Thank you, Ace. I really didn't have a clear perception of your thoughts. I would like to share mine, point by point, not for the purpose of being argumentative, but to clarify my thoughts as well.
Quote:
|
1) Iran would not publically maintain the position of wanting to destroy Isreal if they sincerely wanted to establish diplomatic relations with the US and the rest of the world - if they truely wanted to end the stand off on "nuclear power".
|
I agree with you that the rhetoric is foolish, but with the exception of Egypt, Israel is surrounded by nation states that agree with Iran. The arbitrary creation of Israel by the West following WWII, created many enemies as you know.
I also think that the Bush rhetoric such as "axis of evil" was not helpful. Iran made an attempt to normalize relations with the US following Bush's State of the Union address, but was ignored then as now.
I am as frustrated as you are in the secret language of diplomacy. In the articles I have posted, it is as if each response is a calculated chess move. "Obviously, Iran is desperate" for example. When you see me asking, "why" it is a sincere question. I just don't get 'it'.
Quote:
|
2) The US has made it clear that we would not recognize or support Hamas as long has Hamas supports terrorism, Iran supports Hamas and in the letter criticizes the US for not recogonizing or supporting the elected Hamas government.
|
Ace, our country is promoting democracy and free elections throughout the world. This would not be the first time that our government was not pleased with the outcome of a popular vote. I can step back and see why middle eastern countries in particular would view the US withdrawal of previous funding as a hypocritical move.
Did you see in today's news that President Abbas has given Hamas ten days to accept the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel? This would be an action that would imply the recognition of Israel. We live in interesting times.
Quote:
|
3) Muslim leaders look for moral justification for war. The letter outlines Iran's moral justification for standing against a nation that has done and continues to do evil, from their point of view.
|
Ace, isn't Bush using the very same justification? Bush views Iran as an "axis of
evil." Iran responds with calling the US "the
Great Satan." I fully realize that you and I disagree about the intent of Ahmadinejad's letter. Bush has claimed that his actions are guided by God, and the president of Iran responds to their shared Abrahamic beliefs. If I had an opportunity to question Bush in terms of his moral choices, I would be asking the very same questions. Forgive my cynicism, but it is my belief that Bush was and continues to placate the evangelical right.
Quote:
|
4) Reasonable people would not use a public letter intended to embarass the other party as an attempt to open the lines of communication. Real diplomacy happens "behind the scences".
|
I really can't speak to whether Iran knew that this letter would become public, but it certainly did via Le Monde. Please excuse my small smile when you and I needlessly debated the "pick up the phone" and now you acknowledge that would be outside "real diplomacy."
Quote:
|
5) The US has made it clear that Iran must stop its nuclear program before diplomacy. A sincere appeal for diplomacy would involve a willingness to at least freeze the nuclear program in Iran. They have nothing to loose by stating a willingness to freeze the program and initiate talks.
|
President Bush has proclaimed over and over that
all diplomatic measures will be taken before resorting to military action. I completely agree with you that Iran has been given a golden opportunity to move forward by the UN and the participating negotiating countries. If Iran agrees to temporarily cease uranium enrichment, do you think Bush will agree to opening a dialogue with Iran? I do not believe he will, hence my concern about an Iran policy other than what we have been told.
Quote:
|
6) Iranian hatered of the US runs deep, and goes back at minimum 30 years, and I would bet even further through the US supported reign of the Shah. Nothing has changed that would have an affect on the level of hate.
|
I very much agree with you, and it does go beyond the Shah when the US toppled Iran's democratically elected president. He made the serious mistake of nationalizing the country's oil reserves. The US installed the Shah which had the unintended consequences that are often seen when we interfere with a nation state. The shah's despotic abuses led to the rise of the Islamic mullah's. I believe we can assume that the "hatred" is mutual.
Quote:
|
7) The initial letter parrots many criticisms commonly made against the US and Bush in the media here and around the world. Those criticisms have no value in establishing diplomatic relations.
|
This is similar to your statement in your third comment and I can't think of anything else I would wish to add.
I appreciate the opportunity that you have given to allow me a better insight on your thoughts.
Pen