Latest on Iran from the Nelson Report

snip>
Further, say our sources, the White House fully understands that it is embarking on a process of weeks, even months, and that if the US pushes too hard, or demands the impossible, that both China and Russia will drop out of the international coalition, thus reducing US options, and raising international fears of a genuine crisis.

Full acceptance of the current White House posture remains to be gained, given continued opposition to serious negotiations with Iran held by Vice President Cheney, and DOD Secretary Rumsfeld. That’s why mistrust of the motives and judgment of the Bush Administration remains strong, within the US military establishment quite as much as with US friends and allies, and in both parties on Capitol Hill.

Everyone should calm down a bit, while remaining vigilant of both Bush and Iran, say sources who feel they are familiar with the real intentions of the President at this time.

(...)

But if the UN track seems to falter, then expect the President to authorize the “coalition of the willing” approach to more a more vigorous sanctions regime, one which will bring new pressures and tensions between the US and current allies.

more, via Laura Rozen
http://www.warandpiece.com/blogdirs/004830.html

I think we are seeing the Chinese and Russian hand as the counter to American military power. Bottom line is that China gets 13% of her oil from Iran and can't afford to find that much oil somewhere else. The "testicular" policy of Cheney runs right into the Red Dragon and the US can't push anymore. (of course this assumes rational thought-sigh)