Obama on Al Arabia: A Case for Mutual Respect

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around President Obama's interview on Al Arabia, particularly his statements regarding Iran and the implications of his diplomatic approach towards the Middle East. Participants explore themes of respect in communication, historical context, and the potential consequences of Obama's rhetoric.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Obama's approach emphasizes respect, contrasting it with previous administrations' more dictatorial tones, particularly criticizing Bush's methods.
  • There is a suggestion that Obama's statements could frame Iran's response negatively if they reject his overtures, potentially making them appear uncooperative.
  • Others argue that while Obama’s tone is respectful, it may not significantly change the underlying policy, which still requires Iran to cease what is perceived as terrorism.
  • Some participants express concern that approaching leaders like Ahmadinejad with overtures of friendship could weaken the U.S. position against more extreme factions within Iran.
  • Historical context is brought up regarding U.S. involvement in Iran's past, particularly the 1953 coup, which some argue necessitates an apology from the U.S. to Iran.
  • There are critiques of media figures like O'Reilly and Limbaugh, with some participants feeling they detract from serious discussions about diplomacy.
  • Some participants express frustration with the direction of the conversation, urging a focus on Obama's strategy rather than media commentary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the effectiveness and implications of Obama's diplomatic approach. Some see value in his respectful tone, while others question its potential impact on U.S.-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various media portrayals and public reactions, indicating a complex interplay between public opinion, media influence, and diplomatic strategy. There is also acknowledgment of the historical context surrounding U.S.-Iran relations, which complicates current discussions.

  • #31
Ivan Seeking said:
:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdyEw6jfGQ
:smile::smile::smile::smile: Now that is classic comedy!, lol.
 
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  • #32
russ_watters said:
He's certainly willing to talk - talking is what psychopathic despots do. What we need is a leader over there who is willing to actually do peace, as opposed to talking about annihilating us all the time (and, of course, the supporting terrorism thing he does...).

Yes something tells me your lost in a world of Fox? Who has talked about annihilating anyone? And how is Ahmadinejad more of a psychopath than Bush? You are joking right?

Why is asking for peace funny? Must be some weird neocon sense of humour thing.
 
  • #33
russ_watters said:
Obvious question - if Iran is mostly moderate, how does a nutcase like that get elected?

The same way Bush got elected.
 
  • #34
russ_watters said:
:smile::smile::smile::smile: Now that is classic comedy!, lol.

You do realize that it WAS a joke, right?
 
  • #35
I just lost a long reply that I made to this post (and the one asking about how Ahmadinejad got elected), and don't have the determination to redo the whole thing.
russ_watters said:
No, Obama being more popular among the people who aren't terrorists in the Middle East does nothing for us.
That statement, IMO, is just plain ridiculous. If you think that terrorists in the ME operate out of isolation, you ought to prepare yourself for a culture shock if or when you eventually study the socio-political conditions in the ME better.

Here's a surefire way to get Ahmadinejad re-elected: go to the Knesset and make the kind of speech that Bush made last year.
 

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