Word on the street was that the administration did so to gain Russian co-operation in handling Iran's nuclear program. Some folks view sanctions as a strong deterrent and believe that placing sanctions on Iran will help them toe the line. Frankly, there has never been a time in my opinion that sanctions have actually ever worked, but that's another story.
Sanctions against Iran are even more irrelevant if Russia does not cooperate. Iran will just strengthen its ties with Russia and get the goods and materials it needs from Russia rather than the rest of the world.
So, getting rid of the missile shield in eastern Europe - which the Russians strongly protested - was seen as a way to gain Russian co-operation with Iran.
So much for that theory.
"Threats of new sanctions and pressure against Iran under current circumstances are counterproductive," [Russian Foreign Minister] Lavrov said.You see, this is what happens when you get someone in power who is more interested in negotiations and talks. Someone who's more interested in placating our enemies and who buys the line that folks around the world don't like us because of something we've done. And if we're just nice to them, talk to them, and throw 'em a bone or two, they will be our friends.
How'd that work with schoolyard bullies when you were a kid? Dealing with foreign governments is no different, my friends because those governments - Iran, Russia, Venezuela, Korea - are ruled by bullies who are used to getting their way and throwing their weight around.
The only way to deal with them without getting your lunch money stolen is to walk up to the biggest one and hit him hard enough in the face that he reconsiders his behavior.
Placating the school yard bully doesn't work, and it won't work on the international stage, either; or at least it hasn't in the last few thousand years or so.
