This wasn't much of a surprise, but Obama seems to be forming his foreign policy on misinformation and lies.
I will correct some of his mistakes, it is always nice to live in a reality based community.
So, Obama played his part in the game of foreign policy. He was great, at least so many seem to think.
His speechhad several problems, usually with facts.
So i disagree with him, doesn't change anything but it was indeed a sad speech.
There is no greater threat to Israel - or to the peace and stability of the region - than Iran.
A lie. Iran hasn't started a war in a long time. Iran also does not have any weapons that can be seen as way to challenge the only nuclear power in the region.
This is the truth that Obama refuses toaccept:
The presumptive Republican nominee for president and the leading contender for the Democratic nomination are exaggerating what's known about Iran's nuclear program as they duel over how best to deal with Tehran.
Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., say that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.
The U.S. intelligence community, however, thinks that Iran halted an effort to build a nuclear warhead in mid-2003, and the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency, which is investigating the program, has found no evidence to date of an active Iranian nuclear-weapons project.
And Obama continues, this has been proven to be false.
It pursues a nuclear capability that could spark a dangerous arms race, and raise the prospect of a transfer of nuclear know-how to terrorists.
Wrong. Iran does not pursue such weapons and there is absolutely no evidece that would show that those weapons could end up in the hands of terrorists. There is no evidece that they have any, nor is there any evidence that they are trying to get those weapons.
The danger from Iran is grave, it is real, and my goal will be to eliminate this threat.
Well, at least he didn't say "obliterate', but i think this is close enough.
But just as we are clear-eyed about the threat, we must be clear about the failure of today's policy. We knew, in 2002, that Iran supported terrorism. We knew Iran had an illicit nuclear program. We knew Iran posed a grave threat to Israel.
Again he has no evidence, what "grave threat"?
Iran is now enriching uranium, and has reportedly stockpiled 150 kilos of low enriched uranium. Its support for terrorism and threats toward Israel have increased. Those are the facts, they cannot be denied, and I refuse to continue a policy that has made the United States and Israel less secure.
Well, at least he didn't mention "yellow cake uranium".
The scary Uranium is this stuff:
Low-enriched uranium (LEU) has a lower than 20% concentration of 235U. For use in commercial light water reactors (LWR), the most prevalent power reactors in the world, uranium is enriched to 3 to 5% 235U. Fresh LEU used in research reactors is usually enriched 12% to 19.75% U-235, the latter concentration being used to replace HEU fuels when converting to LEU.
That's not really bomb material and i hope Obama understands that.
We will also use all elements of American power to pressure Iran. I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon
This would mean "obliteration". I have no words, i have no words.
We have no time to waste. We cannot unconditionally rule out an approach that could prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. We have tried limited, piecemeal talks while we outsource the sustained work to our European allies. It is time for the United States to lead.
Well, at least there isn't a war. Yet.
Contrary to the claims of some, I have no interest in sitting down with our adversaries just for the sake of talking. But as President of the United States, I would be willing to lead tough and principled diplomacy with the appropriate Iranian leader at a time and place of my choosing - if, and only if - it can advance the interests of the United States.
So he wants to bring the shah back? A puppet regime?
If you abandon your dangerous nuclear program, support for terror, and threats to Israel, there will be meaningful incentives - including the lifting of sanctions, and political and economic integration with the international community. If you refuse, we will ratchet up the pressure.
Thank God he doesn't do that to Israel, ethnic cleansing is just fine? A failed policy and he wants to continue.
the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, whose Quds force has rightly been labeled a terrorist organization.
So he din't have the time to vote on the Kyl-Lieberman, but now he supports it?
As any Israeli will tell you, Israel is not a perfect place, but like the United States it sets an example for all when it seeks a more perfect future.
An example? After what they have done to the palestinians? After what they have done in Lebanon? A state that doesn't care about human rights, continues a brutal military occupation and acts like arogue nation. That is an example?
Together, we can rededicate ourselves to end prejudice and combat hatred in all of its forms.
Execpt if the target is right.
Yeah ,this seems to be decades of bi-partisan policy. Sadly that policy has been a huge human rights problem. And it seems that Obama will continue.
So, what was the difference with Obama and McCain on I/P policy? Is there anu difference?
Why are you people so afraid of Iran? I live a lot closer to Iran (and Iraq) than 99% of you. Why are you so scared when the facts do not support that fear?
If Obama had any decency, he would have joined the UN secretary general:
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized Israel on Monday for planning to build housing units in a West Bank settlement, saying the decision conflicts with "Israel's obligation under the road map" for Middle East peace.
There is only one country in the middle east that has actual plans ,and the nuclear weapons needed, to kill millions. It isn't Iran.
Sure, this is complex..but Obam could start using facts.
EDIT: The sig line i use..it is from the "primary wars" by Alegre. So it is not an statement about Obama.
And yes, the timing of this diary was, in retrospect, bad. But the point remains. I hope Obama will use less "Iranian nuke" in his campaign. I do understand why this diary ahs created some heated arguments, i used them as well. But say no "Iranian nuke" fearmongering, thanks.