November 16, 2004

Condi on Iran, Circa 2000

Finally, there is the Iranian regime. Iran's motivation is not to disrupt simply the development of an international system based on markets and democracy, but to replace it with an alternative: fundamentalist Islam. Fortunately, the Iranians do not have the kind of reach and power that the Soviet Union enjoyed in trying to promote its socialist alternative. But Iran's tactics have posed real problems for U.S. security. It has tried to destabilize moderate Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, though its relations with the Saudis have improved recently. Iran has also supported terrorism against America and Western interests and attempted to develop and transfer sensitive military technologies.

Iran presents special difficulties in the Middle East, a region of core interest to the United States and to our key ally Israel. Iranian weaponry increasingly threatens Israel directly. As important as Israel's efforts to reach peace with its Arab neighbors are to the future of the Middle East, they are not the whole story of stability in the region. Israel has a real security problem, so defense cooperation with the United States -- particularly in the area of ballistic missile defense -- is critical. That in turn will help Israel protect itself both through agreements and through enhanced military power.

Still, it is important to note that there are trends in Iran that bear watching. Mohammad Khatami's election as president has given some hope of a new course for a country that once hosted a great and thriving civilization -- though there are questions about how much authority he exercises. Moreover, Khatami's more moderate domestic views may not translate into more acceptable behavior abroad. All in all, changes in U.S. policy toward Iran would require changes in Iranian behavior.

-- Condi Rice, writing in Foreign Affairs, back in 2000.

Translation: Euro-troika gets 3-6 months to see how the, er, "deal" goes--if it flops--more policy muddle with potential sanctions regime in '06.

More Condi:

Foreign policy in a Republican administration will most certainly be internationalist; the leading contenders in the party's presidential race have strong credentials in that regard. But it will also proceed from the firm ground of the national interest, not from the interests of an illusory international community. America can exercise power without arrogance and pursue its interests without hectoring and bluster. When it does so in concert with those who share its core values, the world becomes more prosperous, democratic, and peaceful. That has been America's special role in the past, and it should be again as we enter the next century.

No arrogance, hectoring or bluster! Is Rummy listening?

No arrogance, hectoring or bluster! Is Rummy listening?

And perhaps also without incompetence (Powell asking for the unnecessary and ultimately disastrous 2nd resolution) and backstabbing (Powell's repeated smirking and winking at NYT and other journalists to telegraph his covert opposition to Bush's policies).

Powell was a failure. The most feckless Sec State we've seen in many years. The staunch opponent of the opponents of fascist slaughter from the balkans to the middle east. Good riddance.

Posted by: lex at November 17, 2004 06:37 PM | Permalink to this comment

contact lenses price Acuvue 2 colours contact lenses Biomedics 38 lenses vial contact lenses Acuvue two contacts 2 Acuvue opaques Proclear toric contact lenses Biomedics toric contacts cheap contact halloween lenses order coloured contact lenses online Acuvue 2 contacts Acuvue 2 rebate Acuvue 2 contact lenses Acuvue ii Biomedics Bausch Lomb contact lenses buy contact lenses on line Biomedics contacts Soflens multifocal Acuvue 2 color contacts order discount contact lenses Acuvue 1-day discount contact lenses online Focus daily contact lenses where to buy Acuvue contacts Acuvue 1day contact lenses purchase cheap contact lenses Acuvue colored contact lenses Acuvue bifocal contact lenses Acuvue toric contacts Acuvue two Acuvue bifocal contact lenses Acuvue 2 color enhancer contact lenses

Posted by: Missy at November 19, 2004 09:53 AM | Permalink to this comment

A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course to victory. Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha

Posted by: 1000 payday loan at November 23, 2004 12:56 AM | Permalink to this comment

Whant gambling? Online gambling at http://online-gambling-123.biz is your way!!!

Posted by: online gambling at November 26, 2004 01:50 AM | Permalink to this comment

Online casino gambling? Online casino gambling at http://online-casino-gambling-000.net!!!

Posted by: online casino gambling at November 26, 2004 02:06 AM | Permalink to this comment

Blogging is the next generation of the Internet. If you've got something to say that interests somebody else, by golly, then there you have it! It's not about search engine rank or advertising, either. It's about word-of-mouse, and presentation. More here

Posted by: Bloggerman at December 2, 2004 06:49 PM | Permalink to this comment