Iranian response to US

[nelson]

Context
U.S. ambassador calls findings on Iran nuclear program 'troubling'
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/10/un.iran/
US journalist held in Iran in 'dangerous' state
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gMFNSGnyfCKqEjyc30BMTXK4x8Lg
Deaths in custody in Iran highlight prison authorities' disregard for life
http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGNAU200903209840

Obama's message to Iran
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY_utC-hrjI
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Iran's response
Iran's supreme leader dismisses Obama overtures
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090321/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iran_obama
Iran demands change in US policy
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7956504.stm
Iran sets terms for US ties
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE52L0P120090322


What do you think about Obama "reaching out" to Iran? Should he have mentioned any of the above recent events, or others? Was he firm, or weak? Was the particular message he conveyed appropriate? How will it be perceived in Iran? And what of the Iranian reaction so far? How will this affect the region, or relations, overall, if at all?

[The G]

Calling them Axes of evil and ignoring them just gave Iran more time build up their nuclear program over the last eight years, so any change from stupid is a plus. You should be able to answer this one with out much trouble. :D

[Remphoto]

Calling them Axes of evil and ignoring them just gave Iran more time build up their nuclear program over the last eight years, so any change from stupid is a plus. You should be able to answer this one with out much trouble. :D

Yes, and you heard their response. Change our ways and quit supporting Israel. Now there is a one-sided solution. I haven't heard much support for BO from the foreign dictator thugs. All they respect is power and our limp-wristed president doesn't impress them much.

[The G]

Acting like we had a back really did a lot of good.

[TaxmanHog]

Not trying to make excuses for GB or Congress, but a third War front would have been a problem of many dimensions.

[Remphoto]

Acting like we had a back really did a lot of good.

It did. When was our last terrorist attack? I'm expecting one any day with this weak president, his lack of emphasis on "terrorism" and general demoralization of our troops (if you don't believe me, just talk to some of them).

[The G]

It did. When was our last terrorist attack? I'm expecting one any day with this weak president, his lack of emphasis on "terrorism" and general demoralization of our troops (if you don't believe me, just talk to some of them). If we didn't back Osama bin laden in Russian Afghanistan we problem wouldn't have be attacked in the 1st place. But no one wants to go back to the root cause.

As far as the troop they have been re listing.

January 11, 2009: European, as well as American, military recruiters are benefitting from the current recession. The Spanish military recently reported setting new recruiting records, mostly as a result of rising unemployment rates. British, and other European recruiters are reporting similar results. While the U.S. military has met its recruiting goals since September 11, 2001, and have even been able to expand a bit, they had to lower standards a bit. The biggest problem recruiters had was not with anti-war activists (who get the most attention) but a booming economy. Since most (over 80 percent) of the jobs in the army have nothing to do with combat, recruiters are basically competing with the civilian job market. For the educated, energetic young people the army is seeking, there are often lots good jobs out there that don't require extended visits to places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

Recruiters have used this situation to raise standards. More education, better physical condition and higher scores on qualification tests are now demanded. North American and (most) European armies are now all volunteer, and recruiters are using the current recession as an opportunity to eliminate personnel deficits and improve troop quality. The recession is expected to be over in a year or two, and then the recruiters will have to scramble again. But the troops they can bring in before then will result in a qualitative and quantitative increase in military capability that will last for years. Many of the high quality recruits, who would not have considered a military career otherwise, or even a single four year enlistment, will find that they like the military life, and decide to make a career of it. That's a very long term benefit from a short term

Here the fearless leader

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[Remphoto]

They are re-enlisting because of economy -- not necessarily because they want to follow Obama. To the contrary, I have numerous ties with military personnel and can tell you anecdotally they are not impressed. Of course they will follow the CIC, but don't have to like it.

And no history of Bin Laden is complete without reminding you that Clinton could have had him, but did not follow through.

[right$pecial]

"Since most (over 80 percent) of the jobs in the army have nothing to do with combat, recruiters are basically competing with the civilian job market. For the educated, energetic young people the army is seeking, there are often lots good jobs out there that don't require extended visits to places like Iraq and Afghanistan."

That is a laughable statement. When I was younger I actually believed the recruiter that most of the jobs in the Army had nothing to do with combat. Now I know better.

[The G]

Root cause and personal responsible, its easy to pass the buck.

[MYCAR47562]

So If We Didn't Support Afganistan We Wouldn't Be In This Mess Today? I Guess That's Fair Enough But Let's Put A Little More Thought Into It Huh?

If We Did Nothing And Allowed Russia To Pummle Afganistan They Would More Than Likely Still Be A Force Today, And We Would Probally Either Be Fighting Them Or About To Fight Them.

So Which Is It Afganistan Of Russia? Im No Napolian

[The G]

Communism doesn't work regardless of some of the spin crap posted here. They where about broke trying to keep up with our weapons spending during the cold war. The fall of Russia would still have happened.

[MYCAR47562]

Maybe, Maybe Not.

[The G]

Ya right

[MYCAR47562]

I Know Im Right But Just To Let You Know It's Spelled "You" Not "Ya" You Dang Yankee