The besteh
Apr 6, 2007 Euroids, Orient, Politics and Poker
That’s Yiddish for “the best.” Steven Den Beste, I have been told repeatedly, is that. Then there was a lot of deal when he evidently gave up blogging on current events. So imagine my surprise when I saw that he’d posted this piece on the Iranian piracy incident at, of all places, my homies the Chicagoboyz. Must be the invisible hand. (I have encountered Steve before, in the comments at Dean’s World.) Anyway, because I have kind of made a personal commitment to kind of covering this story, here’s Steve’s bottom line:
The release of the British tars, especially if there was neither duress nor bribery involved, makes the Iranian government look reasonable and pliable, and it encourages those in the West who think that negotiations can convince Iran to give up its quest for nuclear weapons. That’s a solid victory for Iran.
I like the sound of what he’s saying… except, of course, for what he’s saying.
UPDATE: If you want to feel a little better, though, read what Mary Madigan has to say.
April 7th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Seems more like a draw to me.
As a result of this episode, I suspect that in the future any Iranian (or Iranian looking) vessel that gets within striking distance of a western ship will be attacked with a “shoot first, ask questions later” attitude. “Hey, we thought they were going to kidnap us.” is a pretty good excuse.
And I am glad to see that the Iranian disregard for Geneva Convention treatment of the captors is getting some press.
I don’t agree with Denbeste’s postulate that this event was part of some well thought out, long term plan. Could be, I guess. But the catch and release aspect gives me the impression that the Iranians are bumbling, chaotic, and out of control, as opposed to being great strategic thinkers.
April 7th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I agree, Jay — Steve is probably overthinking it.