Clinton says U.S. may consult Iran on Afghanistan

[Nikos]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldN...52367M20090304
Well that's just great. It looks like were going to cave in to Iran.

Thanks Obama!
This will only embolden those who wish to harm us. They will see it as a sign of weakness from the United States. We need to isolate Iran,not give them legitimacy!

[chamaeleo]

Where do you draw such a conclusion from this article?

...if Clinton consults China on international economic issues, will you also predict that we'll become communist by 2012?

Seriously, talk is just talk. Onlookers will see total non-communication as a perpetuation of Bush's failed foreign policy. If we were to consider consulting them on nuclear proliferation, I might agree with you. This is not the case. As a nation bordering Iran, it is in their national interest to closely monitor our actions in Afghanistan...however else we feel about Iran, we can hardly dismiss this as another case of "clearcut Muslim aggression". What's wrong with getting their perspective on the situation?

We're not even committing anything by talking. At best, our intel will improve and we may better predict Iran's reactions to our behavior in Afghanistan. They may even soften their posture towards us, which will weaken public support for their government...the only thing keeping Mahmoud & co. in power is their ability to generate fear and hatred towards the US "aggressors" (thanks, Bush...). It's a foot in the door, no more.

At worst, we'll give the world the impression that we're no longer entirely unreasonable chaps. A sign of weakness? Hell, everyone already knows this...I'd rather we approach diplomacy openly and realistically, than continue trying to bluster a unilateral agreement in all things. It is only a matter of time before someone calls our bluff, and our big stick is rotten.

[Nikos]

Where do you draw such a conclusion from this article?

...if Clinton consults China on international economic issues, will you also predict that we'll become communist by 2012?

Seriously, talk is just talk. Onlookers will see total non-communication as a perpetuation of Bush's failed foreign policy. If we were to consider consulting them on nuclear proliferation, I might agree with you. This is not the case. As a nation bordering Iran, it is in their national interest to closely monitor our actions in Afghanistan...however else we feel about Iran, we can hardly dismiss this as another case of "clearcut Muslim aggression". What's wrong with getting their perspective on the situation?

We're not even committing anything by talking. At best, our intel will improve and we may better predict Iran's reactions to our behavior in Afghanistan. They may even soften their posture towards us, which will weaken public support for their government...the only thing keeping Mahmoud & co. in power is their ability to generate fear and hatred towards the US "aggressors" (thanks, Bush...). It's a foot in the door, no more.

At worst, we'll give the world the impression that we're no longer entirely unreasonable chaps. A sign of weakness? Hell, everyone already knows this...I'd rather we approach diplomacy openly and realistically, than continue trying to bluster a unilateral agreement in all things. It is only a matter of time before someone calls our bluff, and our big stick is rotten.

Why should we get Iran's perspective on Afghanistan? Why does it matter?What do you mean "thanks Bush"? I'm talking about Afghanistan, not Iraq. We were attacked on 9/11. That is why we went into Afghanistan. Would you have preferred us to do nothing? It is not smart diplomacy to talk to Iran. In that part of the world it will be seen as a weakness.

[Kiljan Arslan]

Why should we get Iran's perspective on Afghanistan? Why does it matter?What do you mean "thanks Bush"? I'm talking about Afghanistan, not Iraq. We were attacked on 9/11. That is why we went into Afghanistan. Would you have preferred us to do nothing? It is not smart diplomacy to talk to Iran. In that part of the world it will be seen as a weakness.

Partially because if the hits the fan they'll be suffering from having to care for a whole lotta refugees. plus a significant ethnic minority of Afghanistan is related to the Aryan peoples.

Actually Iran still is not that fond of the Taliban considering what it did when it was in power to Shias.

[Nikos]

Partially because if the hits the fan they'll be suffering from having to care for a whole lotta refugees. plus a significant ethnic minority of Afghanistan is related to the Aryan peoples.

Actually Iran still is not that fond of the Taliban considering what it did when it was in power to Shias.

Valid points, but I still think it will be seen as showing weakness.

[chamaeleo]

Why should we get Iran's perspective on Afghanistan?

Because they're neighbors? To avoid making more easily avoided mistakes, such as those made at the outset of the Iraq conflict?

Why does it matter?What do you mean "thanks Bush"? I'm talking about Afghanistan, not Iraq.

Did Bush not incessently threaten Iran while doing nothing concrete, verily handing Mahmoud the keys to his office as the "savior of Iran"? Polar opposites, those two, yet they were perversely symbiotic in their mutual need for symbolic enemies.

We were attacked on 9/11. That is why we went into Afghanistan. Would you have preferred us to do nothing?

NO. What does 9/11 have to do with your argument, exactly?

It is not smart diplomacy to talk to Iran. In that part of the world it will be seen as a weakness.

How so? Like a parrot whose master is away, you keep repeating this weakness argument but when confronted you have nothing but this "gut-feeling". Give us some original thoughts, or we will be forced to outline your stance for you based on crude interpretation. You feel that if we talk to Iran, then nobody will believe that we are no longer capable of or willing to blast them into the stone-age. Pure crap, this. If someone hits us, we hit back, pure and simple...political party has nothing to do with retaliation.

If anything, we will demonstrate to the world that we are able to hold a civilized discourse. If we pre-emptively talk to them, they might be less willing to hit us in the first place.

What's more, when Israel sees us talking to Iran they may become a little less complacent about their dependence upon US support in the region...let's face it, whether you support Israel or not our validation of their behavior is half the reason the Muslim world despises the US! If Israel backs off a tad, so may everyone else.

[Nikos]

Because they're neighbors? To avoid making more easily avoided mistakes, such as those made at the outset of the Iraq conflict?

How,pray tell, will Iran help us with this?

Did Bush not incessently threaten Iran while doing nothing concrete, verily handing Mahmoud the keys to his office as the "savior of Iran"? Polar opposites, those two, yet they were perversely symbiotic in their mutual need for symbolic enemies.

What? what are you talking about? The action in Afghanistan does not threaten Iran in any real way. What Iranian politicians fabricate is another story.

NO. What does 9/11 have to do with your argument, exactly?

You said we are hated because of Afghanistan. that is why I asked if you preferred we did nothing.

How so? Like a parrot whose master is away, you keep repeating this weakness argument but when confronted you have nothing but this "gut-feeling". Give us some original thoughts, or we will be forced to outline your stance for you based on crude interpretation. You feel that if we talk to Iran, then nobody will believe that we are no longer capable of or willing to blast them into the stone-age. Pure crap, this. If someone hits us, we hit back, pure and simple...political party has nothing to do with retaliation.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1

If anything, we will demonstrate to the world that we are able to hold a civilized discourse. If we pre-emptively talk to them, they might be less willing to hit us in the first place.
What's more, when Israel sees us talking to Iran they may become a little less complacent about their dependence upon US support in the region...let's face it, whether you support Israel or not our validation of their behavior is half the reason the Muslim world despises the US! If Israel backs off a tad, so may everyone else.

You tore apart my arguement calling it a "gut feeling" when your arguement is based on "If's" and "mays."

[chamaeleo]

You said we are hated because of Afghanistan. that is why I asked if you preferred we did nothing.

I did? Where?

The action in Afghanistan does not threaten Iran in any real way.

...and action in Mexico does not threaten the US in any real way. How absurd! No country can ignore what goes on just beyond its borders.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1

Ah, so you ARE a parrot!

Mahmoud is scared, because without "The Great Satan" to scare his supporters with he's got nothing to stand on. THAT is why he's declaring Obama is a sissy. Cowards usually do fall for such ploys...but Obama is not Bush.

You tore apart my arguement calling it a "gut feeling" when your arguement is based on "If's" and "mays."

Boo hoo. All you've got are other people's arguments, what am I supposed to believe?

Diplomacy is all about ifs and mays, learning about your enemies, anticipating your enemies' moves and pretending to give them concessions. Without dialogue, we are robbing ourselves of a powerful tool for coercion.

[boofhead]

I don't think they should consult Iran on anything. They should beat Iran with a big stick.

[sephodwyrm]

Clinton's doing smart diplomacy~~
You learn from everyone. Especially the biggest contenders of influence in the region.
If the US was Muslim they'd have conquered Iraq with no sweat at all.

[Zhangir]

Do not delude yourselves.
Iran has Taliban as its enemies and was willing to support the USA on Afghanistan back in 2001.

Remember then they had a moderate President, and the State Secretary was moderate collin Powell.
So Its no Surprise
I would say i Expected it

[Nikos]

Do not delude yourselves.
Iran has Taliban as its enemies and was willing to support the USA on Afghanistan back in 2001.

Remember then they had a moderate President, and the State Secretary was moderate collin Powell.
So Its no Surprise
I would say i Expected it

Source?

[Zhangir]

Glad people are asking for Sources.

BBC.
Want the link? Wait 3 mins mate

[Nikos]

Glad people are asking for Sources.

BBC.
Want the link? Wait 3 mins mate

If you would be so kind.

[Kiljan Arslan]

isn't that guy running again against amadinejad?

[Zhangir]

All right It's the
Iran and the West BBC Programme, cant find it now, cause my internet browsing skills are poor.

But the guy is Khatami

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/7877740.stm

And indeed

[Nikos]

All right It's the
Iran and the West BBC Programme, cant find it now, cause my internet browsing skills are poor.

But the guy is Khatami

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/7877740.stm

And indeed

Don't sweat it. I hope Khatami emerges victorious in the election (If the Mullahs and their supporters don't tamper with it of course.)

[removeduser_487563287433]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldN...52367M20090304
Well that's just great. It looks like were going to cave in to Iran.

Thanks Obama!
This will only embolden those who wish to harm us. They will see it as a sign of weakness from the United States. We need to isolate Iran,not give them legitimacy!

This is possibly very productive. Great proportions of Afghanistan, especially Tajiks speak Farsi and I can easily see great scope for cooperation and long term stability in the proposition.

[C-Rob]

almost always good to bring in another guy. Even if you dont' like him.

[cristophe el perno]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldN...52367M20090304
Well that's just great. It looks like were going to cave in to Iran.

Thanks Obama!
This will only embolden those who wish to harm us. They will see it as a sign of weakness from the United States. We need to isolate Iran,not give them legitimacy!

So, to conclude: you think talking to people like civilised adults is a sign of weakness? You don't like Iran, Iran doesn't like you, that doesn't mean you can't cooperate on area of mutual interest, much less simply 'consult'.

In the long term, I'd imagine Iran wants a stable Afghanistan next to it.