Hard to figure out the play here, really. Maybe it's just so Trump can cancel it, and then reimpose his new plan, which looks just like the old plan? Or, on the darker side in light of John Bolton coming on board, are they just hoping to have another country to shoot some missiles at? And that is, not good. Don't believe the Israelis fare too well if that's the plan.
We need a Macron here in the States,
Oh we did, President Obama.
Clean air! nonsense who needs it.
No Nukes! my button is bigger than yours.
Infrastructure! private enterprises will take care of it.
Healthcare for all! better ask the pharm and healthcare lobbyist first.
No legal machine guns? better ask the NRA lobbyist first.
This country is being run by billionaires, not the people
VOTE (if your allowed)
1
It’s a more dangerous world when a countries’s word and agreements its’s governments signs can be changed from day to day at the whim of our own little Caligula
What are the odds Trump's actually taken the time to read it? Or is he just following instructions from Israel.
Liberman says he wants to discuss "Iran's expansion in the Middle East and Syria" ....
What? Doesn't he want to talk about ISRAEL's expansion in the Middle East and Syria???
2
How how can any sane and intelligent perso. ( so he claims) that Iran could be given any reasonable incentive to toughen out a signed deal!
The good news is that Donald Trump will pull the United States out of the Iran deal.
The better news is that Iran will pull out of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, and re-start all its nuclear programs.
The best news is that Israel will attack Iran, and the world will finally have the atomic holocaust that Netanyahu, Bolton and Cotton have been aching for their entire adult lives.
If Macron gives into Trump then he would be the spineless French Leader who buckled under pressure from a bully. I wonder if the European alliance will break down. And then we will have Iran going into a rush mode to go nuclear which they are not now. There is North Korea and then we will have Iran. How many nuclear attacks can the world afford? European leaders know Trump is unhinged. Do they have to join in his craziness?
This isn't news, Trump has always said he would renegotiate it.
He needs the noise, that's all. He has no idea what the "deal" is in the first place. Trump measures his performance based on what he knocks down, betrays, shafts, and leaves behind.
3
Trump Signals Openness to a ‘New Deal’ to Constrain Iran
[ There is however already a treaty and Iran has lived up to the terms as repeatedly confirmed. What Mr. Trump is open to is not the point. There is a treaty already. ]
1
As long as international inspectors continue to have unencumbered access to Iranian military and civilian nuclear sites, the current deal should be honored. Having said that, separate amendments that impede the transfer of Iranian missiles and other weapons to terrorist organizations could be considered by the signatories to the pact. An amendment that imposes financial sanctions on Iran for supplying weapons and funding to terrorists and rogue regimes would not be a violation of the existing agreement but rather might discourage Iran from future meddling in an already volatile region.
I doubt that the United States has ever had a president who repeatedly threatened to destroy a treaty, against all legal and ethical international fabric. Iran has been repeatedly inspected and shown to be observing the treaty, only to be threatened in dire terms by this president.
2
You can't take anything that Trump does or says seriously. He indicates something now but could do something completely the opposite in the future.
Why journalists continue to treat him like he is a sane, reasonable person. He isn't. We have a sex addict, mobster POTUS who acts like a 7 year old playing King for the day. That is why the world is in such a terrible position, we have a completely unstable POTUS who his party enables because they want to raid the bank while they can. The only people around him now are John "Let's Bomb Them" Bolton, Stephen Miller a mini Hitler and the rest just want to hoard as much money as they can in any way they can like Pruitt.
3
Will the headline in three days be 'trump signals openness to a newer deal'? I'm surprised the Times even put this article out there. The dandruff flicking trump seems more like the old clown circus is back in town.
2
Well isn't that special! Trump and Macron are "open" to a new deal! That's groovy! Only one problem: Iran isn't open to a new deal. Does that present a pickle?
2
The point, the only relevant point, is that Iran has completely abided by the treaty and the United States cannot just set aside a treaty when the terms are accepted and abided by. To destroy a treaty that President Obama worked for and that has made us all more secure is beyond reason.
5
Fantastic. Now, if only the Iranians were interested. But they aren't.
M. Macron, respectfully I recommend a French word to respond to Trump. It begins with "M" and ends with "E"
I would like to hear Donald explain why a deal that prevents the creation of a weapon that can kill millions of people a terrible deal.
3
The Iran deal must go. It was a craven attempt by Obama to validate his Nobel Peace prize, paid for with American concessions and a deal with more holes than Swiss cheese. This deal funneled cash to Iran and did nothing to stop their support for terror groups and ballistic missiles. The only reason Europe wants the deal is so they can continue to sell products to Iran, especially Germany. They bear little to none of the expense of dealing with Iran's threat to the region, yet they cash in with this deal. Ultimately our European friends must decide, Iran or the U.S. Democrats have already made their decision. While chiding Trump and Evangelicals, they laud the Ayatollahs, while the Iranian people take to the streets and chant "Death to America" - and that's not fake news. Perhaps their affinity for Iran lies in their appreciation for anti-Trump/anti-American marches. Iran is already violating the agreement. Why do Democrats keep their head in the sand?
Iran is our enemy, plain and simple. You are not going to get them to act like they are our friend. Why don't we treat china like Iran. Recognize Taiwan or else. Overthrow rocket man or else. We shouldn't do any business with them until they meet all of our demands. Anything else is a "horrible" deal.
I actually hope we drop out of the deal. Iran is better off just trading with China and Russia in the long run. If Europe remains in the plan they will have a more reliable, consistent trading environment with them than if we remained in the deal threatening to drop out of the deal with every change in our government.
As my china comment illustrates, economic power is the most powerful tool of influence in the world these days. That's why Putin hates us - his economy is in shambles. Dropping out of the TPP and this deal will greatly reduce our clout in the world
Moan about Iran and then give the Saudis billions in military aide. They do just as much as Iran to meddle in foreign powers' business and spread terrorism.
So why the disconnect, "President" Trump...?
5
So Trump calls the Iran agreement "insane" and "ridiculous", while hosting a leader of a country who signed the agreement. I must say, the man knows diplomacy.
I would bet a lot of $ that Trump hasn't read a single paragraph of that agreement, nor would he understand what was involved. The swampers surrounding him can mis-interpret all they want to manipulate his actions. This is why it's so dangerous to have a incurious child in "charge".
It will be a long time before we recover from this administration, even if he's a one termer. If he's re-elected, I don't believe we will ever recover.
Must vote in '18 AND '20!
3
Trump needs to save face on his campaign to tear up the Iran nuclear deal. We've been down this path before since he took office, so what to expect?
He now has among his "advisors" John Bolton, who loves war and conflict, and has stupidly opposed the Iran deal as loudly and as shallowly as his new boss. Who else? Macron? Bibi? Sheldon Adelson?
Here are three unsolicited ideas::
1. Keep the deal intact but tell the world he scrapped it; face saved.
2. Keep the deal intact and tell Bolton to shave off his face hedge or leave the Administration.
3. Assemble a commission to study the current Iran deal until the summer before the 2020 election. Assign Kris Kobach and Mike Pence as co-chairs. Make sure both of them understand that the commission should never see the light of day. Tell the world he won.
3
Will be the old deal as walked back to, minus concessions to the Iranians to get them back to the table.
1
If we look at the Iran deal objectively, putting our feelings for either President Obama or Mr. Trump aside, we can conclude that though it may have been the best deal possible at the time, it is also a pretty horrible deal.
True, Iran has been living up to her part of the bargain- but that is all Iran is doing. The country is still meddling is Syria, supporting Hezbollah, threatening Israel, and funding other terrorist groups. The idea that we can live with such a destructive country who does everything but actually develop nuclear weapons is not very palatable.
As much as I hate to say it, Mr. Trump is correct to want a more encompassing agreement. Given that, the only way to get Iran interested in another deal is to take a hard line on the current one.
1
Try some real objectivity. John Oliver leads the way:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xnZ_CeTqyM
In my opinion (and unlike Trump, I have actually studied the deal), this is flat out untrue.
7
The deal was meant to halt their nuclear ambitions, and it has and is doing that. It was not made to stop everything under the sun.
Why would Iran have any interest in negotiating a new deal if we unilaterally end this one? There's no way. So you'll end up with a meddling country which also has nukes. Good plan.
And let's not forget how much we meddle in other countries' business.
8
You make a good point, but the nuclear deal is the only provision right now that is keeping Iran from further pursuing their nuclear ambitions. If Washington severs the deal with Tehran, then this will essentially give Tehran the key to the lock holding their nuclear abilities back. The provisions of the deal do not prevent or discourage Mr. Trump from seeking sanctions or embargoes against Iran on other grounds, such as human rights violations, support for Hezbollah terrorists, and their aid in Assad's crimes against humanity in Syria. Mr. Trump should follow Macron's advice to stay in the agreement, and look to find other methods of punishing Iran for their other wrongdoings, such as, per se, Tehran's arrests and torture of dissidents and support for international terrorists, like Assad in Syria and Lebanon's Hezbollah.
While it may be possible to negotiate side deals with Iran concerning the development of ballistic weapons, etc., I don't believe that the Iranian government will ever change one word of the original nuclear deal. It is foolish to believe that they will. The agreement was negotiated with 6 countries, US, UK, Russia, France, China, and Germany. To refuse to continue to ratify that agreement would be wrong after these countries worked so hard to implement it.
Iran's intentions in the Middle East may be, or certainly are, problematic but they have nothing to do with the treaty of 2015. This is a completely separate issue. And of course having John Bolton and Avigdor Liberman advise the president on this issue will probably spell the end of the treaty. Perhaps Mr Bolton can have his wish to bomb Iran.
4
Who will then stop American destabilizing activities in Asia, Africa, South America, North America (eg. Cuba). At the moment even God is forsaking America (proof: Trump as President).
4
Given that emperor trump's glandular approach to decision making: we can assume many shifts will take place on both projects before ending in a disaster - which will, no doubt, be blamed on Obama, Hillary and the DNC.
4
And the base will swallow it whole, along with the Republicans in Congress.
It is all well and good for Trump to be denouncing the Iran deal as not being all he wants in constraining Iran`s aggression throughout the Middle East. The simple fact that Trump and Co. cannot seem to grasp is that it takes two to tango. We may loathe the Iranian leadership; but an imperfect deal is way better than no deal at all. By all accounts Iran has lived up to the restrictions put in place; and that is no small thing. To tear up this deal would inevitably lead to them immediately restarting their nuclear programs; and what that would mean for any hope of peace. Israel would feel compelled to take out any nuclear facility and all hell would break loose. What would Trump do then? This man has no vision or clue what he is doing.
4
Who did he talk last?
Trump thinks he is a Roman emperor and all he has to do is give a thumbs up or thumbs down.
3
Trump called North Korean leader Kim "honorable". I wonder what Otto Warblier's parents thought of that statement. Honorable people do not have their half brother poisoned, starve their people, kill uncles and other who they decide they don't like. But on the other hand, Trump probably has problems identifying what an honorable person is since he has hung around thugs and con men his entire life.
4
Forget the Iran deal. Macron will have to go back to France so he won't be the last person Trump talks to. If only the Honorable Kim could talk to him.
1
Why would North Korea, or any other country,negotiate with a partner that has shown a willingness to abrogate the agreement that was reached? And how could we complain about another country's ignoring its obligations in a treaty? Sad Donald just doesn't get it.
1
trump just needed a parade and someone to show it off for. He called Macron and sweet talked him (lied through his teeth) into coming over for a big bash. Then, while introducing him to the press, he picked dandruff off his shoulder. All the while Macron stood with a big grin on his face. This is what is called a state visit in the trump era. Tacky beyond belief. No surprise there. Everything trump touches turns into a joke. trump will be trashing Macron within 2 weeks.
1
As an aside, can anyone tell me why the troops appear to be wearing Revolutionary British uniforms and not American? (I am a British immigrant so if the answer is well known, please excuse the question).
1
Trump's decisions, good and bad, depend on whomever whispers in his ear last. The president is not given to contemplation or what ifs.
No offence to anyone, but what makes us think that the Iranians themselves are interested in renegotiating the deal? The BBC quotes President Rouhani as questioning the right of 45 to actually do this, especially since it involves five other countries besides the US and Iran, none of which have indicated they would resume sanctions. He also questioned Trump's credentials and experience in International affairs, since he has spent his whole life as a shady real estate developer and/or a reality show star, but that is old news.
2
John Oliver did his usual excellent job on Iran here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xnZ_CeTqyM
(He misses the history before Mossadegh (and confesses to same) but we should not be surprised that removing a democratically elected leader to help BP (remember the Gulf Oil Spill) to install the Shah was putting a flame to a powder keg.) We have ourselves to blame for the ascendance of theocracy in the region. Ruining people's homelands makes enemies. But we can't see beyond our own noses.
3
Please name a deal Mr. Trump has made that actually worked for the American public. Even his tax cut deal with the Republicans is unpopular and only seen to support the wealthy and the corporations. Mr. Trump has no track record for 'deal making' as the president. To risk our trade agreements with 'new deals' is one thing. To risk potential war with Iran, because of his hate of anything accomplished by Obama's deal is quite another. The level of Mr. Trump's delusion is now dangerous to the entire mid-east and the world.
29
I read that the biggest concern is what will happen in 10 Years. Well, let me tell you , as an American who has been leading cultural tours to Iran for 10 years. All I have seen is economic development..in spite of the sanctions or more likely because they provided the incentives for the country to produce locally, as well as bring foreign investment, from France, Italy, India, Germany,Austria,Hungary,Norway..to name just a few. The Iranian economy grew 3.4 % last year (The US had not gone above 3% in the last 10 years).
They won't commit suicide today, and with continued growth..would someone kindly explain why they would 10 years from now?
2
Every argument made by the president against the Iran deal is wrong simply because he has not read it, doesn't want to read it and doesn't understand it. This deal took a long time to negotiate and is a good deal for the west as well as for the reformers in Iran. Shame on President Macron to even hint that they can renegotiate the deal to please president Trump. The deal is what it is and if you go try to go back to the table the hardliners in Iran will certainly prevail leaving the middle east in chaos and the world looking down the barrel of a gun.
1
Why would responsible nations sign a "deal" that involves a nation that played a major role in structuring an existing deal, decides at it's convenience, not to honour a "deal" they have signed? The US is now threatening to back out of many agreements to attempt to renegotiate better terms for the US. The outcome is predictable. The US will be sidelined as the rest of the world seeks more reliable partners. Canada realizes the trade deal we signed with the US and Mexico is being renegotiated under the threat that the US will cancel this deal. Bully tactics. Canada, wisely, is broadening our world trade partners. So will other countries.
22
Don't worry, Canada. Trump's a coward who has never gone the distance in any dispute.
1
Tomorrow he'll completely reverse course and act like he never said it. And we'll all act surprised by that. Zzzzzzzzzzz.......
1
Macron understands Trump. He also understands the Iran deal. The best Macron can do is make clear who is Trump and what is the deal, so onlookers get a very clear picture. Hopefully that will become clear to the GOP as well.
2
Trump's scorched earth policies have destroyed the Republican party (good) let's hope his scorched earth foreign policies don't destroy the planet.
1
Give our president a win and maybe he'll back off this calamity of a policy ..
A military parade and a double portion of chocolate cake should do the trick.
3
So Boris and Natasha meet with the president and first lady of France. How cute. Macron's charm offensive with Trump is just that, offensive. Perhaps he's trying to ensure he's not elected for a second term in France. This ought to do nicely.
2
On the contrary, nobody in Europe respects the execrable Trump, and his careful effort to keep Iran from unfettered development of nuclear bombs will cost him dearly at home.
3
Oh dear, I missed your "not" elected and the nuance of DJT and Melania being "Boris and Natasha". Very clever, and I missed the irony; we agree. Sorry about that.
That said, those who claim Iran has not given up fissionable materials and active pursuit of nuclear weapons are just flat out wrong. Bringing Iranian society into the light is good for everyone, including the US. Young Iranians don't want to be at war, they want to be culturally open.
2
Kim Jong-il must be enjoying a good laugh. Simply by agreeing to meet with Trump without any conditiions, the murderous strongman has gone from a "maniac with nuclear weapons" to being "very open and very honorable."
Had Obama agreed to meet with Kim Jong-il without preconditions and called him "very honorable," heads would be exploding in apoplexy on Fox News and among GOP members of congress.
7
Its fairly noticeable to most of us trump is out to overturn anything with Obama's name on it. We can only hope that doesn't bleed over to the constitution or bill of rights, he might think he should be allowed to tear them up, have new one written so he can sign them. Please no one take him to, or show him any pictures of Mount Rushmore, he might think there is room for one more, and we know who that someone would be. According to trump America was still in the dark ages until he arrived on the scene. He is the smartest one in the room, so he says. Nope your not.
2
Here's what will happen. From now until just before May 12th Trump will signal/pretend to somewhat support the Iran agreement. But then a day before the deadline he will either ask for "a new deal" that Iran will not tolerate which then scuttles the agreement. OR he will not ask for "a new deal" but just wait for the deadline and pull out of the agreement.
This is comes from Trumps's reality show playbook. Say you hate something, then pretend you maybe changing your mind, then go back to hating it. On reality shows this creates pseudo chaos adding to pseudo drama. It is done to keep interest in what would be a dull show.
This is how it's gone down whenever Trump has had to make a decision. So next time remember, whatever Trump says his position is on something at the beginning, that will be what his position is at the end. Everything else in between is a ruse.
6
Mr.Trump pulled out all of the stops to entertain and impress his great friend, Emmanuel Macron.We are about to see if he spent any time hearing his friend's concerns about staying in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty,possibly with some minor changes.We will soon know whether his regard for Macron is genuine .Mr.Bolton and the Israeli defense minister will put on maximum pressure to exit the pact.Will the U.S. honor treaty commitments or disregard allies who have joined to at least try to halt nuclear programs.
7
One of the great past achievements in nuclear disarmament was the 1993 agreement between US and Russia, which included a provision to blend down highly enriched uranium (useful for weapons) into lowly enriched uranium (useful for power generation). This made 500 metric tons of uranium non-lethal. Much of that uranium was shipped to US power plants. This had a great impact on reducing the prior cold war threats of nuclear war. The Iran deal has had a similar impact on the middle East. Existing nuclear material was blended down, and Iran reduced its inventories of centrifuges that could be used to enrich the material again. The effect has been to eliminate the Iranian threat of nuclear war in the mid-East, at least for the duration of the pact. To end the pact now without any assurances to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear weapons capability would enable a mid-East nuclear confrontation with unthinkable consequences. There is no reasonable cause to kill the pact. Worse yet, if Trump ends this pact, not only will it destabilize the mid-East, but it sends a message to North Korea that a pact with Trump can be ended abruptly without cause. Allies and enemies of the US, alike, will find it hard to negotiate agreements of any sort with the US if those agreements can be torn up on a whim of the President.
4
The only thing Trump every manages to establish is that criticism without reference to content is simple, petty and meaningless. The reason Trump cannot say with any specificity what is wrong with the Iranian agreement is obvious, it was made by and in cooperation with the Obama Administration. Like all would be bullies, Trump is also a coward.
8
Trump is a contrarian, he ALWAYS does the opposite of whats right with the guise of "..it a terrible and worst deal of the century..." He'll pull out of the Iran deal for sure.
3
Trump is an embarrassment, if he can change one word in the agreement he will declare it the greatest thing since sliced bread.
10
Gee, first NAFTA, now Iran... maybe Obama did something right
4
That is very Trumpan - even if you lose, you claim it was a planned retreat for new planning. He thnks he can wear down all six (incl Iran) signers. He is playing for Israel. Can we guarantee that Israel has no nuclear weapons or cluster bombs or ICBMs? don't bet on it. Iran has not occupied any territory - it is a battle between Shias and Sunnis. AS long as majority-Shah Iraq was ruled by a Sunni, Saudi did not care Sunnis had the oil. And same in other places. Remember it was the Sunni Iraq that attacked Shiah iRan. Do you ant to bet that Saudis dd not help Iraq? Best for America and rest of the world is to leave these two
1
Creates a hostile work environment? That disqualifies you from heading up the VA but you can be president of the United States?
2
Melania looks gorgeous. I’m thrilled to see that she is using her position as First Lady to improve her hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
1
Macron is a fascinating character. His ability to be in the same space with Trump without showing nausea, and create illusions that distract Trump from destroying everything in his path, is remarkable. I suspect his partnership with his wife is part of the strength he exhibits.
In France he also seems to take the longer view. That too is complex; it is great that people have reasonable working conditions, but organizing a larger entity for the common good requires everyone to pitch in. It's complicated, and sometimes - my primary concern is climate change - we are our own worst enemies in putting our "rights" in front of the needs of the larger community.
Macron seems, so far, to be able to take the larger view. He interests me, as getting out of the me first donnybrook is going to be necessary for survival. Will he be defeated in the next election because he takes the larger view and does what he can? Or will people dismantle society in favor of their personal rights, which ultimately will leave us all on a suicidal path. Sure, those who have the most rights and possessions now will seem like "winners" but in the end, nobody will benefit.
2
As to Kim being honorable, Trump may be right when using himself as a reference. By comparison, Kim is a boy scout.
1
Imagine if De Toqueville were alive to witness this fiasco of a presidency. Maybe he could explain to us how it all went wrong.
3
If DT wants to threaten Iran, he should tell them he's building a business there, using their investments.
3
Interesting that Trump lets slip out the main goal for the war in Syria, to stop Iran's access to the Mediterranean (and, in doing so, to minimize Israel's "existential threat" and Saudi's regional hegemonic enemy/competition).
Read: to free up the path for their oil and gas. It's all pipeline politics, at the expense of the Syrian people and all the soldiers who get sent off to fight in this senseless civil war...
3
And not if but when Trump is facing Congressional impeachment calls for obstruction of justice and other crimes, what happens to any deals he promotes or signs with either Iran or North Korea? Who will Trump be authorized to represent in negotiations while he fights impeachment? He might well wait until the Mueller investigation is complete before trying to negotiate any international deals in the name of the American people, whose support for him as President might well change.
1
Trump will approve if you name it as: Trump Iran deal
You're ok to put what you like under it.
3
Iran must only agree to modifications to the nuclear agreement if NATO, USA, the former Colonial hegemons like Britain, France, Germany, et al agree to get out North Africa now called the Middle East, and the United Nations dismantle its illegal state of Israel, and furthermore, Israeli settlers return whence they came. Only then should Iran not interfere in surrounding countries . The US must also withdraw all its surrounding forces threatening Iran. The US must pledge and renounce not to topple governments around the world it doesn't like.
Again, Iran must be militarily prepared to have the advantage over Israel so that when Israel fights a war again, its moral army doesn't fight rock throwing barefoot pregnant women, children, and infants using Phantom Jets and F35 paid for by hard working poor American tax dollars.
5
Trump,just get loss on this important topic and go play golf, would you!
4
Trump signals openness, Trump supports, Trump says, Trump does. Anyone else suffering from Trump whiplash of the brain yet?????? This Is a terrible disease, but will our health insurer's cover this illness????? Oh wait, Trump has something to say.
6
It wasn’t Iran which spread the plague of Wahhabism around the globe for the last 40 years.
18
^^ Americans are woefully undereducated about the seeds of terrorism - and ignore the role of Saudi Arabia in its spread as well as its refusal to do anything about it at all. If only people would read a few best sellers - The Looming Tower explains it well (the Hulu series cuts that out).
2
Trump should articulate what is wrong about the Iran nuclear deal or shut up. Otherwise, he risks screwing up the possibility of his own deal with Kim.
Given genuine progress regarding Korea it would not matter what evidence Mueller would present. Trump would prevail.
5
So you're saying that Trump is open to the possibility of supporting a theoretical agreement that Iran would never agree to. "Trump Signals Openness to a 'New Deal' to Constrain Iran" makes for an interesting back-breaking pretzel-shaped title full of irony, but good grief.
"Signals Openness"?
There are no coherent signals because there is no coherent plan. Trump will continue to threaten to renege on the Iran deal until the moment that he does or does not. It would clearly be one of the biggest blunders the US has made recently, but we'll see what Fox News comes up with.
Trump had no problem saying with a straight face that people should thank him for clarifying that Barack Obama had a birth certificate, just as he has no problem taking credit for every random decision he has ever made, whether or not it is even vaguely related to what that decision was about or the outcome.
"Signals Openness"? You had to be giggling your tails off when you typed that one up. It sure has me giggling. News as Art!
11
Once again, Donald knows of not what he speaks nor do I believe he gives a rip. He pays no attention to details unless an issue directly effects his personal life.
This love fest and display of such grand pomp and circumstance leaves me sickened. Both men come to the table with the sole objective of a personal victory.
Donald; seeking a way out of the dismantling the Iraq nuclear deal, negotiated by president Obama, (whom he continues to distain)while keeping face. Dismantling this deal is a really bad idea. Emmanuel's suggestion of building on what is in place, while remembering to cite Donald's words that it was a 'bad deal' could be Donald's way out and a feather in the cap of Emmanuel.
Emmanuel, whose approval ratings are as bad as Donald's is in dire need to return home victorious with any or maybe all issues he brings to this love fest table; keeping the Iraq nuclear deal beyound May the 12th, exempting European countries from the steel and aluminum tariffs and keeping American troops in Syria. I truly doubt that Emmanuel gestures and words of praise held an inkling of sincerity. Nope, all were a ploy to engage Donald and this guy did his homework.
What I am certain of that these two men and their personal gain is the engine that leads their train.
The entire trump entourage has got to go, every one of them. They contiune to drive our country down a dark rabbit hole and, if lasting any longer we may never find our way out. VOTE November, 2018.
6
A hundred bucks says Trump hasn't even read the Iranian nuclear deal. He probably stopped when he saw President Obama's name on it.
11
Iran will not agree - so why bother?
Trump his pushing Iran further and further into Russia's orbit.
Trump has a need to destroy a deal to create a deal.
The Great Deal Maker - baloney!
6
Trump was silly, then ridiculous, now he's totally absurd. Just like his supporters.
10
WinkWink; NudgeNudge ; KnowWhatIMean is not a foreign policy strategy.
5
Donald Trump sees a lot of himself in Kim Jung Un. That explains why he doesn't understand what an honorable person is.
6
anyone remember in the Spring of 2015 Egypt proposed a UN Resolution making the Middle East a nuclear free zone? Every one was in favor including Iran, however it was vetoed by Israels' friends USA, UK and Canada
4
The bloggers can't wait to grab ringside seats for the ultimate showdown between Israel and Iran to breakout. it promises to be the best reality show of all time because it would be a fight to the finish.
Trump: "The Iran accord is terrible. It doesn't have any CAPS and it is way longer than 140 characters"
It took diplomats and foreign relations professionals from six countries years to negotiate and this incompetent ignoramus who hasn't even read it has the gall to criticize it.
8
Kim Jong-Un an "honorable " man. Only yesterday, Trump was calling him "Little Rocket Man."
2
Trump-Macron Bromance? Putin will be jealous. Touchy-feely stuff with Macron makes me mildly nauseous. Macron has found the right "touch" to influence Trump and prevent a "melt-down" of the Iran Nuclear pact. That is for the moment. Trump will "flip" after Macron leaves. Bonne Chance, Emmanuel.
3
Honor amongst thieves.
2
After the 'bait and switch' of the nuclear agreement now we have the good cop/bad cop. The Europeans have to go down on their knees to play with the wilful, ignorant genius that the US has handed them to deal with. Thank God they are making the effort.
3
Kim Jong Un is “honorable?” A man who murders family members with .50 caliber machine gun rounds?
Watching Donald Trump struggle to read his prepared text during his joint news conference with President Macron was embarrassing, and watching his Churchillian posturing while Macron spoke was also difficult to see, but now his glorification of Kim is beyond despicable.
Trump once called Kim “a smart cookie.” A smart cookie. From our glorious leader.
8
The usual, Trump playing loose and stupid on a grand stage. He is clueless about the impact of his chronic and dangerous ineptness.
10
The Iran nuclear "deal" was not a "deal" at all. It was not signed by anyone. Just follow the money folks. The Iran Nuclear deal was a gift to Valerie Jarret the Iranian puppet master of President Obama. Part of the "deal" was the US sending Iran a billion dollars in unmarked currency on wooden pallets to the biggest exporter of terrorism in the world.
None of this matters. Hunting at things are irrelevant when talking about a nincompoop who changes his mind every 5 minutes. No need to speculate on what Trump will do - whatever he chooses it’ll be terrible!
3
What this shows the world is that when the U.S.A. gives it's word on something that it will go back on it's word come the next administration, so no country can trust us.
This is typical of a business deal, but international agreements should not be treated like business deals.
Congress needs to get off it's butt and make President Stupid understand that we as a nation have an obligation to be true to our word.
3
Obama lack of leadership is the reason Trump can end or modify the Iran "deal" If Obama was able to lead and convince the senate to sign a treaty then Trump would not readily be able to make changes.
Two words: McConnel's Obstruction. We haven't forgotten, even if you have
3
It is exactly Obama’s leadership that got us the Iran deal, that keeps the nuclear fuse out of the powder keg of the near and middle East. Hopefulky Macron, and if not Macron, Putin, can convince Trump that everybody loses in a nuclear conflict, Trump himself included. No winners there. And North Korea will doubt Trump’s promises if Trump backs out of the Iran deal. So no diplomatic victory for Trump on that front either.
1
This agreement, even with various warts, keeps nuclear weapons out of Iran's hands. Someone please explain to what advantage is there to gain from withdrawing from it? The only answers to this question surround the weapons industry and Israel, is this nation that foolish to see otherwise.
3
Two things will work with this scheme::
1.) The basic principle of all agreements "pacta sunt servanda" has been broken by the US and France and that means that their agreements are not worth the paper thy are printed on
2.) One may not like Iran but any new restrictions on weapons systems for Iran basically means that Iran will be killed of in any conceivable way, especially in it's military capacity, by Saudi Arabia - the biggest sponsor of terrorism and war in the Middle East - courtesy of the US.
No country, including Iran will ever accept such a restriction just be slaughtered by an enemy.
Accepting the idea that the war criminals Trump and Macron may put on the table, according to this article, amounts to suicide for Iran.
What France and the US are doing here is to do the dirty work for Saudi Arabia for business reasons and as their capacity as Dhimmis.
So why, even if this plan of Trump and Macron will fail, should any other country ever trust any agreement signed with the US or France?
At the very least this also means that any chance of a meaningful treaty with North Korea is fading.
Stupid white men with domestic issues should be barred from international politics.
1
When the history of this era is written, this state visit will not be remembered as one of France's proudest moments. In an echo of the Vichy French, Macron is quiescent to being dominated by a narcissistic autocrat.
1
Has it occurred to you that Macron is trying to save the Iran deal?
1
Why a new deal? The original one is working just fine.
He wants to change the cover page and then claim he is a stable genius for "negotiating" a deal that took almost 4 years of serious international diplomacy and a long term vision to create.
The Obama/Clinton/Kerry deal with our partners and Iran will be studied by diplomatic historians and diplomats for decades if not centuries as a blueprint for how to conduct international agreements.
Dotard thinks creepily grabbing Macron, pointless bluster, and rage tweeting is all that you need.
7
Ah, start a war! It's the default "jobs creation" plan for Republicans. Seems they can't ever come up with programs to help Americans obtain real work. They have to pick a fight with someone to keep "the little people" occupied!
3
A new deal would be built on the current deal. It does not mean that the US should leave the agreement signed in 2015.
Macron has always agreed to work with the US on ME. But leaving the Iran's deal would be not just one, but several steps backward.
On the other hand, Tump may say something else tomorrow. Some people hope that he would learn how to become a president, but those people are just naive. In sort, Trump is just incompetent.
4
Not much has changed since colonial time, two leaders from West sitting together across the table deciding whether to annihilate a country, culture, people very different from theirs.
Today, as we learn more about the after effects of nuclear war and its impact on the planet: death and destruction, black carbon floating in troposphere resulting in catastrophic loss of food production, radiation etc Perhaps these countries are realizing, to ward these colonialist away perhaps threat of mass annihilation is the only way?
These global powers may have difficult time accepting that they no longer will be global powers?
1
Is the GOP really going to stand by and say nothing about their President's willingness to throw away a fairly negotiated international agreement to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power because Trump wants to brag about what a great deal maker he is. If this happens America can kiss our international reputation goodbye for decades. Trump is a menace.
7
Maybe he'll blow up the deal? Maybe he'll keep the deal? Maybe he'll create a new deal?
It's easy for the President to criticize others for actions they have took. But at the same point, to never maintain a steady position on any issue means Trump can never fully be criticized or second guessed for a decision.
His defenders attribute his refusal to take a consistent position as "unpredictability". But I see it as a fear of making a bad decision.
4
Responsible adult:
Mr. Macron emphasized that, while imperfect, the Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or J.C.P.O.A., should not be tossed aside but instead become one pillar of a broader agreement focused on four pillars.
Irresponsible child/adult:
J.C.P.O.A. is a terrible deal! Only I can fix it! Even if I use it as a stepping stone to a better agreement and carve out a new deal with the help of my European allies, I will declare what a great deal maker and genius I am. Definitely no credit should be given to the original deal as a basis for a new one or to any partners I had helping me form a better one.
1
Iran’s nuclear program as the public “topic” purpose of the Trump-Macron meeting this week is a side show for us, given the deaths of our troops in Niger where France has a substantial neo-colonial business and military presence. If there is one African country resembling French colonial Vietnam, it’s Niger, with one of Africa’s largest deposit of uranium.
French and other European mining interests have occupied wide swaths of Niger to extract the uranium there, and that presence has drawn local amed opposition of Niger’s black residents. And our military is there ostensibly fighting terrorism but in effect also supporting the French control of Niger’s wealth for France. Is Niger’s uranium connection to Macron’s visit here of any interest to Americans?
One would never know from the complicit silence or plain ignorance of our White House media coverage to not even raise the issue in any joint press conference.
2
We all fear the day when some powerful person feels that in self defense he has to take the latest tweet raving as a threat to his existence, and must act immediately.
1
There is a vast difference between North Korea and Iran. Just because Trump made some progress in North Korean issue that does not automatically mean that he could put pressure on Iran nuclear deal and win it too. North Korea is a rogue regime ruled by a ruthless dictator. North Koreans do not have any idea about the outside world. But Iran is not like that.
Moreover, the nuclear deal inked with Obama administration was done after intense negotiations, and both sides (America and Iran) were very clear in their talks. There was no ambiguity expressed by either side in the deal after the negotiations. Of course, Israel made its usual opposition.
Till this date, Iran cannot be faulted for any deviation from the deal. When everything is going fine, I wonder what is the need or necessity to revisit the deal. Trump is making a big blunder. Any scarping of the deal will only aggrevate the situation and bring in chaos in Middle East.
3
Our POTUS, aside from being totally ignorant about the incredibly complex history and changes that define the Middle East, is a complete embarrassment when he opens his very large mouth and expresses an extemporaneous opinion about our foreign policy and imminent decisions which have far-reaching implications for the Country now and in the future. Let's hope he has enough sense to respect the wisdom and judgement of Mr. Macron who speaks for our European allies and represents an informed, measured and intelligent perspective on how to approach the impending situation with Iran. Enough of your moronic bluster and saber rattling, the world has seen and heard enough of your rants against previous administrations and your wonderful "deals" which have yet to result in anything resembling a coherent and articulate foreign policy. The Trump brand of Isolationism is arcane and sees us increasingly estranged from the geopolitical arena.
3
Could we trade Trump to France for Macron? It appears that France has the adult leadership we sorely lack.
2
Two remarkable gentlemen at play. The President from Paris tends to overplay his hand to hide how weak France has become in many respects. Beware of overrating European countries. President Trump's actions will be hard to predict. He seems to favor a system that keeps his adversaries at bay and guessing. Smart politics or indecision - hard to judge. Some people in Iran display a smirk on their faces when asked whether their country already has atomic weapons. Moreover, much of Syria is practically under Iranian control in several respects. We shall witness, how this drama of Shakespearean proportions will unfold in the foreseeable future. In any event, the Middle East will remain a tinder-box. To pity people in Syria. If you ask for a piece of advice - Western arrogance will not be helpful.
The Iran deal was one made in desperation by an outgoing president who wanted a legacy. It is terrible. Unfettered but with a $ 150 billion cash bonus, Iran is still developing centrifuges, developing missile capabilities, funding terrorism and expanding its influence in the Mid-East and the Arabian Peninsula.
President Trump has always said this and is trying to do something about it. Macron agrees.
Trump reverses on an opinion so fast, he should abandon coal and invest in wind turbines.
3
"Trump again assailed the agreement made by the Obama administration as “insane” and “ridiculous.” Trump doesn't read and doesn't attend intelligence meetings. His news source is Fox. Everything Obama did has to be undone. It doesn't matter that our France, Germany and the U.K. really don't want any changes. It took difficult negotiations to put into place the Iran nuclear agreement. This is a crisis manufactured by Trump.
Why should N. Korea sign anything with the US. Trump has proven that anything signed by the US might have to be renegotiated.
3
Coward Trump tells people to their face what they want to hear, but once they turn their back he says the opposite.
1
The Iran deal is toothless, Iran knows it, that's why they don't want to let us out of it.
It holds them to no particular accountability, Trump is right to resend it and put something in place that is stronger, if they don't go along, they most certainly will face strikes in the near term from the United States.
Trump said that in the process so far, Kim has been honorable.
The MSM tries to make that more than it is.
According to the MSM, it is unthinkable to actually conclude the Korean War officially and begin a new era. It is too dangerous. And scary.
Trump fixing what has been a decades long problem would go against the narrative that everything he does is wrong. Can’t have that.
War is beautiful, the new Liberal theme.
1
I have no doubt Trump would look the utter fool if he had to answer simple questions about the Iran deal. Like what is terrible about it? Of course he would not give a straight answer and would refuse necessary follow up questions.
I would love to see him questioned under oath by an experienced trial attorney (about anything!). Maybe Stormy can make it happen, or the New York prosecutors.
3
It's been frequently reported by the European press that Trump is not very well liked in every Western European country, especially France Germany and England. In fact he hasn't traveled to England yet and the reason appears to be he was told the anti Trump demonstrations would be massive. Macron may be killing his own political aspirations by his " romance" so demonstrably evident in his behavior in Washington. I'd like to know how the French press is describing this fawning behavior.
2
The whole Trump presidency is a farce. All along the US and allies had planned follow-up containment of Iran. Nuclear proliferation in the region was considered most important so it was negotiated first.
Then through economic incentives, diplomacy and possibly further treaties Iran would be persuaded to become a better neighbor. It would play out over several presidencies. Better than bombs and war.
Trump has no capacity to understand a strategy of setting the conditions and then letting diplomacy and time play out. He has to made a lot of noise threatening countries so they will comply with his make America Great again Hollywood image of the world.
The world leaders wink saying yes, Mr President you are so smart and then go about doing what they had planned to do all along. Macron and Kim are both doing that but from different sides of the table.
Trump has done that all his life, he crows about his great, genius management of what we now know is a crumbling empire. As a marketing tactic, it has gained him notoriety. He can say he has won, get press coverage that celebrates his loud style and slip out the side door before the scam is up.
I will give Trump credit for uniting the rest of the world together. Unfortunately, it is because they have a common goal to ally against the the United States. Hope the same incentive unites the country against Republicans in November.
4
I certainly hope that the President will stay with the current IRAN deal & then works with our allies to start on the next step with them! Obviously, the current deal was a start & everything is build on a beginning. As the old saying goes " We build on each others shoulders!"
1
Of course the OLD one is "terrible." BECAUSE Trump himself had NOTHING to do with it.
Of course any NEW one would be "better" because Trump had EVERYTHING to do with it.
1
He is going to claim that he successfully negotiated adding stronger provisions to the deal, when in fact those provisions were always part of the deal but they weren't covered on Fox News.
3
Kim is honorable? Compared to whom? Compared to Trump I would grant you. Impossible to negotiate a deal with a guy like Trump - DACA, Healthcare, stiffing contractors, bilking people for his fake university, false claims of charitable donations, the border wall that Mexico is supposed to pay for - those are only the ones I can remember in 10 seconds. His life is a crime - filled with deceit, cruelty to others, largesse. It boggles the mind that Macron has to figure this Rubic's Cube of immorality out, just so that we avert the next twitter tirade, or worse yet, the next war we can't afford.
1
Wait a minute!
First Trump is cancelling the nuke deal with Iran.
Now he's for renegotiating a NEW deal?
What's tomorrow?
2
There’s much bonhomie during this state-visit, and Trump loved what he heard from Macron – that the nuclear with Iran needed to be “fixed.”
It remains to be seen whether Macron can translate words into actions, and whether the other two signatories – the anti-West China and Russia – will agree to impose permanent restrictions on Iran's uranium enrichment, and to rein in Iran's influence on militant groups in the region such as Hezbollah.
The chumminess between the two shows that Macron is a smooth operator, and he knows the influence of personal engagement with his host. However Trump has a bizarre way to shower his fondness on a head-of-state. He brushed “dandruff” he claimed discover off his guest’s suit. Whether Macron felt humiliated by this bout of unexpected attention, he certainly put on a brave face, and focused on something more important – the goal of his visit.
2
The Iran nuclear deal was a success for international diplomacy. It ended the Iran nuclear program, and provided a way to move forward peacefully. Trump is catering to the right-wing pro-war zealots in his party when he complains about the agreement. There are people in the armaments industry and the Israeli government who would love to see him start a war with Iran. The US Congress should take away his war powers now, before it's too late.
44
The Iran nuclear deal was a very good one and I would say that if it was done by the George W. Bush administration. However, Trump wants to undo everything and anything Obama did because Obama made fun of him at the White House correspondent's dinner a few years ago. What a small, petty man Trump is. Also dangerous.
2
Pulling out of Iran deal now would be so undiplomatic since we are about to meet with North Korea- unless we walk when we do not get everything we want- and there is no coherent diplomatic approach to anything- Syria, the rest of the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan, tariffs, etc.- so why should be be surprised at this hidden agenda. Maybe Macron should say to get out-then Trump might do just the opposite.
8
Mr. Trump is disgusting. He cannot ever admit that anything a predecessor, especially Mr. Obama, did was worth anything. The Iran deal was very hard won by very hard work not only by the Obama team, but by our allies. No, it's not perfect or even great, but it put a hold on Iran's nuclear program - a great accomplishment. For Trump to so lightly toy with it ('maybe I will' or 'maybe I won't) is, to say the least, highly irresponsible. But, then, the man has only one goal - Trump wins - which has to mean, in his mind, that everyone else must be a 'looser.' If this country is included in that loss, it does not matter as long as 'Trump wins.'
37
One can only hope Iran will put its resources into developing its economy and industry and avoid pouring its resources into the military. If Trump wants something else the Iranians should demand some sort of economic benefit. One would hope the Iranians realize the US military industrial complex is not a good model for economic development as we are learning. The Chinese or Singapore model appears far better. Iran is way too large for Israel or the US to be able to militarily prevail long term. The population of Iran is greater than Germany`s at the close of World War 2. The country is far larger. We had a million men in Germany during the occupation post war. Look at the disasters in Iraq and Afghanistan to get a sense of what awaits the the US in Iran if we let the armchair neocon warriors in Washington make the decisions.
6
Iran has been putting a lot of resources over the years in its economy even when under western sanctions and has shown an amazing resilience and innovative capacity. Part of the deal when lifting sanctions was to permit Iran to access more capital and investment from abroad. US banks are prohibited from dealing with Iran and it has been difficult to arrange debt financing structures even for European exports since many of the large European banks operating in the U.S. fear U.S. retaliation.
5
Now how do we calculate the rapport de similitude between Donald Trump and Emile Macron? In both cases, political existence is predicate. While Trump – the macho, old vaudevillian, loquacious and mendacious – is ever ready to pitch an unlikely story, Macron – the new, primo ballerino – dances a great fairy tale. No wonder they get along: one can only admire beauty for taming the beast.
9
His name is Emmanuel Macron, not Emile.
At best the deal is considered the best of bad deals leaving a lot of holes re Iran's nuclear development and at best is basically stopgap.
So why would anyone support it?
Because Iran is a destabilizing element in the Middle East, fostering war and terror. If they were to go nuclear, that would be even worse.
So why is the deal bad? precisely because it leaves Iran as a destabilizing element giving it carte blanche to foster war and discord in the Middle East.
As has already been pointed out on these pages
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/15/opinion/war-syria-iran-israel.html
Iran is going to cause the next war here.
So you have a bad deal, stopgap that allows Iran to continue to engage in war and terror.
Seems like a "new deal" would be better than what exists at the moment.
5
Joshua--as a veteran commenter you've noticed that a real shooting war between Iran and Israel is precisely what these bloggers want. Care to venture a guess as to who would get blamed for instigating this war? It wouldn't be poor misunderstood Iran that's for sure.
1
Mr.J.Schwartz:Try reading the nuclear agreement and consider whether a ten year agreement ( renewable) is really 'stopgap'? And whether an alternative was available? And now whether an additional agreement may not be the best way to go. Opinions are fine but reflexive propaganda is not.
2
Sure, Joshua. But is no deal better than a bad deal?
1
He is grest at "muster thr Bluster"
But "Seal the Deal?" we'll see
2
Trump is just learning what was in the Iranian deal...sad.
29
What more can anyone say or write about the man in the White House? Now he's calling Kim Jong-un "very open and very honorable". Doesn't seem like there is ANYTHING - not one thing - that this man won't say, distorted and infested with lies though it might be, to give himself some momentary satisfaction. My one question is: WILL this country survive until either an election or an impeachment rids us of this pestilence?
37
What’s the French word for “cringe-worthy”?
19
Don't worry ... he'll change his mind later tonight ... or in the next 5 minutes...
18
President Obama knew the current Iran deal was worth signing because his Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, a nuclear physicist, understood exactly how the terms of the deal would block all of Iran's paths toward a nuclear bomb. Don't worry, though. Donald Trump has Rick Perry.
122
Can you imagine if Obama had said "Mr. Trump even praised Mr. Kim in strikingly positive terms, calling the head of one of the world’s most authoritarian governments “very open and very honorable.” He would be impeached and convicted before the end of the week. How does this guy get away with such crazy and stupid statements? We are numb now?
28
Trump should ask the Americans currently or in the past held in North Korean prisons how honorable Kim Jong Un is. He should ask the family of the American who died shortly after release. He should ask the constant stream of defectors who enter South Korea at great risk how honorable Km Jong Un is. He should ask the South Koreans who were bombarded on a South Korean island by Kim Jong Un’s request. He should ask the Japanese who have long implored the “Dear Leader” on the fate of their citizens kidnapped by the North. Personally, I don’t think Trump has a clue about any of these things. By his own behavior, Trump certainly has shown he has no clue what the word “honorable” means.
25
Glad to see that President Trump is taking counsel from one of our most important European allies. Macron is proving to be a wise and effective leader. The two working together should only be encouraged.
6
A new Iran deal is not available. Iran barely agreed to the current one and will not agree to any changes that expand restrictions. Trump has no basis for judging the current deal. He bashes it only because someone else negotiated it. It's what he does. Maybe someone will engineer a "new deal" that doesn't really alter the terms or alters them in Iran's favor. Trump wouldn't have the slightest idea what was really going on. He would leap at the chance to take credit for "fixing" the "ridiculous" agreement.
49
Yes, the NEW DEAL should include clauses that RECOGNISE Iran as a Nuclear Power; which by UNIVERSAL agreement will have twice the nuclear firepower of America. Now that would be a deal.
It doesn,t have to be a better deal. Trump only needs it to be his deal and not Obama's deal.
29
Exactly.
2
"In one odd moment in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump even brushed what he said was dandruff off Mr. Macron’s jacket. “We have to make him perfect,” Mr. Trump said, adding, 'He is perfect.'”
For Mr. Trump, such a deportment is not "odd" at all. Any psychologist with a head on his/her shoulder will tell you that backhanded compliment such as this one, when given in public, is intended to belittle, or to be condescending of, its receiver. It is a basic weapon in bullies' arsenal.
51
I suspect that just adding Mr. Dotard's last name to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Agreement would suffice to make him happy. Then Iran would probably demand a change to cleanse the name. In minutes we'd have the Trump Islamic Republic Nuclear Nonproliferation Agreement, without changing even a comma of the content.
8
I stand by my earlier comment that the Iran nuclear deal only postpones Iran's development of nuclear weapons by 10 years as of when the deal went into effect in 2015-2016. Even the experts interviewed on NPR today said the same. So I am not wrong. I am right. As always. I am right. Thank you.
1
And if we get rid of that 10 year counter goes to zero. What’s better?
7
And they could break the treaty tomorrow and start developing them again if they wanted to. You're the one that's always right, apparently, what's your alternative?
1
And you alone can fix it, right?
1
From Chomsky:
There is much fevered debate as to whether Iran might have violated the JCPOA, contrary to the firm conclusion of [the International Atomic Energy Agency] Director General Yukiya Amano on March 5, 2018, that "Iran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments." But we hear virtually nothing about US violations, though these have been clear enough. Thus the JCPOA commits the signers to support the successful implementation of the agreement, including in their public statements, and to refrain from any adverse effect on trade and economic relations with Iran that conflict with their commitments to successful implementation of the JCPOA. The US has been in flat violation of all of these commitments, which have serious consequences.
14
Trump praised Macron, then said he had dandruff and reached over to flick it off - in front of the media, in front of a world audience. Then he pronounced Macron perfect. Yes, that happened. A pitiful attempt to diminish Macron and establish his superiority. Wouldn’t it be nice if he competed by doing the hard work of coming up with a better plan?
79
Maria, perhaps Trump's action reflect Our (American) downward slide for electing such a insensitive oof to the Presidency.
Wishful thinking all around. What makes Trump and Macron believe that Iran will agree to all these new restrictions unless they get what they want in return.
Trump and the rest of the American establishment has been mad at Iran since their puppet was sent packing in 1979, and the Iran leadership knows that nothing will mitigate that, ever. So any agreement that is reached with Iran short of reimposition of a Shah will just be violated at will by the US. There will never be an end to the political posturing in the US at election time as to who is tougher on Iran, and that includes Democrats.
The Iranian moderates have failed in their attempts to engage the West, so we’ll see what th West does when Iran pulls out or the ageement. Cruise Missiles, anyone? Followed by what reaction?
5
Trump can't visualize two problems concurrently. One shiny thing at a time.
With great pride Trump has used the Iran Treaty fiasco as a means of demolishing any chance he has at achieving a Treaty with Kim in North Korea. Kim, with excellent justification, fears for his very existence. Nuclear weapons are his ace card for himself and his family to continue to exist.
What fool would believe that Kim would surrender his nuclear weapons, his guarantee of his very existence, to a President who can, upon a whim, discard a Congressionally ratified treaty with Iran, when Iran is adhering to the very letter of that treaty.
There is no doubt that Iran may be the epitome of evil in exporting terror, but they are living up to the terms of the treaty. The analogy between NK and Iran is good. NK is also an exporter of weapons for tyranny. But the present furor is over Kim's nuclear weapons just as the Iran treaty was over nuclear weapons.
If Trump wants an open, above board and believable negotiation with Kim, he needs credibility. His mercurial character has already destroyed most of that. If Kim agrees to anything, it is most likely that he'll keep some nukes and missiles hidden and otherwise refuse to obey the terms of his agreement. He'll do and say what he needs to sustain his existence, just as Trump behaves the same way to Make Trump Great.
12
Two key facts:
(1) The nuclear agreement with Iran is not a treaty, and (2) Congress didn't ratify it.
I would question the contention that it's primarily Iran which is exporting terror.
Without exception, all Islamic terrorist attacks in the West, have been carried out by Sunni Muslim Salafists, inspired by the Wahabist teachings of Saudi Arabia. None have been carried out by Iran or any other Shia Muslims.
1
Macron's idea of a new deal to cover these additional issues is a better way than throwing away the deal we do have for the important things it covers.
The big problem is that Macron only talks about half a deal, meaning what is wanted from Iran. What about the other half, what is offered to Iran in exchange?
Iran wants conventionally armed ballistic missiles not because they are better than an air force, but because it does not have an air force and can't reasonably get one. It deters against air strikes. So what protection is Iran to have against air strikes from the many who threaten them? Israel, Saudi Arabia, the US, all have threatened strikes. "Trust us?"
Iran cannot really give up "terrorism" because it is not the terrorist nation. Many in the West say that, over and over again, but it just isn't true. Worse, there is a terrorist nation, and it is Saudi Arabia. What could they do to "stop" what they are not doing, but we are doing?
Iran does support the Palestinians. Are we expecting to force further abandonment of them? Is that something around which the world will unify? What is to be offered instead? A Peace Process?
Iran does support forces in its neighborhood that resist aggression against them, in Syria and in Yemen. That would stop if the West stopped attacking. What does the West offer, surrender?
So Macron has not talked about the real problem. No mention of what Iran might do or what it might get for it. Just "a deal." Very Trump like, but nonsense.
21
Macron is smart enough not to confuse Trump with details. Just headlines.
If the deal Trump offers Iran is anything like the peace deal he offered the Palestinians, drawn up by his bankruptcy lawyer cum UN Ambassador to Israeli , approved by AIPAC, we're looking at regime change again , ka ching.
Trump is without a doubt the dumbest most uninformed president one can imagine. He is led around by the nose and forgets what he said moments before. He seems to suffer from adult attention deficit disorder. He invites ridicule.
38
"In one odd moment in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump even brushed what he said was dandruff off Mr. Macron’s jacket."
Thus establishing himself as the alpha-dog of disgusting weirdness between the two men.
25
Generally speaking, we've seen this scenario over and over. Vigorously bad mouth .......... (fill in the blank). Let that swirl around for a while. Then "reconsider". Some way to run a country.
4
“We’ll see what happens...Time will tell.”
1
Trump holds a grudge against the whole Europe because they never offered him a good deal on real estate. That is the the lens Trump sees other people. He loves other authoritarians because he can make deals with them under the table and invest other people’s dirty money. Not in Europe.
17
So maybe the path to world peace is a Trump tower in Tehran and Pyongyang.
As I watched Trump on TV today, my impression was that he looked like a Russian thug......his demeanor, facial expression. He appears ignorant about what 'denuclearization' means and he seems not to understand the Iran nuclear deal. and, based on that, he wants to work around it. He is a man having temper tantrums because all things are not going his way. I suspect he is holding secrets on people, he uses it and gets things his way.
24
Trump has no idea of what he is going to do. By being 'unpredictable' he just hedges his bets and hopes he comes out on top.
It might work in real estate, but this foolishness is probably going to come crashing down on everyone's head but his and his family.
12
My first reaction to the many sudden overtures of peace from DT to countries including DPRK and Iran, is to make certain there are no benefits or side payoffs for Trump or the Trump Organization in any agreement with any country, including Russia, etc., covering pardons, payoffs, real estate, favors, and so on. Trump is the same as the NYC subway system - expect rats on the tracks.
4
"Nobody knows what I’m going to do on the 12th, although Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea,”
It's a cliffhanger! Stay tuned, folks! Same time next week, same channel! Haha! Donny, what an entertainer! Clearly, what has been lacking from nuclear security and Middle Eastern affairs is a little mystery and excitement!
22
There is no official US position on this until President Hannity signs off.
15
I hope, President Emmanuel Macron step up to this bully. I hope he will not stand on ceremony and political correctness and be bulldozed by this uncouth President who will have no qualms to throw a tantrum and believes he is Caesar. Macron should give what he gets and then some if the French are even slightly slighted. He has more to lose from the French by making compromises with this lone ranger wrecking ball.
4
Evidently Trump simply refuses to understand. There will NOT be a "New Deal" on Iran. He thinks he can get anything he wants if he simply bullies enough.
8
Macron will soon learn that he is being played by Trump. We've seen this show before, albeit without the ridiculous mini-parade.
7
“Nobody knows what I’m going to do on the 12th, although Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea,”
Please read the above statement carefully. I wonder if Mr. Trump does appreciate that this statement contains an explicit contradiction. Either he has a questionable grasp of the English language or he is unable to think coherently.
4
I've never seen anyone contradict himself as much as Trump does. It must be a side effect of not buying into the whole concept of an objective reality.
1
In order to understand his decision to reinstate economic sanctions against Iran we simply need to enumerate Trump’s defining characteristics. Whatever Iran may or may not have done is irrelevant.
In order of significance:
Malevolence. Above all his heartfelt desire, clearly driven by personal hatred, to reverse all of Barack Obama’s achievements.
Willful ignorance. Trump’s grasp of affairs in the Middle East is based solely on watching television news, Fox News no less. He doesn’t read; or listen to briefings; or have any desire to let actual experts try to educate him. So what if Iran has scrupulously abided by the terms of the deal? So what if Iran’s ballistic missile program, which has no nuclear aspect, is explicitly allowed under the deal? So what if Iran has a legitimate geopolitical interest in the stability and security of its neighbors, above all Syria? So what if sanctioning Iran would create unnecessary hardships for European allies who have benefited from the Iranian oil trade? So what if Iran is in its rights to deny arbitrary access to its military bases? None of this enters his mind.
Malignant narcissism. Trump could care less about the possibility his actions regarding Iran may hasten another disastrous war causing untold misery to millions. Best to keep his own bottom line safe. He owes Sheldon Adelson big time after all. Israel and Sheldon — pandering to them can only be beneficial to his own political future.
Trump is a nightmare.
16
Thank God for that Bastille Day parade. Macron knew he could manipulate Trump with pure sizzle. We have a president with absolutely no substance.
14
“If they restart their nuclear program, they will have bigger problems than they ever had before,” Mr. Trump said.
Does anyone know what that means? More bluster without a plan?
While Iran is causing lots of disarray all over the ME, tearing up the accord will definitely accelerate the nuclear program. And no more inspections.
Trump wants to leave Syria to Iran and Russia. But he sounds like he wants to go to war with Iran.
This is leadership?
13
We may not like it, but Iran as a country has every right to develop nuclear weapons. We, the USA, are not the authority. Obama and Europe made a great deal with Iran. They can't develop weapons for another ten years. Meanwhile (until Trump got in), the idea was to reduce sanctions, improve the Iranian economy, and trade with them, and get them into the family of nations. We have many differences with China, but our trade with them is so important to them that is a stabilizing influence.
8
There is as much chance of Iran leaving themselves defenceless against an attack by one of their enemies as Israel rolling back their settlements in the occupied territory , or in Trump and the Republicans making healthcare more affordable in this country. Any new war and debt will be blamed on the Republicans in future elections.
14
When Macron leaves for Paris, Trump will deny any desire to seek an Iran accord. A solid bet.
22
I guarantee Trump can't specify why the Iran deal was bad, or anything else for that matter. He's just reflexively anti-Obama.
29
Any discussion of the fact that there is no plan B?
Just like the current administration: chaos, no discussion of reality and what comes next...this is just insane.
13
What is this, a reality show? Tune in next week to find out what I have decided about the Iran agreement? Will I support it or dump it? See the coming attractions. Disgusting to trifle with the American people on an issue with world consequences.
15
The problem is, most Americans have seen this before from Trump, so they are just tuning out. Meanwhile, his henchmen in all the agencies are rolling us back to the dark ages.
3
So now the fat little Rocket Man is "very honorable." This is good to know because up until now this very honorable man has starved those among his own people whom he hasn't executed or who serve in the upper reaches of his lethal administration, or who march in his ludicrously oversized armed forces.
Honorable is the man who shoots commercial aircraft carrying innocent civilians out of the sky or who applies nerve gas to the face of a half-brother posing no threat to him in the airport of a foreign nation.
Honorable is the man who slays his political opponents by tearing their bodies apart with anti-aircraft gunfire or who fires live artillery, unprovoked, at civilian targets beyond the border of his own country, or who imprisons an entire national population in the world's largest outdoor, open-air museum.
Honorable is such a man, and honorable is the very stable genius who calls him "honorable."
18
Human beings have given us to think about the benefit of each one of us who only think about ourselves and we do not weigh that through wars we only affect one, but rather people who seek a peace for the safety of their families and acquaintances. But there will be people in the world in which the decisions they make against different people will bear fruit that in the face of that ribality between them they do not realize who affects them more if they or the people who really do not even know about the desperation that each one in this battle manages to observe all the affectations that causes, we could say a bomb which affects the citizens who are close and die in which they did not rumble anyguilt of what has been achieved of those human beings who have not reasoned about what they can affect.
1
I think is going to be the same deal except that this time is going to be “his deal”, he just feels the need to undo everything Obama did wether it was bad or good it doesn’t matter.
11
So here we are...
Our United States will be back in the TPP
Our United States will not leave NAFTA
Our United States will not back out of the Iran Deal.
Our Unites States will support DOCA
Our United State will be voting
Thank you President Obama for looking forward, we miss you
23
Certainly Macron knows that when Trump says he would be open to a new deal with a bit of tweaking here and there that should not read that this know-nothing of a president (ours not France's) will NOT pull out of the original agreement. We will find out soon what Trump's decision will be. There are three possibilities to consider: He will vacillate until the minute before he makes his announcement. That of course is dependent on his mercurial moods, i.e., no intelligence necessary only his emotional make-up at that time. Secondly, he is only posturing now to appease for a short while not only Bibi but his rabid supporters who hated anything and everything Obama. Or, lastly, and most disturbing, is that he listens to those insatiable hawks Bolton and Pompeo. Just one more day, week, and month to lose sleep over...
11
President Macron, thank you for your visit. Any positive influence on our present president is most appreciated by the citizens of the USA. Keep your sense of humor, remain patient. Most Americans do understand that human-caused climate change is real, that a treaty with Iran and possible future friendship is better than an antagonistic refusal to talk. The US is sick at the moment, but with help from the world, we'll get better.
16
Thankfully Macron has talked sense into the imbasil. Now he'll spin and deny and lie.. but in the end.. Macron talked sense into the imbasil.
6
Hey Press corp...could you quit asking about Cohen pardons, and ask POTUS, what EXACTLY he does not like about the Iran deal? Not what he feels, but could he please quote a few sections that he doesn't like and why!?!?!?
Im so sick of his bluster, and no one pressing him for details. How hard is it to ask the President, what the specifics are that so upset him?
We know he dislikes it, and most everything else ever done by any pervious president. We know he deems the deal; terrible, really bad, the worst ever...but exactly what is terrible, bad and the worst?!?
Details press corp. Stop asking the "stupid question" (re; Cohen) and ask him to detail what he knows about the Iran deal.
And if he uses the term "destabilize", ask him about his comments that the US are not innocents in doing the same...!
Press the guy to be specific!
33
That might require some journalistic skills. Or a good shrink.
Trump doesn't seem to understand that the only way we got the deal that exists is because 10 nations, including major Iran trading partners Russia and China, helped close down Iran's access to the international banking system. And the only reason they were willing to participate was to avoid more nukes. The world knows Iran funds what we call terrorism. The rest of the world simply doesn't want them doing so with nukes in their arsenal. They gave up the nukes and went back to their old ways. That was the only deal that could be had. China and Russia certainly will not help with further sanctions. They'll continue trading with Iran and if the US withdraws from the deal, it will allow Iran to resume nuke production, but now aided by China and Russia. Further sanctions without the strength of the entire group (a union, as it were) are practically meaningless. It's a very bad play on Trump's part. This is why we used to have diplomats.
10
There is never any one deal to be had unless you want to be had.
This article is the first one I have seen for many years that deals with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). it is important, because the NPT is the basis for all dealings with Iran regarding it's nuclear program.
The original UN sanctions on Iran we're framed as "confidence building" measures to insure that Iran was not engaging in nuclear weapons development--prohibited by the NPT. There was not then, nor is there now any evidence that Iran had, has or will have a nuclear weapons program despite what Benjamin Netanyahu's and John Bolton might say.
North Korea was a signatory to the NPT but withdrew. That is when they developed their nuclear weapons.
Non-NPT signatories aside from North Korea are India, Pakistan, and of course, Israel, all of whom have nuclear weapons arsenals.
So, if Trump torpedoes the JCPOA there is little incentive for Iran to remain in the NPT. The other non-signatories have all done very well with Trump--even North Korea now, recently on Trump's "good list." Iran might still refrain from launching a nuclear weapons program if it withdraws, but by analogy, it would Garner more respect from the U.S.
So, go ahead, Mr. Trump. Destroy the JCPOA. You will have made the world more dangerous for no reason whatever, except to satisfy your ego.
11
Well so far there is no evidence, yes. Maybe if inspectors were allowed to make spot visits or visit Iranian self-labeled "military instillations" who knows? In other words "You are prohibited to look at the mostly likely places,and never allowed to look anywhere until we say so, but don't hold your breath. " aka: Swiss Cheese.
IAEA inspectors verify continually that they have had full access to every category of site that is specified in the NPT and the JCPOA. The Trump administration is claiming that sites that are not included in the inspection protocols are being "hidden," which is a distortion. Moreover, Nikki Haley couldn't even name one site that "needed inspection" when pressed. These claims that Iran has not allowed inspections are lies, and the call for additional sites not only totally exceeds any agreement to which the United States and iran are signatories, they are also imaginary at this point--a total straw man argument
7
Oh please. You can always ask to see any installation you want and if they refuse then you can say they are not in compliance. Further, creating bomb quantities of fissionable material is a rather complex procedure which would be impossible to hide.
1
As I understand from French media, It's a “new deal ... to exist alongside the three year-old deal that restricts the country’s nuclear program".
So what is the big deal - there is none.
1
I expect that Trump would agree to continue the Iran nuclear deal in exchange for a bust of himself along the Champs Elysees. Please, please humor him Emmanuel.
8
It's a pity that the world isn't as concerned with constraining America's arms industry as it seems to be with Iran. With our flagrant aggressive nation building and run-amok capitalism, we represent a far bigger threat to stability and peace than does Tehran.
4
Remind me again, is San Franciso stil part of the United States? Makes you wonder.
2
Trump should not mess with Iran before he achieves the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula...keep focus on what you start and deliver what you brag about...And by the way, there are a lot of problems not yet solved in Puerto Rico, you remember this American island hurt by a hurricane, don't you?
6
This should not be up to one man. A deep misunderstanding of the Iran agreement is the basis of this tough guy stand. What would he do if we were in Iran's position? Would the United States allow any international body to inspect their nuclear program? Its a ludicrous thought. He is a sad and ridiculous man who believes he is the only one who matters. The doomsday clock ticks closer to midnight.
8
Sure, Donald. How about opening your mind, and closing your mouth. Please, try it for just 24 hours. I dare you.
8
Trump and Bolton are swarming, looking for someone to attack. Trump needs to distract everyone before the midterm elections. Will it be North Korea? Maybe not, since their leader is willing to flatter our president. Maybe it will be Iran since Trump's buddies the Saudis are gearing up for their big religious war. Trump is being tricky, his excuse for intelligence and it looks like Iran, which is headed for ecological disaster anyway, is going to be the big loser here.
1
'“Nobody knows what I’m going to do on the 12th, although Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea,” he said, turning to Mr. Macron, who winked at him in silent reply. “But we’ll see. But we’ll see also if I do what some people expect, whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations.'
My god, our president is a babbling moron.
18
Wouldn't a new Iran deal be fantastic if it included a Trump Tower and a Trump golf course?
4
$100 for a barrel of oil, that's the plan. Putin, the Saudis and the Kochs will rejoice. Get ready for $4 a gallon gasoline for your pick ups Trumpkins.
2
$4 a gallon is already here in California.
1
402 in Hawaii regular
1
Macron’s offering to expand the existing deal in exchange for preserving it. Silly boy. Trump should cancel tonight’s banquet and instead hand him a baguette. Hopefully Angela will do better. Like offering to snip the deal ahead of Trump.
1
It's a scam to toss the deal Obama made and come up with another one he can put his name on. Nevermind the ploy could cascade into global nuclear proliferation and conflict. Reckless narcissism.
7
Trump thinks he is a dealmaker? What a joke. Instead, he's an inarticulate amateur with an incoherent idea of what negotiations are, never mind the high stakes at this level.
5
How many deals are 'the worst deal ever"? Trump won't get a deal incorporating all of the things he thinks Iran needs to be reigned in on. It will be a total failure on his part. But he will perisist because it is an Obama legacy and everything Obama did has to be dismantled to pay for Trump's humiliation at the correspondent's dinner. What a way to run foreign policy. What an idiot.
8
Trump will have a hard time in containing Iran since the nuclear deal Iran was given under Obama. Trump will not be able to get more sanctions or tougher sanctions on Iran because it would cost Europe/EU to much in business. As it is Europe/EU will make billions of Iran. The current nuclear deal is not prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon only delay it a few years and at the same time Iran is continuing its development of its rocket
So, yes, Trump is willing to work with Europe/EU to bolster the agreement to slow or stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Now Iran will still develop it rocket system under the guise for launching satellites. Even these satellites will have a military application though.
1
Proof no longer required......it is the last person in the room
1
Marcon, Merkel, May, repeat as needed until the Iran deal is preserved. And keep Bolton far away from it all!
2
I find it ironic that all the parties negotiating the terms for Iran not developing nuclear weapons already have them themselves. Perhaps it would be simpler for the same to just ban together and nuke Iran off the face of the earth. Then there’s nothing not to develop anything.
2
Macron is young and I wonder if he has spent much time in the US? I hope he doesn't think most Americans are like Trump. I don't want to be associated with Trump in any way.
8
I think he has his number. Had it before the last meeting, when he came prepared to best Trump at his juvenile hand-shaking game.
3
Macron, Merkel, Trudeau, Xi, Abe, they all know Trump's game- and Putin's. Change cannot get here too soon... November!
Trump wants to renege on this agreement and in doing so , give Iran the ability to develop military nuclear with no international supervision whatsoever. Now why is that ?
No, I believe Trump is on record as wanting greater supervision. The current "deal" has nothing more than window dressing. You might well ask now what is that?
Trump might well signal openness to a ‘new deal’ to constrain Iran, but Iran is in no way ready to re-deal. Iran did its wheeling and dealing in the early part of the current decade. It has made very clear that it has no intention of revisiting simply because a single nation in a coalition of five others now chooses to renege.
8
“Nobody knows what I’m going to do on the 12th, although Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea,” he said, turning to Mr. Macron, who winked at him in silent reply. “But we’ll see. ..."
Trump is treating this like a reality show. He has no understanding of the agreement, but he does understand his audience. He is creating a kabuki theater for Republican know-nothings. I hope that Macron understands how to influence Trump and can steer him into some level of sanity.
8
No deep analysis required: President Obama was for it which means Trump and his base are against it.
18
What a love affair between president Trump and the young clever unafraid Macron - these two constantly touching one another between honeyed assurances of mutual esteem. True Macron is the one European leader to have shown Trump a bit of genuine kindness a respect he is not used to. Let alone Macron in 2017 treated Trump to the Paris glitter of its 14th of July festivities. And nowadays Trump is the first US president ever to practise" la bise" i.e. kissing men and women on both cheeks exactly as we do in Paris for hello and goodbye and as seen on television during this state visit. France is it. Hard cheese for the British.
Leave it to the French for charm. I can't explain the poodles then.
Ha ha. "Trump signaled"? What is that? A tweet, some rhetoric from S. Sanders, what?
Trump will flip flop on this many more times, and then one day, he'll be watching Fox, and boom, he'll arrive at his decision. Not too hard to guess what he'll do... of course, whether it actually can be done is another thing.
Surely, at this point, no one takes Trump's word seriously, do they?
Well, except for Rand Paul maybe...
... and the base.
7
Macron wisely steered Trump to a separate deal on halting Iran develop rockets.
Let him work there and we’ll see how (no)good Trump is.
2
When Trump makes these declarations, I never read that someone follows up to ask him, "Why? What makes Nafta/TPP/the Iran nuclear deal the worst deal ever?" Could it be he has no clue as to the details of these treaties? (That's a rhetorical question). It may not be conscious, but I suspect that's part of the reason he often tweets these inane statements -- so he can't be challenged directly and have his ignorance of the topic made even more obvious.
5
I can't guess at the motivations of Macron, but he'll certainly realize that Trump knows next to nothing about the Iran "deal". Candidate Trump clearly knew nothing about it, and given his famous intellectual laziness, it's reasonable to assume he's not bothered to learn anything about it in the interim. Now he's in the Oval Office making decisions and taking actions on something that he knows nothing about. We've also learn through observation that Trump is no genius "deal maker" as he's portrayed himself in the tabloids and on reality-tv.
Hope for the best, I guess.
5
It was, in fact, a weak agreement, but as they say, a deal's a deal. No country can rely on anything the U.S. does if it is subject to the whim of the next administration. Especially one as whimsical as Trump's.
1
"A deal is a deal"? Great rationale. Every nation in the history of the world has broken deals, broken treaties, broken agreements, broken promises. Name one that hasn't. Deals are made to be broken.
This wont be the first time that the USA will have to fight a war on two fronts, but it will be the first time that it will have to go it alone.
I believe that if Trump were sat down and told to provide details on the "deal with Iran" it would immediately become clear that he in fact knows absolutely nothing about it. When was candidate ever asked to demonstrate knowledge of anything related to the job of the president?
5
If Trump tears up the Iran deal, the rest of the world should continue to maintain it. Isolating the US is preferable to isolating Iran. The US has to learn that it cannot get its way on this. Even more, this would provide China and Russia with even better opportunities to undermine the US and it would provide North Korea with demonstrable proof that the US' word means nothing.
4
This President undermines virtually any reliability we have had as a nation, both within and without. It seems everything he touches becomes unraveled, which appears to be how he lives his life. As a country, the United States, a nation that the world could generally rely upon as trustworthy, is certain to suffer from a lack of credibility.
3
It sounds like the POTUS is trying to inappropriately build suspense around what he’ll do about the Iran deal. The Iran deal is very important and it should not be played up like it’s an Apprentice episode.
4
This is particularily disturbing I wonder if Jared Kushner is involved with the Iran deal? In any case the Iran deal is not perfect but it deals with tough issues and it was negotiated in good faith.
It’s scary to think that Trump alone can torpedo this important deal just because he doesn’t like it.
3
I'm sorry, what is with the British soldiers? Is this his idea of pomp and circumstance? Because, as far as I knew, we got rid of the British soldiers a very long time ago--even before trump was born.
The red coats are worn by the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
http://www.fifeanddrum.army.mil/
1
Has he clearly stated what is terrible about the existing agreement and a point by point proposal to address his concerns or is the level of discourse more along the lines of "Obama deal bad, very bad, new Trump deal better, best. Ugh!"
3
Put yourself in Trump's place: once he makes a firm decision one way or another, Macron will stop paying so much attention to him. By playing it coy, Trump remains the center of attention... What will he do next? to whom will he give the Rose? Watch him consider the heartfelt pleas next week on this channel!
14
If you think he created a great healthcare plan as he promised during the campaign, you will love his great insight into solving the Iran problem.
23
Any deal signed by this president is not worth the paper it's written on.
42
It's nice to see Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron have such a good relationship. Both are trying to upend staid politics and actually get some things done. They do differ in their political philosophies, but that matters little in that most everyone among the rich countries want the same basic things: peace, prosperity, and freedom.
Best of luck to them both.
3
Peace from the travails of daily existence.
Prosperity for the kleptocracy.
Freedom from consequence.
3
It would be nice if Trump got something easy done first, instead of signing useless EOs.
It is banal to suggest that the carefully developed agreement with the IRI is flawed and reflects nothing more than President Trump's image of himself as a master dealer and judge of successful business interactions. Diplomacy is one thing; sanctions, however, connote business affairs, and this is what the President is trying to convey: that he is more adept at judging affairs of state as a businessman than, say, diplomats are. What is needed, if world peace is to be achieved is a multi-state, concurrent effort at beginning nuclear disarmament. While, if he meets with NK's leader, there are diplomatic efforts made to stimulate India and Pakistan to start talks on nuclear disarmament, then this should provide a stimulus for the rest of the world's nuclear powers to begin similar actions. Threats against Iran do not point towards a genuine desire for world peace; rather towards an exclusive dominance in the area of nuclear arms by the established powers. If there is a chance to achieve a cessation of arms development, it should be taken by all, and not relegated to the whims of power-hungry "individuals" with a destructive proclivity. This multi-layered, overlapping approach should be adopted in a spirit of denying the practical effectiveness of militarism in this specific form, which is a myth.
6
Mr.Macron is savvy.Surely he realizes that Mr.Trump says things in the mood of the moment and the next day has completely changed his mind.Mr.Trump's effusive assurances will last only until his mood turns sour or Mr.Bolton talks him down from any accommodation on the Iran deal.Mr.Trump's mantra is" maybe it will happen, maybe it won't".This is governing by excuses , not governing by conviction.
20
Trumps is painting himself into a corner before he starts listening. It will be that much harder to do something rational afterwards. Not smart tactically nor strategically...
16
That is true Konrad but when does Trump ever do anything rational, smart or with tact?
2
He sure seems to have a lot of corners, I suppose that an Oval has an infinite number of corners.
His name is Trump-not Trumps.
I am sure the world is hanging on your advice-why not run for President?
1
Well at least Macron won't have any dandruff on his shoulder during their talk!
In case you hadn't heard -- Trump said, in front of the cameras, that Macron had dandruff on his shoulder, and that "he needed to be perfect." Then Trump flicked the "dandruff" off.
And they say Trump is boorish.
45
“It’s insane. It’s ridiculous. It should never have been made, but we will be talking about it.”
Who says Trump isn't a clear thinker?
17
I say he is not a clear thinker. The Iran deal puts their nuclear program back 15 years and includes on site inspection. Anybody who thinks it is a bad deal needs to be able to clearly state why it is a bad deal and explain what they would do instead. I will wait for but not expect that you will be able to respond.
15
No military sites are allowed inspection. No limits on ballistic
missile testing, no limits on malevolent behavior affecting our allies and a sunset clause so they can just pick up where they left off ( if they have) from weapon development. Who
is the clear thinker now?
It is a geat deal. I fear however Trump may pull out, then do what Bush did. He may find an inspector who will lie and say that Iran is building nuclear arsenal. Remember Iraq? No WMD, yet Bush/Cheney decided they did, so the war against Iraq started and the resulst is all over the middle east. Trump, an expert on lies, may just decide to bomb Iran. However Iran is not Iraq. Trump better educate himself. Iran is not even as dangerous as the Saudis who are indirectly responsible for 9/11/ He should be more afraid of Pakistan with their nuclear arsenal. And perhaps Israel who for some reason like the murderous Saudi regime and would like to go to war with Iran. Careful what you wish for.
Trump needs a war to bolster his flagging approval ratings, so he will tear up the Iran deal so that he can get us into a war in Iran.
13
Before denouncing the Iran deal on the campaign trial and as President, Trump did not know what the deal provided, why the negotiators agreed to it or what their alternatives were at the time. Trump just used a deal with the "bad foreigners" to attack the Obama administration and con people into believing that there could be a better alternative and that he would bring it about. That the deal was between six western countries who accept the deal and Iran's documented compliance with it means nothing to Trump. People in America are frustrated with the far right wing takeover of the government. This November, a vote for any republican in Congress is a vote for Trump. Don't be a darn fool. Vote for your aunt patootie before you vote for a republican, because a vote for a republican is a vote for Trump.
103
Just like when Obama was running for president in 2008 he said he would cut the debt down in half in the first four years but he actually doubled it in 8 years his excuse was he didn't know how bad it was until he got into the White House so I guess he was talking about something he didn't know about either can't wait for you to bad mouth Obama I'll be waiting
Ya know J,
the recovery would have been faster and even more robust had Mitch McConnell et al not obstructed President Obama at every chance they could.
A faster and stronger recovery would have had increased revenues sooner and reduced outlays such as unemployment insurance etc in the meantime.
I submit that the real blame is not pointed to President Obama, but to McConnell and his cronies.
Why is it that Trump calls every deal that anyone made before him "the worst deal ever"? Are we to believe that the professionals who spent years negotiating NAFTA, the TPP and the Iran nuclear deal are all fools?
93
Either that or Trump and his supporters are all fools. Not a tough choice.
15
Not fools, but yes-men and women to fools.
2
Donald Trump is simply using Ciceronian hyperbole as a rhetorical technique. Funny that so many people still take him literally after all these years.
2
It would be better to allow the French to run our foreign policy than Donald's original idea of allowing the Russians to do it.
117
All this Russian interference came on the Obama's watch but yet the Democrats fail to blame Obama I guess Obama can never be wrong he must have been the Savior you wanted but in reality he was a phony in way over his head
2
Half a loaf is usually better than no loaf at all.
Trump has excelled at bullying and bravado but little else.
If the Iranians are in compliance, there is plenty of time to negotiate part II.
13
There is no such thing as being half-dead.
Macron is quite the character, isn't he? He has worked out all the soft spots. Flattery, physical contact. They agree on everything while disagreeing on everything. What is his game though? It remains to be seen if he will gain anything from all this. Trump is totally self-centered. He reacts very positively to flattery but he also likes to slam on those who flatter him. It's a power game - part of his totally self-centered character.
10
The emperor has no clothes. We know, after almost 1&1/2 years of inane twitter babble, that he has no idea what the Iran deal actually does and doesn’t do. Without that, how can we trust him to make a good decision?
61
He had no idea about nothing; he is only creating havoc on anything he touches...This president is a fraud and a total failure!
4
Obama doesn't know about the deal either just like he didn't know about obama care you like your doctor you can keep your doctor you like your insurance you keep your insurance
One has got to wonder wait bait trump used to get Macron here in the first place. Or maybe he just has so much dirt on Macron that he could not refuse to show up. The only thing trump wants Macron for is to show off his parade and then totally embarrass him in front of the world. I can't believe Macron fell for it. He will have to hang his head in shame when he goes back home. I would love to see trump try to flick dandruff off the shoulder of Putin. trump proves to the world almost every day just how pathetic and disgusting he is.
6
Macron seems to know just how to play Trump. Should be interesting to see whose positions win out.
8
The Iran nuclear agreement is “terrible” because it was signed by a black president.
French president Emmanuel Macron must realize this. Perhaps he can explain some elementary points (not the finer subtleties because they would escape the wandering apprehension of this American “president”) of statecraft to Donald Trump. Perhaps President Macron can persuade his infant terrible host to drop his rattle and stop throwing food at the wall long enough to get across that by killing this deal, he cannot reasonably expect Kim Jong-un to think he will honor a deal with him.
But how does an adult reach a child?
19
Donald Trump knows as much about the nuclear deal with Iran as he knows about the writings of Voltaire. Nothing. "It's a terrible deal!!" Why is it terrible? Because intelligent men negotiated the deal? In his opening remarks, Macron mentioned historical connections between France and the United States that Trump has never known. Trump had no idea what Macron was referring to when he mentioned Lafayette, Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson, WWI. The difference between Macron and Trump is like the difference between Einstein and a kindergartner. Trump is a buffoon who was elected by the worst angels of our nature. Trump can no more have an intelligent conversation on Iran, Syria or open markets, than he can about nuclear physics. Trump is ignorance personified in a suit. The difference is very stark when a learned, intelligent, engaged leader like Macron is sharing the podium with our national disgrace.
167
“Trump is ignorance personified in a suit.”
And an ill-fitting suit at that.
6
Intelligent men AND women negotiated the deal.
3
'' Trump had no idea what Macron was referring to when he mentioned Lafayette, Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson''
Wrong. Wrong wrong. Those are all squares or parks where statues and fountains could be razed and Trump Properties could better occupy the real estate. And then be sold for cash to shell corporations.
STUPID POTUS! STUPID, stupid man child. He never read any of the intelligence briefings, has no idea where Iran is on the map and fails to understand any long-range strategy. He truly is a destroyer - neither a builder nor a uniter. He is, as always, unfit for office of any kind. Even the idiots he has appointed ar smarter than he is, but almost as crooked.
74
The Obama's plan was so much better World Peace but wait he was thier for 8 years and the world is worse off now than it was before but what happened , he's is sooo smart ,oh yea he really not that smart
1
J,
World is a real mess now because of Trump...
4
J; It's all about EDUCATION and critical thinking ability (plus, of course, a moral compass, responsibility and concept of PUBLIC SERVICE) and not narcissistic delusion. Stop being a Trumpet and blaming everything on Obama and the Democrats. TRUMP is the problem here, and he is an insult to all Americans.
4
I'll wager Trump doesn't even know what is in the Iran deal. He doesn't read and has the attention span of a gnat.
100
Trump, like most bullies, is too cowardly to confront an equal face to face. He will smile and agree when he is with Macron in private. He and Macron will then make public statements that sound hopeful. Then, when Macron goes home and and anti-Iran folk start yelling at him, Trump will walk it back.
70
How do you say "This guy is has no idea what he's doing!" in French?
37
"Cette homme est avon pas d'idee que il fait." Something like that.
1
Ouf ! and a discreet shrug of the shoulders should do it.
2
'Terrible deal'. What he means is that a group of forward thinking, highly intelligent diplomats and leaders figured out a way to benefit everybody involved, and he can't get accept that it's working without his involvement.
12
We had to dress people up as British soldiers? Really?? Tone deaf to the extreme.
41
Macron has as much chance of talking Trump into remaining in the Iran deal as he had of talking him into remaining in the Paris climate accord.
None!
13
Can’t Trump keep is mouth shut for 5 seconds?
And now today Trump refers to that North Korean mass murder an “honorable man”?
I know Comey doesn’t consider Trump mentally unfit, but morally unfit,
I disagree, Trump is delusional and mentally unstable. Trump is a clear and present danger to the country.
Republicans - sorry, but you have to protect the nation and remove this fool from office.
17
"Terrible" is Trump. Did Bibi get him on the phone again.
8
As always in his dealings Trump has created a situation to his own advantage. He is now waiting for his adversaries to propose something in exchange. If I give up on this what do I get from You? There is no reason to explain why you cannot come back on an international treaty, it will not work. So, what do you have to propose Mr. Macron? A better deal on foreign trade? More support for the military defense of Europe? Nothing....
1
'Insane". "Ridiculous". "Terrible". Trump's judgment on the nuclear deals crafted by all our former presidents for the past 20+ years re Iran. Trump berates the Presidents who served two terms (and one, G.H.W. Bush) before he took office only 15 months ago. Threatening Iran with "bigger problems than they ever had before!", Trump brandished his little broken stick illiteracy during his press conference with Emmanuel Macron in the East Room today. Big sigh. And for the sake of America's e pluribus unum (and the world's) - our sincerest hopes that this president will throw in the towel before the end of his first term.
7
After talking to Trump, Macron will now work with him to change the deal LOL
The Iran nuclear deal does nothing but postpone the inevitable. All it does is postpone Iran’s nuclear program for 10 years, then the deal goes away. Than what? Negotiate a new pact? I agree with President Donald J. Trump, the deal needs to be scrapped, and Iran forced back to the bargaining table. The outcome of new deal must include no nuclear weapons ever, withdrawal of Iranian forces from where ever they are in the world, and end their association with Hezbollah. Thank you.
2
"All it does is postpone Iran’s nuclear program for 10 years, then the deal goes away. Than what? Negotiate a new pact?" .....Where is your brain. If you tear up the deal what are you going to do, negotiate a new pact? Well guess what, whatever your plan is, you can tear up the deal and do it tomorrow, or wait ten years and do exactly the same thing. And if you tear it up tomorrow how are you going to get Russia, China and Europe on board with new sanctions? Tearing it up would be really really dumb.
150
But that's where we were before; Iran had a nuclear weapons program that the world wanted to curtail. And we came to an agreement.
Trump people always assume that Trump has successfully accomplished something before it is started. For example, Trump was going to fix healthcare, and look at what we got. Trump was going to have a responsible spending bill, but it adds over a trillion dollars to the national debt and soaks the middle class and benefits the rich. Trump was going to pull out of Syria, but that is an unknown. Trump was going to bring the best people to work in his administration and over a dozen of them have been kicked out. Trump was going to build an expensive wall with Mexico for which Mexico was going to pay, and now, if there is a wall, we will pay for it.
So what makes you think that any reset negotiation that Trump would have with Iran would have anywhere near an ideal outcome? Why don't you wait to see if North Korea gets to keep its nuclear weapons?
187
But that sums up "Donald J. Trump" in a nutshell: Really, really dumb.
61
Macron, and every other world leader, must be aware that whatever agreement they think they come to, can and will be undone by the toxic personalities on Fox who Trump gives more credibility to than our intelligence agencies. Mr. Macron will be embarrassed by Trump, sure as everyone else in his coterie has been.
124
Macron would prefer to be a friend than a target. As a political strategy that is not a bad one. As he said your president is your decision (and your problem).
14
Macron and many other world leaders are experts at the game of diplomacy, the 45th is a vain man who folds at the merest hint of flattery. No contest.
2
Maybe so, but it seems to me that Macron has His Greatness figured out and he's playing him.
2
Vive la différence.
6
Trump is threatening the Iran deal and Iran directly.
Talk about a man who speaks with a forked tongue.
One minute he wants out of the middle east and the next minute he says that Iran will never restart their nuclear program which means some form of involvement in the middle east.
Never having been a diplomat before you would think that he should look to Europe for guidance but that would mean that he would have to think and that would be a problem.
31
I'm sure that Trump's tart "will be the best ever". As for the "insane, ridiculous" nuclear accord, Trump will undoubtedly trample it as he has done to so many of the accomplishments of the previous administration. Who knows, perhaps he can have an arm wrestling contest with Macron at dinner I'm sure he wants to get even for losing the "death grip" with Macron when he visited France.
An aside . . . the Revolutionary War costumes worn by American troops in front of the White House remind me of Nixon's Secret Service/Palace Guard uniforms. Both Nixon and Trump aspire(d) to be the Imperial Presidencies. Let's hope that the similarities extend to other things as well . . .
18
"WASHINGTON — President Trump on Tuesday decried the nuclear agreement with Iran as a “terrible deal” that failed to restrain threats from Tehran, but said he would use formal meetings with President Emmanuel Macron of France to discuss whether to preserve it."
I hope he has a good French baby sitter.
10
He needs a war—to distract and to rally people to him. A war is likely the only way he and his party win the next elections. I’m sure there are republicans who know this but have made a Faustian bargain to hold onto power. In addition it will largely not be their kids in harms way, but the children of the working class. So they’ll be able to ignore the bodies. As for Trump, he doesn’t care who has to go down to satisfy his ego.
39
I respectfully disagree. A president with Trump's unpopularity cannot go to war without risking serious domestic unrest. The ship has sailed. This administration is in tailspin. Trump will be an isolated lame duck for two years after the mid-terms. He will not run in 2020.
10
Well, at least there's one party that behaves diplomatically and knows how to flatter his narcissistic host. I just hope this isn't the end of a budding friendship with Trump cancelling the Iran deal and then threatening to return the Statue of Liberty as well.
8
Bonne Chance, Emmanuel Macron! You are being subjected to the most boorish behavior by Mr.Trump.He fawns over you and acts as though you are his great friend.His behavior is an embarrassment .Mr Macron,we wish you luck in making him hear your concerns and hope that your superior judgment on the Iran treaty and cooperation on climate change will somehow prevail.In the European tradition you take a world view-Mr. Trump has a narrow,United States centric obsession.He forgets our loyal allies who have come to our side many times.
98
Like that will go over well when you have to talk to North Korea in a few weeks. Good job Trump you made a fool of yourself no one is going to trust you anymore.
67
Obama solution was much better oh wait Obama did not have a solution but he was so smart what happened
1
Truly the most disgusting display of faux bromance I've ever seen.And trump's mini parade utterly absurd.Why does trump do that aggressive,pull victim in,hand shake??Everyday he becomes more ludicrous and he will make Macron a fool when he says no to reupping Iran deal.
72
Macron, and the rest of sane world, will just try to constrain Trump and wait for the next president to move on. China, Russia, NK and the rogue countries will try to exploit Trump insanity.
3
Oh yeah msnbc's Bromance with Obama was much better
1
One has to wonder - does Trump have even a basic understanding of the Iran deal? It appears that his main interest in tearing up the deal is based on his hatred of President Obama.
338
It's not an accident that Trump didn't bother going into specifics how the current deal is "terrible." I doubt he knows, and if he pushed, he'll probably just make something up. After all, that's what he does on every subject from Stormy Daniels to global trade. So long as Donald Trump is President, fact-checkers will always have something to keep them busy.
13
Trying to understand it would have a serious impact on his golf game!
4
This was my initial thought. Why is it "terrible" Donald? Which amendments would make it agreeable to you?
6
In business, Mr. Trump negotiated hard, cut deals, and ultimately, when his projects spectacularly failed, cut his losses, abandoned his partners, stiffed people he owed money too, and used courts and bankruptcy to walk away. He personally come out ahead, while everyone else lost.
One wonders whether he understands what will happen in the Middle East, and world security, if follows the same trajectory in dealing with Iran and their nuclear ambitions.
249
He's already done it to us with his tax cut bill. We, the taxpayers, are the ones being "stiffed" as he walks away with his millions in taxes saved and the national treasury in very serious debt. But to answer your question directly, "No. Donald Trump is a narcissist who only cares about me 24/7 and doesn't care at all about you or me once we've given in to his con game.
36
"In business, Mr. Trump negotiated hard"
I think you mean he bullied, berated and insulted people in an attempt to exhaust them into submission.
11
What makes you think he even cares what happens?
3