Quote Originally Posted by aktarian View Post
What confuses me even more is that this is at least third such announcement in past few years
Prepares international public opinion before action is taken, and people tend to forget. They are pushing the danger of the threat while diplomatic approaches are still on the table, which shows both that they have given diplomacy a chance as well as motivates the immediacy of nuclear development removal. It puts pressure on the negotiating parties that it needs to be resolved or they will be forced to defend themselves, IMO drawing clearer lines in the sand of Who's Who. In this way, they have the chance to frame perception of the conflict as a continuing and increasing problem where they are active participants, but less likely to be seen as aggressors.

Perhaps they will still be chastizised, but at least they move some people towards an understanding of their position instead of letting others define it for them.

On the other hand, that's just first impression gut feeling, and I did get a kick to the head two hours ago...

What do you think?