Netanyahu, the GOP Armageddon Evangelicals, and Democratic Neo-Cons brought about the Iraq war and the current Clash of Civilizations in order to further their own crazed racist and militant ideology. Normalizing relations with Iran and bringing this disaster to an end is imperative for the majority of the American citizenry which does not share this malign and fanatical agenda. We must reclaim our own good name and cherished ideals from this special interests lobbies and their funders from the Koch Brothers to Sheldon Adelson.
3
I guess it depends on your definition of "low profile." Maybe you think that the recent proclamation by the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, to a crowd shouting "Death to America," of “Of course yes, death to America", is low profile. My dictionary says low profile means "deliberate restraint or modesty." Maybe Ali Khomeini is showing us "tough love."
3
All of us share the same irreplaceable planet. A nuclear war waged anywhere would distribute contaminants over the globe and leave a toxic planet for the rest of humanity. Only the terminally insane envision a "win" in thermonuclear aftermath. Unfortunately, terminally insane people rise to positions of power. It would be good if we could embrace a way to guarantee nonproliferation of these kinds of leaders too.
2
Iran has little to gain by taking a hard line against US at this juncture when the likes of Cruz and other US hard liners are wait in cue to run for our next Presidential race. If they had taken a very hard line of 'no compromise', they will only push the US and the world farther 'right', confirm BiBi's hard line Israel view and may precipitate a war or some open armed conflict to resolve it. President Obama and the others on the negotiating term may be their best opportunity to get some of what they want and need from the world community. They won't get any with many conservatives in many of these countries eyeing for an issue to sell their brand of views which isn't exactly favorable to Iran's longterm recovery.
4
It is in Iran's interest that the unshakeable bond between Israel and United States is weakened by the Nuclear Deal. Or Israel may be in collaboration with the United States to appear at odds with the common goal of stopping Iran's programs. If Iran signs a deal then sanctions will be lifted, and the Iranian government will be national popular.
If the US and Israel have projected a intentional discord then the actors performance are brilliant
If the US and Israel have projected a intentional discord then the actors performance are brilliant
2
Seems to me the Israeli government made a fatal mistake. It assumed that the US populace would always support Israel irrespective of what the government of Israel did. As for the Iranians they assume that every year US relative power is lower than the preceding year. Or to put it another way they think 'Time is on their side' as it is.
1
Actually, Americans support Israel - but Obama does not.
3
It would be funny if it weren't so tragic. The Republican's insist that we cannot trust Iran. That may or may not be so. What has been proven, however, is that we cannot trust Netanyahu and the Israeli's.
2
Israel is the only country in the region we can trust. Do I note a touch of anti-semitism in Lubeck's remarks?
3
I sense no Anti-Semitism at all in John's remark.
1
If you define opposition to any of the Israeli government's actions and policies, you will be labeled by some as "antisemitic." It is time to stop worrying about these careless labelers. The crazies have no clue that the more they carelessly apply hateful labels, the more hurtful it is to the cause of those who are the targets of real antisemitism.
2
Re: "Iran's Hard-Liners Show Restraint on Nuclear Talks With U. S.," news article, March 23, 2015.
It won't be a lapse of political judgment if one asserts that the hard-liners in Iran are beginning to sense that the persistence of the U. S. and its allies in reaching a an agreement with Iran is in that country's best interests. With economic and political sanctions against it relaxed, Iran's economy will take off, following an upsurge in domestic and foreign consumption of its products, especially oil. Equally important, it would save billions of dollars by giving up on its costly nuclear experiments, which, if successful, would invite a military encounter with Israel, as well as Israel's permanent ally, the U. S. What's more, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of Iran's formidable neighbors, and both Sunni nations, would view Iran's emergence as a super Shiite nuclear power with fear and apprehension.
Hey, Iranians, including leaders of the Revolutionary Guard, if the current negotiations between you and the U. S. and its allies lead to a sustainable agreement, you will benefit far more than America and its allies. So follow the dictates of your own ancient wisdom and common sense.
It won't be a lapse of political judgment if one asserts that the hard-liners in Iran are beginning to sense that the persistence of the U. S. and its allies in reaching a an agreement with Iran is in that country's best interests. With economic and political sanctions against it relaxed, Iran's economy will take off, following an upsurge in domestic and foreign consumption of its products, especially oil. Equally important, it would save billions of dollars by giving up on its costly nuclear experiments, which, if successful, would invite a military encounter with Israel, as well as Israel's permanent ally, the U. S. What's more, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of Iran's formidable neighbors, and both Sunni nations, would view Iran's emergence as a super Shiite nuclear power with fear and apprehension.
Hey, Iranians, including leaders of the Revolutionary Guard, if the current negotiations between you and the U. S. and its allies lead to a sustainable agreement, you will benefit far more than America and its allies. So follow the dictates of your own ancient wisdom and common sense.
4
The mission of America might be the proliferation of unbridled capitalism, but the mission of the Iran is the one of civilizing the world, starting with its neighborhood, of course. Militarily occupied Afghania, and “mentally” occupied Pakia, it is hoped will also become successes for Iran, like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen
1
Perhaps the P5+1 do not understand that Iran could run their nuclear weapons program outside of their country ?
It surely worked for an unnamed country in the old S. Africa,
many decades ago.
We now know 2 solid facts: *Iranian military brass and scientists were visibly represented at all the atomic tests in NKorea.
*Iran spent a fortune to build a plutonium reactor in Syria, and not for any "medical research". That reactor was destroyed by the Israeli military in 2007,
apparently against American wishes, citing "lack of credible evidence as a plutonium weaponization plant".
The wilderness of Yemen is the next great place to hide military nuclear program, after NKorea and Syria. Or even in parts of Iraq under Iran's IRGC and Shia' militias rule. The Supreme Leader is patient. The P5+1 cohort is not a match to play Iran's nuclear chess game.
It surely worked for an unnamed country in the old S. Africa,
many decades ago.
We now know 2 solid facts: *Iranian military brass and scientists were visibly represented at all the atomic tests in NKorea.
*Iran spent a fortune to build a plutonium reactor in Syria, and not for any "medical research". That reactor was destroyed by the Israeli military in 2007,
apparently against American wishes, citing "lack of credible evidence as a plutonium weaponization plant".
The wilderness of Yemen is the next great place to hide military nuclear program, after NKorea and Syria. Or even in parts of Iraq under Iran's IRGC and Shia' militias rule. The Supreme Leader is patient. The P5+1 cohort is not a match to play Iran's nuclear chess game.
3
As a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty without nuclear weapons, Iran is a paragon of virtue compared to Israel, India and Pakistan.
As the target of 60+ years of overt and covert regime change war from America, Iran has shown restraint in the face of provocations that have shed Iranian blood and drained Iranian treasure.
Unlike Germany and Japan, Iran has never been an agent provocateur of ethnic sectarian supremacy that has led to world war.
Unlike Israel, Iran is not engaged in an ethnic sectarian supremacist humanity denying occupation, blockade/siege and exile.
As the target of 60+ years of overt and covert regime change war from America, Iran has shown restraint in the face of provocations that have shed Iranian blood and drained Iranian treasure.
Unlike Germany and Japan, Iran has never been an agent provocateur of ethnic sectarian supremacy that has led to world war.
Unlike Israel, Iran is not engaged in an ethnic sectarian supremacist humanity denying occupation, blockade/siege and exile.
9
The final line of the article, a quote from Hamid Taraghi, says it all "Deal or no deal, we (Iran) are at new peaks of our power." That should be enough to scuttle the deal. Iran is a regional hegemon which will stop at nothing to extend its influence. We should have stopped Iran long ago instead of wasting treasure and lives on the ungrateful Iraqis.
4
The Iranian negotiator always has a smirk on his face. The Ayatollah screams "Death to America!". Are we really suppose to take these guys seriously? They want sanctions lifted with little cost to them and they don't mind dragging these 'talks' on forever. It could end up like the embassy hostage situation where they pussy-footed around with Carter but when they saw Reagan was coming they quickly reached a deal. As it was then so it is now, it is the strength of the consequences that will bring a deal. The Chamberlainian approach is not working. The issue with Iran is much bigger than the nuclear program, which is very large. However, we can not overlook their continued sponsorship of ME terrorism. Just as with Chamberlain et all and Munich where they failed to consider the whole picture and extracted what proved to be a bogus promise. That peace deal wasn't dry before it was broken. The stakes are actually much higher in this situation. The potential for large geographies to become nuclear holocausts is real. Netanyahu's assessment is much more accurate and the Mossad much better than our CIA in determining the realities of the current Iranian capability. No wonder our own citizens have so little faith in the administrations ability to negotiate a deal that protects Israel, the USA and the ME.
5
Amazing that the NYT has not reported on the Israelis spying on nuclear talks and then using that information to try to undermine any success of the talks.
http://www.wsj.com/article_email/israel-spied-on-iran-talks-1427164201-l...
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/24/israel-spied-on-us-over-ira...
http://www.wsj.com/article_email/israel-spied-on-iran-talks-1427164201-l...
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/24/israel-spied-on-us-over-ira...
5
Some restraint: The Supreme Leader labels the U.S. President a liar, and calls (again) for death to America. Even Hitler at Munich wasn't that brazen.
The Iranian leadership can't believe its good fortune: It finally has an American administration that will sacrifice anything for a deal.
Here's the key sentence in this article: "In the end, the supreme leader will be the one who benefits from a deal."
That is true. So our president and secretary of state are empowering a religious fanatic who hates Jews, hates Israel, and hates America. Good job, guys!
The Iranian leadership can't believe its good fortune: It finally has an American administration that will sacrifice anything for a deal.
Here's the key sentence in this article: "In the end, the supreme leader will be the one who benefits from a deal."
That is true. So our president and secretary of state are empowering a religious fanatic who hates Jews, hates Israel, and hates America. Good job, guys!
6
Speak softly but carry a big stick! I think I have herd that before!
1
ISIS, North Korea, Iraq, Iran, the taliban, the terrorist, the militant muslims, Sunni militants, Sadam Hussein, Osama Bin Ladin, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, Fidel Castro, and others.....are merely small time homicidal street thugs. These street thugs are small time potatoes who will make noise and name call. The big nuke boys to worry about are the U.S., Russia and China. On Oct. 16, 1964, China detonated its first atomic bomb. Hopefully everyone is also convinced that after the October 1962 missile crisis between U.S. Pres Kennedy and Premier Nikita Khrushchev of the Soviet Union over Cuba's small time street thug fidel castro, that the real power was not fidel, but rather the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Kennedy and Khrushchev came within a hair from pushing the button on a world nuclear war. North Vietnam was nothing without the military backing of Russia.
The real threat is a nuclear holocaust. The main players are the U.S., Russia, and China. Please don't believe the nonsensical Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968. If you do then you probably believe in the tooth fairy as well. As long as all countries of the world continue with their quest for power and control.....the threat of a nuclear holocaust is real...the only question is when.
In a war there has to be an undisputed winner and a loser....otherwise the war continues. Any time an outside arbitrator or mediator steps in and declares peace...it merely fuels the flames of war.
The real threat is a nuclear holocaust. The main players are the U.S., Russia, and China. Please don't believe the nonsensical Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968. If you do then you probably believe in the tooth fairy as well. As long as all countries of the world continue with their quest for power and control.....the threat of a nuclear holocaust is real...the only question is when.
In a war there has to be an undisputed winner and a loser....otherwise the war continues. Any time an outside arbitrator or mediator steps in and declares peace...it merely fuels the flames of war.
1
Peace is not easy. Wars are, but Diplomacy is a hard slog, it may result in achieving the hard fought PEACE. Let us hope that peace would prevail and the Republicans, the Israeli Government, the Sheldon Adelson, the neocons and Fox News would finally be put in their place and the negotiations would bear fruit.
Finally after 14 years of missteps in Middle East, following the lead of Netanyahu, killing and maiming hundreds of thousand we would change the course of our policy from conflicts to cooperation. A brief update could be found on General Clark’s statement here, http://bit.ly/wizarat_GenWClark
Persians are open for business, they have over 80 million people, they need quite a few items from the world and are also able to export a whole lot of industrial goods. Business is good.
Just remember they are not Arabs, they are a bunch of well-educated people. Some of our Physicians who went there returned quite impressed by the skills developed in managing the global health of the nation under sanctions. They are more advanced in Stem Cell research than us as President George Bush imposed a restriction on our scientists to conduct research here on new lines of Stem cells. I wonder what would happen to our scientific community, if Ted Cruz is the Republican choice and Florida happens.
Once the deal is signed we need to thank the President and the Secretary of State for all the hard work to deliver Peace in Middle East in spite of Netanyahu.
PEACE is the answer.
Finally after 14 years of missteps in Middle East, following the lead of Netanyahu, killing and maiming hundreds of thousand we would change the course of our policy from conflicts to cooperation. A brief update could be found on General Clark’s statement here, http://bit.ly/wizarat_GenWClark
Persians are open for business, they have over 80 million people, they need quite a few items from the world and are also able to export a whole lot of industrial goods. Business is good.
Just remember they are not Arabs, they are a bunch of well-educated people. Some of our Physicians who went there returned quite impressed by the skills developed in managing the global health of the nation under sanctions. They are more advanced in Stem Cell research than us as President George Bush imposed a restriction on our scientists to conduct research here on new lines of Stem cells. I wonder what would happen to our scientific community, if Ted Cruz is the Republican choice and Florida happens.
Once the deal is signed we need to thank the President and the Secretary of State for all the hard work to deliver Peace in Middle East in spite of Netanyahu.
PEACE is the answer.
6
Who do those well-educated people hang homosexuals?
2
Suggesting that war is easy and peace is hard is profoundly foolish. As is the notion that peace is achievable as long as the other party wants you dead.
Its a difficult world we live in and nice sounding platitudes won't solve any problems.
Its a difficult world we live in and nice sounding platitudes won't solve any problems.
3
The Mr Obama's speech to the Iranian people was the best move and certainly premature.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei considered the speech as an intrusion into the Iranian politics, so he hardened his position which was good before.
I would suggest Mr Obama to call him and make clear its good intentions to diplomatically excuse himself.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei considered the speech as an intrusion into the Iranian politics, so he hardened his position which was good before.
I would suggest Mr Obama to call him and make clear its good intentions to diplomatically excuse himself.
1
AS I read the War Lobby and Netanyahu apologists' comments, I can only point to the misinformation Campaign by the "Fear & Danger Industry" owned and operated by the Neocons.
Iran is the most important country from India/China to Morocco with over 2500 year history as a Nation and that makes them oldest Political entity on earth as they have seen the Good, the Bad and the Ugly several times during their History and have survived.
Iran's land mass equals France, Spain and Germany combined, is sitting on the most strategic crossroad with enormous resources, a highly educated population and a vast civilization.
Iranians are modernist people who are proud of their culture and cherish science and technology and are the most pro-American Nation in Asia and Africa for that matter.
AS we enter a "Multi-polar World Order", Iran's importance is becoming more pronounced as China and Russia would love to team up with Iran so to advance their own Agenda(s).
Iran's behavior could be best described as a reaction the "External Threats for Regime Change" and as that threat is subsides, it is timely for the US and the EU to strike a Deal and keep Iran in the "Western Orbit".
THIS is a fundamental move based on "Realpolitik" so to maintain Global Peace & Security on our terms in the 21st Century and beyond.
Iran is the most important country from India/China to Morocco with over 2500 year history as a Nation and that makes them oldest Political entity on earth as they have seen the Good, the Bad and the Ugly several times during their History and have survived.
Iran's land mass equals France, Spain and Germany combined, is sitting on the most strategic crossroad with enormous resources, a highly educated population and a vast civilization.
Iranians are modernist people who are proud of their culture and cherish science and technology and are the most pro-American Nation in Asia and Africa for that matter.
AS we enter a "Multi-polar World Order", Iran's importance is becoming more pronounced as China and Russia would love to team up with Iran so to advance their own Agenda(s).
Iran's behavior could be best described as a reaction the "External Threats for Regime Change" and as that threat is subsides, it is timely for the US and the EU to strike a Deal and keep Iran in the "Western Orbit".
THIS is a fundamental move based on "Realpolitik" so to maintain Global Peace & Security on our terms in the 21st Century and beyond.
5
This article does nothing to ease the unease that this deal is too good for Iran. In any negotiation, the more upset on both sides, the greater the likelihood that both sides are giving up real ground in order to compromise. When one side seems to be eager for a deal, it usually means that it feels that it is getting away with the better of the bargain. I'm all for negotiating but it seems that sanctions are in fact working, low oil prices are hurting them and we should really play hardball, which don't think we're doing.
4
Yeah, hardball is always a winning strategy. If you are nothing but a warmonger.
2
This article misinterprets the motivation for the Supreme Leader to keep a low profile. The reality: He realizes -- as so many here, desperate for any deal, ignore -- that the deal that seems to be coming together will allow Iran to continue its pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
We -- by that, I mean the West, not just the USA -- need to be constantly aware that any language open to interpretation is language that will be used by Iran to cheat the intent of the deal while claiming adherence to its text.
Unless the deal includes verifiable -- by unfettered and unannounced inspection of any site we choose -- abandonment by Iran of its development of weapons grade material, it is worthless.
We -- by that, I mean the West, not just the USA -- need to be constantly aware that any language open to interpretation is language that will be used by Iran to cheat the intent of the deal while claiming adherence to its text.
Unless the deal includes verifiable -- by unfettered and unannounced inspection of any site we choose -- abandonment by Iran of its development of weapons grade material, it is worthless.
2
The Republican position seems to be that you must never negotiate with an enemy and no deal is a good deal unless you get everything you want and 100% capitulation. It is ridiculous and selfish to expect that we will get 100% out of any deal. It is irresponsible not to work for peace. Our war in Iraq has destabilized the region, altered the power balance, created an opening for the rise of Isis and Iran, and got us no closer to peace in the region. Now, republicans want us to believe that this can all be solved by ending nuclear negotiations and dropping a few bombs on a country of 80 million people which has not directly threatened the U.S.
We can bomb Iran, but there will be no International coalition supporting us. The Iranian and U.S. lives lost will be huge. The U.S. will find itself at odds with all, but one ally, ISIS will become resurgent, and Israel will be no safer. Bombs can't solve our every problem, and they create more enemies than they destroy.
We can bomb Iran, but there will be no International coalition supporting us. The Iranian and U.S. lives lost will be huge. The U.S. will find itself at odds with all, but one ally, ISIS will become resurgent, and Israel will be no safer. Bombs can't solve our every problem, and they create more enemies than they destroy.
32
Nixon and Henri negotiated with the VietCongs, who had blood on their hands of thousands of our young men and women; well we were in their house though.
Peace is the only option and if we have draft with no exemptions, I would be surprised if the Republicans do not change their tune and put Netanyahu in a straitjacket.
Peace is the only option and if we have draft with no exemptions, I would be surprised if the Republicans do not change their tune and put Netanyahu in a straitjacket.
1
"The Republican position seems to be that you must never negotiate with an enemy and no deal is a good deal unless you get everything you want and 100% capitulation."
This is my assessment of recent Republicans as well. I would go so far as to say this extends to their dealings with Pres. Obama, too. To them, negotiation = weakness and Obama = enemy. I just wish the Republicans and PM Netanyahu would act more like the hard line Iranian extremists of the past few months than those of the past several decades (i.e., stay out of negotiations until March 31st).
This is my assessment of recent Republicans as well. I would go so far as to say this extends to their dealings with Pres. Obama, too. To them, negotiation = weakness and Obama = enemy. I just wish the Republicans and PM Netanyahu would act more like the hard line Iranian extremists of the past few months than those of the past several decades (i.e., stay out of negotiations until March 31st).
Darrell you are mistaken about the Republican position to never negotiate.
Rather, its is to "trust but verify." Our government is so anxious to have a deal, any deal, with Iran that it is willing to give every thing away to get that deal. We should have learned from previous deals with Iran that they simply do not live up to their agreements. And, the Iranians know that we will not back up our demands (e.g.: "crossing the red line: used by Obama). Bombs don't solve the problems it is the fear that the bombs will be used that solves the problems. Negotiating through weakness doesn't work.
Rather, its is to "trust but verify." Our government is so anxious to have a deal, any deal, with Iran that it is willing to give every thing away to get that deal. We should have learned from previous deals with Iran that they simply do not live up to their agreements. And, the Iranians know that we will not back up our demands (e.g.: "crossing the red line: used by Obama). Bombs don't solve the problems it is the fear that the bombs will be used that solves the problems. Negotiating through weakness doesn't work.
1
I have question. What does everyone suppose Iran would do with a nuclear weapon if and when it got one?
The USSR has been replaced by Iran as the new nuclear bogeyman. Iran will no more use a nuclear weapon than that "crazed communist Soviet leader Kruschev", for the same reason he never used one: it would result in the immediate extermination of the country of and its population.
The USSR has been replaced by Iran as the new nuclear bogeyman. Iran will no more use a nuclear weapon than that "crazed communist Soviet leader Kruschev", for the same reason he never used one: it would result in the immediate extermination of the country of and its population.
3
Not with this administration in DC in charge
2
For all of you who want better relations with Iran, I agree with you...but before you jump into the fire, look up the definition of the word "taquiyya" and its directed use in the Koran. Basically it means that to achieve your goals you are allowed to sat anything necessary....lies, distortions included. Now, after you've done some homework will you still feel as you do? The majority of Americans do not understand Islam, Muslims or the Koran....but, I am old and will not suffer the consequences...best to you all for your future.
4
And this would differentiate them from, say, Mitt Romney or Bibi Netanyahu how?
5
"The restraint by the hard-liners also reflects a general satisfaction, analysts say, with the direction of the talks and the successes Iran is enjoying, extending and deepening its influence in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen."
Sorry, that's all we need to know.................Bad deal.
Sorry, that's all we need to know.................Bad deal.
7
Well well well. Netanyahu once again proved he is a very unreliable partner in middle east politics and is willing to throw the US under the international bus by this morning's news by the WSJ that Israel spied on the secret negotiations between the US and Iran then provided that information to the republican clown car. He correctly measured the republicans as fools that he could manipulate at will to win his election. At what future cost I wonder besides increasing the anti-Israel feelings in this country for his past sins.
13
So you support this "deal" with Iran?
Iran supports the Bashir Assad regime in Syria. You know, those are the guys who are responsible for the deaths of over 200,000 Syrians, his own people. Obama's "red line" was "No use of chemical or other wmd's in Syria" Well we see the use of Chlorine gas and barrel bombs being dropped by the Syrians. And what is our response?
crickets xxxxxxx
Because we do not want to offend our new best friends, the Iranians who support this butcher. And I guess the 1979 embassy takeover and the killing of 241 US Marines in Beirut(1982) by Iran/Hezbollah is all forgiven.
Iran supports the Bashir Assad regime in Syria. You know, those are the guys who are responsible for the deaths of over 200,000 Syrians, his own people. Obama's "red line" was "No use of chemical or other wmd's in Syria" Well we see the use of Chlorine gas and barrel bombs being dropped by the Syrians. And what is our response?
crickets xxxxxxx
Because we do not want to offend our new best friends, the Iranians who support this butcher. And I guess the 1979 embassy takeover and the killing of 241 US Marines in Beirut(1982) by Iran/Hezbollah is all forgiven.
3
truthbeknown, did you support the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Iran and the institution of Pahlavi? Was that a good "deal" for the people of Iran? Saudi Arabia supported Saddam Hussein, the Butcher of Baghdad. Did you object to the thousands who lost their liberty and lives under Saddam's brutal rule?
Are you opposed to our relations with Japan? Remember Pearl Harbor? I know they remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
You don't have to forgive or forget, unless you want perpetual war with the world.
Should we carry grudges until the last human stands in the ruins and says "That will teach them a lesson they won't soon forget."
Are you opposed to our relations with Japan? Remember Pearl Harbor? I know they remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
You don't have to forgive or forget, unless you want perpetual war with the world.
Should we carry grudges until the last human stands in the ruins and says "That will teach them a lesson they won't soon forget."
1
SFJoe - It's the US under Obama's regime that's proven to be unreliable.
1
The Iranians are getting a good deal and of course their leadership should show restraint about the almost complete negotiations. As their own representatives candidly say, Iran is yielding nothing. The US is so eager - even desperate - to come away with a deal, it is Kerry who is making all the real concessions, to the alarm of not only the Israelis but now the French as well. To give the Iranians their due, they are not engaging in any subterfuge. Their hardliners, who rule the country, want a bomb, and they have never denied that is part of their agenda. A deal will provide wonderful cover for them to finalize their nukes, while giving them the diplomatic high ground. The Iranians should be proud of their negotiators, who are on the brink of returning home with a bargain and lifting all remaining economic sanctions. Iran is on the march, not only in the nuclear talks, but in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
9
Beantownah,
Yes the Iranians have repeatedly claimed that they don't want a bomb. That doesn't mean that we should be less cautious but what can we do besides negotiations to forestall nuclear proliferation? Even if we went full force to destroy Iranian nuclear capabilities, it will be only a matter of time for another such threat appears.
Pakistan and North Korea both have the bomb. The only thing stopping nuclear war so far is the fear that occurs when somebody acquires the physical bomb. It's scary and frankly, North Korea scares me more than Iraq.
I don't want anybody to have the bomb but it's too late to put the genie back into the bottle. Dialogue between adults seems to be the best we can do.
Yes the Iranians have repeatedly claimed that they don't want a bomb. That doesn't mean that we should be less cautious but what can we do besides negotiations to forestall nuclear proliferation? Even if we went full force to destroy Iranian nuclear capabilities, it will be only a matter of time for another such threat appears.
Pakistan and North Korea both have the bomb. The only thing stopping nuclear war so far is the fear that occurs when somebody acquires the physical bomb. It's scary and frankly, North Korea scares me more than Iraq.
I don't want anybody to have the bomb but it's too late to put the genie back into the bottle. Dialogue between adults seems to be the best we can do.
2
Has it occurred to you that the claim of no concessions from the Iranian negotiators is simple propaganda to silence the hard liners and push this deal through? Sure wouldn't be the first time that happened.
3
If Kerry has alarmed the French, he must be doing something right.
I am sure all non believers are reassured that, Iran's Hard-Liners will Show Restraint,... in obliterating them.
4
If John Kerry and President Obama, working with important allies and Iran, can create a respectful and peaceful agreement against the wishes of a hawkish congress imagine what they could accomplish if Congress were to get in the boat and row in the same direction. Could the Israeli Palestinian two state solution be next? Move over Hillary - John Kerry for president.
7
'shows restraint'... As if that means anything. Their Koran permits them to lie. They have sworn to 'Death to America'. They have cause unending harm to Israel...
Why are we even discussing anything with these people? The question becomes whether we will tolerate a nuclear armed Iran. If yes, then the world is an infinitely more dangerous place. If no.... Then act, using any and all resources to prevent it.
Why are we even discussing anything with these people? The question becomes whether we will tolerate a nuclear armed Iran. If yes, then the world is an infinitely more dangerous place. If no.... Then act, using any and all resources to prevent it.
5
As a sovereign nation they have a perfect right to nuclear power and nuclear arms. They have the same right to nuclear weapons as the United States and France Israel India Pakistan China Russia North Korea etc.
6
The Christian Bible says "lying lips are abomination to the Lord," (Pro 12:22), but that doesn't stop many politicians who make a show of being Christian from lying in political matters.
"Let nothing be done through strife (eritheia) or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves." (Phl 2:3)
The word eritheia means "electioneering or intriguing for office, a) apparently, in the NT a courting distinction, a desire to put one's self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts b) partisanship, fractiousness."
Are Christians paying attention?
"Let nothing be done through strife (eritheia) or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves." (Phl 2:3)
The word eritheia means "electioneering or intriguing for office, a) apparently, in the NT a courting distinction, a desire to put one's self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts b) partisanship, fractiousness."
Are Christians paying attention?
Please show this to Bibi and Boehner.
1
The ׳satisfaction' that Iran now exhibits speaks volumes about Obama's "capitulation" to Iran in connection with the Nucleat talks and that a 'Bad Agreement' is about to be agreed to...
4
This goes to show you that sanctions are working!!
1
So if it ain't broke, why fix it?
Keep the sanctions, let us have some concessions, not just flop over and give away the store to the Iranians, the world's best (cunning) negotiators.
Keep the sanctions, let us have some concessions, not just flop over and give away the store to the Iranians, the world's best (cunning) negotiators.
2
It has been 35 years since the Iranian hostage crisis. Thirty years since the Iran-Contra "scandal" where the Reagan Administration was secretly "selling" arms to Iran despite the embargo. Originally Israel was to provide the arms to Iran and then the US would resupply Israel. It ended up with the US selling directly to Iran in exchange for the release of seven hostages held in Lebanon. The money from the sale was to illegally fund the Contras in Nicaragua. Since then Americans have heard very little about Iran other than the venom Israel has put forth. I would love to know the truth about Iran. I correspond with a nineteen year old University student in Iran who only wants the same things young Americans want. The freedom to study, earn a living, have a family and live in peace. He wants his country to regain the admiration and stature of it's ancient history. He can, off the top of his head tell me what has been going on in the US for his entire lifetime (and before.) Many Americans do not even know where Iran is and most of us only know what Benjamin Netanyahu tells us. We allow Iran to fight ISIS for us and yet balk at the idea of negotiating with it. I fervently hope the nuclear talks succeed.
38
Yes, indeed, there are people in this world who regard Iran as a Great Nation. For more than 800 years, the state language of what is now Pakistan was Persian. Pakis are indeed a totally Persianised people. It is America (and its buddy the despicable Saudi regime) that is causing Sunni-Shia problems in Pakia. Even now, the National Anthem of Pakia has only two non-Persian words (one word, repeated). Pakia may have only 15% people who are Shia, but 100% are Persian by temperament, and weltanschauung. It is indeed time for America to show respect and regard for a nation whose mission is to civilize the world.
1
I guess it depends on your definition of "low profile." Maybe you think that the recent proclamation by the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, to a crowd shouting "Death to America," of “Of course yes, death to America", is low profile. My dictionary saws it means "deliberate restraint or modesty." Maybe Ali Khamenei is showing us "tough love."
3
I sincerely question what "analysts" the reporter is referring to who conclude that Iran's hardliners are showing "restraint" in the wake of its "successes." What restraint? For years flouting UN Security Council resolutions to export arms along side Russia to Syria's murderous Assad? Last year Imprisoning and still holding the U.S. journalist without bringing charges ? Continued Repression of women, gays and minorities within its own borders? No. Just a tactical ploy. And why not? The Western media , busy vilifying israel and Netanyahu , is giving the Iranians cover.
2
It's known by cliche as the "Calm Before The Storm".. That's why they're quiet...
2
Ex post Benyamin Netanyahu has punched well above his and Israel's weight.
To announce the end of peace negotiations with the Palestinians and humiliate President Obama in Washington DC went beyond any reasonable campaign move to win an election. Bibi's only hope is for the GOP to regain the White House in 2016.
To announce the end of peace negotiations with the Palestinians and humiliate President Obama in Washington DC went beyond any reasonable campaign move to win an election. Bibi's only hope is for the GOP to regain the White House in 2016.
7
Thank goodness that at the moment both Iran and the United States are run by leaders who are more interested in diplomacy than in war. We have seen what the “shock and awe” did to Iraq, Syria, Libya, etc. and to US. It is time for the grown-ups to take the initiative, rather than allowing crazy hooligans repeat past disasters.
It seems that Iranian hardliners are more patriotic and more amenable to reason than the 47 Republican senators who wrote the ignorant letter to “Iranian leaders” to sabotage the deal. Iranian hardliners may demonstrate in the streets but Netanyahu and his friends in Congress are calling for war. Only yesterday the good senator, Lindsay Graham, called for strikes on Iran not only on their nuclear sites, but also " their navy, their army, their air force, their offensive capability." One continues to read articles by various pundits in leading US publications callously advocating war with Iran. I wonder what makes such people so angry and so violent.
It is time to reach an agreement with Iran and turn a new page in the Middle East. An agreement is as much in US interest as it is in Iran’s interest. A recent study shows that the United States has lost hundreds of billions in lost trade with Iran over the past three decades. Iran’s trade with China is $60 billion a year. Let us hope common sense will prevail and the efforts to sabotage the agreement will fail.
It seems that Iranian hardliners are more patriotic and more amenable to reason than the 47 Republican senators who wrote the ignorant letter to “Iranian leaders” to sabotage the deal. Iranian hardliners may demonstrate in the streets but Netanyahu and his friends in Congress are calling for war. Only yesterday the good senator, Lindsay Graham, called for strikes on Iran not only on their nuclear sites, but also " their navy, their army, their air force, their offensive capability." One continues to read articles by various pundits in leading US publications callously advocating war with Iran. I wonder what makes such people so angry and so violent.
It is time to reach an agreement with Iran and turn a new page in the Middle East. An agreement is as much in US interest as it is in Iran’s interest. A recent study shows that the United States has lost hundreds of billions in lost trade with Iran over the past three decades. Iran’s trade with China is $60 billion a year. Let us hope common sense will prevail and the efforts to sabotage the agreement will fail.
17
So when you speak of a "new era in the middle east" you mean its okay for the Iranians to be in control in not only their own country, but in 1. Iraq 2. Syria 3. Lebanon and 4. Yemen as well?
It's okay for them to have supplied IEDs to kill and injure our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's ok for them to back up Assad in Syria who drops barrel bombs and chlorine gas on his own people and is responsible for 200,000 dead. It's okay for them to transship weapons through Sudan to resupply the terrorists in Sinai who murder Egyptian troops and civilians and threaten southern Israel. This is the new ideal middle east?
It's okay for them to have supplied IEDs to kill and injure our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's ok for them to back up Assad in Syria who drops barrel bombs and chlorine gas on his own people and is responsible for 200,000 dead. It's okay for them to transship weapons through Sudan to resupply the terrorists in Sinai who murder Egyptian troops and civilians and threaten southern Israel. This is the new ideal middle east?
1
You have touched on all the propaganda points of Netanyahu and his cronies about Iran's influence in the region. The problem is that they are just propaganda with very little evidence to support them. I am no friend of the mullahs and I believe that in time Iran will get rid of them and will establish a secular state, but if you ask anyone with any knowledge of the Middle East who has not swallowed Netanyahu's lies completely they will tell you that the issue in the region is much more complicated than the one he paints. Netanyahu pushed for the war on Iraq, without thinking that the majority of the Iraqi population is Shi'ites and when the tyranny of Saddam was ended they would get closer to Iran. However, with the fight against ISIS Iran has a great deal on her plate and may work against her interests and will certainly get her bogged down there. But somebody has to fight them. Yemen is too complicated to be summed up as an Iranian success story. The situation there is much more domestic, between Houthis who belong to a completely different Shiite sect of Islam and who had ruled Yemen for decades on one side and Al Qaeda and Saudi Wahhabi militants on the other. It is a civil war and its outcome is till unknown. In Syria Iran is helping the Syrian government to fight against the terrorists, while there is some evidence that Israel is helping Al-Qaeda affiliated al-Nusra front. So the situation is not as black and white as Netanyahu and you make out.
We are better than letting these obstacles last forever. We would not be human if we did not demonize other people to make ourselves look better sometimes. But this can only last so long before new generations ask: “Why should we do this also?” “It is our turn now - we should have a new chance.” It is time to make peace. There are too many good people in the US and Iran not to make peace. Everyone makes mistakes, that is human nature. We have all paid for those mistakes in blood, fortune, and sadness. Stop listening to the opportunists who sell nothing but fear and hate simply to empower themselves.
4
Let's hope that a satisfactory deal can be agreed upon despite the Republicans and Netanyahu.
8
There might be a letter coming. Slow mail system.
Why not?
If they're about to get a deal which will leave them free to develop nuclear weapons, free to breakout at any time by announcing they have a hundred nuclear warheads mounted on top of ballistic missiles without so much as a minute's notice, why should they say even a word now?
Heck, they would be free to deliver bomb components to Hamas, who would then tunnel under Israel, assemble and detonate the weapon, and then the Iranians could deny they had violated any agreements. Because hey, they hadn't developed any bomb at all.
If they're about to get a deal which will leave them free to develop nuclear weapons, free to breakout at any time by announcing they have a hundred nuclear warheads mounted on top of ballistic missiles without so much as a minute's notice, why should they say even a word now?
Heck, they would be free to deliver bomb components to Hamas, who would then tunnel under Israel, assemble and detonate the weapon, and then the Iranians could deny they had violated any agreements. Because hey, they hadn't developed any bomb at all.
3
When you have the media doing the sales job for you, the Obama administration paves the way in dealing with the devil. This rogue behavior of the president reveals a selfish arrogance, brutal defiance and an alarming incompetence.
3
"We are steadfast and the United States is compromising. We are not complaining."This Iranian statement reminds me of how President Kennedy described the USSR's attituded during negotiations, "What's mine is mine. What's yours is negotiable".
3
Iran is trying to get the sanctions lifted not reach a reasonable agrement. His past show sthe Iranian president is not a moderate. Iran the leading state sponsor of terrorism has said it will not relinquish its nuclear goals. To suggest that moderating its retoric is moderating its goals is naive at best and dangerous.
2
As opposed as Iran's hardliners may have been to the on-going nuclear talks, perhaps they really want to reach an agreement with the P5+1, just for the sake of agonising Benjamin Netanyahu!
It shows also that the Iranian leadership is pragmatic, with an eye on improving the country's economy! Perhaps Iran, once back in the international community, may prove that it would be a trustworthy and reliable member! I wouldn't worry about Netanyahu and his GOP allies in Congress! They wouldn't be able to stop the world from moving forward!
It shows also that the Iranian leadership is pragmatic, with an eye on improving the country's economy! Perhaps Iran, once back in the international community, may prove that it would be a trustworthy and reliable member! I wouldn't worry about Netanyahu and his GOP allies in Congress! They wouldn't be able to stop the world from moving forward!
2
I don't trust them or their motives no matter how cooperative they seem.
4
It is palpably clear that the U.S. Congress is woefully ignorant of the facts surrounding Iran's nuclear program. It is partly the fault of the media. Time Magazine just published an extraordinarily irresponsible article by Massimo Calabresi that is riddled with misinformation and outright lies. The artiicle flatly asserts that Iran is making a nuclear bomb, when there is absolutely no evidence anywhere that this is true. He also asserts that the IAEA confirms this, also a flat lie. When a premier publication such as Time prints such completely false information, the hyped-up accusations of the neocons and Prime Minister Netanyahu get assimilated as fact. It is "truth by repetition." I urge all thinking people to read Gareth Porter's *Manufactured Crisis: The Untold Story of the Iran Nuclear Scare"
http://justworldbooks.com/manufactured-crisis/
Award winning historian Porter has scrupulously documented the lies behind the propaganda that is driving American leaders to false conclusions about Iran's nuclear program.
http://justworldbooks.com/manufactured-crisis/
Award winning historian Porter has scrupulously documented the lies behind the propaganda that is driving American leaders to false conclusions about Iran's nuclear program.
11
Time is correct in challenging the liberal kool aid that Iran is benign.
"None is so blind as he who will not see"
Perhaps you Iran trusters get back into the real world and take off the rose colored glasses. Iran has a history of not being truthful. UN inspectors have not been given full access to all its nuke facilites. You can trust them. Many of the rest of us do not.
"None is so blind as he who will not see"
Perhaps you Iran trusters get back into the real world and take off the rose colored glasses. Iran has a history of not being truthful. UN inspectors have not been given full access to all its nuke facilites. You can trust them. Many of the rest of us do not.
2
I can only imagine if all this energy and negotiation went into new trade agreements and cultural exchange, with a country Iran who would welcome it. And here thousands of jobs would be created supplying products to the millions of Iranian masses who are very pro western. But instead we waste valuable time with this nonsense because our puppet master Israel demands it. Yes Iran will attack Israel, even though they ( Iran ) would be wiped off the face of the earth in minutes. And even though they have enough conventional forces and ICBMs to do some pretty extensive damage to Israel right know if they wanted to.
There is only one sure way to stop Iran from obtaining Nuclear capabilities ... that's a full scale invasion and all that entails, a draft, etc.; And very very long occupation. The rest of the world, China & Russia, two main examples will not stand for it.
There is only one sure way to stop Iran from obtaining Nuclear capabilities ... that's a full scale invasion and all that entails, a draft, etc.; And very very long occupation. The rest of the world, China & Russia, two main examples will not stand for it.
1
The United States and Iran have disagreements over a wide range of issues, but both governments have a real interest in resolving the nuclear issue, and they are finally making real progress. The chief obstacle to a reasonable settlement is, of course, Bibi Netanyahu, as he scuttles from Washington to London to Paris in his never ending quest to promote war in the Middle-East
36
Prime Moinister netanyahu has always sought peace through real diplomacy not war. The obstacle toa reasonablle settlement is the lack of American resolve. Also, no ne really knows if "real progress is being mase' since the negotiations are secret. The fact that Iran seems tio be insisiting ion immediate sanctions relief shows that "real" progress is not being made.
2
Don't forget the doddering deadheads from congress . . .
I am curious about the interests of the people who hang homosexuals and stone women for adultery.
1
OK, after doing the bidding of this White House for the last six-plus years, the Times again tries to back the administration's delusional nuke treaty with a nation that calls America the "Great Satan." This article ignores what has been published in the international media that a meeting last week of the leadership in Iran included chants of "Death to America." Instead, we are told of billboards and "hard liners" who suddenly are on the side of cooperation with the U.S. and others on the nuke treaty. Deals with the devil never work. Obama doesn't have the skill and John Kerry doesn't have the integrity to make this work and we are all threatened by this ineptitude.
5
The hardliners, as the article points out, have achieved everything they could have wanted thanks to our "Great Appeaser."
They are quite comfortable that "Peace In Our Time" Obama will give them everything they want, but once again.
That it's to the detriment of the United States and the rest of the world is secondary to Obama's desire for a "legacy."
They are quite comfortable that "Peace In Our Time" Obama will give them everything they want, but once again.
That it's to the detriment of the United States and the rest of the world is secondary to Obama's desire for a "legacy."
4
I suggest you read former Secretary of State (under Reagan) James Baker's recent comments to the J Conference. I suspect he knows a lot more about this than you do. And, he's apparently not blinded by hatred for President Obama.
3
The only successful dismanteling of a nuclear power was South Africa, and the only reason was that sanctions against South Africa never stopped until the appartheid government ended. Similarly, until this theocracy remains in Iran and does not end ,there should be no end to world sanctions because their intent is world domination according to their religion. As the newspaper report ends, iran believes: "deal or no deal, we are at new peaks of our power"-that is Iran's goal, power and domination and thay are winning. we need regime change in order to achieve nuclear disarmament, as in South Africa.
3
The silence is a result of the supreme leader being wise enough to play it cool as not to spook the worlds leaders away from cutting a deal that would greatly enhance Iran's quest to secure the technology and material to build a bomb. I mean, even a child is smart enough to know how to behave if they want to get the candy.
6
"The silence is the result of state policies intended by Iran’s supreme leader to seriously try to find a solution through negotiations."
Wow, is this a news article or an editorial towing the party line? Why not another article alleging the Chinese economy is a mirage - a house built on sand? I've read several of those recently which I suspect were slanted to make the American country bumpkin feel good about himself. I'm more concerned about our economic decline - the fact the Britain has decided to join the Chinese-led development bank means one me. That this country is nothing without a buoyant economic foundation and Democracy is meaningless to most people if isn't connected to real prosperity. Our current recovery is based on debt and Treasury shenanigans. Not sure why the specter of Neville Chamberlain always come to mind when I open this newspaper these days.
Wow, is this a news article or an editorial towing the party line? Why not another article alleging the Chinese economy is a mirage - a house built on sand? I've read several of those recently which I suspect were slanted to make the American country bumpkin feel good about himself. I'm more concerned about our economic decline - the fact the Britain has decided to join the Chinese-led development bank means one me. That this country is nothing without a buoyant economic foundation and Democracy is meaningless to most people if isn't connected to real prosperity. Our current recovery is based on debt and Treasury shenanigans. Not sure why the specter of Neville Chamberlain always come to mind when I open this newspaper these days.
4
A deal with Iran would slow nuclear proliferation. That's a good thing. Finding common ground with Iran is also a good thing. Many people there really do like western culture. We can't stop all countries from attaining nuclear capabilities forever, no mater how much that would be a good thing. The biggest deterrent is that when a country gains nuclear capability, they realize how dangerous that power is. That won't last forever.
Iran seems to be aware of the dangers and seems to really want to join the world community. It's not just the sanctions but the community. They have become a major influence in the world. That's not always bad but we need to be cautious. Iranian forces in Iraq have shown signs of retaliation against Sunni villages. If Iran wants to become member of world society, they must stop the blood lust.
Ultimately, the Shia and the Sunni peoples must find a way to accept and respect each other. Otherwise, the already started religious war (see Yemen) will consume the middle east.
Christian, Jewish, Shia and Sunni peoples all share the same God, the same Abraham, the same religion. It's time to look at the commonality rather than the differences.
If I practice my faith differently than others, does that make me wrong? Does that make the others right? I'm not God so I don't think I have the authority to judge others.
Iran seems to be aware of the dangers and seems to really want to join the world community. It's not just the sanctions but the community. They have become a major influence in the world. That's not always bad but we need to be cautious. Iranian forces in Iraq have shown signs of retaliation against Sunni villages. If Iran wants to become member of world society, they must stop the blood lust.
Ultimately, the Shia and the Sunni peoples must find a way to accept and respect each other. Otherwise, the already started religious war (see Yemen) will consume the middle east.
Christian, Jewish, Shia and Sunni peoples all share the same God, the same Abraham, the same religion. It's time to look at the commonality rather than the differences.
If I practice my faith differently than others, does that make me wrong? Does that make the others right? I'm not God so I don't think I have the authority to judge others.
32
No agreement is stronger than the good will of the people entering into it and their intention to abide by it. There is very good reason to doubt the good will or the intentions of Iran, particularly, when Iran is being subjected to onerous sanctions with more threatened if there is no deal. The removal of sanction may be the motivation for reaching an agreement and there may not be any intention to perform the agreement once the sanctions are reduced or go away entirely.
Iran has shown time and again that it has a very different understanding of the Rule of Law and international conventions. For example, the seizure of our Embassy and holding Embassy employees hostage for more than a year was a blatant violation of both. Do we really think Iran intends to change its long standing behavior?
Then there is the question of secret activities. Does anyone really believe that there are no undisclosed hidden enriching facilities? Iran wants nuclear weapons, and Iran is going to get nuclear weapons, even with an agreement. An Iran with nuclear weapons is going to be very dangerous.
Note also that Iran is working on delivery systems that would be completely unnecessary if its enrichment program were solely for power generation and other peaceful purposes. These efforts to develop delivery systems clearly establish Iran's true intentions, which gets back to the basic premise stated above. No agreement is stronger that the intention of the parties to abide by it.
Iran has shown time and again that it has a very different understanding of the Rule of Law and international conventions. For example, the seizure of our Embassy and holding Embassy employees hostage for more than a year was a blatant violation of both. Do we really think Iran intends to change its long standing behavior?
Then there is the question of secret activities. Does anyone really believe that there are no undisclosed hidden enriching facilities? Iran wants nuclear weapons, and Iran is going to get nuclear weapons, even with an agreement. An Iran with nuclear weapons is going to be very dangerous.
Note also that Iran is working on delivery systems that would be completely unnecessary if its enrichment program were solely for power generation and other peaceful purposes. These efforts to develop delivery systems clearly establish Iran's true intentions, which gets back to the basic premise stated above. No agreement is stronger that the intention of the parties to abide by it.
3
What civilization wants to be nuked? In the real world we are the only ones to ever have used a nuke. Hardliners on both sides need the never ending threat of war to always be there. What would become of Mccain, Graham the Ruler in Iran if there was really peace? These guys have been one trick ponies for so long that’s all they know. Would Netanyahu be President of America and Prime Minister of Israel if there was a chance of peace? No way. These guys have made war and threat of war a cottage industry to our detriment. Eisenhower warned of it many years ago. Now we live it. There is no money to be made with peace in the world. Call me Pollyanna but it is the earth that will always be here not us. To take a stand of no deal is better than a bad deal is crazy. How about a deal in better than war. Guess that falls on deaf ears. Let’s talk until we can’t talk anymore. Shocking how the ones who will put no skin in the game can always instigate a fight that they will only be a spectator to. Guess the only winner is going to be the Chinese company that make lapel pin flags.They soon will be putting on a second shift.
11
"to take a stand that no deal is better than a bad deal is crazy"
Thank you Neville Chamberlain.
Thank you Neville Chamberlain.
1
Read on A deal is a deal. No talking brings a deal? Since name calling is childish. When there is no adults in the rooms I guess name calling always wins. One thing you can bet is no one will call Bibi -Winston!
1
The bomb Iran music has been playing at least 30 years. It would be interesting to know what is really going on.
What is the rationale for negotiating with the Iranians over nuclear weapons when we also continue to impose economic sanctions on them? Obviously there must be a linkage, but what promises has Iran made that we should now treat them as equals at the bargaining table? Is not the military role now being played by Iran in Iraq not an issue, yet we bargain with them anyway? It is clear that we are bargaining from weakness and confusion which Iran is taking advantage of. No wonder the hardliners there are not complaining. They see us as poor suckers who would give anything to make a deal because Obama has somehow fixated on one. It's his "legacy" no doubt--one we will rue for years to come.
5
If you want to reach agreement with someone, you have to be willing to talk with them. If you either spurn them at the outside or treat them contumaciously in the discussion, then you had best be sure that you are willing to take any and all consequences before you make your contempt known. It is long past time for the Institutional Reactionaries and private curmudgeons to stand aside and let the adults get on with the work.
6
Did America ever apologize for removing the elected government of Iran?
Iran did not attack anyone directly. America, Iraq and Israel (by intelligence agencies) attacked Iran. Talk about proxy war (Hezbollah), think how many proxy war America has been fighting against any nation/government it did not like. Truly a nuclear Israel scares me more than nuclear Iran. A nuclear Iran will be demolished, a nuclear Israel will only get support from USA.
Iran did not attack anyone directly. America, Iraq and Israel (by intelligence agencies) attacked Iran. Talk about proxy war (Hezbollah), think how many proxy war America has been fighting against any nation/government it did not like. Truly a nuclear Israel scares me more than nuclear Iran. A nuclear Iran will be demolished, a nuclear Israel will only get support from USA.
9
Israel has likely been a nuclear power since the mid 1960s.
Israel has never used that capability, and has never threatened another nation's very existence. Israel shows remarkable restraint.
A nuclear Iran is very scary to intelligent people,due to 1. it's threats to destroy Israel and "death to America" chants every other day.
Israel has never used that capability, and has never threatened another nation's very existence. Israel shows remarkable restraint.
A nuclear Iran is very scary to intelligent people,due to 1. it's threats to destroy Israel and "death to America" chants every other day.
3
Why cannot the world be free of nuclear weapons? These weapons may soon become outdated,as some nations are developing space weapons,and also neutrino beams to destroy nuclear weapons. Think of the cost in maintaining nuclear weapons,which can very well be used for other purposes for the economic well-being of the people. Moreover,Iran is not the only nation in the Middle East,aspiring to have nuclear weapons. There are reports which say that Saudi Arabia has an understanding with Pakistan for use of nuclear weapons of Pakistan.
1
Mr. Netanyahu is doing his completely legitimate campaign to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons no good by apologizing for recent comments made about Arab voters and two-state solutions. President Obama lost the recent election in Israel by a landslide and is not disposed to forgiving Mr. Netanyahu for this. So be it. There are difficult days ahead for Israel and hard decisions to be made. Mr. Netanyahu must now stay on a straight, steady, determined path. There must be no further apologies from him, just steely determination to prevent the coming victory for Iran and defeat for the U.S. from turning into a permanent nuclear cloud over Israel, even if this requires unilateral actions by Israel.
Mr. Netanyahu is a strong man and with G-d's help should be able to successfully negotiate the remaining days of the Obama administration, preferably while standing on one foot as a morale booster for Israelis.
As I write this, there are only 667 days, 20 hours, 20 minutes and 11 seconds left.
Mr. Netanyahu is a strong man and with G-d's help should be able to successfully negotiate the remaining days of the Obama administration, preferably while standing on one foot as a morale booster for Israelis.
As I write this, there are only 667 days, 20 hours, 20 minutes and 11 seconds left.
5
The true road block to closing the nuclear deal has got to be the consideration by Iran's Supreme Leader that the economic boom ensuing from lifting the sanctions, will empower the country's vast middle class -- which will in say 10 years time risks pulling the robes from the theocratic regime.
The Supreme Leader needs to make a very tough decision, a choice between maintaining status quo and protect, or perhaps better: preserve, the spirits and ideas of the revolution (perhaps at the risk of an Iranian Spring), or to thrust the future and embrace opportunities for unlimited economic progress, which will inevitably in due course reduce the power of the theocrats.
He would be very brave to direct the country in that new direction, and foolish to do this without "fail saves".
Netanyahu knows Israel will be dwarfed economically by Iran if the sanctions are lifted, and that Iran's influence over / support for the region's Shia people will increase tremendously. That will increase Sunni/Shia tensions (see Yemen already) and potentially blows up the whole region. Which is not ideal if you're a Jewish country in the middle of it all.
Difficult choices for all people involved and no easy answers.
The Supreme Leader needs to make a very tough decision, a choice between maintaining status quo and protect, or perhaps better: preserve, the spirits and ideas of the revolution (perhaps at the risk of an Iranian Spring), or to thrust the future and embrace opportunities for unlimited economic progress, which will inevitably in due course reduce the power of the theocrats.
He would be very brave to direct the country in that new direction, and foolish to do this without "fail saves".
Netanyahu knows Israel will be dwarfed economically by Iran if the sanctions are lifted, and that Iran's influence over / support for the region's Shia people will increase tremendously. That will increase Sunni/Shia tensions (see Yemen already) and potentially blows up the whole region. Which is not ideal if you're a Jewish country in the middle of it all.
Difficult choices for all people involved and no easy answers.
3
A terrorist nation showing restraint? Who could be so stupid to believe such? The Times, for one. 'Death to America tells you all you need to know. Wise up America, you are being had, in more ways then you know. Take the likes of Brennen, telling us all is well, the CIA has been to 'School', fear not all is known and under control. Terrifying is the word to use for the delusional thinking going on at the CIA. Wake up America, we are being had.
8
Seems a little strange to be claiming all this before a deal has even been presenting from the negotiations. You are judging ahead of time - not really a way to go through life if you want to get anywhere.
3
The assumption is that Israel can just go and bomb the Iranian nuclear facilities without any Iranian repercussions, if the Israelis bomb Iran, it will retaliate, this will create a scenario in the middle east where other countries have to join in on either side, which could create a real catastrophe. Negotiations with the Iranians are the only best hope for everyone, and that includes the Iranians, Israelis, Americans and all the Gulf power players
10
The foreign minister of Iran, Javad Zarif studied International relations at the university of Denver and even attended prep school in San Francisco. All of this around the time of the revolution. His children are US born and as a junior diplomat helped the release of American hostages held in Lebanon in the 80s. He has also convinced the Ayatollahs to improve relations with the west and even the hardliners are turning around. The US and the group of 5(how easily we forget that other countries are involved too!) know all of this and are aware they are dealing with a pro-western guy and not a mullah with a chip on his shoulder. If the Republicans and Netanyahu torpedo this deal, Zarif might lose face and another Ahmedinajad might emerge.
10
Excellent analysis. Very shrewd on the part of the Iranians. They know we need a deal and they know lifting the sanctions is worth delaying (perhaps permanently) their nuclear weapons program. The deal that Bibi and his Republican allies want has never been a possibility, ever. We're doing something we too rarely do: negotiating, instead of issuing demands. It will get us closer to our goals.
12
I blame this squarely on Obama and everything else that's going on over there ! and lets not forget here as well ! Him and his administration are by far the worst I have seen in my life time ! You people at the top are insane and have got a lot to answer for come judgment day ! I know you don't care BUT someday you will ! Netanyahu Is Ten times the leader Obama is and it shows ! The left wing media playing the black vote up and not properly vetting this dangerous clown in the Whitehouse was not putting the American people first OR The rest of the world for that fact ! When Obama and Hillary pulled that low life stunt in Benghazi and we lost our ambassador and three other brave men . That did it for me ! I will never trust another democrat ! If power is more important to you than doing what's right in the eyes of god , Then I would not want to be in your shoes !
4
"Him [Obama] and his administration are by far the worst I have seen in my life time !"
Having myself been alive and paying attention from 1949 to the present, I take it that you were either pre-natal or in comas in 1968-1976, 1980-1992, and 2000-2008.
Having myself been alive and paying attention from 1949 to the present, I take it that you were either pre-natal or in comas in 1968-1976, 1980-1992, and 2000-2008.
8
Why is it news that Iran's hard-liners wish the negotiations with us to progress along the lines they have been? They are getting everything they want, breakout nuclear capacity, unlimited ability to develop advanced missilry, and removal of sanctions, all within an environment in which we are actively assisting them in extending their control further over the Middle East. Heck, if they stay quiet a little longer, we just might help them to a little more. What's not to like?
For them. For us this is going to be a disaster, but the Iranians are following a pretty smart rule - when your enemy is busy shooting himself in the foot, don't get in his way.
For them. For us this is going to be a disaster, but the Iranians are following a pretty smart rule - when your enemy is busy shooting himself in the foot, don't get in his way.
10
Seriously, what could possibly go wrong with this scenario? Just last night on the national news they showed ayatollah saying 'death to America indeed' after his Manchurian Candidate followers chanted 'death to America'. I will say they had the rhythm going.
This administration is in SO far over it's head.
This administration is in SO far over it's head.
5
Iranians will face politically a problem more than the solution of Pi number. I think. people will give them much more than one Pharaoh did in Egypt to build Great Pyramid of Giza. They love Islam. So let them go to the source of it. To Egypt and try to find the solution to their problem wiht the Soviets not Presidents of OUR COUNTRY
Bruce Zaretsky
Bruce Zaretsky
On Saturday, Ali Khamenei called for “Death to America” when speaking publicly in Tehran. Can this be called "restraint"?
9
"While supporting the talks, the supreme leader has had to walk a fine line, balancing the hopes and expectations of those wanting to end Iran’s isolation with those deeply invested in its anti-Western ideology."
Supporting the talks? Fine line? The Ayatollah?Just this past Saturday, this greatest-of-all-instigators of terrorism and unrest in the Middle East publicly called for "Death to America."
Ah well, probably he was just kidding. Ayatollahs, ya' know, are widely known for their
far-out sense of humor.
Supporting the talks? Fine line? The Ayatollah?Just this past Saturday, this greatest-of-all-instigators of terrorism and unrest in the Middle East publicly called for "Death to America."
Ah well, probably he was just kidding. Ayatollahs, ya' know, are widely known for their
far-out sense of humor.
9
Wow! The hardliners in a conservative theocracy stay quiet for the good of the country, while the hardliners in our democracy quarrel noisily, shutting down our government, harming our credit rating, and jeopardizing negotiations with that same foreign government by negotiating with a foreign leader from a third country. Baffling, and makes you wonder if our Republicans would be better off in a conservative theocracy. Wait, don't answer that.
7
The Republicans here need to take a cue from from the hardliners in Iran, sit down and be quiet.
8
Netanyahu has already endangered peace in the region. His policy of constant belligerence has kept his nation at war with virtually everyone around them. He has also been responsible for goading the US into invading Iraq with the on-tape assurance that everything would be better after Saddam (he "guaranteed" it)... and where did that lead? It's obvious the guy is clueless.
It is time to stop talking to and supporting this warmonger. If Israel wants to join in and negotiate peace with the rest of the region, well and good. If not, the heck with them.
It is time to stop talking to and supporting this warmonger. If Israel wants to join in and negotiate peace with the rest of the region, well and good. If not, the heck with them.
11
For Iran to even consider developing a nuclear weapon would be contrary to everything Iran's leaders have advocated for past 25 years. It would be as unthinkable as Putin invading Ukraine.
"Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has issued a fatwa against the development of nuclear weapons, and President Rouhani has said that Iran would never develop a nuclear weapon,"
-President Obama (March 20, 2015)
"Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has issued a fatwa against the development of nuclear weapons, and President Rouhani has said that Iran would never develop a nuclear weapon,"
-President Obama (March 20, 2015)
5
@richrn: Are you saying that all the plutonium is for increased electricity? A lot of secrecy for domestic use.
The signal favoring completion of a nuclear deal with Iran is the fact that Republicans and Netanyahu are against it. I can't think of a better litmus test.
7
In reply to judgeroybean: You indicate that the treaty will be favorable to U.S. and European and regional security because Israel and Republicans oppose it would be frightening if it were truly the "litmus test". I'm much more concerned about the views of the International Atomic Energy Commission which reports Iran has not given relevant information about unreported and non-inspected aspects of its nuclear weapons program.
3
Mr. Brown, you would be far better off worrying about slipping in the shower rather than worrying about the nuclear talks with Iran. Iran is NO threat to the United States. It is the most over-hyped threat ever since Republicans hyped Saddam Hussein. Looked at logically and without emotion, we have no dog in in the fight in the Middle East. We are no longer dependent on foreign oil and we really have no strategic interest there. Especially our support for Israel.
5
The Iranians do seem to have us figured out fairly accurately, question our trustworthiness appropriately and own a clear view of the leverage Israel has on us. It's enlightening to see the criticism that is developed free of the massive propaganda we, as a general rule, suffer under. They have their biases and blind spots, but the point of view is an important one to take into account.
Notice that Iran operates under the same sorts of tendencies as most nations; self interest, pride, nationalism, cohesion, self respect, love of country and culture. These are not characteristics of off the handle lunatics, like the Israelis would have you believe. What they want first and foremost is to carry on as a successful culture into the future. Nations of that mindset do not nuke their neighbors in desperate acts of national suicide. I've never believed that sort of hyperbolic anti-Iranian propaganda, but it seems to be bought into by a lot of casual observers of the situation.
Notice that Iran operates under the same sorts of tendencies as most nations; self interest, pride, nationalism, cohesion, self respect, love of country and culture. These are not characteristics of off the handle lunatics, like the Israelis would have you believe. What they want first and foremost is to carry on as a successful culture into the future. Nations of that mindset do not nuke their neighbors in desperate acts of national suicide. I've never believed that sort of hyperbolic anti-Iranian propaganda, but it seems to be bought into by a lot of casual observers of the situation.
11
"Notice that Iran operates under the same sorts of tendencies as most nations; self interest, pride, nationalism, cohesion, self respect, love of country and culture. "
Oh, come now! Iran, with its trappings of "democratic rule", in reality operates under the dictates of their Supreme Leader whose overarching goal is the spread of Islam by any means -- including threats from, and use of, nuclear weapons -- and the death of democracy.
Oh, come now! Iran, with its trappings of "democratic rule", in reality operates under the dictates of their Supreme Leader whose overarching goal is the spread of Islam by any means -- including threats from, and use of, nuclear weapons -- and the death of democracy.
1
We will have a deal with Iran. Iran will get the bomb eventually anyways, a little later.
But that does not mean the deal will be a failure. The deal will lead to more peace between the West and Iran. The Sunni powers and Israel will be very unhappy with this.
And? So what.
Nothing has come of decades of dear blood and vital treasure from the West to the Middle East except more of the same pathetic violence and war.
And so I look forward to the USA and the West limiting and cooling their relationship with the Sunnis and Israel. I think I speak for many of my fellow Americans and for many Europeans when I say: good riddance. You are not our friends. Some of you may care for peace, but you are too few, too weak, and any who sincerely tries is marginalized or outright murdered. Most of you care nothing for peace, you just want more death. And so we in the West are done with you. There is no more chance for dealing with integrity. Because there is no integrity from you in the notion of peace. There is not enough of you who truly seek that.
Figure out peace yourself. Or murder each other as too many of you desire and intend to no matter what we do. There is nothing more a sane person can do.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
- Albert Einstein
Let the West and the USA to walk away from Israel and the Sunni world, and leave them to the madness too many of them seek.
Let us make our peace with Iran, begone the rest.
But that does not mean the deal will be a failure. The deal will lead to more peace between the West and Iran. The Sunni powers and Israel will be very unhappy with this.
And? So what.
Nothing has come of decades of dear blood and vital treasure from the West to the Middle East except more of the same pathetic violence and war.
And so I look forward to the USA and the West limiting and cooling their relationship with the Sunnis and Israel. I think I speak for many of my fellow Americans and for many Europeans when I say: good riddance. You are not our friends. Some of you may care for peace, but you are too few, too weak, and any who sincerely tries is marginalized or outright murdered. Most of you care nothing for peace, you just want more death. And so we in the West are done with you. There is no more chance for dealing with integrity. Because there is no integrity from you in the notion of peace. There is not enough of you who truly seek that.
Figure out peace yourself. Or murder each other as too many of you desire and intend to no matter what we do. There is nothing more a sane person can do.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
- Albert Einstein
Let the West and the USA to walk away from Israel and the Sunni world, and leave them to the madness too many of them seek.
Let us make our peace with Iran, begone the rest.
8
Some friend and ally you are, you just want to wash your hands of Israel.
Maybe you are an Iranian, feathering your own nest.
Maybe you are an Iranian, feathering your own nest.
I hope this deal materializes. I think limiting fossil fuel emissions is a positive step for humankind.
6
So Iran is to the left of Israel in that they are happy to negotiate about nukes.
Well perhaps the US should send the 4 billion a year to Iran instead of Bibi
Well perhaps the US should send the 4 billion a year to Iran instead of Bibi
3
Its the US that is the wild card, along with Israel, and between the two they will do what they can to undermine negotiations and any meaningful agreement. Most of the world knows the US is the problem, not the solution, in so many international "crisis" that according to our brilliant government must be resolved by flat out aggression - either economic (sanctions designed to undermine and harm economies), military, or covert destabilization. Wake Up America.
2
One has to remember that the Iran is one of the most duplicitous countries on earth. They have not proven any credibility on the issue, and propaganda all over the country proclaims "Death to America" and "Death to the Zionists". I think skepticism is a reasonable response to Iran's sudden turn of heart. And one can never underestimate how disastrous it would be if Iran broke out towards the bomb. It would precipitate a nuclear arms race in the region between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and Israel, our most important ally in the region, would lose the security its own nuclear arms had previously guaranteed it against Iranian aggression.
8
Most duplicitous award goes hands down to Israel. Poses as our friend, spies on the United States at a horrifying rate. Undermines our president at every turn and has high disregard for international law...etc
3
As Iranian leaders grow more reasonable and moderate in their view of the nuclear talks, the American Congress is growing more apoplectic. The latest letter to President Obama contains wild and untruthful allegations against Iran and impossible demands that effectively are designed to torpedo the negotiations. If the talks fail it will not be Iran's fault, nor the fault of the negotiating teams. The fault will lay with the inappropriate interference of Congress and the undue influence of the Israeli lobby.
12
Okay, so now, who is going to control our lunatic neocons?
9
Many anti-deal commenters mistakenly believe the US has some authority here. They don't. Iran is talking to the US only because the US has imposed sanctions on Iran, and Iran would like to see those sanctions lifted. Period. The US doesn't enforce the Non-Proliferation Treaty, nor Iran's Safeguards Agreement under it. That authority is possessed only by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran is willing to give a great deal to get the US to drop sanctions and to call of its attack dog, Netanyahu. But there are limits. Kerry gets this. Obama gets this. Not sure a lot of anti-deal commenters get this.
Frankly, if I were Iran, I'd negotiate for a deal I'm happy with, and walk away if the only deal I can get is a bad one. China and Russia (and India and other) are waiting and eager to fill the void. The world no longer revolves around the wishes of the US and Israel.
Iran is willing to give a great deal to get the US to drop sanctions and to call of its attack dog, Netanyahu. But there are limits. Kerry gets this. Obama gets this. Not sure a lot of anti-deal commenters get this.
Frankly, if I were Iran, I'd negotiate for a deal I'm happy with, and walk away if the only deal I can get is a bad one. China and Russia (and India and other) are waiting and eager to fill the void. The world no longer revolves around the wishes of the US and Israel.
10
Well, Iranians are showing more maturity than Congress (both parties) for sure. Add the fact that the only ones fighting on the ground to defeat ISIS and a slew of other terror groups are Iranians. Our so-called "allies" are not only not fighting to defeat these terror groups on the ground, they are also providing material help, including, financial, weaponry, manpower, medical etc.
What are the standards we use to designate a country as "ally"? Working against our interests?
What are the standards we use to designate a country as "ally"? Working against our interests?
9
The neocons dreamed of transforming the Middle East through a violent process of shock and awe. President Obama was elected and re-elected because he had a better idea. Now Iran is about to be welcomed back into the family of nations and, thanks to Netanyahu, Palestine is on the verge of being recognized by the UN as a sovereign nation.
8
Iran is a large and influential country in the region. One of the main reasons why peace has eluded the Middle East is that Western influence, power, money and weapons have been channeled to the wrong state - Israel. Every conflict in the region since the end of WW2 can be traced back to our miscalculations and the aggression of Israel. We need to either back out of the area completely and stop wasting our money there, or we need to demand that ALL the nations in the region step up to the negotiating table. The regions of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Jordan are too large and historically linked to the land to be simply wished away because Israel can't get along with them.
9
This seems to be the essential anti-deal thinking:
"For some reason it is the U.S. that appears desperate to get a deal done, when we could just sit back and let sanctions run their course..."
But what if we did that and we learn that Iran can live with the sanctions? They'd prefer to do without them, of course, but the question is HOW badly they want to get rid of them. Probably less than this commenter thinks. After all, most of what the US vows to deny Iran can be supplied by someone else -- Russia or China, for example -- and several other countries are waiting eagerly in the wings to do business with Iran if these talks fail.
The US government wants a deal mostly because the US government doesn't want the world to see just how little power the US has left.
"For some reason it is the U.S. that appears desperate to get a deal done, when we could just sit back and let sanctions run their course..."
But what if we did that and we learn that Iran can live with the sanctions? They'd prefer to do without them, of course, but the question is HOW badly they want to get rid of them. Probably less than this commenter thinks. After all, most of what the US vows to deny Iran can be supplied by someone else -- Russia or China, for example -- and several other countries are waiting eagerly in the wings to do business with Iran if these talks fail.
The US government wants a deal mostly because the US government doesn't want the world to see just how little power the US has left.
1
This article is very selective with its facts. Just days ago Supreme Ruler Khamenei was joining crowds shouting "death to America". If that is restraint, hard to imagine what is not restraint.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/khamenei-calls-death-to-america-as-kerry-ha...
However, if there is "restraint" by hard-liners it "reflects a general satisfaction, analysts say, with the direction of the talks", and they have every reason to be satisfied. The impending deal is good for Iran and not the West. Iran remains with thousands of centrifuges and on the nuclear threshold.
"And the successes Iran is enjoying, extending and deepening its influence in Iraq, Syria and Yemen". Indeed. In spite of this, the Obama administration seems to regard Iran as also being on the threshold of becoming a US ally in its fight against ISIS.
So Supreme Ruler Khamenei, in spite pf his joining in in shouts of "death to America" (ignored by this article), has every reason to smile and be happy.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/khamenei-calls-death-to-america-as-kerry-ha...
However, if there is "restraint" by hard-liners it "reflects a general satisfaction, analysts say, with the direction of the talks", and they have every reason to be satisfied. The impending deal is good for Iran and not the West. Iran remains with thousands of centrifuges and on the nuclear threshold.
"And the successes Iran is enjoying, extending and deepening its influence in Iraq, Syria and Yemen". Indeed. In spite of this, the Obama administration seems to regard Iran as also being on the threshold of becoming a US ally in its fight against ISIS.
So Supreme Ruler Khamenei, in spite pf his joining in in shouts of "death to America" (ignored by this article), has every reason to smile and be happy.
6
What a farce!
Has Iran agreed to complete access and inspections before any sanctions are lifted?
Has Iran agreed to stop supporting terrorists in the region?
Has Iran agreed to acknowledge Israel's right to exist?
Will Iran honor any agreement they sign?
Of course not!!!!
Will Iran agree to anything after an aggressive negotiation and keeping quiet, in order to get sanctions lifted?
Of course!
Remember Reagan's "trust but verify". Nothing should happen until complete access is given and inspections are completed. If Iran wants what they say they want, they will allow it. Of course, if we find that they have lied yet again, no deal should proceed.
Has Iran agreed to complete access and inspections before any sanctions are lifted?
Has Iran agreed to stop supporting terrorists in the region?
Has Iran agreed to acknowledge Israel's right to exist?
Will Iran honor any agreement they sign?
Of course not!!!!
Will Iran agree to anything after an aggressive negotiation and keeping quiet, in order to get sanctions lifted?
Of course!
Remember Reagan's "trust but verify". Nothing should happen until complete access is given and inspections are completed. If Iran wants what they say they want, they will allow it. Of course, if we find that they have lied yet again, no deal should proceed.
9
Iran is helping to stop the terrorism in the Middle East which is started by Israel and Saudi Arabia.
4
Our untimely non-response in Syria, has inured to Iran's advantage. Hezbollah's Lebanon/Golan Heights incursions have inured to Iran's advantage. Our failed invasion of Iraq due to non-existent WMDs, and al-Maliki's corruption of Iraq's forces have inured to Iran's advantage. Netanyahu's unprecedented incursion into our foreign policy to bait the US into going to war against Iran has inured to Iran's advantage. Yemen's impending civil war has inured to Iran's advantage. Our failure to seriously prosecute and effectuate an earlier treaty with Iran, when they were further away from making an atomic bomb has inured to Iran's advantage.
Consequently, when you have a theocracy, run by a series of religious zealots who can cause anyone who disagrees with them to be threatened by its paramilitary and imprisoned and/or killed, why wouldn't Iran want an such an agreement, and have our sanctions lifted and be financially reinvigorated? We have already lost the battle. The only unresolved question is whether we have lost the war.
Consequently, when you have a theocracy, run by a series of religious zealots who can cause anyone who disagrees with them to be threatened by its paramilitary and imprisoned and/or killed, why wouldn't Iran want an such an agreement, and have our sanctions lifted and be financially reinvigorated? We have already lost the battle. The only unresolved question is whether we have lost the war.
12
Do you want more body bags coming from Syria? Syrian debacle was started by Saudi Arabia and Israel. Both miserably got defeated.
3
It really matters little. From all I can see Netanyahu is working very hard in many quarters to sabotage any deal with Iran. With the help of the 47 senators and others in foreign governments he is bound to succeed. Netanyahu's goal in life is to have the United States go to war with Iran. Fortunately Obama seeks the way of negotiations and thus the falling out between the men. I place my money on no deal and and eventual war. Too many powerful people are seeking that. I hope I'm wrong though.
36
And, you're not really placing any money on it either. Right?
I also see War Matt. But for entirely different reasons than u do. But thanks to Israel and Netanyahu it will be a non-nuclear war. And of course 47 senators and 360 congressman don't mean anything in your mind. Kind of like living in Iran which is probably a country better suited to your democratic ideals.
3
Mr Connolly, Netanyahu's ONLY intent is to keep Americans and Israeli's safe from terrorists. To read anything else into it is folly. It would not be in Israel's best interest if America and Iran were at war.
3
As an American who once upon an another a time iived in Iran, speaks Farsi and has been leading Custom Travel Tours for the last 6 years..let me give you my sneakers-on-the-ground take. Khameni is not sitting in an Ivory Mosque, he's surrounded by educated Mullahs sitting at their computers watching the world.(who do you think does most of his tweets?)Why do you think they want relations with "neighboring countries.) TRADE! They are engaged in trade agreements that are beneficial to all the countries, as well as their economics. In spite of the sanctions, they are developing their own infrastructure, subways, Why wouldtrain lines,low income housing, privatization of business.. to increase their middle-class. Programs addressing environmental issues (The Ministry head by a woman)Business leaders, from all over Europe flock to investment conferences(Been there ,see them) With relations ironed out, we don't even need 10 years for us to develop a mutually beneficial import/export status. Why in the world would they then commit suicide by launching a weapon that they know would immediately be retaliated?
96
Exactly.
The way Israel and the GOP vilify Iran is insulting & ridiculous, and counter productive. We need to let Americans start making money with Iranians and cement some good relations with good old fashioned business sense.
The way Israel and the GOP vilify Iran is insulting & ridiculous, and counter productive. We need to let Americans start making money with Iranians and cement some good relations with good old fashioned business sense.
6
Norma Lee
I might add just a little, These are not your run of the mill Mullahs, blowing things up, most of them are very educated with language skills and advance degrees in many very relevant subjects. They are Persians and not Arabs - believe you me that makes a big difference and every Arab knows it and resents it.
PEACE is what everyone wants so that they can trade with the world in all commodities including defense supplies that they want to export. This is the single most troubling issue for Israel. Iran would take their market in advanced avionics also. Sanctions have been a blessing in disguise for them as they had to produce and develop domestic industries in every field.
I might add just a little, These are not your run of the mill Mullahs, blowing things up, most of them are very educated with language skills and advance degrees in many very relevant subjects. They are Persians and not Arabs - believe you me that makes a big difference and every Arab knows it and resents it.
PEACE is what everyone wants so that they can trade with the world in all commodities including defense supplies that they want to export. This is the single most troubling issue for Israel. Iran would take their market in advanced avionics also. Sanctions have been a blessing in disguise for them as they had to produce and develop domestic industries in every field.
10
Thank you. Most heartening.
5
Other than its obvious desire to have nuclear weapons, why would a country sitting on top of an ocean of oil want a nuclear program? Once that genie is out of the bottle, it is never, ever going back in.
10
Perhaps the Republicans should have thought that through a little bit before overthrowing a democratically elected pro American President in the 1950s because he would not give a British oil company a good enough deal, putting Iran in the "axis of evil" with Iraq and North Korea, then invading Iraq.
10
The United States is the top producer of oil and yes, we have nuclear power. Are you going to bemoan that fact as well?
2
Iran's Oil reserves are nearing depletion. They are now largely in tertiary recovery. Read: Twilight In The Desert
Willing to bet that 100% of those in this thread opposing a deal were also in favor of invading Iraq. Wrong again.
63
Even if that was true opposing a deal even if you are against invading isn't wrong as the "deal" can be a bad one and should be opposed.
2
You lost your bet. The Iraq War was unjustified and this is something I believed from the beginning and it has only been born out by time. The Iran deal is a different thing.
By the way there are other alternatives to a bad deal that do not include war.
By the way there are other alternatives to a bad deal that do not include war.
1
The Supreme Leader understands that no deal means a most expensive regional arms race that would break the back of his regime just as President Reagan crashed the Soviet Union in a decade of peacetime.
4
Would that our own Republican " hard-liners" showed such restraint.
33
So a great many of you call Iran our enemy.
What did Iran do to make them the enemy? In fact, it was the U.S. Britain and British Petroleum that made Iran the enemy.
Worse yet it is Israel that wants to keep Iran from progressing, and regaining its influence. Yet, Iran is the one Islamic country where Jews can still live without being killed for being Jews.
Iran is not the enemy, the GOP and its rats nest of conspirators is the real enemy, the enemy of peace. It was the enemy of peace in the 1930s, the 40s, and even now.
All they seem to know is war, they still think they rule the schoolyard, just like aging bullies that lack the unintellectual acumen of the village idiot.
They will sabotage peace just to keep Mr.Obama from getting credit for it. They will send your young men and women to die, just to keep themselves in power. Traitors to the American society, cads each and all.
What did Iran do to make them the enemy? In fact, it was the U.S. Britain and British Petroleum that made Iran the enemy.
Worse yet it is Israel that wants to keep Iran from progressing, and regaining its influence. Yet, Iran is the one Islamic country where Jews can still live without being killed for being Jews.
Iran is not the enemy, the GOP and its rats nest of conspirators is the real enemy, the enemy of peace. It was the enemy of peace in the 1930s, the 40s, and even now.
All they seem to know is war, they still think they rule the schoolyard, just like aging bullies that lack the unintellectual acumen of the village idiot.
They will sabotage peace just to keep Mr.Obama from getting credit for it. They will send your young men and women to die, just to keep themselves in power. Traitors to the American society, cads each and all.
86
"Iran is not the enemy, the GOP and its rats nest of conspirators is the real enemy, the enemy of peace." Hmm. Oh yes, that's right, it was the GOP that kidnapped the American embassy and held its staff hostage for more than a year in Iran in 1979-1981. Now I remember. Thanks.
2
You are so wrong about Israel not wanting Iran to thrive. I think you may have it the wrong way around. And don't think for one moment Jews live freely in Iran. Do you know how many Jews are left in Iran? Two.
2
The ideologies of Iran make Iran the enemy.
3
Let us suppose that the former Soviet Union had developed a nuclear arsenal before the U.S. had done so. Obviously we would have thereupon broken a speed record trying to catch up before our nation's perceived enemies could bomb us out of existence. Why, then, should we expect anything less of Iran whose own bete noir has already developed such an arsenal? The U.S. and its European allies are doing what they can to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions. Perhaps they should have done as much with Israel. (Ah, but Israel is a "peace-loving" nation. Sure, tell that to the Palestinian Arabs.)
46
Iran signed the nuclear non proliferation treaty and thereby gave up its right to develop nuclear weapons. That totally changes the moral and legal equation.
1
@publius: And because Israel didn't sign that particular piece of paper that changes everything? In any case, Iran says it is NOT developing nuclear weapons. Can you prove that they're lying?
2
Yup. You sign an international treaty as Iran did and that changes everything, both legally and morally.
1
Respectful dialogue and diplomacy are cheaper tools to employ than threats, provocation, and sanctions that punish everyone. I hope that we and Iran's leaders can show that we are worthy of trust and sincere in seeking a peaceful solution.
34
I assume you mean Democrats "are worthy of trust and sincere..."
Like Israel shows it is worthy of trust and sincere in seeking a peaceful solution with Palestine or Iran.
What if they aren't and we don't realize we've been had until after they have a bomb? What's your plan then?
Is it really surprising that Iran's hard-liners aren't trying to sink the emerging deal? Why should they? They like the deal. From Iran's point of view it's a great deal. After the ten-year sunset provision, Iran will be able to develop nuclear weapons and have a long-range delivery system that can reach the United States.
15
they can develop nuclear weapons today. They are only two months away from achieving that goal but they have not decided to do so. As for the 10 year sunset, don't most agreements sunset at some point? Isn't that a good reason to continue negotiations and get another agreement after this one?
4
The US has nuclear weapons and the ability to launch them against Teheran today. So what? The world has lived with nuclear arms and deterrence for over half-a-century.
Perhaps you subscribe to the "Iranians are crazy war-mongers while we Americans are peace-loving" perspective? Please. The Iranian government has a contingent of savvy politicians with no desire to see their country turned into radioactive rubble. One of the supreme ironies of the Republican letter was its effort to "teach" the Iranians about American politics when the Foreign Minister himself attended San Francisco State and holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Denver. Iran's President also has a doctorate in International Relations from Glasgow Caledonian University. Two other members of the Iranian cabinet have degrees from MIT.
American attitudes about Iran often seem mired in 1979. It's time we moved along.
Perhaps you subscribe to the "Iranians are crazy war-mongers while we Americans are peace-loving" perspective? Please. The Iranian government has a contingent of savvy politicians with no desire to see their country turned into radioactive rubble. One of the supreme ironies of the Republican letter was its effort to "teach" the Iranians about American politics when the Foreign Minister himself attended San Francisco State and holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Denver. Iran's President also has a doctorate in International Relations from Glasgow Caledonian University. Two other members of the Iranian cabinet have degrees from MIT.
American attitudes about Iran often seem mired in 1979. It's time we moved along.
6
It's weird that you think you know what any proposed bargain contains.
1
Yes, I do think over the next decade that Iran will have nuclear weapons. I am also certain that the USA and Western Europe will not go to war with Iran to reduce their chnces of having nuclear weapons.
The rise of Iran's influence and the ease of their tactical and strategic movement is a direct consequnce of our dismembering Iraq.
If the Sunni nations and Israel are unhappy with what is happening then let them go to war with Iran.
The rise of Iran's influence and the ease of their tactical and strategic movement is a direct consequnce of our dismembering Iraq.
If the Sunni nations and Israel are unhappy with what is happening then let them go to war with Iran.
66
Well if they do, they won't have many, because it would not be useful to them. And they won't be using them they will be a deterrent, and they will prevent a war, not cause one.
When Iraq invaded Iran (with our satellite help) they did the fighting in Iran. If Iran wants to nuke foreign troops on it's soil, I think that's justified. There is no history of Iran attacking foreign nations.
When Iraq invaded Iran (with our satellite help) they did the fighting in Iran. If Iran wants to nuke foreign troops on it's soil, I think that's justified. There is no history of Iran attacking foreign nations.
Let them go to war with Iran and lose.
I'm certain that USA and Western Europe will have no choice to go to war with Iran if they have nuclear weapons....because unlike USA and Western Europe, Iran intends to use them.
They like the way the talks are going. They will achieve nuclear capability and escape their isolation. The question is, what does the West get in return?
Are Obama and Kerry really acting in the best interests of the United States and our allies in the Middle East? What is Iran giving up in these negotiations?
Are Obama and Kerry really acting in the best interests of the United States and our allies in the Middle East? What is Iran giving up in these negotiations?
11
they're agreeing not to build a weapon for 10 years and they will dismantle a lot of centrifuges. Haven't you been paying attention?
4
They are the ones fighting for us in Iraq and Syria, I do not see a single Israeli soldier trying to help us in Middle east? do you?
In Syria near the Occupied Golan Heights ISIS are on one side of the Border ion Syria and the IDF is in the occupied Beth Sheba Farms, I do not see them fighting, as a matter of fact Israel killed an Iranian general in Syria who was fighting ISIS. I wonder whose side is Israel on?
In Syria near the Occupied Golan Heights ISIS are on one side of the Border ion Syria and the IDF is in the occupied Beth Sheba Farms, I do not see them fighting, as a matter of fact Israel killed an Iranian general in Syria who was fighting ISIS. I wonder whose side is Israel on?
3
Wizarat, if Israel sent soldiers into Iraq and Syria the Arabs would quit the coalition fitting ISIS. Is that your preference?
Iranian leaders are behaving exponentially better than Israeli leaders. Iranian leaders look cool and circumspect in comparison to Israeli leaders. Reputations are changing and developing. It certainly appears that this deal with Iran could bloom into a full blown detente.
The long term strategists at the Pentagon know that a more fulsome alliance with Iran will tip the scales regarding China and Russia. A U.S.-Iran alliance coupled with a U.S.-Saudi alliance may in fact be the best tool to cool off Sunni-Shia relations in the region.
Iran is the missing piece. That's why Netanyahu and right wing Jewish-American interference in Obama and the Pentagon's arena is so appalling. This deal and this detente is very important to American national security and American interests in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. It has enormous repercussions.
This is one of those times in your life that you're either an American or you have foreign interests that interfere with American interests.
The long term strategists at the Pentagon know that a more fulsome alliance with Iran will tip the scales regarding China and Russia. A U.S.-Iran alliance coupled with a U.S.-Saudi alliance may in fact be the best tool to cool off Sunni-Shia relations in the region.
Iran is the missing piece. That's why Netanyahu and right wing Jewish-American interference in Obama and the Pentagon's arena is so appalling. This deal and this detente is very important to American national security and American interests in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. It has enormous repercussions.
This is one of those times in your life that you're either an American or you have foreign interests that interfere with American interests.
98
Wait, let me get this straight, a US-Iran alliance will counter Russia and China? And a similar US-Saudi alliance will end fighting between the Sunnis and Shiites? Iran is interested in taking over the middle east, not helping us with our China and Russia problems.
Israel should be concerned about being sold down the river with that half baked thinking. You are correct about being for Americas interests rather than foreign interests, i am just not sure which side your thinking falls on.
Israel should be concerned about being sold down the river with that half baked thinking. You are correct about being for Americas interests rather than foreign interests, i am just not sure which side your thinking falls on.
1
How naive. Iran's leaders are not changing. They are as manipulating as ever.
The world will be a much more insecure place without an Israel-US alliance. The only nations which can solve the Sunni-Shia disaster is the Arab nations. The writing on the wall? Arab will be at serious war with Arab before not too long. There will be nothing, not a thing, America will WANT to do to fix it.
The world will be a much more insecure place without an Israel-US alliance. The only nations which can solve the Sunni-Shia disaster is the Arab nations. The writing on the wall? Arab will be at serious war with Arab before not too long. There will be nothing, not a thing, America will WANT to do to fix it.
2
Is there a Benidict Arnold lurking within the White House? How does one separate ALL the evil being perpertrated by Iran throughout the Middle East from an attempt to reach an agreement on their desire to build a nuclear bomb? The answer is you can't! Iran is our enemy, not our friend. Iran cannot be trusted!
12
Benidict (sic) Arnold wasn't all bad; he rid this country of Alexander Hamilton.
1
Explain again how Iran is our enemy?
42
As usual, conservatives are asking the wrong questions. The real question is, what does the deal buy us? What does not reaching a deal cost us? Labeling the Iranians "enemy" from the get-go resets the American agenda in the conservative mind to it's default mode: war.
4
The timeline is now pretty clear. The end point is a GOP dominated congress hellbent on wresting any kind of control Obama exerts over the Iranian nuclear issue and confronting Iran with ultimatums inevitably leading to yet another war ... all at the behest of the vast industrial military complex Eisenhower warned the nation againts over sixty years ago. The starting point is the duplicitous Israel attack on an agreement with Iran to restrict its atomic energy program to peaceful objectives when Israel itself has a covert arsenal of at least 200 nuclear weapons, won’t sign the NPT and refuses to join the IAEA. Connect the dots.
52
Yes, Israel has nuclear weapons. But they don't want to destroy THE REST OF THE WORLD with them. Connecting the dots means you better hope Iran NEVER acquires nuclear capability. Haven't you read the papers which say that Americans (including Obama) are the infidel?
2
Another up to the minute insinuation of Iranian intentions, verified by magic 8-ball, direct to you from the Land of Oz.
The best possible outcome for any progress in the region would be for Iran and the US to stay the course on negotiations. If they can do that and reach an acceptable deal, no amount of fear-mongering and paranoia from Israeli hawks will have any effect. The best possible smackdown for Netanyahu will be a restrained Iran working through a sensible solution with the US and its allies. It is unacceptable for Israel to continue to beat the war drums even while it's only real ally, the US, is trying to achieve a higher goal. Iran is far too large, influential and powerful to be ignored or unnecessarily vilified at the whims of hardliners in Israel - who only have their own elections in mind and care little about the entire rest of the region.
58
I so hope that history does not judge these talks and ultimate deal a mistake. It would be a big one.
13
In my view, it is only a mistake if Iran gets nuclear weapons and uses them or threatens first strike with them. I do not think this is likely. I think it is likely that Iran will go nuclear regardless of this agreement. This agreement makes it more likely it will behave than not. You never want desperate people to have WMDs.
6
The big mistake is not doing something new and different to get out of the current and unacceptable status quo... w/o invading Iran.
4
@RamS - it is Israel that appears to be the epicentre of all conflict in the region.... not Iran. We need to solve the real issues and not the imagined ones.
7
A nuclear deal is in everyone's interest. After the deal, we should open diplomatic relations with Iran. Iran and the US have much to gain by working together.
The only downside is a further drop in the price of oil which would put more pressure on our nascent fracking industry. The solution to that is a tariff on OPEC oil that would keep it above $60 per barrel in the US.
The only downside is a further drop in the price of oil which would put more pressure on our nascent fracking industry. The solution to that is a tariff on OPEC oil that would keep it above $60 per barrel in the US.
48
Yes, Iran is satisfied with "successes [it] is enjoying, extending and deepening its influence in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen." Bringing Iran to a nuclear threshold state will only cement those successes and enable this fanatic regime to spread its malign and malevolent influence further. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, those who support the agreement because it brings peace, chose dishonor, and they will have war.
14
Yes, the fanatic regime that...
...hasn't started a war in 500 years.
...hasn't started a war in 500 years.
60
Nor has the U.S. . . . oh wait.
3
Nothing the US has done in the Middle East for the past 13 years has moved us any closer peace. We stopped talking, we started bombing and we made the situation worse. Bibi has been saying the same thing for nearly 20 years, but nothing has changed. The bombs still fall regularly, no effective government institutions have been formed. Those with the education and means to make any changes have left these countries. And we have created thousands of additional enemies. Maybe we should try talking and treaties, instead of bombing these countries back to the 7th century where their pathological ideology lives. At least Iran is doing something in the area, no one else is.
87
We used to have treaties with Iran. We abandoned the Iranian government because it was cruel and dictatorial. Then they had a revolution, took all our diplomats hostage and started supporting terrorists around the world. Now we are going to have treaties with another cruel and dictatorial Iranian government. This is progress?
3
You forgot the part about our puppet the Shah and U.S. meddling in Iranian politics.
4
The revolution and the hostage crisis happened nearly 40 years ago. Most of the Iranians involved are dead and a new generation which is more liberal and pro-western is emerging. Engaging with them will be hugely beneficial for peace in the middle east. There may be 'cruel and dictatorial' elements in the Basij and Revolutuonary guards, but they are being silenced at the moment in favor of western educated people like Zarif.
6
"We are steadfast and the U.S. is compromising" explains it all really. For some reason it is the U.S. that appears desperate to get a deal done, when we could just sit back and let sanctions run their course. Has this become a personal vendetta of the administration against Netanyahu? What else can explain the U.S. urgency when all of our traditional allies oppose it?
13
So, Dexter, let me get this straight. You completely buy into the propaganda coming from Iranian hardliners, not even questioning the possibility that those same Iranians might be mouthing the official line coming down from the "supreme leader" and his henchmen. How's it feel to accept the Iranian line and dismiss any possible agreement as a disaster for the U.S - even though you have NO idea what the agreement might be.
12
No, it has not become a "personal vendetta of the administration against Netanyahu." Netanyahu and his lies are irrelevant (and toxic). This is an attempt to create a lasting solution to a problem which long predates the current administration, whatever tripe right wing talk radio may now be spewing. It is in all our interests to support those efforts.
20
All our traditional allies? Gee, I thought they were on our negotiating team and Germany, England and France were supporting out effort. Silly me!
3
I watched an interview on PBS's The Newshour tonight with Woodruff and the Director of the international group monitoring Iran's nuclear weapons program. He said Iran had signed protocols and agreements since 2011 but had failed to disclose relevant information about their program which was not monitored or inspected. Some other parts of the enrichment were monitored. It seems clear to me that Iran is reaching the best deal Obama will give them and will get gradual reduction of sanctions in return. It seems naive to me to believe that Iran will not continue this deception and, at some point, reach breakout status or explode a nuclear weapon in a trial. The tumult caused by the GOP letter and Netanyahu's speech will tie President Obama forever to this doomed treaty and will constitute his legacy. At least he is not calling Iran the JV.
6
In every country there seems to be a subset who will not take peace for an answer. If that group is in power, the rest of us suffer. In Iran, in the US, may wiser heads prevail.
136
“We are steadfast and the U.S. is compromising. We are not complaining.” says Iran. The US is compromising in hopes of peace yet over the weekend the Ayatollah presided over a "Death to America" rally. The want not peace, but the means to inflict apocalyptic damages in hopes of encouraging their "Madhi's" return to establish a world wild caliphate. Peace is not in their vocabulary. With the first nuclear test of Iran, the first launch of a nuclear enabled ICBM, or the first nuclear suitcase bomb the names Obama and Kerry will be relegated to the annals of infamy for eternity or the half life of nuclear debris whichever comes first. For shame! For shame!
How ironic if Bibi's visit and the Treasonous 47's letter should in fact precipitate a solution with Iran. This would indeed be a signal accomplishment for the President (and for SoS Kerry whose star would rise precipitously), and it would bookend the domestic triumph that the Affordable Care Act will prove to be. It would also demonstrate that a president can still govern effectively, I daresay brilliantly, even with a recalcitrant, stalemated Congress that only makes the same, tired, self-serving political moves over and over. Even if a nuclear accord is only a closer possibility and not a probability, WTG, Mr. President. That's why we elected you. Twice.
146
If only there weren't elections in 2014, you could keep on dreaming.
4
There were no elections with Obama on the ballot in 2014, and the total number of votes for Democrats were greater than the number of the votes for Republicans.
19
You mean the non-presidential election where barely 35% voted and Dems still got 5 million more votes than the Repubs?
That one?
That one?
19
Of course Iran is satisfied with the direction of these negotiations. Obama is guaranteeing them a nuclear weapon.
14
Iran is already guaranteed a nuke. That fact has little to do with the negotiations. The whole goal of this agreement is to define how much advance notice will we have before Iran has a nuke, presumably so that someone can go and bomb them. It is a subtle and masterful game of using diplomacy to frame military options we may use to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions. Many people, including politicians, fail to see this.
3
"Their silence is a result of state policies intended by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to seriously try to find a solution through negotiations."
Fantastic! The NY Times has determined that Iran is seriously trying to achieve a negotiated solution. Now, if the reporter would only reveal his source, or his proof. Or, is the Times just expressing the same "great respect" that Secretary Kerry cited for Iran's supposed "fatwa" against nuclear arms?
Fantastic! The NY Times has determined that Iran is seriously trying to achieve a negotiated solution. Now, if the reporter would only reveal his source, or his proof. Or, is the Times just expressing the same "great respect" that Secretary Kerry cited for Iran's supposed "fatwa" against nuclear arms?
13
The hard-liners can have any posture they want as long as those centrifuges keep spinning. It just does not matter.
11
Here is the reality. Shortly after any agreement is signed (there is no good agreement), and sanctions are lifted, the need for supposedly "moderate" players, installed to fool the West, will no longer be there. Then we'll witness with disbelief (but only the fools) how a more extreme regime comes to power in Iran, and how Iran become even more aggressive in its attempts to take over the Middle East. What will follow is a war in which Iran will have to be defeated, otherwise the West will have no oil. If this sounds crazy, just imagine how crazy and irresponsible the negotiations in Geneva are.
11
And your solution to prevent the war your psychic powers show you is what... a preemptive war? Good one-- heads war wins, tails war wins.
25
@Yehuda Israeli: The U.S. was not importing one drop of Iranian oil even before the official sanctions went into effect. The West should eschew petroleum in any case but for the time being it's getting all it needs from other sources. Personally, I'd like to see a moderate "player" take over in Israel but that's out of the question now.
9
Well then, if that happens, the Republicans and Netanyahu will be thrilled, so what have they been complaining about.
8
This is very encouraging in the sense that during rivalries and conflicts, both nations don't want to lose face and wish to win. Here we have a win win with both sides earnestly working to satisfy each other. I believe both sides are sincere despite the regular nationalistic hate mongering that always occurs on both sides of any conflict. Both nations are rallying their citizens support and that is good if an agreement is reached. Then both sides will be happy. More importantly, with time following an agreement, old hatreds will soon be forgotten and give way to peaceful coexistence and maybe better.
An agreement now would marginalize our Republican hatemongers as well as Iran's. It is ironic that both nations have Republicans who hate each other.
War is easy,...........Peace is hard.
Diplomacy will win the day. Thank God.
An agreement now would marginalize our Republican hatemongers as well as Iran's. It is ironic that both nations have Republicans who hate each other.
War is easy,...........Peace is hard.
Diplomacy will win the day. Thank God.
55
Playing possum, don't ever trust 'em.
7
If he has control enough to make the hard right be silent, then he has control enough to make them keep to an agreement.
Do we? Those who cannot be trusted are standing behind our backs, not on the other side of the table.
Do we? Those who cannot be trusted are standing behind our backs, not on the other side of the table.
149
Since 2010, the 112th, 113th, and now 114th congress’s, have endured unceasing obstruction led by Boehner in the House and McConnell in the Senate, are the most shameful, lowest rated and least effective in US history.
They have leveled a torrent of insults, disrespect, and paralyzing antipathy that eclipses what any president in living memory has had to put up with. Indeed, no president since the 19th century has been met with a less cooperative, less civilized, less mature opposition. How shameful.
They have leveled a torrent of insults, disrespect, and paralyzing antipathy that eclipses what any president in living memory has had to put up with. Indeed, no president since the 19th century has been met with a less cooperative, less civilized, less mature opposition. How shameful.
6
If only the hard-liners within the American Congress were as willing to be constructive, rather than saboteurs.
160
Leopards's spots do not change. What has changed is this new strategy.
12
For the Republicans?
7
Looks like restraint by the hard liners may win the day for Iran. It's smart of them.
45
Interesting points....
However it is a mistake to suggest that Iran's Supreme Leader is a one man show as he speaks for a vast group of constituents, from the Religious Purist to the Bazar Merchants to the Military and the Nationalists et al.
IRAN is following a Logical Plan and is moderating its Foreign Policy so to address the aspirations of its nearly 80 Million citizens and it is incumbent on the International Community to meet Iran half-way.
Last time we had a chance to Deal with Iran was during Mr. Khatami's presidency and as they were blunted by the naysayers we ended up with a hardliner President in Mr. Ahmadinejad.
This is perhaps the last chance so Mr. Rohani can prove that moderation pays off and Iran can join the good books of the International Community as failure will empower the extremists in Iran and we will end up somewhere we all wish we never did.
IT Is Time To Make A Win-Win Deal Now, As Failure Is Not An Option.
However it is a mistake to suggest that Iran's Supreme Leader is a one man show as he speaks for a vast group of constituents, from the Religious Purist to the Bazar Merchants to the Military and the Nationalists et al.
IRAN is following a Logical Plan and is moderating its Foreign Policy so to address the aspirations of its nearly 80 Million citizens and it is incumbent on the International Community to meet Iran half-way.
Last time we had a chance to Deal with Iran was during Mr. Khatami's presidency and as they were blunted by the naysayers we ended up with a hardliner President in Mr. Ahmadinejad.
This is perhaps the last chance so Mr. Rohani can prove that moderation pays off and Iran can join the good books of the International Community as failure will empower the extremists in Iran and we will end up somewhere we all wish we never did.
IT Is Time To Make A Win-Win Deal Now, As Failure Is Not An Option.
80
Adam,
Where is this Iranian "moderation" demonstrated" are the chants of "Death to America" softer? Are their proxies in Yemen bombing fewer Mosks? Are their proxies in Gaza digging fewer tunnels, firing fewer rockets into Israel, or murdering fewer Israelis? Is their proxy in Syria killing fewer of his own people?
Please indicate where this moderation can be viewed!
Where is this Iranian "moderation" demonstrated" are the chants of "Death to America" softer? Are their proxies in Yemen bombing fewer Mosks? Are their proxies in Gaza digging fewer tunnels, firing fewer rockets into Israel, or murdering fewer Israelis? Is their proxy in Syria killing fewer of his own people?
Please indicate where this moderation can be viewed!
2
Iran (where the Supreme Leader is firmly in charge) is
"moderating" its foreign policy because it is getting what it wants - the chance to keep enriching uranium and a one year breakout time to a possible nuclear bomb - a time period that experts say would not be enough to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon. And no
demands to stop funding terrorism, improve the human rights situation in Iran or stop interfering in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon (as America nad the Europeans have rightly insisted on in the past. This agreement will
probaly lead to Saudi Arabia and Egypt developing nuclear weapons and make the Middle East (And the world) less safe and not more!
"moderating" its foreign policy because it is getting what it wants - the chance to keep enriching uranium and a one year breakout time to a possible nuclear bomb - a time period that experts say would not be enough to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon. And no
demands to stop funding terrorism, improve the human rights situation in Iran or stop interfering in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon (as America nad the Europeans have rightly insisted on in the past. This agreement will
probaly lead to Saudi Arabia and Egypt developing nuclear weapons and make the Middle East (And the world) less safe and not more!
1
Yes, it's all too late after the horse has bolted isn't it, Mr Smith. And what a catastrophic failure it would be. Peace would indeed be wonderful, but Mr Rohani is just like all the others. No less anti-Semitic and no less interested in punishing the "infidels".
1
I read this article and quake. How are we trusting these people??
Didn't the "kind and caring" people of Iran chant - death to USA , last week?
Didn't the "kind and caring" people of Iran chant - death to USA , last week?
14
Haven't US politicians advocated bombing/invading Iran every day for last 30 years?
41
What do you think Iranian moderates think of US politicians like Ted Cruz? There are 80 million of them, after all, yet you would lump them all into one extremist basket.
14
Exactly. What most of us are hoping is that the crazies--on both sides--will not win this round. We may be wrong, it is possible Iran is lying through its teeth, but I still want the President to proceed as though sanity is the default position, not a fringe idea.
18
The talks are a sham. Iran will say and sign to get sanctions relief; and remain on their nuclear weapon objective. No deal!
19
I am always impressed with people who can deduce the intentions of a foreign government from half a world away. I assume you also knew that by 2003 Iraq had long abandoned its nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons program and was informing our government to help prevent our attack.
74
Ah yes, compared to that international star of good faith negotiating, of standing by treaties and international law, the grand old USA. How could Iran possibly trust us? Did you watch Bibi in Congress?
39
Wow, you can tell the future? The alternative is eventual war. You gonna enlist, or send your son or daughter?
Dismiss diplomacy, embrace Netanyahu's cynical paranoia, and we have a trillion-dollar war against a nation with three times the population of Iraq, a professional military, and trading partners such as Russia and China.
I take it Fox "News" is on basic cable in Lodi?
Dismiss diplomacy, embrace Netanyahu's cynical paranoia, and we have a trillion-dollar war against a nation with three times the population of Iraq, a professional military, and trading partners such as Russia and China.
I take it Fox "News" is on basic cable in Lodi?
39
So Iran seems to be negotiating in good faith. Bad news Bibi....
121
The bad news is for the people who will find themselves under Iranian hegemony similar to when you agreed with Stalin to turn over large swathes of humanity under his control.
The older I get, the greater my hatred of the US and all it has done to people all over the world.
The older I get, the greater my hatred of the US and all it has done to people all over the world.
3
Judith: you are so near yet so hateful toward those people a few miles across lake Ontario.
13
The bad news (for everyone) is that Iran will have nuclear weapons eventually as a result of these "negotiations."
7