Sunday, September 03, 2006
A BUMP IN THE ROAD TO WAR
The Bush administration, in a clear diplomatic signal, granted a last minute visa to former Iranian president Mohammed Khatami to attend not only a session of the UN, but the conference of the Islamic Society of North America in Chicago, where he delivered the keynote address ( conveniently, the Undersecretary of Defense was also in town). Khatami has also been invited to speak at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. and at Harvard University.
This was a win-win diplomatic move by the Bush administration. At one stroke, the opportunity for quiet, frank, unofficial but very high level dialogue was created; Khatami was given prominent public forums to insulate himself from hardline criticism at home when he returns with American messages; Some wind is taken out of Ahmadinejad's sails by the deference shown to his predecessor; Critics of the Bush administration at home and in Europe are also disarmed by the gesture which doesn't fit their political script, strengthening the U.S. position before the UNSC has to discuss sanctioning Iran for illegal nuclear activities.
Not sure who engineered this move, but they deserve a pat on the back. ¶ 9:20 PM
The Bush administration, in a clear diplomatic signal, granted a last minute visa to former Iranian president Mohammed Khatami to attend not only a session of the UN, but the conference of the Islamic Society of North America in Chicago, where he delivered the keynote address ( conveniently, the Undersecretary of Defense was also in town). Khatami has also been invited to speak at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. and at Harvard University.
This was a win-win diplomatic move by the Bush administration. At one stroke, the opportunity for quiet, frank, unofficial but very high level dialogue was created; Khatami was given prominent public forums to insulate himself from hardline criticism at home when he returns with American messages; Some wind is taken out of Ahmadinejad's sails by the deference shown to his predecessor; Critics of the Bush administration at home and in Europe are also disarmed by the gesture which doesn't fit their political script, strengthening the U.S. position before the UNSC has to discuss sanctioning Iran for illegal nuclear activities.
Not sure who engineered this move, but they deserve a pat on the back. ¶ 9:20 PM
Comments:
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Mark,
Very insightful and a breath of fresh air considering all the knee-jerk reactions concerning this visit.
Dave
Very insightful and a breath of fresh air considering all the knee-jerk reactions concerning this visit.
Dave
# posted by 
: Monday, 04 September, 2006
: Monday, 04 September, 2006
hi Dave,
I understand the emotion behind the knee-jerk sentiments but alowing Khatami to visit does not tie our hands and it undermines Ahmadinejad. ( Khatami isn't just an ex-prez, he sits on the powerful clerical council that supervises Iran's elected government)
I understand the emotion behind the knee-jerk sentiments but alowing Khatami to visit does not tie our hands and it undermines Ahmadinejad. ( Khatami isn't just an ex-prez, he sits on the powerful clerical council that supervises Iran's elected government)
seems to me there is good reason for the knee to be jerking...but I guess then it isn't really a "knee-jerk" reaction now is it.
Look, notwithstanding all the hand-wringing and hoopla over Iraq, the U.S. has been successful at overthrowing the government of two of Iran's neighbors (something Iran could not do) and bringing forth governments that are somewhat more predisposed to Western norms. Obviously Iran is scared that they are next on the list and are determined to get a nuclear deterent. It is also obvious that negotiations are solely a delaying tactic on their part. They could have easily had pretty much any deal they want albeit without enrichment on Iranian soil. The U.S. needs to decide which is worse, a nuclear Iran or the aftermath of another war.
Barnabus
Look, notwithstanding all the hand-wringing and hoopla over Iraq, the U.S. has been successful at overthrowing the government of two of Iran's neighbors (something Iran could not do) and bringing forth governments that are somewhat more predisposed to Western norms. Obviously Iran is scared that they are next on the list and are determined to get a nuclear deterent. It is also obvious that negotiations are solely a delaying tactic on their part. They could have easily had pretty much any deal they want albeit without enrichment on Iranian soil. The U.S. needs to decide which is worse, a nuclear Iran or the aftermath of another war.
Barnabus
# posted by : Monday, 04 September, 2006
: Monday, 04 September, 2006
"U.S. has been successful at overthrowing the government of two of Iran's neighbors"
Unless we did it for them.
Iran helped setup the government of Afghanistan. If the Shia help set up a democratic Islamic revolution in Iraq it might be in Iran's benefit, so not sure if we really set up anything in favor of Western norms or not.
TPMB says that, like Nixon, Ahmadinejad is the only person who can connect Iran, it will be interesting to see if, unlike his assessment of North Korea, he is correct.
Unless we did it for them.
Iran helped setup the government of Afghanistan. If the Shia help set up a democratic Islamic revolution in Iraq it might be in Iran's benefit, so not sure if we really set up anything in favor of Western norms or not.
TPMB says that, like Nixon, Ahmadinejad is the only person who can connect Iran, it will be interesting to see if, unlike his assessment of North Korea, he is correct.
# posted by : Monday, 04 September, 2006
: Monday, 04 September, 2006
it will be interesting to see if, unlike his assessment of North Korea, he is correct.
Can you elaborate, Larry?
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Can you elaborate, Larry?
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