Everyone knows the age-old adage: "You play with fire, and you're going to get burned." Generally speaking, this means that you probably shouldn't mess with things that will almost certainly result in your pain. This effect is what's known as a deterrent effect. But what deterrent effect is there if the crocodile has no teeth? Or if playing with fire is instead more like playing with play-doh? The answer is...there is no deterrent effect and any words ostensibly used to deter will become empty vessels of pointless diplomacy.

Take the current situation with Iran, for example. You have angry words directed at them, essentially saying "You've played with fire, prepare to get burned!" But honestly, who's really listening anymore? And of course, Russia, who is supposed to have our back on this, plucks out any remaining teeth...

I guess we'll see how this tired drama unfolds, but it feels like we've been here before...

..::UPDATE::..

Here's a little more info about Iran's history with playing with fire courtesy of FoxNews.