Iran's clenched fist
So far, it seems that President Obama's video message to Iran on Friday has only gotten the mullahs to clench their fists a little bit tighter. Khamenei set the bar impossibly high _ demanding an overhaul of U.S. foreign policy, including giving up "unconditional support" for Israel and halting claims that Iran is seeking nuclear arms. Iran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful energy purposes.Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen. What Obama proved on Friday is that Iran's attempt at dominating the region is having an effect. Why should they change just because Obama wants to make up with them?
"Have you released Iranian assets? Have you lifted oppressive sanctions? Have you given up mudslinging and making accusations against the great Iranian nation and its officials?" Khamenei said in a speech in the northeastern city of Mashhad. The crowd chanted "Death to America."
Despite Obama's offer, the State Department still lists Iran as a sponsor of terrorism for its backing of militant groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah. In Iraq, U.S. officials accuse Iran of aiding Shiite militias whose targets have included American soldiers.
"He (Obama) insulted the Islamic Republic of Iran from the first day. If you are right that change has come, where is that change? What is the sign of that change? Make it clear for us what has changed."
Still, Khamenei left the door open to better ties with America, saying "should you change, our behavior will change, too."
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:50 PM
2 Comments:
The mullahs want an American surrender. That is the only basis on which they will consider upgrading ties with the Great Satan. They've tossed the ball back into Obama's court. He can either do that or as far they are concerned nothing will change. Either way, Iran will get what it wants.
Hugh Fitzgerald over at Jihadwatch has an alternative and interesting take on Obama's video message to Iran. I'm not suggesting I agree with Hugh because like Scott Johnson at Powerline, I too recognize Obama's infantilism (I have compared this to JFKs naivete going into his historic first meeting with Nikita Khrushchev) but I do think the theory is worth considering.
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