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In an interview with CBS News' Harry Smith, President Obama said he is "very concerned" with the thrust of the statements made today by Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei supporting the country's disputed election results.
“And I'm very concerned based on some of the tenor -- and tone of the statements that have been made -- that the government of Iran recognize that the world is watching," the president told Smith. "And how they approach and deal with people who are, through peaceful means, trying to be heard will, I think, send a pretty clear signal to the international community about what Iran is and -- and is not.”
CBS News Exclusive: Obama "Very Concerned" At Ayatollah's Comments
IMO -- this is the right thing to say and the right time to say it. He understands the complicated situation in a Theocracy and walked the right line here. A little bit more, a little bit earlier? Perhaps. But to overshoot on this one would have potentially caused more problems then doing what he's done--playing his cards close to the vest.
I think I got the right BN format this time.
Exactly what could Obama say that wouldn't make things worse for Mousawi?
I don't think it really matters what he says. If we are depending on the UN to do anything, all we will see is the same inaction they have always shown. They might write and angry letter and denounce Iran but tomorrow it will be business as usual.
I'm not impressed by Obama being "very concerned".
Exactly what could Obama say that wouldn't make things worse for Mousawi?
"And I'm very concerned based on some of the tenor -- and tone of the statements that have been made -- that the government of Iran recognize that the world is watching. And how they approach and deal with people who are, through peaceful means, trying to be heard will, I think, send a pretty clear signal to the international community about what Iran is and -- and is not."
He could stick to a few basic talking points:Exactly what could Obama say that wouldn't make things worse for Mousawi?
"very concerned"?
What a very presidential and decicive stance Obama took!
:roll:
He could stick to a few basic talking points:
There is no need to mention by name Mousawi or Ahamenijad, nor even Khameni, except to extend appropriate courtesies as political leaders within Iran. Talk up the values, take a stand on the values.
- All nations have the sovereign right to choose their own governments.
- Governments enjoy legitimacy when they are subordinate and deferential to the people.
- Elections must be free and fair to give a government credibility.
- Governments that have such legitimacy and credibility are best able to represent their nation on the world stage.
Ronald Reagan Speech 'Tear Down this Wall'We have no influence on what these people do. They have little concern with what we have to say. What makes us think that Obama saying anything, would change anything? Do you want him to say something to make us feel better?
Iran does not exist in a vacuum; no nation exists in a vacuum. Iran will engage with the world for the same reason we will engage with Iran: there is no second alternative. The only question is the manner of the engagement: amicable or angry.Honest question, would it really matter? Would it change Iran? Would it only feed the fanatics (sic?)?
Obama's excuses for not saying anything are mostly gone as well.
CBS News Exclusive: Obama "Very Concerned" At Ayatollah's Comments
IMO -- this is the right thing to say and the right time to say it. He understands the complicated situation in a Theocracy and walked the right line here. A little bit more, a little bit earlier? Perhaps. But to overshoot on this one would have potentially caused more problems then doing what he's done--playing his cards close to the vest.
I think I got the right BN format this time.
but it is our right to criticise civil right abusesI agree with you here. Based on my own (admittedly limited) knowledge of our realistic options in this matter, I think the best thing to do is to make our views known and then stay out of it. Iran's leaders have projected blame for the their post-election tumult onto the U.S. Any action on our part would only serve their purposes. It is not our right to tell them how to run their own country.
but it is our right to criticise civil right abuses
and killing protesters to ensure a stolen election stays 'legit' demands a statement.
I do hope the Iranian protesters plea to have every capitol city in the world basking in Green Light on Sunday does happen
"I love Mousawi"Exactly what could Obama say that wouldn't make things worse for Mousawi?
but it is our right to criticise civil right abuses
and killing protesters to ensure a stolen election stays 'legit' demands a statement.
I do hope the Iranian protesters plea to have every capitol city in the world basking in Green Light on Sunday does happen
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