Iran Subject of Fierce Debate Between Obama and Clinton
Democratic presidential candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama quarreled over a letter signed by Clinton warning president Bush that he does not have the authority to attack Iran. Obama did not sign the letter and instead introduced legislation nullifying the recent resolution—originally supported by Clinton—which according to critics unwisely labels Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group.
In a similar note, Steve Clemens notes that Senator Chuck Hagel reportedly sent a private note to President Bush urging the White House to purse “direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran.”
Both Hagel’s letter and the latest Clinton/Obama debate seem to reflect the growing discontent in Washington over the Bush administration’s reckless Mideast policy. Below is an excerpt from Hagel’s letter:
Unless there is a strategic shift, I believe we will find ourselves in a dangerous and increasingly isolated position in the coming months. I do not see how the collective actions that we are now taking will produce the results that we seek. If this continues, our ability to sustain a united international front will weaken as countries grow uncertain over our motives and unwilling to risk open confrontation with Iran, and we are left with fewer and fewer policy options.
Now is the time for the United States to active consider when and how to offer direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with Iran. The offer should be made even as we continue to work with our allies on financial pressure, in the UN Security Council on a third sanctions resolution, and in the region to support those Middle East countries who share our concerns with Iran. The November report by IAEA Director General ElBaradei to the IAEA Board of Governors could provide an opportunity to advance the offer of bilateral talks.
Irancove @ November 1, 2007