Sarkozy Describes Obama Approach on Iran as "Utterly Immature"

According the Israeli left-wing newspaper Ha'Aretz, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sharply critical of Senator Barack Obama's position on re-engagement with Iran. Sarkozy has voiced his criticisms only in closed forums in France, but according to a senior Israeli government source, reports that have reached the Israeli government indicate that Sarkozy views the Democratic Party presidential nominee's stance on Iran as "utterly immature" and comprised of "formulations empty of all content." Sarkozy is described as very concerned that an Obama Administration would break up what has been a united front on Iran, maintained by the five permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and Germany. According to the senior Israeli source, Sarkozy fears that Obama might "arrogantly" ignore the other members of this front and open a direct dialogue with Iran without preconditions.

Is this the same Obama who is supposedly going to restore American standing in Europe? Were the implications not so serious, one might engage in some Schadenfreude at the thought that European leaders will reap what they have sown by not more publicly supporting the Bush Administration in recent years.

As for the description of Obama's Iran policy as "formulations empty of all content," no phrase could more aptly summarize Obama's campaign positions in general.