Iran blames US despite Obama’s waffling
posted at 2:14 pm on June 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Rule 1 of the Iranian regime: no matter the circumstance or the occupant of the White House, blame the American Great Satan for all your woes. The mullahcracy rejected the soft-pedaled response from the White House to the massive unrest it unleashed this week, thanks to blatant election-rigging, and blamed Barack Obama for fomenting the protests. We wish:
Iran accused the United States of meddling in its internal affairs, alleging for the first time that Washington has fueled a bitter post-election dispute.
A state television channel in Iran said the government summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents U.S. interests in Iran, to complain about American interference. The two countries broke off diplomatic relations after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. An English-language state-run channel quoted the government as calling Western interference “intolerable.”
Earlier in the day, Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi called for a mass rally Thursday to protest election results and violence against his followers. The announcement, posted on Mr. Mousavi’s Web site Wednesday, came shortly after the country’s most powerful military force said Iranian Web sites and bloggers must remove any materials that “create tension” or face legal action.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has told Mr. Mousavi to pursue his demands through the electoral system and called for Iranians to unite behind their Islamic government. But Mr. Mousavi appears unwilling to back down. “We want a peaceful rally to protest the unhealthy trend of the election and realize our goal of annulling the results,” Mr. Mousavi said, according to the Associated Press.
Obama has tiptoed on eggshells regarding the sudden onslaught of demonstrations and oppression, apparently believing that his lack of public effort on behalf of the protestors would win him brownie points with the Iranian mullahs. Obviously, Obama got this wrong, and it shows the naiveté of his entire approach on foreign policy, especially in the Middle East. Obama believes that our troubles there spring from American arrogance rather than the brutal, oppressive regimes that rule the area. His apology tour was designed to make America look humble and contrite, and Obama believes that will win the respect of dictators and kleptocrats.
It doesn’t. A weaker, humbled, contrite America emboldens dictators and kleptocrats, making them believe that they will not suffer consequences from their actions. In the meantime, they have no problem continuing to use America as a Great Satan in order to distract the oppressed from their situation. In an extreme like the mullahs face at the moment, it’s the first page in the playbook.
Since the Iranians will accuse us of interference no matter what we do, perhaps the White House will belatedly do what France and Germany have already done — express support for the Iranian people and the notion of true self-determination in Iran.
Blowback
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Wussier than France… Good job American voters.
myrenovations on June 17, 2009 at 2:42 PM
It’s an Obamanation. Let’s nuke them for questioning “the one”
bwconq on June 17, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Oh good, Hotair is back up.
If America did not exist, it would be necessary for the rest of the world to invent us, just to have someone to blame.
I would rather take the heat for having done something, than take the heat for having done nothing.
rbj on June 17, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Good thing he took the cautious approach…
Tonus on June 17, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Probably the best analysis of the US/Iran relationship and remedy I have ever seen.
Kudos Ed.
Starlink on June 17, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Another Message to the Muslim World is obviously in order.
Cicero43 on June 17, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Quisling in Chief – 0bama
Next wussie, Brown of ‘Great’ Britain.
It’s an interesting day when the French are more churchillian than the Americans/Brits. For shame!
Schadenfreude on June 17, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Who gives a rat’s a@@ who they blame? Bring your blame and insults to a gunfight and see who wins…
CMonster on June 17, 2009 at 2:46 PM
But… But… We’ve opened dialog!
eforhan on June 17, 2009 at 2:46 PM
When will the “sheeple” finally get it?
America is misrepresented by this weak apologetic president – the American people need to show a strong force on July 4th and take back this country!!
whatzit2u on June 17, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Hey, I think I’ve seen that rule before.
Rule 1 for Obama and other extreme left radicals: no matter the circumstance, blame the American Great Satan for all your woes.
Daggett on June 17, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Yeah, right. If anything, I expect Obama to be even more humble and contrite (read: pathetic) than he’s already been. Perhaps publicly apologizing for our perceived interference, sending a basket of fruit, etc.
World B. Free on June 17, 2009 at 2:47 PM
If the ayatollahs are going to blame the USA for doing the right thing anyway, then Obama might as well just go ahead and do the right thing, finally.
ChrisB on June 17, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Now is the time for the idiot messiah to call for unconditional talks with the savages. He can relate to them as peers.
And the Traitor-in-Chief needs to harangue Americans some more about how our refusal to talk to Iran caused all these problems.
He should throw in some more “they have a right to nuclear technology”, as it’s been a week since he blessed their nuclear ambitions, just for good measure, along with blaming Israeli settlement activity.
That should about cover it … for now.
progressoverpeace on June 17, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Obama has extended his hand to them and they have flipped him the bird.
He still won’t get it though.
FMAC on June 17, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Looks like Obama wasted some of his best nuance on these ingrates.
NellE on June 17, 2009 at 2:49 PM
How bad is it when France and Canada are taking the proper moral high ground but we won’t
Defector01 on June 17, 2009 at 2:49 PM
The man does not understand Iran at all. Of course they are going to blame America. That is what they do. He could be over there campaigning for the regime and they would still say we were meddling. He has been blind to Iran’s true intentions and their tactics. What an idiot.
sammypants on June 17, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Huh. They must not have received that iPod we sent.
Ferris on June 17, 2009 at 2:49 PM
No, no.
Obama extended his hand, and they, in turn, extended their clenched fist… and c***punched him.
Enoxo on June 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Obama needs to learn the same lesson about dealing with our enemies that the GOP needs to learn about dealing with Dems: You can’t win by playing the game their way. Stick to your principles (though in Obama’s case, American leadership is not one of his principles).
aero on June 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Let this be a lossen to “The One”……… The rest of the world doesn’t listen to your bullsh##t excuses, and they blame you anyway.
IF you had any moral principles which you actually believed in, you would have spoken out when the time was right. Instead, you’re so fearful you might incur criticism from any quarter (including the Mullahs) you hold your tongue – while people are dying….What a truly pitiful P.O.S.!!
alwyr on June 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM
This supposed man of the world, who proclaimed that his travels around the world, gave him unique insight, learned nothing. The Middle East, and other areas around the globe do not respect “soft power”.
ICBM on June 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM
lol…Obama tries a low key soft response to whats going on in Iran so the theocratic dictatorship wont accuse America of meddling in it’s affairs only to have the theocratic dictatorship in Iran accuse America of meddling in its affairs anyway.
Dreadnought223 on June 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Further naivete…..
Meddle in North Korean affairs regardless of our history in the morning, and refuse to meddle in Iranian affairs in the afternoon in order to pander.
Threaten one country that they will not be able to become a nuclear power, (when they already are), but grant nuclear status to another, (as long as it is peaceful).
Most reckless, self-absorbed, pandering leadership since Chamberlain.
Starlink on June 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM
So far as the Iranian Supreme Leader is concerned, regardless of Obama’s response, it is arrogant. And so it is. Even Obama’s indifference as to who wins or rules in Iran is based upon his severe antipathy for human rights.
You are who you are, a reject so far as the Iranian government is concerned. You can’t win for losing, Mr. Obama. Your declaration of personal Muslim roots seem to be making things WORSE than ever between the Iranian theocracy and the USA.
maverick muse on June 17, 2009 at 2:51 PM
The mullahs are slightly better than Obama. The Mullahs are at least blaming the current holders of power in America. While the Obama administration blames a guy that stays out of the news and walks his dog in the morning in Dallas.
WashJeff on June 17, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Obama agrees.
Next issue.
LibTired on June 17, 2009 at 2:53 PM
*offtopic*
I was happy when I saw that in a movie that Churchill wasn’t a socialist. He didn’t like the welfare state that the Labour Party was creating. I thought Church, FDR, and Stalin were all socialists, so I had nothing ever good to say about him before I found out that he was not a lefty. he made some good quotes
Libertarian Joseph on June 17, 2009 at 2:53 PM
The Precedent’s response:
“Hey, I was only 47 years old when this happened … don’t blame me. I hate the US too. Haven’t you listened to me. My AG said that this is a ‘nation of cowards’ and during my inauguration I had a moron deliver an official address in which he said it was necessary for ‘white to embrace what’s right’. I’m with you guys. Death to America. Just look at what I’ve been doing!”
progressoverpeace on June 17, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Hey, but he had experience, because he was a community organizer.
Oil Can on June 17, 2009 at 2:54 PM
At least Obama and the Iranians are in agreement.
BPD on June 17, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Voting present really paid off!
drjohn on June 17, 2009 at 2:54 PM
LOL
drjohn on June 17, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Hey, the mullahs read Alinsky, too!
Mr. D on June 17, 2009 at 2:55 PM
I bet the Obama administration wishes they had a few more of those fancy “reset” buttons….
GopherCon on June 17, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Maybe we need a Middle East Czar now also!
Oil Can on June 17, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Obama is in bad need of some schooling. If he’d study the issues we face instead of sitting on camera swatting at flies and joking about Fox News maybe he could actually learn what’s going on in that country and why.
scalleywag on June 17, 2009 at 2:56 PM
I rarely, if ever, disagree with you but I totally disagree here. You can not fight with principles against the unprincipled and expect to win. You must either get down even lower in the dirt than they are, or beat them with sheer force (or both).
LibTired on June 17, 2009 at 2:58 PM
How can we blame this on Bush and Cheney?
Del Dolemonte on June 17, 2009 at 2:58 PM
That would require more than just reading The Huffington Post.
Oil Can on June 17, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Obama wants in on the wealth spreading from Iran. Iran would rather do business with Russia, China or either Korea, or with France or Germany as they have. Every theocracy needs its whipping boy satan to scapegoat, and Iran has the US, with or without Obama.
Obama’s been pandering to Russia and to China for good grace, but in typical half-assed form, sabotaging his own “efforts” for success. Russia has declared China to be its #1 trade partner. And China has rebuked Obama’s “Buy American” with its own “Buy Chinese” nationalism that will directly hurt the US before actually being applied to any other nation’s imports into China’s markets. China is also dumping its US Bonds since Obama insists on ruining the US economy.
maverick muse on June 17, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Caption for the photo, “I’m sorry, I can’t hear you without my teleprompter.”
CMonster on June 17, 2009 at 2:59 PM
I think Frank Marshall Davis F’d the manhood out of Barry. He’s a wus and a disgrace.
marklmail on June 17, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Islam has already chosen to work via Putin/Medvedev. Obama sent Hillary to beg in on the plunder with her ridiculous, overcharged red button.
What advice did Hillary get over dinner at the Albright home?
maverick muse on June 17, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Obama has Keystone Cops syndrome.
jaime on June 17, 2009 at 3:05 PM
This diddling idiot will get us into a war. Regimes like North Korea and Iran respect strength. We need to stop having this pathological need to be liked by everyone and do what right for the country.
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 3:05 PM
How will the Blowjob Media report this? Let’s see how they figure out how to blame Bush for this.
EMD on June 17, 2009 at 3:06 PM
We start with the word “inherited”
NellE on June 17, 2009 at 3:07 PM
They like him so much they are attempting to portray him as a man, instead of the nutless pansy that he is. Nice try, Ahmed.
Jaibones on June 17, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Welcome to the real world, Mr. Obama
Ann on June 17, 2009 at 3:08 PM
There is only one person to blame for this: Jimmy Carter.
If we need any more examples of how weakness on the internal stage lays the groundwork for much bigger problems later on just look at his administration.
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 3:08 PM
wasn’t it Reagan who touted peace through strength?
cmsinaz on June 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Obama is promting his promter as we speak for the grandest apology yet.
fourdeucer on June 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM
According to Spengler, Obama and Iran are allies of convenience in regard to the Taliban. Both countries want to see them defeated, although for diff.reasons. Was the purchase price for Iran’s cooperation support for Ahamadinejad?
JiangxiDad on June 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Yes. From a position of strength he negotiated with the USSR and substantially reduced the threat of WW III before the USSR finally collapsed from having to overextend themselves economically to match our defense spending.
If we shot down a couple of rockets from NK after launch and put real pressure on Iran they would be willing to negotiate (not just talk) and we could defuse these threats to our national security.
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 3:13 PM
After this sad display of impotence in the face of undeniable evil I’d just like to say ……………. Thanks Obamacons!
thebrokenrattle on June 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM
And the mullahs clicked “Cancel” on that dialog!
NeighborhoodCatLady on June 17, 2009 at 3:15 PM
What? That was never the point. You have your head in the sand.
Obama wants to keep from giving the Iranian people the impression that Mousavi is an American puppet. Sure, the mullahs can claim it, but Obama was smart enough not to add fuel to the fire.
Wrong again. He wants to get to the people, not the dictators.
That said, his one speech obviously isnt going to make the Iranian people turn 180 in their opinion of America, so he has to be careful about seeming to meddle in Iranian affairs.
…help prove their accusations correct? That would be extraordinarily foolish.
In ONE – just one! – of these posts, I’d like to hear Morrissey or AP explain how Obama’s words are going to change the situation for the better in Iran.
You folks obviously dont care about Iran. You care about trying to tear down Obama domestically when he’s doing the wise, pragmatic thing.
orange on June 17, 2009 at 3:15 PM
LOL. Do you do a stand-up routine, too? You’re pretty funny.
progressoverpeace on June 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Maybe if Obama gives them more of his lunch money they’ll stop beating him up.
Cicero43 on June 17, 2009 at 3:18 PM
It sure is a good thing he kept quiet in an effort to make sure the mullahs wouldn’t do exactly this.
Well played Obama!
Anyone think Obama will learn anything from this? Somehow I have the feeling that the enormous ego that made him think that they would listen to him any more than they did Bush, Clinton, or any other previous president will prevent any chance of that.
Scrappy on June 17, 2009 at 3:18 PM
sounds like a good plan to me
cmsinaz on June 17, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Wow… great job at really summing it all up. I also feel that Obama really believes that the Iranian regime will respond to an extended hand and an apology for being the “tough guy” country for the last 8 years.
Americans, for the most part, are not stupid… soon everyone will begin to see a glaring difference in the results of the Obama policy on dealing with tyrannical nations vs. Bush policy on the same.
navogel on June 17, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Come on, getalife – we recognize you through that silly Barbra Streisand mask. Who do you think you’re kidding?
Jaibones on June 17, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Text of Obama’s speech:
“Good afternoon. I just have a few words today on the situation in Iran. After that, I will not be taking questions.”
…
(nods to TOTUS to start rolling)
…
“I’ve been watching the situation in Iran as the events have unfolded. I was, at first, concerned. Then I was troubled. I soon became deeply troubled. Just let me say this now, so that everyone is clear. I am now sorry. Sorry that America meddled in the affairs of what is clearly a regime looking to take a more moderate position in the world stage.
I have instructed Vice President Biden and Hillary to make some snow flakes from copy paper to send to President Ahmadinejad as a token of our appreciation and as a gesture of good will towards the newly elected Iranian administration.
Also, Gerald Walpin is a big fat liar.
Thank-you and good day!”
Thunderstorm129 on June 17, 2009 at 3:22 PM
LOL….excellent!
cmsinaz on June 17, 2009 at 3:22 PM
orange on June 17, 2009 at 3:15 PM
So by getting to “the people” you mean showing them that the US does not support them and would rather hedge their bets on the outcome. Then job well done!
HoustonRight on June 17, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Another golden opportunity for Obama to go on TV and apologize yet again for misleading the dinnerjacket juanta.
patrick neid on June 17, 2009 at 3:23 PM
And people wonder why all the guns and ammo are leaving the shelves as fast as they get there. Its time to fortify the homefront and hunker down there is no telling where this Lameduck fearless(gag)leader is going to take us.I fear for our Military theres no telling the risk he will put them in with his amatuer behavior.
LSUMama on June 17, 2009 at 3:23 PM
You missed a word…
right2bright on June 17, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Just cause Barry got caught with his pants down, no need to get pissy. Let’s just agree that Barry’s still a demi-god, just not a full god anymore.
JiangxiDad on June 17, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Messiah & Co. are unable to craft a proper response because they do not know how. They are in way over their heads.
Besides, what’s more important than bringing failed socialist policies to the USA?
n0doz on June 17, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Some combination of “Shining city on a hill” and “all men shall hate you”.
Count to 10 on June 17, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Change the subject to Bush and Iraq and the same could be made about Democrats (only it would actually be true). Only interested in tearing down Bush, no interest in helping Iraq… blah blah blah. Soooo unoriginal you are.
Scrappy on June 17, 2009 at 3:25 PM
junta !!!
patrick neid on June 17, 2009 at 3:25 PM
You folks obviously dont care about Iran. You care about trying to tear down Obama domestically when he’s doing the wise, pragmatic thing.
orange on June 17, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Before 2003 the libs couldn’t find Iraq on a world map yet the day after the U.S. invaded, every last one of you frothed and bleated about their “solidarity” with Iraqis against imperialistic America.
Seeing this post of your makes me wonder: How stupid are you?
Bishop on June 17, 2009 at 3:26 PM
I suppose we will soon be hearing the words “wise” and “pragmatic” from every SRM broadcast.
It’s so much fun that the jig is up. :)
JiangxiDad on June 17, 2009 at 3:27 PM
He doesn’t know what he is doing. Do I care about Iran – no. I do care about them not being a threat to this country and teaching the terrorists in Iraq how to blow up our troops.
If they want to be free let them stand up and fight like we did over 200 hundred years ago. I support aiding them in any way we can to do that but I am tired of spending American bold and treasure to free people from tyranny that should do the job themselves.
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Great point, you are right, his words won’t help, they will never help because they are just words.
Good call…now you know the problem.
A president has to act, leadership they call it, not just talk…and Obama doesn’t act or leads, he campaigns. And campaigning, as you basically pointed out, won’t help anyone but himself.
Great post, glad you recognize how ineffective Obama is.
right2bright on June 17, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t Barry.
In that case, how ’bout doing the RIGHT thing?
Do you even KNOW what that is?
Have you ever TRIED that in your life – actually making what you felt was the right call and sticking to it, rather than trying to play both sides of an issue?
I know a guy who now lives in DFW who could help you with that kinda tough stuff. He’s not as booksmart as you, but he’s really good at making tough decisions and I’m sure he’d help you out if you just call him up. . .
RedNewEnglander on June 17, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Iran, you think we’re messing with your internal politics?
Well, why don’t you do something about it?
punk.
DrW on June 17, 2009 at 3:29 PM
I don’t know, seems too wordy for getalife.
But it looks like Olaf is back in town as StMaximus, though I don’t know for sure.
Count to 10 on June 17, 2009 at 3:29 PM
RAAAAAAACIIIIIIIST!!!!1!1
RedNewEnglander on June 17, 2009 at 3:30 PM
I agreed with Obama on Iran. McCain? He pulled one of his “moments.”
And, I also can see Iran’s side. The liberal press has completely ignored A’s support, including the right-wingers.
AnninCA on June 17, 2009 at 3:30 PM
It’s great to see that the foreign policy heavyweight added to the ticket in the form of Joe Biden is working his magic here. With leaders like this we are truly screwed.
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Obama’s greatest fear concerning Iran is that the entire government, from the mullahs downward, will fall and he’ll have no one to beg for a summit.
Dude wants his Nobel Prize and these dissidents are getting in the way.
myrenovations on June 17, 2009 at 3:31 PM
How can you agree, he hasn’t actually done anything to agree with.
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Obama is slowly, but surely showing all the Obamabots what an idiot they elected. I almost feel sorry for him. Imagine, you bullsh&*ted your way into a job that is totally “above your paygrade” and all of the sudden sh*t starts hitting the fan! Deal with it loser.
TXMomof3 on June 17, 2009 at 3:33 PM
yes.
sesquipedalian on June 17, 2009 at 3:34 PM
What would a wise latina do?
BPD on June 17, 2009 at 3:34 PM
This reminds me: I remember seeing a report on a pole result that had the challenger wining two-to-one, but the “the election was legitimate” crowd keeps toting one that has it the other way. Which is it?
Count to 10 on June 17, 2009 at 3:34 PM
The Iranian accusation just goes to prove their in an alternate reality. Just like Obama. Can these two crazy kids ever get together on the same planet? Hahahahahaha.
GarandFan on June 17, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Do you know anything about Mousavi? From all that you know (snort), is there anything in there that makes you believe that American interests would be better served by getting Mousavi into office instead of A-jad?
News flash: Mousavi is no better than A-jad. They’re both raving crazy anti-Semitic Shias, handpicked by the mullahs. Both are committed to the Iranian Bomb and a hardcore Islamic state. So the ideal that Uh-bama is deftly engineering a win for Mousavi by voting “present” is just stupidly uninformed, because it assumes that there is some reason that America would want Mousavi to win is therefore acting so as not to tarnish him.
The only possible payoff for America in all of this is real regime change in Iran, not just a substitution of the apocalyptic nut job at the top. Real regime change isn’t served by The One keeping quiet.
So your entire premise is nonsensical and transparently designed only to defend your indefensible Messiah. Nice try, but go back to DailyKos where this silly stuff might wash.
Cicero43 on June 17, 2009 at 3:37 PM
when our fledgling little country fought against the mighty British in the Revolutionary war, was it a victory we needed to win for ourselves? we sure appreciated the French help.
and what about WW2? should Europe & Pacific Asia have won those victories by themselves?
countries have alliances. countries help dissidents & revolutionaries. countries help the oppressed. the trick is picking the right horse.
kelley in virginia on June 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM
This makes absolutely no sense.
And as dpierson said, what has Obama done for you to agree with.
ladyingray on June 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I think right-wingers are arguing against themselves on this one. LOL*
Funny to watch.
AnninCA on June 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I find it hilarious that after his overtures to the Mullah’s they wound up throwing Obama under the bus. Delicious irony.
KC76 on June 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM
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