The Carrot Or The Stick?
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
Carrots and sticks. All the blustering about not negotiating with the Iranians, about the hard line that must be maintained when dealing with the No. 1 state sponsor of terrorism, was apparently just so much hot air. The Iranians haven't budged much on their insistence on what they say is their right to enrich uranium
No one wants to contemplate an Iran with weapons-grade uranium. But so far, no one — including the European Union and Russia — has been able to get Iran to just say no.
There's been a little saber-rattling — even belligerence — from the U.S. government.
But, hold on. What's this we read in the paper this morning? The E.U. and the U.S. are now offering the Iranians incentives — not the least of which is airplane parts for Iran's ancient commercial fleet?
Is there a message in this?
The carrot is mightier than the sword; that patience is better than say, the alternative?
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on manyCBS Radio News affiliates across the country.