TheAvE8tor

Obama said he wasn't going to apologize. Do you think this was a smart move? I can see a lot of conflict coming soon (as if there's already not enough).

__________________
Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.

VISIT: www.theave8tor.webs.com
VISIT: www.freewebs.com/live-for-jesus

donsutherland1

President Obama owes Iran no apologies. He expressed concern for the treatment of the protestors and the crackdown. That is an expression that is consistent with U.S. principles as they relate to human rights and political freedom. It is also consistent with U.S. interests in seeking regional stability. Whether the White House were held by a Republican or Democrat likely would not have made a difference given the very close alignment of the statement with U.S. principles and interests.

That alignment supersedes typical partisan divisions. Not suprisingly, authorities on foreign policy from both sides of the political aisle were in agreement with the President's handling of the situation e.g., President Obama received praise from foreign policy leaders ranging from Zbigniew Brzezinski to Henry Kissinger.

If President Obama were to apologize for a matter that was handled in accordance with U.S. principles and interests, the U.S. would present itself as weak, pliable, and unprincipled. Such an image would be costly, as it would raise concerns about the broader issue of the durability of U.S. commitments under pressure. At the same time, it would not earn Iran's respect. In fact, it would encourage Iran to take an even more implacable approach, as the U.S. would present itself as being vulnerable to making concessions under duress.

In the end, if there is conflict, it will be driven by a clash of interests, not whether or not President Obama apologizes. The most likely clash of interests would concern Iran's nuclear program if a diplomatic resolution is not achieved. Of course, neither the failure of diplomacy nor a use of force is assured, though the recent events in which the Iranian regime held power and its use of the anti-foreigner card suggests a more rigid near-term negotiating posture.

TheAvE8tor

Now that is the reply I was looking for!

__________________
Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.

VISIT: www.theave8tor.webs.com
VISIT: www.freewebs.com/live-for-jesus