Think Progress

Foreign Policy Initiative’s Kagan And Kristol Already At Odds On Engaging Iran

fpiweb.jpgEarlier this week, super-hawk neoconservatives Bill Kristol, Robert Kagan, and Dan Senor officially launched their new war incubator — “The Foreign Policy Initiative” — with the unveiling of its first policy event on Afghanistan. (The Wonk Room’s Matt Duss tentatively titled the event — “Afghanistan: Dealing With The Huge Problems Created By Many Of The People On This Very Stage”).

Senor, the former Coalition Provisional Authority spokesman under Paul Bremer, told Foreign Policy magazine yesterday that part of the group’s mission is to build “consensus” on major international issues that challenge the current thinking of those who currently hold power in the U.S. government. “We think there needs to be consensus on the other side of these issues,” he said.

But alas it doesn’t appear that FPI is off to a very good start building that “consensus.” Here is Kristol reacting to President Obama’s “historic” message to Iran on Fox News Sunday last week:

KRISTOL: [I]t’s an embarrassment. [...] No, it’s a weak and embarrassing statement by a president of the United States. [...] Appeasement begets appeasement. Appeasement does not — appeasement does not lay the groundwork for toughness among your allies who already are weaker.

Kristol continued to whine about Obama’s message in two separate columns, calling it a “message of weakness” and claiming Obama has “no sense of urgency about Iran’s nuclear program” and is “kowtowing” to its leaders.

And here is Kagan driving a dagger through any potential FPI “consensus” on dealing with Iran in a Washington Post column on Wednesday titled “What’s the Harm in Obama’s Approach?“:

But there is logic to the administration’s approach. After all, if the White House is going to give diplomacy and engagement a chance, it might as well do so thoroughly and aggressively. [...] Draw the starkest contrast between the present benevolent U.S. administration and the evil Bush administration. [...] I honestly can’t see the harm in the Obama administration’s efforts. I hope they succeed.

Matt Yglesias notes Senor’s inclusion in the project “is especially interesting since neocons of the Kristol/Kagan ilk ostensibly now believe that the early years of the war were catastrophically mismanaged. And yet here they are with the public face of the mismanagement as their partner in warmongering.” Maybe then the “consensus” Senor refers to is that they’ll all just agree to disagree.



78 Responses to “Foreign Policy Initiative’s Kagan And Kristol Already At Odds On Engaging Iran”

  1. dixie blood says:

    The Foreign Policy Initiative is just putting lip-stick on a neocon, facist, reich-wing, warmongering, pig.


  2. Marie says:

    Dan Senor is married to Campbell Brown.

    She should explain her position on CNN.


  3. ralph the wonder locust says:

    KRISTOL: [I]t’s an embarrassment. […] No, it’s a weak and embarrassing statement by a president of the United States. […] Appeasement begets appeasement.

    Has Kristol — or anyone — explained what they mean by “appeasement” in this context?

    Is there any reason we shouldn’t just figure they’re incapable of conducting serious discourse?


  4. Pelotonpro 048 says:

    Kristol has gone too far this time. I never liked him on SNL either…..oh I’m sorry. But I’m sure you can understand how I could mistake him for a comedian. Maybe just another Murdoch shill who is the editor of a paper with a circulation of 60,0000!


  5. Hoodathunktick says:

    Just start from a real basic, boys. War is BAD. Avoid it at all costs.

    Take it from there.


  6. Pelotonpro 048 says:

    My apologies it’s 60 thousand. In other words almost nobody reads it!!!!


  7. Bozo The Neoclown says:

    perhaps israel-firster billy kristol should more to tel-aviv, join the IDF and lead the charge to tehran. until he puts up, he needs to STFU


  8. Hoodathunktick says:

    Has anyone ever noticed but all of the nifty war hawks have never been in a war? I think we should re-institute the draft…any American who speaks publicly about how war is good or necessary immediately gets a no deferment call to duty.

    Then we can listen to their first hand reports on why it is needed.


  9. Max Anax junius -1 says:

    .

    WOW…
    … That was quick. The Project for a New Fascist American Century 2.0 is already running on a flat tire.

    .


  10. dbearton says:

    Three Criminal Republicon Pigs! Send these buffoon warmongers to Iraq.


  11. Max Anax junius -1 says:

    Sorry OT,
    But this is great…

    The G(no)P Presents…
    The Party of ZERO!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuAstDdFA2M

    .


  12. RUCeriousDragonfly says:

    Flops and Pratfalls Infinitum.
    Off to a painfully embarassing start.


  13. RUCeriousDragonfly says:

    Max A-1
    That’s precious. So it’s now the G0P?


  14. wiley says:

    Someone said something about eternal vigilance, and they thought they heard eternal belligerence, and thought it was a good idea.


  15. Megaloptera McWars says:

    Don’t hesitate, boys! If greed is to be on its best behavior, you must have more wars of choice! Iron out Iran!


  16. Max Anax junius -1 says:

    RUC,
    Properly put…
    The G(no)P proposes a GØP.


  17. Pelotonpro 048 says:

    I.m expecting a little car to pull and have eighteen of these neo-clowns get out!


  18. Badger says:

    I’m thinking another group, besides Kristol and the neocons, that is Unhappy with Obama’s Overture to Iran….

    The MULLAHS


  19. Don of Cali says:

    The War Pigs who start and cheer for wars are always the biggest of cowards. Although they consider themselves far too precious to fight, their narcissistic love of themselves pales in comparison with the intensity of their cowardice.


  20. P.D. says:

    I will never forget in 2006 when I would wake up in the morning terrified we were going to war with Iran. It seems Kristol and Co. will stop at nothing to further their Neo-con agenda.


  21. wiley says:

    The whole hoopla with Iran has given me nightmares. I’m so glad Bush is out, and McCain lost.


  22. Chocolate Jesus says:

  23. delafield says:

    Israel’s ethnic cleansing policy is the same as Nazi Germany’s policy in the 1930’s. Israel has driven millions of Palestinians from their homes and into Israeli/Zionist controlled concentration camps.

    Two months ago, Israel murdered over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in these camps. And William Kristol is thirsty for more blood….

    http://www.slate.com/id/2214440/


  24. katy says:

    hey! matt duss on rachel just now!

    great job, matt!

    woo hoo!!! TP strikes again!


  25. Hoodathunktick says:

    Crap, let’s just get it over with and declare war on the world. We can include California, Alaska and Hawaii while we are at it.

    Did I forget to mention Tulsa?


  26. The Republic of Hymenoptera Stupidity says:

    Beefeater Says:

    Why can’t we just leave Iran alone? Have they ever harmed anyone, ever?
    ______________

    Well… this certainly is a meaningless comment.


  27. The Moderate Squad says:

    It is at times like these that I am glad to have a president who, as he puts it, likes to know what he’s talking about before he says something. Kristol especially does not seem to be bothered by the fact that he is demonstratably wrong almost 100% of the time. As for “appeasment” and the inevitable comparisons to Neville Chamberlain, they are apples and oranges – Iran, so far, does not have imperialistic aims. They have not attacked another country since the 80s when Ronald “We Will Not Negotiate With Terrorists” Reagan and his administration were giving them and Iraq the weapons to fight each other (and later to use on their own people and eventually OUR soldiers).

    And how did that work out, Mr. Kristol


  28. Game of Life says:

    Appeasement begets appeasement. Appeasement does not — appeasement does not lay the groundwork for toughness among your allies who already are weaker.

    bloodykris is a common repug warmonger bully.

    Picking on weaker countries is just your way of punkin’ out. What about Russia? Tough guy.


  29. Mosaic says:

    I wonder what it would take to make the freakishly weird, and over confident William Krisoc to STFU and drop out of public life.


  30. The Moderate Squad says:

    Re: #30

    Game of life, you’re dead on. I usually try to refrain from outright name-calling, but for Kristol the word “pussy” is the only one that will do…


  31. tom says:

    What’s the big deal here? After all, Larry, Moe and Curly were always disagreeing with each other. Why should these “Three Stooges” be any different?


  32. delafield says:

    The goal of Neocons/Zionists, like Kristol, is to provoke terrorists to attack America. According to Osama bin Laden’s manifesto after 9/11, the #1 reason they attacked America was because of America’s unilateral support of Israel’s terrorism against Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims.

    Zionists, like Kristol, want to draw America into a never ending wars for Israel. How sad for America and even sadder for the millions of non-Israelis who are suffering in the Middle East.


  33. StrollingAlong says:

    With the damage these people have done to the U.S. and Iraq, hnow can they look at themselves in the mirror each morning without blowing their brains out?


  34. Game of Life says:

    gopny

    Was chimpy your great leader?


  35. alpuz3 says:

    gopny Says:

    OBAMBIHITLER GOT A SCHOOL NAMED AFTER HIM>
    ITS THE LOWEST PERFORMING SCHOOL IN THE LOWEST PERFORMING SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE STATE

    LOL

    CHECK OUT THE SCHOOL REPORT CARD : F MINUS JUST LIKE BOHITLERS REPORT CARD

    lol, A FAILURE SCHOOL NAMED FOR A FAILURE PRESIDENT

    That’s the spirit! I’m lovin’ your approach, gopny! It’s a really bad thing to name a school after a successful individual with a positive perspective. I especially appreciate the way you point out failure. The right wing needs to do this more often… The only way to define success for the beloved “right” is to ridicule others “failure.”

    Good job, gopny!


  36. Oval12345678 aka James K. Sayre says:

    Who is the biggest American war criminal? Bush? Chebey? Rumsfeld? Obama? Mr. Obama seems to be trying to replay the disastarous LBJ Presidency (1963 – 1969) in which he tried to combine social progress at home with imperial aggression abroad. MR. Obama knows full well that he is committing war crimes in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan on a daily basis. Is Mr. Obama trying to get sent to the World Court in The Hague, Netherlands to be tried for his war crimes? Heck of a stupid and evil escalation against the people of Afghanistan today, Mr. Obama…


  37. Jess Wonderin says:

    Kristool has NEVER been correct on any position and his “military experience” has been confined to airport restrooms . . . who cares what these clowns have to say?


  38. Zooey Lepidoptera says:

    PNAC…FPI…what’s the difference?

    Every turd flushes the same…


  39. Zooey Lepidoptera says:

    Oval12345678 aka James K. Sayre Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    That was quick. Do you have any evidence or proof of your allegations?


  40. dbadass says:

    I wonder what chat thinks about this…



  41. Winston S says:

    gopny Says: OBAMBIHITLER GOT A SCHOOL NAMED AFTER HIM>
    ITS THE LOWEST PERFORMING SCHOOL IN THE LOWEST PERFORMING SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE STATE.
    LOL
    CHECK OUT THE SCHOOL REPORT CARD : F MINUS JUST LIKE BOHITLERS REPORT CARD
    lol, A FAILURE SCHOOL NAMED FOR A FAILURE PRESIDENT
    ———————————————————
    Damn…you, old right wing TEA BAGGERS are sure an angry bunch.
    It sure must be lonely laughing “LOL” and “lol” to yourself tonight (and every night) from deep inside your Fortress of Celibacy.
    I’ll pray for you…maybe.


  42. EugeneDebs says:

    gopny Says:

    BEBE, squash those palestinian scum!!!! Go get em, bibi. drop the bomb on them
    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Begone you stupid troll sphincter. Your ignorance is offensive


  43. MapleStreet says:

    Well, Kirstol et als advice has been so good for us so far !

    Paraphrased From the Bible: If what the prophet predicts does not come true, then do not fear them, but stone them. Because they are a false prophet.


  44. RUCeriousDragonfly says:

    GØP spells GØPNY. Poor bastard just hasn’t got much except the reichbabble.


  45. Max Anax junius -1 says:

    RUC,
    Are you sure it isn’t…
    … G(no)P N.Y. ?


  46. Max Anax junius -1 says:

    RUC,
    I’m an Anax junius. Which genus are you?


  47. dbadass says:

    gopny:
    I think your magic eightball needs servicing. Check the owner’s manual. It usually gives info on scheduled maintenance


  48. RUCeriousDragonfly says:

    My mom says I’m a Aeshna cyanea. Souther Hawker. The adult eats various insects, caught on the wing. The nymphs feed on aquatic insects, tadpoles and small fish or trolls ambushed in the pond they frequent …



  49. RUCeriousDragonfly says:

    And Max, I think a valid variation might be G(null)P


  50. Sil says:

    Slap some fatigues on these retards and send them over to fight the wars they rev up for. Brother…


  51. EugeneDebs says:

    gopny Says:

    Weak GOPPY. Go back to your day job blowing syphilitic lepers on the docks for pocketchange. How did you hear about this wellfare crack program? Did your whore of a mother tell you when you visited her in the trailer park? Ever find out who your daddy is? Or did she just tell you it was whoever bought her the shortdog that night?


  52. EugeneDebs says:

    gopny Says: 54

    My GOD you are ignorant. How in the world did you get to be so stupid. You are some new kind of pathetic punk. A troll who thinks it is clever to show just how astonishingly stupid you are on a message board. A retarded monkey could pound out more cogent posts on a keyboard by accident than your abject stupidity. Better than yours actually since they would at least be original instead of what you have been programmed with by todays choice of your screechmonkey. It just suck to be as stupid and pathetic as you


  53. Zooey Lepidoptera says:

    RUCeriousDragonfly Says:

    Ain’t I cute!
    March 28th, 2009 at 1:19 am

    You’re gorgeous!



  54. cosanostradamus says:

    .
    Wow. These guys have some GREAT ideas! We really need them on the ground at the end of the day, in country, ASAP! How ’bout brevet Second Lieutenant, and a platoon of combat veterans for each of them, somewhere on the Afghani-Pakistan border, tomorrow, first thing? OJT; they don’t need any training. They’re obviously natural-born military geniuses.

    After six or eight years of that, maybe they’d like to go Special Ops, conducting clandestine raids into the tribal areas of Pakistan or somewhere in Iran? I really think a military career on the front lines would be the best thing for them, and for the country.

    Because they wouldn’t live five minutes.

    And that’s why they’d never go.

    New law: No proposing combat by anybody who’s never been in it, except when we’re actually under ongoing military attack right here in der Homeland, ja?

    And no proposing combat by anybody who’s been in combat and f**ked it up last time they went.

    That would relieve most of the Pentagon from such a burden.
    .


  55. dbearton says:

    Gopny, you and Billy Kristol are to report to the nurse’s station. It’s time for you to take your meds.


  56. researcher says:

    please tell me who in the world has been successful in the world invading and creating a republic or democracy in afhgan.

    what will stop our imperialism?

    complete economic meltdown.

    coming soon to a town near you. :-)


  57. KayInMaine says:

    Heeeey, Ralph the Wonder Llama has changed his/her name to, “Ralph the Wonder Locust”! LOL What the heck????


  58. Badger says:

    …we are a much better military at this. One thing that struck me with talking from privates to generals, counterinsurgency is now bred in their bones. And that means they know there’s no military — purely military solution.

    They all want to talk about governance. They all want to talk about agriculture, about schools. They know that’s the way you win this war. So we are just a lot better at this.

    And then the final thing to be said is, they much prefer the Afghan people to the Iraqi people, to be blunt about it. They think they’re more cooperative, more welcoming.

    Hmmmm….


  59. Badger says:

    OOOps sorry,

    #68 is a quote from David Brooks on the Newshour last Nite.

    He is just back from a trip to Afghanistan.

    I don’t agree with much of Mr. Brooke’s punditry…but if his REPORTING is for Real…this change in attitude is encouraging.


  60. The Ctenocephalides Dogfather says:

    KayInMaine Says:

    Heeeey, Ralph the Wonder Llama has changed his/her name to, “Ralph the Wonder Locust”! LOL What the heck????

    We’re all changing our names to include our insect personae, Kay — you know, in “honor” of Billdo O’Lielly’s calling CAP, TP and its residents “insects”?

    Climb on board — I hear the deer ticks can be brutal in the Maine woods…


  61. perris says:

    the koch family owns krystol and they want that middle east oil

    this is now too dangerous to allow, krystol is trying to make war part of the american culture and it’s working

    the entire republican party has been controlled by the koch brothers since the cato institute was formed and there must be something done that exposes them and their propaganda

    I am hoping there is more exposure on the koch brothers, too little has been done and they fly completely under the radar, yet THEY are responsible for the republican party the way it stands now

    more on the koch brothers here

    http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/4068


  62. KayInMaine says:

    The Ctenocephalides Dogfather Says:

    KayInMaine Says:

    Heeeey, Ralph the Wonder Llama has changed his/her name to, “Ralph the Wonder Locust”! LOL What the heck????

    We’re all changing our names to include our insect personae, Kay — you know, in “honor” of Billdo O’Lielly’s calling CAP, TP and its residents “insects”?

    Climb on board — I hear the deer ticks can be brutal in the Maine woods…
    March 28th, 2009 at 8:05 am

    Oh, okay. I missed that. Brilliant! Should I be ‘KayTheKockroach” now? Some would say I should have named myself that all along. LOL


  63. Nevarmantis says:

    KayKatydid has a nice ring to it, unless katy has already taken it…


  64. perris says:

    I think I will be “perrisThePrayingMantis”

    me likey


  65. Nevarmantis says:

  66. Perry logan says:

    Since they believe anyone who disagrees with them is Satan, internal dispute is very hard on Repubs.


  67. Wayne Ant Schneider says:

    Well, I, for one, am proud to be a “TP insect” now.


  68. mary says:

    I thought mary mantis sounded nice (such a wild-looking insect!) but it looks like raven and perris have that one covered.


  69. mary lacewing says:

    So, I’m going with the Lacewing. It’s considered a beneficial insect because it preys on aphids and “other soft-bodied insects”. Hmmm, Kristol looks rather soft, doesn’t he?


  70. Nevarmantis says:

    I wouldn’t mind, as long as we don’t run into each other in the physical realm…
    ;)


  71. christopher wiwi says:

    Where are their Brown shirts,more Reich wing democracy froma barrel of a gun, imagine that.Take your brown shirtideology and shove it.


  72. Nevarmantis says:

    well chosen mary
    :)


  73. mary lacewing says:

    Why thank you Nevarmantis!

    Being a male praying mantis sounds rather risky, but, I’m pretty sure that you can handle it.

    A study found that:

    the males are able to assess the risk of cannibalism and become more cautious in the presence of particularly hungry females


  74. phloem96 says:

    Hello Kay in Maine




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