The new issue of WMD Insights, now with Michael Moodie at the helm, is out. Read it here. Among many other interesting articles, the issue features a commentary by Thérèse Delpech titled “Confused West, Single-Minded Iran.” Summary is below.

The West is currently engaged with Iran in a diplomatic process that has only one recognizable role: waiting until the U.S. presidential elections in November. Meanwhile, Tehran sets “red lines,” as though it holds the stronger position.

Iran may well be right: Until a new U.S. administration is in place, Iran has time to deflect pressures, and, for the success of its nuclear program, time is of the essence. In the West, no one seems to recall that diplomacy is not an alternative to the exercise of power, but an instrument of it, or a useful complement to it.

Finally, Israel, which has a different sense of urgency, may be preparing a strike on Iran, reportedly condoned by Washington. In sum, whatever the outcome of the present impasse, Western strategy appears far more confused than Iran’s.