Without massive active intervention by China, Iran’s giant oil consumer, and Russia, Teheran’s giant supplier of arms and expertise, Western sanctions against Iran lack any genuine operative significance and may remain empty bluster We recently saw another flurry of international diplomacy between Teheran, Europe and the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program. In the wings, the ostensibly minor actors, China and Russia with their considerable economic interests in Iran, put the “brakes” on any aggressive measures against Iran.It seems clear to most of the world’s countries that this is a critical test of the international community’s resolve and ability to deal with states that develop non-conventional capabilities and threaten its security and peace. In theory, the Security Council should lead the way as it is the operative arm of the UN. It is mandated to operate to defend the peace under Section 7 of the UN Charter. Staring in the face of the agencies confronting this problem is the Council’s failure to curb North Korea, which is a resonating and threatening example of the helplessness to prevent nuclear armament by a “rogue” nation.Observing Teheran’s diplomatic conduct, Iran has apparently learned her lessons well from North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Il, and…