Tuesday
Feb102009
Obama on Iran: The Engagement Continues
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 15:39
Related Post: Transcript of President Obama's First Press Conference
Related Post: Obama Press Conference - Thumbs Up for Iran and Russia, Slapdowns for Petraeus and Pakistan
Update: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said he is ready for dialogue if change is "fundamental" and talks are based on mutual respect.
On the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, President Obama's stance on Tehran at his first news conference last night has made headlines.
Obama maintained his long-term position, talk first but be ready to get tough. Significantly, however, he put the emphasis on the dialogue: "In the coming months, we will be looking for openings that can be created where we can start sitting across the table face to face."
The President cautioned, "There's been a lot of mistrust built up over the years, so [the discussions are] not going to happen overnight." And he made the necessary gesture towards US concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and support of "terrorist" groups.
Overall, however, Obama's comments appear to be a clear signal to Iran that he is satisfied with the opening at-distance exchanges. Both former Iranian President Hashem Rafsanjani and key politician Ali Larijani said on Monday that they were cautious but encouraged by the openings offered with speeches like Vice President Joe Biden's on Saturday. Larijani told CNN that this was "an exceptional opportunity" to improve relations.
Related Post: Obama Press Conference - Thumbs Up for Iran and Russia, Slapdowns for Petraeus and Pakistan
Update: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said he is ready for dialogue if change is "fundamental" and talks are based on mutual respect.
On the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, President Obama's stance on Tehran at his first news conference last night has made headlines.
Obama maintained his long-term position, talk first but be ready to get tough. Significantly, however, he put the emphasis on the dialogue: "In the coming months, we will be looking for openings that can be created where we can start sitting across the table face to face."
The President cautioned, "There's been a lot of mistrust built up over the years, so [the discussions are] not going to happen overnight." And he made the necessary gesture towards US concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and support of "terrorist" groups.
Overall, however, Obama's comments appear to be a clear signal to Iran that he is satisfied with the opening at-distance exchanges. Both former Iranian President Hashem Rafsanjani and key politician Ali Larijani said on Monday that they were cautious but encouraged by the openings offered with speeches like Vice President Joe Biden's on Saturday. Larijani told CNN that this was "an exceptional opportunity" to improve relations.
Reader Comments (2)
President Obama's position last evening on the U.S. stance toward Iran was on par. However, the question is raised as to how long will it be till Iran shows its cards on whether it is willing to engae directly with the U.S. to sustain its personal intrest. The tension is indeed longstanding and the ice needs to be broken, but at what expense--we showing our hand to early and not being respected by Teheran? Only time will tell. In the meantime, fair and direct action is the best approach. -D.Ezell
There is nothing wrong with fair and direct action. My only question is what does the President mean by sitting across the table face to face? Surely not a Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and President Barack Obama face to face. I think Secretary Clinton and her state department have loads of work to do before that can or should happen and that certain pre-conditions HAVE to met. Retracting the stance on Israel is a very good start. After that I think all other things (support of terrorist by Tehran, or the support of Iraq by Washington during Iran's 8 year war in the 80's) can and should be talked about where needed and even forgiven where needed.