IRAN AND ISIS – AT 10:52 A.M. ET:  One of the key questions about Obama's strategy to defeat the Islamic State is whether it will involve a working alliance with Iran.  It's something to be watched carefully considering the general sloppiness of this administration.  But Kerry is saying no to Iran, at least for today, or most of today.  From The New York Times: 

ANKARA, Turkey — Secretary of State John Kerry said on Friday that “it would not be appropriate” for Iran to attend an international conference on the security crisis in Iraq that is to be held in Paris next week because of what he called the role that Iran’s paramilitary Quds Force is playing in the fighting in neighboring Syria.

France is the host of the Monday meeting, which is to coordinate aid to the new Iraqi government for its fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. French officials have left open the possibility that Iran might attend.

But during a visit here to consult with Turkish officials on the international effort against ISIS, Mr. Kerry said he opposed including Iran.

“Under the circumstances, at this moment in time, it would not be right for any number of reasons,” said Mr. Kerry, who noted that the French had not consulted with him on the question.

COMMENT:  Ah, now we have a question:  What happens if France invites Iran, over Kerry's head?  Does the U.S. go ahead and attend the conference, or take a stand? 

We are currently involved in a critical nuclear negotiation with Iran.  In a way, it may be more important than our confrontation with the Islamic State.  If Iran gets a nuclear bomb, it is a permanent change in the power relationships of the world.  I fear that Obama, who has always wanted a grand alliance with Iran, may cave in to Iran in exchange for Iran's commitment not to interfere with any American operations in Iraq or Syria.  That might make tactical sense, but it would be a strategic blunder of the first magnitude.

September 13,  2014