Iran to Obama: Pound sand

posted at 8:48 am on November 9, 2009 by Ed Morrissey

It’s always a little embarrassing when a person woos another without having their efforts requited.  Offer to get together and chat?  No answer.  Offer an outstretched hand?  Silence.  Beg for another chance to rescue a foolish “agreement” that the intended never would have honored anyway?  The New York Times reports on the response:

The Obama administration, attempting to salvage a faltering nuclear deal with Iran, has told Iran’s leaders in back-channel messages that it is willing to allow the country to send its stockpile of enriched uranium to any of several nations, including Turkey, for temporary safekeeping, according to administration officials and diplomats involved in the exchanges.

But the overtures, made through the International Atomic Energy Agency over the past two weeks, have all been ignored, the officials said. Instead, they said, the Iranians have revived an old counterproposal: that international arms inspectors take custody of much of Iran’s fuel, but keep it on Kish, a Persian Gulf resort island that is part of Iran.

A senior Obama administration official said that proposal had been rejected because leaving the nuclear material on Iranian territory would allow for the possibility that the Iranians could evict the international inspectors at any moment. That happened in North Korea in 2003, and within months the country had converted its fuel into the material for several nuclear weapons.

The intermediary in the exchanges between Washington and Tehran has been Mohamed ElBaradei, the director general of the energy agency. He confirmed some of the proposals — including one to send Iran’s fuel to Turkey, which has nurtured close relations with Iran — in interviews in New York late last week.

But members of the Obama administration, in interviews over the weekend, said that they had now all but lost hope that Iran would follow through with an agreement reached in Geneva on Oct. 1 to send its fuel out of the country temporarily — buying some time for negotiations over its nuclear program.

Gee, what a shock that must have been to “members of the Obama administration,” suddenly realizing that Iran didn’t intend to “follow through with an agreement” that would have limited its pursuit of nuclear weapons!   Why, who could possibly have foreseen that?  The fact that the previous two administrations got the same result from their attempts to engage Iran, and just because the intelligence we had in hand showed the Iranians in hot pursuit of nukes doesn’t mean that gabbing on about “outstretched hands” wouldn’t suddenly bring a new dawn of rationality in Tehran!

Well, at least Barack Obama won that Nobel Peace Prize. Thank goodness something of substance came out of all that Smart Power.

I’m not sure which is more darkly humorous: the fact that the Obama administration apparently just figured this out, or that the Gray Lady reported it.  The Times also reports that Obama will wait until the end of the year to conclude that he’s been stood up.  After that?  It’s “unclear” what Obama will do.  Obama has “suggested” he’ll return to the tough sanctions that he abandoned to offer an outstretched hand.

In other words, Obama essentially lost a year that the West could ill afford to lose, and meanwhile he’s shocked, shocked to find that Iran has taken his measure.  That means Obama is eligible for the Captain Louis Renault Medal of Honor Award:

Tags: ,

Blowback

Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.

Trackbacks/Pings

Trackback URL

Comments

Comment pages: 1 2

Folks need not worry. O said during the campaign that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons under his administration. He wanted to make that clear as I recall.

bluegrass on November 9, 2009 at 8:50 AM

This goofball in chief gonna get us killed.

Yephora on November 9, 2009 at 8:51 AM

Iran is prepared for America’s strong response: They have situated toy flak guns around Natanz to repel the toy helicopters that Ogabe ordered sent from the White House gift shop.

Bishop on November 9, 2009 at 8:52 AM

Obama is busy practicing his speech today wherein he will apologize to Europe for Reagan’s defeat of the Soviet Union, on this anniversary of the Berlin Wall.

Ich bin ein Kommunist.

jeff_from_mpls on November 9, 2009 at 8:52 AM

The only way I know of to deal with thugs like AckMyDumbJihad & Kim Dung Hill is to pursue MacCain’s idea of a League of Democracies. Such a league would impose very tough sanctions, which is not much but better than the dance we’re doing now. The UN is toothless & corrupt.

jgapinoy on November 9, 2009 at 8:53 AM

Amateurs. They are intent on running the country into the ground. Thank God we have term limits. Congress needs them too.

That said, I’m confident that the Democrats actually BELIEVE what they are doing is a good thing. What is that saying. . . the best of intentions can pave the way to disaster.

ThackerAgency on November 9, 2009 at 8:54 AM

Breaking:

Biden urges, break Iran into three separate countries.

jeff_from_mpls on November 9, 2009 at 8:54 AM

MacCain McCain (hey, it’s early morning here)

jgapinoy on November 9, 2009 at 8:55 AM

Folks need not worry. O said during the campaign that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons under his administration. He wanted to make that clear as I recall.

bluegrass on November 9, 2009 at 8:50 AM

And as we all know, The One has never failed to keep a promise. Well, aside from unemployment going over 8%. And no lobbyists in his adminstration. And that guarantee about transparency. And not raising taxes on the middle class. And keeping missile defense in Eastern Europe. And….well I could go on all day, but you get the picture.

Doughboy on November 9, 2009 at 8:55 AM

I’d be willing to bet that Obama keeps begging for his summit and “nuke-free for me but not for thee” photo op.

myrenovations on November 9, 2009 at 8:55 AM

Beta Uber Alles

nyx on November 9, 2009 at 8:56 AM

Let them stockpile at Kish, then alert the Israelis.

OldEnglish on November 9, 2009 at 8:57 AM

I’madamnjihad accomplishes the impossible. He makes Obama look even more weak and inexperienced.

Peace out, gotta batten down the hatches for hurricane Ida. Stay vigilant.

milwife88 on November 9, 2009 at 8:57 AM

Why all the fuss over such a tiny country?

BPD on November 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM

The Iranians just charged three Americans with spying.

Smart power.

JammieWearingFool on November 9, 2009 at 9:01 AM

After that? It’s “unclear” what Obama will do.

But the Iranians are very clear on what Obama will not do.
That is take any action against them that will actually work.

Why would Iran fear Obama when the only enemies he talks about are FOX News and Rush Limbaugh.

“Smart Power” has been revealed as “Epic Fail” within a year of Mr. 57 states Presidency.

Who would have guessed it????

Baxter Greene on November 9, 2009 at 9:01 AM

Obama to Iran: You Mean This Sand Over Here? Okay, Now How Hard? Is This Good? How About Now?

LibTired on November 9, 2009 at 9:02 AM

Doughboy on November 9, 2009 at 8:55 AM

Not fair. After all, after only a few months of dithering, Dear Liar did get a dog for his daughters.

Aside from that, there is, . . . hey, look at Michelle’s nice toned arms!

rbj on November 9, 2009 at 9:02 AM

Iran to Obama: Pound Sand, champ.

FIFY

NickelAndDime on November 9, 2009 at 9:02 AM

The Nobel committee members are staring at their collective shoes.

Vashta.Nerada on November 9, 2009 at 9:03 AM

But the overtures, made through the International Atomic Energy Agency over the past two weeks, have all been ignored, the officials said. Instead, they said, the Iranians have revived an old counterproposal: that international arms inspectors take custody of much of Iran’s fuel, but keep it on Kish, a Persian Gulf resort island that is part of Iran.

Why not just store this stuff in the basement of the U.N. building? This way, everyone will get a “warm feeling” when negotiating with Iran.

Rovin on November 9, 2009 at 9:04 AM

Why would Iran care what our narcisstic eunuch says or thinks? The only country has has something to fear from these thugs is our own.

volsense on November 9, 2009 at 9:06 AM

Offer an outstretched hand? Silence.

Not quite. The Iranian Supreme Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei responded with the “Clenched Fist” sermon that preached the open palm to be a perversion.

maverick muse on November 9, 2009 at 9:07 AM

After that? It’s “unclear” what Obama will do. Obama has “suggested” he’ll return to the tough sanctions that he abandoned to offer an outstretched hand.

He’ll probably just jump up and down and stomp his foot.

4shoes on November 9, 2009 at 9:07 AM

And as we all know, The One has never failed to keep a promise. Well, aside from unemployment going over 8%. And no lobbyists in his adminstration. And that guarantee about transparency. And not raising taxes on the middle class. And keeping missile defense in Eastern Europe. And….well I could go on all day, but you get the picture.

Doughboy on November 9, 2009 at 8:55 AM

Oh no, please do go on! I was so enjoying the read, and could read it all day. :-D

Highlar on November 9, 2009 at 9:07 AM

Obama cant dance unless Iran is willing to get off the chair.

becki51758 on November 9, 2009 at 9:07 AM

The Iranians just charged three Americans with spying.

Smart power.

JammieWearingFool

They weren’t spies, but I don’t have much sympathy for those 3 douchebags either. All libturds from Berkley. And like their dear leader wandering around Iraq apologizing to anyone who’d listen b/c their country invaded. Oh, I’m verklempt. Little weasels should have been paying closer attention to where they were wandering whilst apologizing.

JAM on November 9, 2009 at 9:08 AM

The only way I know of to deal with thugs like AckMyDumbJihad & Kim Dung Hill is to pursue MacCain’s idea of a League of Democracies. Such a league would impose very tough sanctions, which is not much but better than the dance we’re doing now. The UN is toothless & corrupt.

jgapinoy on November 9, 2009 at 8:53 AM

Only problem with that idea is that democracies are loaded notoriously with weak minded idyllic fools that refuse to do anything that might upset their utopia.

W kept his word that he wouldn’t let the Mullahs get the bomb but of course he didn’t promise that they’d never get it after he left office either.

I’m sure that our illustrious leader will bomb them using all kinds of moisture logged wads of toilet paper from fifty thousand feetuntil they yield to his commandments

larvcom on November 9, 2009 at 9:09 AM

In other words, Obama essentially lost a year that the West could ill afford to lose, and meanwhile he’s shocked, shocked to find that Iran has taken his measure. That means Obama is eligible for the Captain Louis Renault Medal of Honor Award:

There is no doubt that foreign policy under the filthy lying coward and Hillary Clinton has been a disaster without parallel.

highhopes on November 9, 2009 at 9:09 AM

They weren’t spies, but I don’t have much sympathy for those 3 douchebags either. All libturds from Berkley. And like their dear leader wandering around Iraq apologizing to anyone who’d listen b/c their country invaded. Oh, I’m verklempt. Little weasels should have been paying closer attention to where they were wandering whilst apologizing.

JAM on November 9, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Heh…well, if they just got charged as spies by Iran, maybe they’ll get a chance to see just how “grateful” the Iranian “government” is that they were over there apologizing? ;-)

Highlar on November 9, 2009 at 9:11 AM

In other words, Obama essentially lost a year that the West could ill afford to lose, and meanwhile he’s shocked, shocked to find that Iran has taken his measure.

It’s like having Pee Wee Herman as Prez. (Apologies to Pee Wee.)

petefrt on November 9, 2009 at 9:11 AM

OT—

Commemorating a Victory for Freedom Shared
Twenty years ago, the ultimate symbol of the division between freedom and tyranny was torn down. The Berlin Wall was constructed for one purpose: to prevent the escape of East Germans to the freedom of the West. The Wall’s cold, gray façade was a stark reminder of the economic and political way of life across the Soviet Union’s sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.

Ronald Reagan never stopped regarding the Berlin Wall as an affront to human freedom. When so many other American leaders and opinion makers had come to accept its presence as inevitable and permanent, Reagan still hammered away at the Wall’s very premise in human tyranny, until finally the Wall itself was hammered down. Its downfall wasn’t the work of Reagan alone. Our president’s actions were joined with the brave acts of many individuals who stood firm and united in facing the Soviet Union. The Berlin Wall came down because millions of people behind the Iron Curtain refused to accept the fate of enslavement and their supporters in the West refused to accept that the “captive nations” would remain captive forever.

Though that long, tragic episode in human history had come to a close finally with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, it wasn’t the “end of history” or the end of conflict as some had hoped. New conflicts confront us today throughout the world which call for courage and resolve and dedication to freedom. The new democracies and market economies that have emerged in Central and Eastern Europe still require our friendship and alliances as they continue to seek security, prosperity, and self-determination. But as we reflect on present and future challenges, let’s take time to celebrate the anniversary of this awesome victory for freedom. The downfall of that cold, gray concrete Wall should be a lesson to us in hope. Nothing is inevitable. Tyranny is no match for the hope and resolve of those who work and fight for freedom.

- Sarah Palin

Clyde5445 on November 9, 2009 at 9:11 AM

We’ll know Obama’s really mad at the Iranians when he starts calling them extremist Tea Baggers and the White House starts to say Ahmedinejad is at least almost as bad as Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh (but still not as bad as Sarah Palin — Ahmedinejad would have to nuke ACORN headquarters for Iran to fall to that level in Barack’s eyes).

jon1979 on November 9, 2009 at 9:12 AM

The Nobel committee members are staring at their collective shoes.

Vashta.Nerada on November 9, 2009 at 9:03 AM

The committee can only devine one’s stated intentions. Can’t judge incentives or results. No sir.

clorensen on November 9, 2009 at 9:12 AM

JAM on November 9, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Anybody who goes on vacation in unsettled parts of the world deserve what they get. Ditto those Gore-sponsored journalists who knew they had crossed the border but went anywhere and then lied about it.

highhopes on November 9, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Don’t these idiots know any history; such as the mistakes of the man named Neville Chamberlain. One would think that those from Chicago would know the mind set of their peers or are they so arrogant as to believe they can outsmart those even more evil than them.

amr on November 9, 2009 at 9:13 AM

We might as well be trying to talk the Crips into forsaking their illegal activities with some prissy Bambi-bimbo from a snooty Ivy-League college.

Speak their language: swift use of overwhelming amounts of brute force. Promise more of the same in escalating amounts unless/until the point of compliance.

Hey, a guy can dream, right?

Dark-Star on November 9, 2009 at 9:13 AM

Here’s a thought: Maybe Obama, (with all his Middle-eastern glory and popularity), can convince the Iranians to go for a PUBLIC OPTION, since it’s so popular here in the U.S.

Rovin on November 9, 2009 at 9:13 AM

So much for those unconditional talks w/our enemies and dictators! LMAO!!!! What a manchild

xler8bmw on November 9, 2009 at 9:14 AM

Well the world has taken the measure of this White House and found it to be decidedly weak and self-obsessed. Against that background of course Iran will mock the man-child in office. They have nothing to fear and everything to gain.

Fail.

Anders on November 9, 2009 at 9:14 AM

The Iranians just charged three Americans with spying.

Smart power.

JammieWearingFool
They weren’t spies, but I don’t have much sympathy for those 3 douchebags either. All libturds from Berkley. And like their dear leader wandering around Iraq apologizing to anyone who’d listen b/c their country invaded. Oh, I’m verklempt. Little weasels should have been paying closer attention to where they were wandering whilst apologizing.

JAM on November 9, 2009 at 9:08 AM

They knew they were near the Iranian border and warned about it.

Wethal on November 9, 2009 at 9:14 AM

Actually the post by Gov. Palin fits right in yes the countries are different but the Ideals we belive in are the same.

Clyde5445 on November 9, 2009 at 9:15 AM

Clyde5445 on November 9, 2009 at 9:11 AM

I liked that. Very much. She does have a way with words that many people try to dismiss.

Highlar on November 9, 2009 at 9:15 AM

There is no doubt that foreign policy under the filthy lying coward and Hillary Clinton has been a disaster without parallel.

highhopes on November 9, 2009 at 9:09 AM

Well one good thing comes out of it……Hillary’s next presidential bid will be destroyed because we know she is unqualified to deal with foreign policy!

xler8bmw on November 9, 2009 at 9:17 AM

Thank goodness he can defer this problem to the superior intellect of Vice President Joe Biden.

Bugler on November 9, 2009 at 9:17 AM

It’s coming from all directions!
Barry is a complete “doofuss” on foreign policy!
Nancy and Harry are taking over the economy with “crap&tax” & “Obama-no-care”!
PC “diversity” lets a jihadist into the US military to reek havoc!
We throw a long time ally–Israel-under the bus daily and court mad-men to no avail (“Wait for the beep bomb.”)
The MSM still slobbering over The One while Europe celebrates Reagan’s defeat of the “Evil Empire”!
Everyday another outrage — we are getting numb!
Feeling very bad about our country.

rebuzz on November 9, 2009 at 9:18 AM

Me to Obama

Pound sand.

ORconservative on November 9, 2009 at 9:18 AM

And Iran’s response is different this time because?

Obama actually believes the merely because he is president, the rest of the world will flock to his feet. Been reading a lot of foreign press lately…even Chavez is offended by Obama. The rest of the world in large part sees him as an empty suit, and they are all acting, acting up, accordingly.

coldwarrior on November 9, 2009 at 9:18 AM

Oh I forgot the gov’mint spending spree means we are bankrupt!
Turn out the lights the party’s . . . .

rebuzz on November 9, 2009 at 9:19 AM

Thank goodness he can defer this problem to the superior intellect of Vice President Joe Biden.

Bugler on November 9, 2009 at 9:17 AM

Joe “Let’s divide it up because it worked so well for Britain in India” Biden.

Caper29 on November 9, 2009 at 9:21 AM

He has no desire to prevent the Iranians from building nukes.

He is the enemy within and supports any and all of our enemies abroad.

justltl on November 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Well as his foreign affairs expert Joe Biden said about him, ” He’s clean and articulate”. Don’t worry be happy!

bluegrass on November 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

It’s like having Pee Wee Herman as Prez. (Apologies to Pee Wee.)

petefrt on November 9, 2009 at 9:11 AM

You most certainly should apologize. Pee Wee would be an improvement over this clown.

mcassill on November 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Welcome to the real world Prezbo. You could have saved yourself a lot of time, trouble, and embarrassment! Realize that there are just some people in this world that should have their ass kicked! What will the Chicago gangsta’ do now?

GFW on November 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

FUBO the clown is learning that the buck stops at his desk. So… he just sweeps the dollars into the royal trash can and rises above it all.

Mojave Mark on November 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Well, well, well… the smartest man in the world and his smart power.

Nice to have the adults in charge.

The BO08 is proving himself to be every bit the idiot we thought he’d be, and more. At least in that sense, he never lets us down.

When it comes to the point when not even the Nitwit Times can defend this fool, any BO08 voter with even a shred of self-respect would be hanging their head in shame. The rest? Cult members akin to the Moonies.

mr.blacksheep on November 9, 2009 at 9:24 AM

Ed, I don’t like this “I told you so” attitude. Yes, it was obvious to anyone that Iranians are just stalling and stalling, but before escalating things and going into dangerous territory with sanctions and even bombings, the world needed to see that even a goodwill gesture by an Obama has failed. NOW there is legitimacy for aggravation. I mean, it will now be easier to create a consensus with Russia and maybe even China, whereas if Obama hadn’t gone through these steps, Russia would not be talking about sanctions now.

AlexB on November 9, 2009 at 9:25 AM

Well one good thing comes out of it……Hillary’s next presidential bid will be destroyed because we know she is unqualified to deal with foreign policy!

xler8bmw on November 9, 2009 at 9:17 AM

Hillary gave up all aspirations of the Presidency when she signed on to Obama’s administration. What she didn’t bargain for was how marginalized she was going to be under this regime.

highhopes on November 9, 2009 at 9:26 AM

Obama is a traitor, bent on destroying this country.
He is not incompetent.
He is malevolent.

justltl on November 9, 2009 at 9:27 AM

What an embarassement Dear Leader has turned out to be. I knew it would be bad…but he seems to be one of the worst presidents since Jimmy the Peanut Farmer.

nyx on November 9, 2009 at 9:27 AM

Well as his foreign affairs expert Joe Biden said about him, ” He’s clean and articulate”. Don’t worry be happy!

bluegrass on November 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

The filthy lying coward in the White House may bathe but he isn’t clean. He is a Chicago street thug who is as dirty as they come.

As to articulate- is that myth still around?

highhopes on November 9, 2009 at 9:28 AM

Trolls? Trolls? Wherefore art thou, trolls?

mr.blacksheep on November 9, 2009 at 9:31 AM

I won! I won!

Phoenician on November 9, 2009 at 9:31 AM

Trolls? Trolls? Wherefore art thou, trolls?

mr.blacksheep on November 9, 2009 at 9:31 AM

Methinks a cold dash of reality has invaded their worlds, and they’ve all gone to hide under their beds for a while.

Dark-Star on November 9, 2009 at 9:33 AM

Major Nidal Hasan was a hero and he did the right thing. At least according to his Islamic cleric.

Mr. Joe on November 9, 2009 at 9:35 AM

Obama is either completely incompetant and in way over his head or he is deliberately working to advance the cause of his muslim brothers. It’s one or the other and I’m not sure which is the scarier alternative.

tommyboy on November 9, 2009 at 9:38 AM

Perhaps some “shout outs” might help win them over.

elderberry on November 9, 2009 at 9:42 AM

The goal of Obama is to continue negotiations.

This deal didn´t work, then Obama will propose another one. And when that one does not work, he will offer another one.

That way it looks like Obama is doing something, can blame the other for not negotiating in good faith and hope a 3rd party or event will come up with a solution. (In this case the overthrow of the current Iran government or Israel will take some type of action.)

It is the time tested modus operandi of Obama of voting present.

albill on November 9, 2009 at 9:44 AM

He’ll probably just jump up and down and stomp his foot.

4shoes

LOL

beachgirlusa on November 9, 2009 at 9:44 AM

Anyone with half a brain could have seen this coming–AhmaNutJob only understands one thing–FORCE! What did he do to protestors in his own country?

Iran does have one huge weakness, that Americans haven’t tried to exploit yet–despite sitting on the world’s third-largest oil reserves, they only have ONE refinery, and have to import refined petroleum products (gasoline, jet fuel, diesel oil, etc.)

While this could cause lots of short-term pain (rising oil prices) there IS a “strategery” that could bring Iran to its knees:

1) Impose a naval blockade of Iran to prevent all shipments of nuclear materials and refined petroleum products to Iran, and also patrol the border with Iraq to prevent shipments from Iraq (we still have 130,000 troops there).

2) If the Iranians continue to develop nuclear weapons, bomb the Iranian oil refinery (or let Israel do it).

3) If the Iranians continue to develop nuclear weapons, let Israel attack the nuclear facilities. The Iranian air force would be defenseless if it can’t get jet fuel !

I wonder what Sarah Palin would think of such a strategy…

Steve Z on November 9, 2009 at 9:49 AM

Stepping on your crank and falling on your face at the same time…that’s a peace prize!

SKYFOX on November 9, 2009 at 9:55 AM

So now Soetoro the Storyteller has even run out of stories to, with and about Iran.

What happened to that big rainbow of peace and understanding that was going to stretch across the world when Soetoro became president?

Soetoro = Wimp … and a Lying Wimp at that.

Ricohoc on November 9, 2009 at 9:56 AM

Just more evidence of Obama’s deliberate, wholesale destruction of America.

doctormom on November 9, 2009 at 9:56 AM

“The intermediary in the exchanges between Washington and Tehran has been Mohamed ElBaradei, the director general of the energy agency.”

Problem #1: Mohamed ElBaradei
Problem #2: Barack Hussein Obama

Notice any similarities?

fogw on November 9, 2009 at 9:59 AM

Iran is trying three idiots for spying while ignoring Pinnochio’s request for a photo op!

Hey Pinnochio after you figure out what to do about that Iranian spittle on your outstretched hand how about a speech on the fall of the Berlin Wall after all you ran off to Denmark to give the Peace Prize to Rio.
How about at least a speech on how Reagan screwed up the Berlin thing and it was all Booosches fault?

Pinnochio have you heard the name General Stanley McChrystal?
He’s waitin to see if you’ll send reinforcements for his troops fighting to keep us all safe.
Any Idea what you might want to do? Pullin an Iran on your general are ya! Or flippin him the bird like ya did Hillary?

Not good Pinnochio do not piss on the CIA and the US military, oh, sorry, I guess you already did and that picture by the caskets will make it all better!

IMPEACH THIS HISTORIC, EPIC FAILURE!

dhunter on November 9, 2009 at 10:02 AM

After that? It’s “unclear” what Obama will do.

It’s not unclear at all. Barry will take the path of least resistance, same as all the other clueless, spineless appeasers have done throughout history . . . and with the same results.

AZCoyote on November 9, 2009 at 10:03 AM

Present Obama and the Change Posse wants a nuclear Iran as a counter balance to Israel and American adventurism in the region.

A nuclearized Iran will change American foreign policy in the region and have a broader impact on our ability to use hard power against those we dislike. As a result, we will have to reduce our reliance on militarism and out of necessity will be forced to treat other nations as fully franchised members of the global community.

It is all about using a stick to coerce America to do the right thing and go against our naturally destructive, selfish impulses. At home Present Obama and the Change Posse will wield the stick and overseas we’ll have to give the stick to others.

It’s going to be great.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 10:05 AM

The Times also reports that Obama will wait until the end of the year to conclude that he’s been stood up. After that? It’s “unclear” what Obama will do.

Myabe he’ll offer to have all the US nuclear weapons disposed of – then Iran won’t feel like a third rate power compared to the US.

katiejane on November 9, 2009 at 10:10 AM

This administration cost us such an opportunity for effecting actual change in Iran. All those protesters killed. And this clown in the Oval Office legitimized these tyrants. Iran has rolled over this administration and barreled full steam ahead with their nuclear program.

chunderroad on November 9, 2009 at 10:12 AM

Iran crossed the line with this president…this is it.
Right after the first of the year, in about 6 weeks, he will take action.
There is no doubt that he has had enough embarrassment. You all may think that he isn’t leadership material, but I think you will be surprised.
I predict, a couple of weeks after the New Year (about 2 months from now), president Obama will launch what I consider his ultimate attack….he will consider all the effects and be prepared to risk our international goodwill he has worked so hard to achieve.
He will prepare (after these two months), and after many consultations, create the dreaded….his hand is on the button…he will send…he is reaching for it….the “Sternly Worded Memo”…

right2bright on November 9, 2009 at 10:12 AM

This is what Obama wants…he wants Israel to do his dirty work.
He will put this off, until Israel does what needs to be done…then he will throw them under the international bus…

right2bright on November 9, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Not good Pinnochio do not piss on the CIA and the US military, oh, sorry, I guess you already did and that picture by the caskets will make it all better!

IMPEACH THIS HISTORIC, EPIC FAILURE!

dhunter on November 9, 2009 at 10:02 AM

I just hope history repeats itself, and this works out for Obama as well as it did for Carter. Then, say hello to the next Reagan, President Palin.

chunderroad on November 9, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Of course Present Obama isn’t going to Berlin. The cold war was a tragic event but it was an unfortunate and neccessary check on American power. The real tradgedy has been that with the demise of the USSR, the checks and balances are gone.

That’s why we need to move toward global treaties on carbon, banking, and embrace a diffuse power grid comprised of competing interests, each with the ability to stand up to the US.

The fall of the wall had tragic consequences but don’t worry, team Barry are searching for new ways to reign in American dominance. Once way to to spend it into oblivion. This is all about finding ways to put a leash on America, to put a leash on you.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Nobody respects this fool.

He needs a shout out to his homies in the Iranian Navy, and all those weapon builders getting the job done against the men under his command.

Useless, dangerous tool…..

Hening on November 9, 2009 at 10:16 AM

In the end, Barry will do NOTHING. He’ll ignore the whole issue, hoping that it will go away and that no one will notice. He’s like an alcoholic. If you don’t acknowledge a problem, then it doesn’t exist.

GarandFan on November 9, 2009 at 10:22 AM

This is what Obama wants…he wants Israel to do his dirty work.
He will put this off, until Israel does what needs to be done…then he will throw them under the international bus…

right2bright on November 9, 2009 at 10:14 AM

I think you’re wrong. He think he wants Iran to have the bomb. Not because he is a huge fan of Iran, but Iran would be a counter balance.

Present Obama doesn’t expect Iran would ever use the bomb, because that would be insane. We just need another check on Israeli and American influence until Present Obama and the Change Posse are able to rewire American foreign policy.

Once we begin in effort to destroy our own nuclear arms, others will of course will be willing to lay down their arms as well.

However, if Team Change fails at rewiring foreign policy, at least the world has another stick that it can use as a cudgel to coerce America to go against its natural impulses and will do the right thing.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 10:26 AM

Obama only needs to get onto prime time Iranian TV and he will bend them to his will. The Iranians too can cry Hope & Change and magical unicorns will rain down goodness rays on the world and we’ll all live in one big hippie commune sharing everything while we practice Love Power.

Jeff from WI on November 9, 2009 at 10:26 AM

Now that the movie is coming out I’ll make my prediction. Iran goes nuclear in 2012.

/Sarc because, like all Liberals know, if the world ends it will be for Global Warming.

Sultry Beauty on November 9, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Of course Present Obama isn’t going to Berlin. The cold war was a tragic event but it was an unfortunate and neccessary check on American power. The real tradgedy has been that with the demise of the USSR, the checks and balances are gone.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 10:14 AM

You’ve got it all wrong. The filthy lying coward isn’t going to Berlin because the event isn’t about him. Furthermore the history is far bigger than his little demographic accomplishment. He simply can’t stand not being the center of attention and this would be one of those occasions.

highhopes on November 9, 2009 at 10:38 AM

I believe Barry is not concerned with Iran in the least. He has figured out he is a one term wonder and as such decided to spend his time on the one thing he believes will be his legacy, health care.

Israel, Afghanistan, Iraq, jobs, national security are all too big for him, definitely well above his pay grade.

When the Senate gives him their watered down HC package his work is done.

FireBlogger on November 9, 2009 at 10:41 AM

After that? It’s “unclear” what Obama will do. Obama has “suggested” he’ll return to the tough sanctions that he abandoned to offer an outstretched hand.

What ever it is, it’ll involve many ‘ummms’ and ‘aahhhhs’ sprinkled liberally with loads ‘As I’ve always saids’ and ‘let me clears’.

Load….that sums it all up nicely.

BigWyo on November 9, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Mr. Joe on November 9, 2009 at 9:35 AM

Selected comment from Anwar the Hater’s site:

Muslims will not be able to conquer the world because they lack intelligence.

The average Western European IQ is 100. The average Saudi IQ is substantially lower. In the low 80s.

And another:

Dear Sheik Anwar, I hope that one day, as you grow older, you will take pleasure in other people’s happiness as opposed to their pain.

I know this is very hard. War is easy, peace is hard. Hate is easy, love is hard.

I know you think you are fighting for us. But in my eyes, in my family’s eyes (a family who wants to see its children grow strong and happy) you will live in the same hell as W. Bush and Richard Cheney.

And a third one:

May Allah guide you and your unfortunate misled followers. It was truly an act of cowardice and there is no place for cowardice in Islam. I urge you to remove yourself from this website and to stop spreading these devilish ideas.

The opinion by Anwar the Hater is definitely anti-American and worthy of derision.

ExpressoBold on November 9, 2009 at 10:50 AM

highhopes on November 9, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Nope. The fall of the Wall is considered one of the crown jewels of the Reagan Administration and is a symbol of the reassertion of American global power after more than a decade of decline. This is not something Present Obama and the Change Posse embrace, in fact, this is an anathema to their world view. Besides, it would invite comparisions to Reagan (We should be seeing a huge media retrospective on the Gipper and Thatcher…ah, but we’re not).

Nope, just gift the diplomatic version of a beta video tape collection from Present Obama to the participating nations….send Hillary

(not even the VP).

POTUSPOS

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Ed, I don’t like this “I told you so” attitude. Yes, it was obvious to anyone that Iranians are just stalling and stalling, but before escalating things and going into dangerous territory with sanctions and even bombings, the world needed to see that even a goodwill gesture by an Obama has failed.

I mean, it will now be easier to create a consensus with Russia and maybe even China,

AlexB on November 9, 2009 at 9:25 AM

You are joking with this right??

The world knows as well as most Americans based in reality that Obama’s policies toward Iran were naive and destined to fail.
“A good will measure” means nothing when dealing with the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world.
Iran arms their proxy armies of Hezbollah and Hamas to commit acts of terror around the world and fight against Israel.
Iran routinely states they will wipe Israel off the map.
Iran supplies arms (such as the deadly IED’s) to al-qaeda/Taliban,trains them for fighting,and is responsible for killing American troops.
Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear bomb that anyone based in reality knows they will use.
…..and you come up with “the world needed to see a good will gesture from Obama before taking action…..give me a f$%king break.

As far as Russia and China supporting sanctions,this is a joke in itself.
Here is what Russia says of Sanctions:
Clinton, Lavrov agree to delay sanctions against Iran
13/10/200914:28
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20091013/156451209-print.html

“Lavrov said Russia is “in principle very reserved on sanctions, as they rarely produce results.”

However, Clinton said that sanctions over North Korea’s nuclear program would remain in place.
“We have absolutely no intention of relaxing or offering to relax North Korean sanctions at this point whatsoever,” she said.

So even if they were to “finally” come to the point of issuing more Sanctions, the Russians state that they rarely produce results anyway.
Clinton goes on to brag about “not relaxing sanctions” on N. Korea.
That’s the way to stick it to them.After all,they have been so effective up to this point…..no wait…..they have been an absolute failure.
N. Korea has turned itself into a nuclear power while sanctions were being dropped on them.
This infatuation with sanctions is a joke.
Sanctions have produced no success what-so-ever in stopping genocidal,terrorist regimes.

…to add to this fairy tale of corporation from China and Russia,the Russians not only provided the materials and built Iran’s nuclear facilities,they are also actively helping them get the bomb:


Israel names Russians helping Iran build nuclear bomb

Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has handed the Kremlin a list of Russian scientists believed by the Israelis to be helping Iran to develop a nuclear warhead. He is said to have delivered the list during a mysterious visit to Moscow.

His office claimed he was in Israel, visiting a secret military establishment at the time. It later emerged that he was holding talks with Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister, and President Dmitry Medvedev.
“We have heard that Netanyahu came with a list and concrete evidence showing that Russians are helping the Iranians to develop a bomb,” said a source close to the Russian defence minister last week.

“That is why it was kept secret. The point is not to embarrass Moscow, rather to spur it into action.”

Anyone putting their faith and trust in Russia or China helping stop Iran from getting the bomb is absolutely ignorant of the facts and history of this international emergency.

So just when we need strength and leadership the most in dealing with Iran and it’s quest for the Atom bomb, this is what we get from our Paparazzi President:
Obama Speaks Appeasement to Evildoers 
 [Michael Ledeen]
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmVmYWVjOGYxOGI0ZWVlNzI4NTNmYjY4MmFkNjNkMzU=

As Michael Rubin notes, there are ongoing demonstrations against the Iranian regime all over the country. It seems clear that the violence from the Revolutionary Guards and Basij is worse than anything to date. The Supreme Leader delivered a verbal beating to President Obama, demanding a full American retreat. And what does our president do? He issues a statement that doesn’t even mention the regime’s savagery, instead mewling and whining, asking for the Iranian regime to make nice. Here he is, in full Carter/Chamberlain mode:

We do not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs. We have condemned terrorist attacks against Iran. We have recognized Iran’s international right to peaceful nuclear power. We have demonstrated our willingness to take confidence-building steps along with others in the international community. We have accepted a proposal by the International Atomic Energy Agency to meet Iran’s request for assistance in meeting the medical needs of its people. We have made clear that if Iran lives up to the obligations that every nation has, it will have a path to a more prosperous and productive relationship with the international community.

A sad day to be an American, don’t you think? As Churchill said of Chamberlain, we can say of Obama:  You had a choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, and you will have war.

In fact, he’s already got it. It always happens when you become an accomplice to evil.

No one….Not one single rouge leader is worried about Obama and his idiotic “smart power” in the least.

Absolutely stuck on stupid!!!!

Baxter Greene on November 9, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Baxter Greene on November 9, 2009 at 10:56 AM

The point is that there is PUBLIC support for anti Iranian measures. Government officials from all countries know exactly what Iran is up to. But their respective publics need to see these diplomatic gestures, by Obama (the new “honest” broker, messiah, etc.), and fail, before they can believe that their governments are doing the right thing with sanctions and military actions.

AlexB on November 9, 2009 at 11:07 AM

A Ronald Reagan Quote comes to mind.

“To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last – but eat you he will. “

nyx on November 9, 2009 at 11:10 AM

What we really need
If for The One to woo them
In face to face talks…

But we must make sure
There are no Preconditions…
Couldn’t have that… Right?

Haiku Guy on November 9, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Mmmm Mmmmm Mmmm (mmmm mmmm)
Barack Hussein Obama…
Love that Smart Power.

Haiku Guy on November 9, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Baxter Greene on November 9, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Your analysis is dead on. China wants this sort of tension because it helps rope America down and box us into difficult situations.

It is a truly infantile notion to believe that Russia and China want to help defuse these sorts of situations. The facts simply don’t support this sort of wishful thinking.

China continues to provided an array of banned dual use technologies to the worst of the worse, including Iran. In fact within the last couple of years, the PRC was caught red handed providing WMDs to Iran.

The components were said to have included dual-use missile components, raw materials, and expertise to Iran’s solid-fuel missile program. Officials said Beijing has also supplied dual-use chemical weapons-related production equipment and technology to Iran.

Meanwhile, Russia has been the largest supplier of advanced military systems to Iran, including a

high-speed torpedo—similar to the Russian-made VA-111 Shkval—capable of destroying large warships or submarines. Iran already fields China’s Silkworm anti-shipping missile and an array of mine technologies.

Stratfor has documented the sale of one of the most advanced early warning radar and missile systems in the Russian arsenal.

Plus, Russia is a MAJOR global oil exporter and one of the largest non middle eastern exporters. A middle eastern conflict is good for the Russian pocketbook, it enhances their diplomatic leverage against Europe and US and can help cash flow the domestic economy.

These are mere children who believe Chinese and Russian interests are aligned with ours. If fact, their interests are, in this specific issue, strudently opposed to ours.

They want to see Present Obama twist in the wind and deminish American standing. Unfortunately, the current administration is all to willing to ablidge.

R Square on November 9, 2009 at 11:22 AM

Comment pages: 1 2