Matthews laughs up prospect of bombing Iran with McCain.
Matthews laughs up prospect of bombing Iran with McCain.
In April, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was asked his policy on Iran, and he began by singing “bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran” to the tune of the Beach Boys’ Barbara Ann. Today on Hardball, host Chris Matthews jokingly asked McCain: “Are you still for the Beach Boys lyric on that one?” McCain responded, “You don’t want me to sing it again do you?” To which Matthews answered, “No I don’t want you to sing it. … I think though the lyrics were somewhat scary. You don’t really wanna bomb Iran do you?” McCain demurred on answering the question, but instead claimed, “You gotta have some humor.” Rather than pressing McCain, Matthews said:
I agree, I appreciate that. You’re a great guy. … We love you here at Hardball. We consider you one of our own even though that hurts you on the right.
Watch it:
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
Jes’ 2 good ole boys funsin’ around!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:33 pmJes a couple o’ Hairballs!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:37 pmScarrrry! OMG, all that was missing there on that little clip were the straitjackets–for both of them. Yikes. McCain doesn’t even look (or sound) human anymore.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:38 pmbut seriously folks…ya gotta admit, bombing Iran is kind of funny when you think about it.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:40 pmWhat a sickening monster McCain has become. “you gotta have some humor in Politics”. Talking about dropping bombs on Iranian civilians and “other” sites.
So beholden to the war mongers of AEI that he can’t even say he would rather avoid attacking Iran in some diplomatic way.
He has become nothing more than a puppet.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:42 pmI gave up on Tweety when he slobbered all over DeLay – just an average guy living in a cheap apartment in Washington. He has his moments of clarity, but they are too few and far between.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:42 pmMatthews & McCain: Two “chrome domes” separated at birth? Check out this photo….Two peas in a pod.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:43 pmChris, time to go visit the troops again at Walter Reed. It’s a Kool-Aid cleansing experience.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:44 pmTweety clearly is on his way to a straight jacket and they both will be in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Next Redux”. They’re both luney tunes.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:45 pmYou guys suck! We will bomb Iran into the ground and liberate their people…I wish liberals actually cared about helping people. No, peace for them is a “murderous dictator for everyone and a food rationing coupon for every family”
September 17th, 2007 at 7:46 pmYea, bombing civilians.
Thats funny stuff.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:50 pmMcCain is such a jerk. What does Mathews gain by kissing his ass?
September 17th, 2007 at 7:50 pmComment by Realist — September 17, 2007
Jesus would be so proud of you bombing people to death…um Freedom.
Tell me how a million dollar bomb helps people?
September 17th, 2007 at 7:52 pmNo, peace for them is a “murderous dictator for everyone and a food rationing coupon for every familyâ€
Comment by Realist\aka “r” aka Toliver aka Mr P aka Jake aka … — September 17, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
We’ll you guys gave us the murderous dictator and as for the food coupon for every family thing, you no we’re not giving our family one right?
We’re hoarding them.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:53 pmSorry. Damn typos. That was supposed to read YOUR family.
We’re not giving Your family any.
Because we want you guys to starve.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:55 pmCrazy person: “You guys suck! We will bomb Iran into the ground and liberate their people…I wish liberals actually cared about helping people.”
Would the above comment make sense to anyone who was not crazy? Kind of reminds me of “we had to destroy the village to save it.” Just f*cking crazy!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:56 pmStonehenge: “McCain is such a jerk. What does Mathews gain by kissing his ass?”
If you’re a member of the DC media elite, you just can’t get in trouble and you can’t go wrong praising McCain. Hard pundit law: McCain is a “straight shooter” and an honorable man. Doesn’t matter what he does or says, the script is in.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:58 pmWould the above comment make sense to anyone who was not crazy? Kind of reminds me of “we had to destroy the village to save it.†Just f*cking crazy!
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — September 17, 2007
Yeh, that one, Realist, is a bit nutty. Bombing people is caring.
By Realist logic McCain time in a POW camp was love and caring.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:02 pmWould the above comment make sense to anyone who was not crazy?
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — September 17, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
This is the stuff that nazi’s and madmen are made of.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:07 pmIt’s not funny and believe me when I say those in the center and on the right wont elect him. Its hard to believe this man who suffered so much as a result of war could be so callous.
That said Realist makes a good point of the indifference you on the far left have toward fellow humans suffering under the oppressive weight of these fanatical muslim dictators. No we cant take em all out but there was a time when being a “liberal” meant more than just fighting for your own perverse licentious desires. Liberal and “progressive” have come to stand for the oppressive gov liberals of the history books despised.
P.S.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:12 pmBefore you go pizzin yourselves like Zooey. By no means is this a defense of the conservatives.
Would the above comment make sense to anyone who was not crazy? Kind of reminds me of “we had to destroy the village to save it.†Just f*cking crazy!
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — September 17, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
Notice how they only ever talk about bombing Iran? Never anything about a ground invasion or dealing with the people on the ground. Conservatives don’t like to think about the people on the ground. They think all problems can be solved from 20,000 feet – whether it’s international politics or domestic hurricane relief.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:12 pmBefore you go pizzin yourselves like Zooey. By no means is this a defense of the conservatives.
Comment by Troll
“go pizzin yourselves like Zooey… WTF? Talk about gratuitous cheap shots. What are you talking about? This makes NO sense.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:21 pmYou bet old Johnny wants to bomb Iran! Don’t forget, he got his start dropping bombs on North Vietnam.
The nice thing about dropping bombs from 20,000 feet – you never have to view up close and personal the death and destruction you have wrought.
Signed,
Fred Seamon
September 17th, 2007 at 8:22 pmRetired ground pounder
Hey troll, how the hell do you or anyone else know how “the far left” feels about oppressive ME dictators? That’s an ignorant, broad-brushed statement. The people of the ME are oppressed for the same reasons any people in history have been oppressed, greed.
The West gobbles the oil that they have been blessed (cursed?) with and in turn the Western backed puppet regimes rule with an iron fist, lest their people rise and and try to reap the benefits that their oil might provide them and their families. The only one’s responsible for keeping the people of the ME down are the Big Oil companies and the politicians that they’ve purchased. You can decide who those politicians are.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:38 pmThat said Realist makes a good point of the indifference you on the far left -Troll
He makes no valid points. Bombing Iraq hasn’t made the people freer.
It destroyed the infrastructure they need for clean water and electricity, Bombing Iraq, shock and awe didnt create parades of roses and it didn’t magically bring jeffersonian democracy to the land.
But you are just attacking others with your weakness, that is to dsy, your lack of compassion.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:39 pmThe nice thing about dropping bombs from 20,000 feet – you never have to view up close and personal the death and destruction you have wrought.
Signed,
Fred Seamon
Retired ground pounder
Comment by Lt. Colonel Fred Seamon — September 17, 2007 @ 8:22
Right you are, Fred… right you are!
September 17th, 2007 at 8:41 pmSen. McOld is an a$$.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:45 pmAnd secondly, Troll, YOU dont form my opinion, MY political position or anything else, to think that you do is bizarre, absurd and just plain kooky to even TRY to spout such nonsense,
September 17th, 2007 at 8:45 pmComment by Jay — September 17, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
Ah sure Jay
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are just puppets of big oil and the US gov.
Get a clue and stop regurgitating your Chomsky talking points.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:46 pmMcCain’s Michigan chair just quit on him.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:55 pmLANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox plans to resign as John McCain’s state campaign chairman, according to two top Republicans who asked not to be identified because Cox has not yet spoken with McCain in person.
Response to realist and troll
Your comments are infantile and immoral. There are many ways to “liberate” people without resorting to bombing them. People of your limited intelligence, can’t seem to comprehend that dropping bombs on people tends to alienate them, even those opposed to their government. If you don’t believe me, all you need do is look at Iraq today.
Neither of you understand the military or international law. You can’t “liberate” people by bombing them. You need sufficient troops to defeat their ground forces and then have a plan to govern their country in the post-hostility period. And you need a damn good reason to go to war, something overlooked by you and the Bush regime.
Have you ever thought of the disastrous consequences of bombing Iraq? For starters, did you ever consider it might put our troops in Iraq in considerable danger as every Shiite with a weapon attacks them. How about Israel? It could be besieged by enemies outraged by a US attack on a Moslem country. Then there’s the US and world economies, sure to be affected by a regional conflict which interferes with oil production.
One thing I have to say about idiots like you and the neocons: You are ever ready to solve problems by violence and never consider the consequences of your actions.
Perhaps had you served in a war, witnessed the pain and suffering it brings to victor and vanquished alike, lost a friend or family member, you would understand the limits of military power and that war should alway be the very last resort after all else fails.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:58 pmMatthews and McCain are stupid and this is sick.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:59 pmBombing Iraq hasn’t made the people freer.
Comment by Ichthus — September 17, 2007 @ 8:39 pm
Comment by Ichthus — September 17, 2007 @ 8:39 pm
No it has not, but you know D-Day did not accomplish much on short order in that regard either. Nor did the battle of gettysburg. As a matter of fact it took a long time (nearly a century) before blacks would know the real liberation which was fought for in our civil war. Some would say it still has not been accomplished. Should we not have fought for them? Should we have let them fight their own battle?
September 17th, 2007 at 9:01 pmTroll @ 29,
No you jackass, the one’s that try to protect their resources from the greedy fingers of Western oil barons are the ones that get invaded or threatened. See Iraq, Iran, and Venezuela. I’m referring to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, etc. Eventusally, you’ll figure it out.
BTW, that wasn’t a Chomsky talking point, it was a Greenspan talking point, but whatever you want to believe.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:05 pmComment by Lt. Colonel Fred Seamon — September 17, 2007 @ 8:58 pm
Sure “Lt”
If we had simply dialogued with the nazis or the southern plantation owners they would have come around.
Just like OBL did under Clinton.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:07 pmHow many of the 9/11 hijackers were supposedly from Saudi Arbabia? All but two right? Funny we didn’t invade their home country, since it’s obviously the true breeding ground for terrorism. Why not? Well, let’s just say Bandar Bush and the Saudi royal family have, shall we say, a “relationship” with the current administration.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:09 pmThat giant sucking sound you hear is Chris Matthews selling his soul to the devil. But never mind, the nukes are on the way and it’s all very funny. Won’t be so funny the next morning. Trolls, get a grip. Be careful what you wish for. Why don’t some of you volunteer to go to Iraq?–soon to be Iran–soon to be Israel–soon to be us–when China and Russia and Syria and Iran decide we need to be stopped.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:19 pmMcCain sounds crazier than bin Laden. WTF is funny about starting yet another war? Who are the terrorists now?
September 17th, 2007 at 9:23 pmThese crazed F’en giggling killers…. where is Palosi and Ried on this? WTF!!!!!
September 17th, 2007 at 9:56 pmIran is next and we are all screwed.
Alan Greenspan sanctioned Saddam Hussein’s ouster…
…said it was a good thing…
…so have a number of US govt officials and officianados…
…I suppose that means that should Russia, China, or Venezuela’s leaders…
…decide it’s time to ‘liberate” Americans from our delusional leadership…
…it should be alright with the leaders of the UN and the international community…
September 17th, 2007 at 10:00 pm…oh yeah,
…and Iran too…
September 17th, 2007 at 10:01 pmYea, bombing civilians.
Thats funny stuff.
Comment by BARTLEBEE
Exactly my first thought…
Matthews: You are a great guy, Charles Manson…
September 17th, 2007 at 10:08 pmHey, go easy on Troll.
He is still trying to excuse himself from the WMDs fiasco.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:10 pmHa, Ha! Fallon’s words about Petreaus being AK and a Chicken….apply in spades to Matthews. He is the ultimate Suck-up. Change the first letter and that he is too.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:11 pmJust a side note for a real GOOD laugh and he an agnostic to boot!
http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=7086874
http://www.kptm.com/Global/link.asp?L=267382&nav=menu606_1
September 17th, 2007 at 10:25 pmThere WILL be…
…a day of reckoning…
…no matter how powerful you may think this country’s military is…
…everybody eventually turns on the bully…
September 17th, 2007 at 10:29 pmOh I love it.
Where were we 4 years after D-Day?
Where were we 4 years after Gettysburg?
America gave Bush all of World War II to ‘win’ in Iraq.
It’s as long as from Fort Sumter to Apomattox.
If we were winning, we’d have won by now.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:31 pmAnd oh yeah, almost forgot.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:35 pmSteve Dahl deserves the credit for McCain’s little ditty. He put it out during the hostage crisis in ‘79.
I liked his “Ayatollah” ( to the tune of the Knack’s “My Sharona”) better.
When are these P.T. Barnum “conservatives” going to turn off their radios and TV’s and figure out that they’re being lied to and that Rush and Sean, O’Loofah, Beck, Coulter and Malkin are nothing more than prostitutes, but they sell smoothly packaged lies instead of sex (well, maybe O’Loofah sells sex too…who knows).
September 17th, 2007 at 10:48 pmShould we not have fought for them? Should we have let them fight their own battle?
Comment by Troll — September 17, 2007 @ 9:01 pm
On the other hand, we’re not bringing Irqis over here on boats and selling them either. Try making a real point, you might find it refreshing.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:57 pmBy the “pottery barn” rule we’ve bought Iraq; shrub has run the overextended military into the ground. Invading Iran sounds like a wonderful theatrical idea on a par with “Springtime with Hitler”.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:13 pmMatthews is queer for McCain and it shows > lol.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:27 pmff topic but this needs attention:
The following section was compiled by ‘The Pundit.’
Since the Minot story broke a week ago about the missing nukeclandestine operation from Minot, we have the following (for those who are paying attention):
1. All six people listed below are from Minot Airforce base
2. All were directly involved as loaders or as http://www.legitgov.org/minot_afb_nukes_oddities.htmlpilots
3. All are now dead
4. All within the last 7 days in ‘accidents’ [Not all of them --LRP]
Story and links found:
September 17th, 2007 at 11:43 pmError..
September 17th, 2007 at 11:46 pmgo to
http://www.legitgov.org/ and it is the first story as of now.
In fairness to Chris Matthews, he is usually on our side when it comes to the issues.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:57 pmWhy is this guy laughing?
September 18th, 2007 at 12:04 am#55: In fairness to Chris Matthews, he is usually on our side when it comes to the issues.
Who are “we”? I don’t have a clear sense that Chris Matthews cares a whit about issues. My sense is that he’s strictly about back-slaps and martinis on Martha’s Vineyard.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:08 amYaw it sure is cool to watch them bombs falling on those people. Its really cool when the little kids come out crying and screaming and all bloody and burned and junk. YEA HOORAAA thats what I’m talkin about baby.
I”m a proud american and if the enemy didn’t want their kids blown up then they shouldn’t have messed with the USA!!!
September 18th, 2007 at 12:33 amIts so funny to watch people die.
Christians know the enemies of the US are damned to hell so we’re just helping them get there.
I might not be fighting the enemy on the battlefield but I am fighting them here, by cheering on the war and telling all you nansy pansy’s worried about muslim kids and junk to shut up. Thats how I serve baby.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:37 amWar is fun.
We’ve been in one for 4 years now and I’m having a blast.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:40 amSick, I trust Matthew’s commentary about as much as I believe Faux news is fair and balanced. These right wing cretins are truly disgusting.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:43 amJust days after highlighting his own foreign policy inexperience in a boomerang attack on his Democratic opponents, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is at it again. Returning to his favorite bogeyman in Tehran, Romney called on the United Nations to ban Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from speaking to the world body next week and instead indict him for genocide.
For the details, see:
September 18th, 2007 at 12:46 am“Romney to UN: Indict Iran’s Ahmadinejad.”
Thats how I serve baby.
Comment by Inbred — September 18, 2007 @ 12:37 am
My goodness! What an irrational, silly comment!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:01 amIran had radicals take over their country in 1979, overthrowing the fascist dictator who was re-installed in 1953 when the US and Britain overthrew the popular democratic government because it nationalized the OIL. It was the US that radicalized the country and made it anti-American.
After 9/11, there were large demonstrations in Tehran in sympathy with the US. Today, we are seen as the Great Satan again because of our outrageously wrong invasion and occupation of Iraq (mainly for control of oil).
A big reason the US is drumming up war with Iran is because they have the third largest oil reserves in the world.
September 18th, 2007 at 1:53 amWingnut troll sez, “but you know D-Day did not accomplish much on short order in that regard either. Nor did the battle of gettysburg.”
Well, let’s see. WWII for the U.S. lasted three and a half years. From D-Day to the defeat of Hitler was about a year. Bush has now been in Iraq for over 4 years. That is longer than the 4 years of the Civil War.
What a roaring success for Bush. Just when you think that wingnuts can’t get any dumber, they surprise you.
http://www.utterwonder.com/archives/images/buhs-thumb.jpg
September 18th, 2007 at 4:27 amResponse to troll #35
What’s your point? I’m not a pacifist, but I sure as hell am for doing everything possible to prevent war. I spent almost 23 years in the army including a couple of tours in Vietnam. Did you ever serve in the military?
I resent people like you and the warmongering neocons who, ignorant of the limitations of military force, champion military action over diplomacy, yet are unwilling to put theirs asses in harm’s way.
If you knew your history, you might be aware that if Britain, France and other European nations had stood up to Hitler in 1938 and made it clear to him they were unified and would respond militarily to German expansionism in Central Europe, World War II in Europe would likely have been averted.
The war started because the British and other European countries appeased Hitler in 1938.
Most of my service took place during the Cold War when US-Russian diplomacy averted the start of WW III.
I close with two of my favorite Winston Churchill pronouncements about war:
Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events.
To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-w
September 18th, 2007 at 4:28 amYou don’t really wanna bomb Iran do you?†McCain demurred on answering the question, but instead claimed, “You gotta have some humor.â€
Words from a guy who was mistreated and tortured by North VietNam for dropping bombs on vietnamese civilians? I don’t like to say this, but I guess he had it coming!
September 18th, 2007 at 5:25 am…if Britain, France and other European nations had stood up to Hitler in 1938 and made it clear to him they were unified and would respond militarily to German expansionism in Central Europe, World War II in Europe would likely have been averted.
The war started because the British and other European countries appeased Hitler in 1938.
Most of my service took place during the Cold War when US-Russian diplomacy averted the start of WW III.
Comment by Lt. Colonel Fred Seamon — September 18, 2007 @ 4:28 am
The Europeans should have stood united against the nazis and we should stand united against Iran and its leaders who have made clear their intent to annihilate Israel. But instead our leaders who dare talk tough are run through the mill by the left in the MSM and on blogs like TP, as a result they are laughed at by the Iranian leaders. The left is used as a propaganda tool by the likes of non other than OBL.
The “diplomacy” which staved off WWIII in the cold war came at a very high price 1 trillion dollars and 100,000 American lives.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:54 amIt´s funny the “Lets defend Israel”.
Israel has been pushing the agenda of bombing Iran because it is the only country in the region with the sufficient military capability to equate, somehow, Israel´s.
Iran has invaded no country.
Israel is occupying one country.
Iran has not committed apartheid crimes against other people from other religions.
Israel has.
Israel has broken more UN resolutions than Iran.
But, in this world, you have to defend the agressors, not the victims.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:01 amJon Stewart and the Daily Show also like McCain…
September 18th, 2007 at 9:06 amFrom D-Day to the defeat of Hitler was about a year. Bush has now been in Iraq for over 4 years. That is longer than the 4 years of the Civil War.
Comment by bernarda — September 18, 2007 @ 4:27 am
The US forces also lost 26000 troop and over 100,000 were wounded in three weeks of fighing beginning at D-day.
At the battle of Gettysburg there were over 46000 casualties in 3 DAYS. That was just one battle. Over all over 600,000 died or were wounded during our civil war and that does not include civilians.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:47 amadditionally Reconstruction did not come without its share of violence which lasted many years. A very high price to pay for a dream that would not be realized for another 100 yrs.
#69
Comment by Juan C — September 18, 2007 @ 9:01 am
“Israel has been pushing the agenda of bombing Iran because it is the only country in the region with the sufficient military capability to equate, somehow, Israel´s.”
If Iran and Israel were to go to war one on one militarily it would last about six days. Isreal is pushing for taking out Iran’s nuclear facilities because the whole world knows they are trying to make nuclear weapons.
“Israel is occupying one country. ”
Palestine has never been a recognized state….thanks to Arafat. BTW they elected Hamas so they certainly aren’t the victims. Well maybe a victim of their own stupidity.
“Iran has not committed apartheid crimes against other people from other religions.”
No they have just sponsored and financed Hezbollah and Hamas both of which have committed hate crimes and atrocities against Muslims, Jews, and Christians. War by proxy is Iran’s MO.
“But, in this world, you have to defend the agressors, not the victims.”
Iran is not a victim.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:57 amComment by Juan C — September 18, 2007 @ 9:01 am
Juan,
The same arguements were made by your comrades in Cuba during the missile crisis. You probably would have been pleased to have had those missiles remain but most patriotic Americans are glad they are gone regardless of our errors.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:00 amNuclear firestorm! HA! Generations of radiation-poisoned children! HILARIOUS! Global holocaust! A ROUND OF APPLAUSE!
Come on people, can’t you see how funny it all is?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:08 amresponse to #68 Troll
You don’t know what you’re talking about. The Bush cabal has made little or no use of diplomacy vis-a-vis Iran.
You state “we should stand united against Iran and its leaders who have made clear their intent to annihilate Israel. But instead our leaders who dare talk tough are run through the mill by the left in the MSM and on blogs like TP”.
I agree that we should stand united against Iran. We on the left have been calling for negotiations as opposed to the Bush/Cheney/
neocon sabre rattling, which just plays into the hands of the Iranian hardliners.
You have yet to answer my question: Did you ever serve in the military? Why don’t you and your friends show your patriotism and love of country and volunteer for Iraq? I can guarantee you, getting shot at is very exilirating!
September 18th, 2007 at 2:14 pm#75
Comment by Lt. Colonel Fred Seamon — September 18, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
When we negotiate with Iran, what concessions do you think we should make to them….considering tokens is what they will demand?
September 18th, 2007 at 3:50 pmConservatives don’t like to think about the people on the ground. They think all problems can be solved from 20,000 feet – whether it’s international politics or domestic hurricane relief.
Comment by toasterhead — September 17, 2007 @ 8:12 pm
Iraq has ended any thought of boots on the ground in a Muslim country for a generation, Toast. We’d need a draft anyway, which isn’t in the cards.
September 18th, 2007 at 4:37 pm“Barbara Ann” is by Jan and Dean, not the Beach Boys.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:37 pmTracy
I wouldn’t make any concessions initially. I think all Iranian leaders fear economic sanctions. Ahmadinejad has screwed up an already fragile economy and Iran is relying on foreign investment and trade more than ever. Iranian youth and much of the population already oppose the rule by the mullahs and will become even more restive should the economy decline even further.
No one wants a nuclear armed Iran. If the US obtains widespread international support for an economic boycott, then the Iranians might agree to accept security guarantees, significant foreign trade and investment, etc., which I do not consider to be concessions, and in return terminate their nuclear program.
Now is not the time for Bush administration bellicose saber rattling, which simply plays into the hands of Iranian hard liners.
I hope this responds to your question.
PS What has happened to troll? He has been silent since I asked him about his military service.
September 19th, 2007 at 10:39 am