IRAN'S CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR ASSAD? LETS LOOK.

The second time in a little over a week the Iranian government has made a stronger than normal statement supporting Assad's regime.

In the Middle East, and in politics in general, when someone continues to voice their support for someone who is in trouble, that typically means they are about to give up on them!

Is this the case with Iran?

I don't believe so, not just yet.

I have said Iran is most likely trying to find an alternative future they can live with in Syria, but the baseline of what they would accept is still way off from what is being floated by the rebels and the rest of the world.

Tlass was an example of one of these attempts, but as I said yesterday, that is a distant dream right now.

What it appears Iran is doing is setting the bar and then making sure the rest of the world understands their baseline bargaining position.

Iran will not allow a Sunni / Syrian Muslim Brotherhood / style government; one that will lead to trouble within the Iranian population.

Iran may accept a Technocratic government that is "open" to all relationships as long as Hezbollah gets a free pass to travel and train in Syria.

Fat chance of that happening with the Sunni movement in the region.

Iran would be happy with a Syria that  falls into a prolonged civil crisis such as Lebanon did for over 15 years.

A Syria that is unable to counter Iran's plans is a Syria Iranian leadership can live with; not be happy, but live with.

Some may see this press statement by Iran's Foreign Minister is not merely a "line in the sand"; notice there is not warning of Iranian military support.

My impression is, this statement is just another way of Iran restating it's position on the crisis.

Oh, ya; notice they had to toss in the shot about the rebels being part of some larger Israeli plot!!!

I'm surprised Iran didn't mention George Bush.. it has the same worn out theme!!!!

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=279297