Hopefully, no one is very surprised by the US trade with Iran

Implications: The article and the fact of US trade with Iran brings forward the almost laughable state of diplomatic policy in the US. Another reason why the sanctioned nations do not fret all that much under sanctions, especially those initially imposed. While diplomatic searches to avoid armed conflict are in everyone's favor, we should all stop fooling ourselves into believing that sanctions produce much change.

Analysis: The most telling part of this article is the following statement:

"But, the US government seems uncoordinated in efforts to limit trade with Iran".

Little wonder most regimes like those in Tehran, Caracas, Zimbabwe and many other regions much less maelevant just "roll their eyes" and go on about their way when the US express "concern", "grave concern", "serious concern" or the rest of the diplomatic jargon used in the game of international diplomacy. We are totally uncoordinated and send so many mixed signals that sometimes the nations involved are not even certain what they should and should not take seriously.

But, why should they be in any different condition than many of us here at home on other matters of "grave concern" to the Washington crowd?

Bush and his advisors a great deal of blame to share in many of these situations precisely for this "uncoordinated" policy and more.