AND IN THE REAL WORLD – AT 6:03 A.M. ET:  We like to remind our readers that there is a world beyond our elections, and it is sometimes grim.  The New York Post, in an excellent editorial, reviews some disturbing developments in our approach to Iran.   These slipped by in the last few days: 

Yesterday was just another day in the Middle East, Obamanauts would have you believe.

Iran began fueling the core of its first nuclear reactor, but that's no big deal, they say. The Bushehr plant will be in full swing in months, but pay no heed.

Worry-warts are supposed to relax, because Russia is supplying the enriched fuel that powers its reactor. Moscow is meant to supply outside oversight.

That's reassuring.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized the Bushehr arrangement as "premature" in March during a trip to Russia.

But now she can't even manage a whimper. Clinton said yesterday the US is concerned solely by hidden nuke sites.

"Iran is entitled to the peaceful use of nuclear power," she said. "They are not entitled to a nuclear-weapons program."

But Bushehr only legitimizes Iran's own enrichment activity, which is conducted deep underground and away from the prying eyes of UN nuke inspectors.

Clinton has glossed over a terrible truth: The Obama administration now considers Iran a fellow nuclear power -- one as yet unarmed, yet someday soon, perhaps, a nuclear equal, fully armed.

COMMENT:  The editorial is correct.  What we're seeing is the gradual collapse of American power in the Mideast, something no doubt welcome in the leftist wing of the Democratic Party.

I'm surprised to see Hillary Clinton going along with this, unless she plans some grand exit before the 2012 election.  Our policy toward Iran is a failure, and she must know it. 

The first key question:  What will Israel do once it realizes that Barack Obama has no intention of stopping Iran?

The second key question:  Will this directionless policy change after next week's election?

There's a lot riding on the answers.

October 27, 2010