A fine couple they’ll be… regarding the war against Iran:
Barack Obama “Renewing American Leadership” in Foreign Affairs July/Aug 2007:
“Throughout the Middle East, we must harness American power to reinvigorate American diplomacy. Tough-minded diplomacy, backed by the whole range of instruments of American power — political, economic, and military — could bring success even when dealing with long-standing adversaries such as Iran and Syria. Our policy of issuing threats and relying on intermediaries to curb Iran’s nuclear program, sponsorship of terrorism, and regional aggression is failing. Although we must not rule out using military force, we should not hesitate to talk directly to Iran. Our diplomacy should aim to raise the cost for Iran of continuing its nuclear program by applying tougher sanctions and increasing pressure from its key trading partners. The world must work to stop Iran’s uranium-enrichment program and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. It is far too dangerous to have nuclear weapons in the hands of a radical theocracy. At the same time, we must show Iran — and especially the Iranian people — what could be gained from fundamental change: economic engagement, security assurances, and diplomatic relations. Diplomacy combined with pressure could also reorient Syria away from its radical agenda to a more moderate stance — which could, in turn, help stabilize Iraq, isolate Iran, free Lebanon from Damascus’ grip, and better secure Israel.” http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070701faessay86401/barack-obama/renewing-american-leadership.html
“Obama chose a bare-knuckle fighter with an Irishman’s gift of gab. This is a choice that implies a strategy to fight hard and across the board for the American white middle class voters. It is also a choice that negates the advantage that McCain has on national security issues. Joe Biden has been in the Senate since 1972 and is Chairman of the important Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.” http://europebusines.blogspot.com/2008/08/its-economy-stupid-economic-recovery.html
On the consequences of a war against Iran:
“The rise of the Likud/neo-cons, with Benjamin Netanyahu as the unholy high priest, has been a disaster for Israel, America, the Middle East, and the world at large. The smartest thing that Israel ever did was to use American money to buy off Jordan and Egypt and make peace with them. The dumbest thing was to empower the Likud Party hardliners centered on Bibi Netanyahu and the Bush/Cheney Administration (with supporting roles played by Sharon, and neo-con leaders in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and elsewhere). Four years ago Israel was no where near a MAD (mutually assured destruction) environment. Today it has a very dangerous four-front MAD environment and it was unable, in the Second Lebanon War of two years ago, to overturn the dangers surrounding it…” http://europebusines.blogspot.com/2008/07/war-on-iran-perfect-storm-from-hell.html
When U.S. Middle East foreign policy centers around securing Israel while ignoring the security of the Arabs within and around Israel, U.S. policy is doomed to continue failing…
A fine couple they’ll be… regarding the war against Iran:
Barack Obama “Renewing American Leadership” in Foreign Affairs July/Aug 2007:
“Throughout the Middle East, we must harness American power to reinvigorate American diplomacy. Tough-minded diplomacy, backed by the whole range of instruments of American power — political, economic, and military — could bring success even when dealing with long-standing adversaries such as Iran and Syria. Our policy of issuing threats and relying on intermediaries to curb Iran’s nuclear program, sponsorship of terrorism, and regional aggression is failing. Although we must not rule out using military force, we should not hesitate to talk directly to Iran. Our diplomacy should aim to raise the cost for Iran of continuing its nuclear program by applying tougher sanctions and increasing pressure from its key trading partners. The world must work to stop Iran’s uranium-enrichment program and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. It is far too dangerous to have nuclear weapons in the hands of a radical theocracy. At the same time, we must show Iran — and especially the Iranian people — what could be gained from fundamental change: economic engagement, security assurances, and diplomatic relations. Diplomacy combined with pressure could also reorient Syria away from its radical agenda to a more moderate stance — which could, in turn, help stabilize Iraq, isolate Iran, free Lebanon from Damascus’ grip, and better secure Israel.”
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070701faessay86401/barack-obama/renewing-american-leadership.html
From Stirling’s “Europe” Blog:
On the choice for Joe Biden:
“Obama chose a bare-knuckle fighter with an Irishman’s gift of gab. This is a choice that implies a strategy to fight hard and across the board for the American white middle class voters. It is also a choice that negates the advantage that McCain has on national security issues. Joe Biden has been in the Senate since 1972 and is Chairman of the important Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.”
http://europebusines.blogspot.com/2008/08/its-economy-stupid-economic-recovery.html
On the consequences of a war against Iran:
“The rise of the Likud/neo-cons, with Benjamin Netanyahu as the unholy high priest, has been a disaster for Israel, America, the Middle East, and the world at large. The smartest thing that Israel ever did was to use American money to buy off Jordan and Egypt and make peace with them. The dumbest thing was to empower the Likud Party hardliners centered on Bibi Netanyahu and the Bush/Cheney Administration (with supporting roles played by Sharon, and neo-con leaders in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and elsewhere). Four years ago Israel was no where near a MAD (mutually assured destruction) environment. Today it has a very dangerous four-front MAD environment and it was unable, in the Second Lebanon War of two years ago, to overturn the dangers surrounding it…”
http://europebusines.blogspot.com/2008/07/war-on-iran-perfect-storm-from-hell.html
When U.S. Middle East foreign policy centers around securing Israel while ignoring the security of the Arabs within and around Israel, U.S. policy is doomed to continue failing…