Even International Atomic Energy chief ElBaradei thinks Lieberman is nuts

Well... he didn't really say that:

Vienna, Austria (AHN) - International Atomic Energy chief Mohamed ElBaradei said that an attack on Iran because of its nuclear program would be "madness" that would not solve the problem. His comments came at the end of an International Atomic Energy Agency meeting with the 35 member nations on Thursday. While warning against attacking Iran, ElBaradei also urged Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and ease what has become a standoff with world powers.

Maybe more bonkers than nuts....

And we should believe you

Because you aren't talking about smoking guns or mushroom clouds? We know who you hang out with:

MADRID, Spain - The U.S. is not preparing for war against Iran and Vice President Dick Cheney supports that policy, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says, taking a swipe at a U.N. official who says he's worried about "crazies" who want to start bombing.
[snip]

Rice said the United States is using diplomacy to avoid "getting to a place where we have an unpalatable choice." She described that as a choice "between having to do something on the military side or allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon. That's a choice that people talk about."

Rice, who has tangled with ElBaradei before, suggested he is giving Iran mixed signals.

"We have a diplomatic choice, but it's only going to succeed if we are absolutely clear with the Iranians — not muddying the message in any way," she said.

Muddying the message? Like having nine warships playing leapfrog in the Persian Gulf?

The Middle East is the worst shape ever

So says Nobel laureate Mohamed ElBaradei to Spiegel Online:

SPIEGEL ONLINE: The United States government is threatening to capture or kill Iranian agents in Iraq and Tehran has announced it will install thousands of centrifuges for the enrichment of uranium in Natanz. Are we witnessing a dramatic escalation of the conflict?

ElBaradei: If we continue on the same course, we could see a spiral of escalation. There is an urgent need for creative diplomacy and leadership. Diplomacy is pressure and engagement, and I very much hope that we can find the right balance. A durable, peaceful solution will not come through pressure only. It will ultimately come at the negotiating table.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: You don't sound very optimistic.

ElBaradei: The United Nations resolution itself recognizes the importance of finding a negotiated solution that will allow for the development of relations and cooperation with Iran. Clearly the sanctions were the expression of concern by the international community. I think the message was heard loud and clear in Iran.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: So why not simply wait until Iran gives in and stops its nuclear program?

ElBaradei: My concern is that if we only focus on sanctions, that might lead to confrontation on both sides, ending in an uncontrolled chain reaction. My worry right now is that each side is sticking to their guns: The international community is saying "sanctions or bust," and Iran is saying "nuclear enrichment capability or bust." Ultimately sanctions are useful to send a message, but they have to be followed by an effort to create conditions for negotiations.