: Then let me look around, so I can ease the UN’s collective mind. I’m sorry, but the UN must be firm with you. Let me see your whole palace, or else.

Kim Jong Il: Or else what?

Hans Blix: Or else we will be very, very angry with you, and we will write you a letter telling you how angry we are.

Kim Jong Il: Oh, Okay.

Art imitates life. C'est la vie.