In fact, Tehran has been less messianic and stubborn about its nuclear development than Pakistan, India or China.
Comment: I think that both sides have legitmate issues they could bring up. But from my stand point you should deal with people from a position of strength and honor that way if something does happen then everyone understands the consequences and no gray area. I think that most wars occur when one country doesn't understand the other country and the lines of communication aren't open so they assume.
Bill
Comment: Mr. Zakaria,
I find it fascinating that any discussion on Iran starts with the basic assumption that they are our eternal adversaries. If we apply the same logic, China would have never been our friend and Kissinger should not have ever talked to them. Post 9/11, Iran helped us in the war against Taleban from the Herat side. It is well known that iran was fighting Taleban much before we did. Once the war was over, rather than rewarding Iran for its help, we dub them as part of axis of evil. Don't you think that we missed a big opportunity to bring Iran or our side? I wonder what Kissinger would have done. And just imagine how easy Iraq war would have been with Iran on our side....
Comment: Mr. Zakaria,
I still do not understand why we have to start with the basic assumption that Iran is an adversary. Post 9/11, they helped us in the war on terror by plugging the Herat side of Afghanistan. And lets not forget, they were fighting Taleban much before we did. There was clearly an opportunity to bring Iran on our side post Afghan war in which they clearly helped us. Rarther than rewarding them, we tagged them with the axis of evil. I wonder what Kissinger would have done. There was probably a great opportunity to open up the Iran front and we just wasted it big time.
Comment: this is a fair report on how the politics really work in Iran. here in the west, people don't often have a right picture of what's going in Iran. once they knew that you're from Iran they keep saying "oh, how could you live without freedom of speech, freedom of the women,...", I can tell you for certain that Iranian women are far more concerned about their freedom than the women in their surrounding countries. that's why they keep fighting for their rights as opposed to the women in some -apparently- more moderized countries such as turkey. this is almost the case with everything in Iran. Iran has passed more than three major changes (revolution, freedom movement, ..) in the last century. the country is quite dynamic! I'm wondering why anybody hasn't wondered that how come Ahmadinejad could be selected in a country where Khatami - the reformist president- was the president right before him. so I believe that the western countries shouldn't deal with Iran the way they do by ignoring the subtle dynamics of the country.
Comment: Jean444-as you can see the Iranian people agree that there needs to be reform from in. Look at ashkan comment and Iranian student who makes and excellent point; We should make sure the country has FREE and FAIR Elections. Your Hatred for America and American policy has made you turn a blind eye to the solution. India must abolish the caste system; it leaves brilliant people in poverty who are unable to realize the American Dream like Fareed Zakaria. Enjoy your Turkey this Christmas Jean444 and try get involved in finding solutions to your porblems. Have you considered Anger Management. Does U.S. Military Superiority bother you that much. Is Your Fear of AMerica giving you nightmares that one day we will annihilate our enemies. DO NOT WORRY AMERICA IS VERY TOLERANT AND WE DO NOT WANT WAR.
Comment: The article on Iran by FAREED ZAKRIYA a well thought and with the careful choice of words points out the weaknesses in the Iranian fundamenalistic policies.Yet it has been conciously conivved at that Iranian,s political strategy or policy of the opposition is not differenr from the government as far as The USA is concerned.Present opposition was the former government and its policy was not different from the government.So the point to ponder should be to change the basics of the Iranian politics through the diplomatic chanels.The blunt use of carrot and stick policy would not be effective as it has failed in the past.The best policy may be the give and take policy.There should be some concessions for Iran to make her accept the American proposals.
Comment:
In europe , i remember they organise a lot of archithects to retify the problem with the site(WTC)and as at now the place is still abandon
Comment: Very smart,,, I'm from a student from Tehran. I've seen you on ABC news with George Stephanopoulos. I agree with everything you wrote.
I think, President Khatami is a great person and the reformists are the only politicians that can turn Iran into a modern, democratic and stable country and this is good for firstly,l the Iranian people and secondly, for the world. If the Bush administration really wants to help they should make the Iranian regime stop cheating in the elections.
In the 2004 Iranian parliamentary elections almost all of the reformist candidates were ruled unfit by the Guardian Council of religious leaders. And candidates don't get fair access to the media. Any propositions on how this could be done??!
Comment: Very smart,,, I'm from a student from Tehran. I've seen you on ABC news with George Stephanopoulos. I agree with everything you wrote.
I think, President Khatami is a great person and the reformists are the only politicians that can turn Iran into a modern, democratic and stable country and this is good for firstly,l the Iranian people and secondly, for the world. If the Bush administration really wants to help they should make the Iranian regime stop cheating in the elections.
In the 2004 Iranian parliamentary elections almost all of the reformist candidates were ruled unfit by the Guardian Council of religious leaders. And candidates don't get fair access to the media. Any propositions on how this could be done??!
Comment: Very smart,,, I'm from a student from Tehran. I've seen you on ABC news with George Stephanopoulos. I agree with everything you wrote.
I think, President Khatami is a great person and the reformists are the only politicians that can turn Iran into a modern, democratic and stable country and this is good for firstly,l the Iranian people and secondly, for the world. If the Bush administration really wants to help they should make the Iranian regime stop cheating in the elections.
In the 2004 Iranian parliamentary elections almost all of the reformist candidates were ruled unfit by the Guardian Council of religious leaders. And candidates don't get fair access to the media. Any propositions on how this could be done??!
Comment: Very smart,,, I'm from a student from Tehran. I've seen you on ABC news with George Stephanopoulos. I agree with everything you wrote.
I think, President Khatami is a great person and the reformists are the only politicians that can turn Iran into a modern, democratic and stable country and this is good for firstly,l the Iranian people and secondly, for the world. If the Bush administration really wants to help they should make the Iranian regime stop cheating in the elections.
In the 2004 Iranian parliamentary elections almost all of the reformist candidates were ruled unfit by the Guardian Council of religious leaders. And candidates don't get fair access to the media. Any propositions on how this could be done??!
Comment: This is smart. In fact it is too obvious. But for some reasons, it seems that the whole thing is a game and both sides want to keep playing without rendering a solid decision.
Comment: eddiewhere: For your record, I think the American people in field of history and politic are very uneducated. You need to read more and be able to make connection to reality. The rule of US in the world is very negative. You support all totalitarian governments in the Middle East and in same time talk about democracy. You use WMD on civilian and attack others for only having them. You have the most corrupted government and you talk about containing it in other countries. You have a stupid and liar president that is like a Saturday night show for others and you want to build new order in world. You think that history started from 9/11 and you don???t have any clue that what is your past. I don???t talk about your racist attitude about African in your country. Only 40 years ago you had an apartheid regime in your country and in the same time you had a big mouth that you freed European. You used nuclear weapon against civilian and even now you don???t apology for it. You are the number one supporter of apartheid regime of Israel and you think people hate you because you support freedom. I don???t talk about your record in South America or Far East. lol
Comment: Fareed, thank you for writing this artcile. I hope more of our leaders would listen. The problem is the reason we even care about Iran is not their Nuclear Weapons. Its their oil and gas. Unless there is regime change we don't get to steal it.
Comment: Thank you for showing a clear endorsement of Congressman Paul. He clearly is the only one whose campaign would be able to bring about exactly what was talked about. A fantastic endorsement even if they don't say his name
Comment: YOUR HATRED FOR AMERICA HAS MADE YOU TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE PROBLEM THAT FACES YOUR PEOPLE., THIS IS WHAT DICTATORS DO IN THE MIDDLE-EAST DEMONIZE THE WEST KEEP THEIR PEOPLE POOR AND PREVENT THE MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION FROM CONTROLLING THEIR OWN GOVERNMENT.. IRANIANS WANT TO LIVE THE AMERICAN DREAM. THEY DO NOT WANT TO LIVE IN POVERTY IN FEAR OF HARDLINERS WHO JUST WANT TO DESTROY
Comment: Did the Irainian regime get elected by the people? So you support the dictatorship. As mentioned we cannot change your regime for you. If you like living under the dictatorship well that's great. However we both know you are here in America stuffing yourself of TURKEY while your people suffer under a hard-line government. I know the majority of young IRANIANS want change that is a fact. DO YOU THINK OBAMA CAN IMPROVE RELATONIONS WITH YOUR COUNTRY?
Comment: Very funny. You think that Iranian people are stupid? They understand that they deal with an illogical administration in the US that lies to their people. Even American doesn???t believe Bush anymore. You are under influence of propaganda and you think Iranian people are like American. Why American doesn???t ask their leaders that why they lied to them 4 years ago and caused the worse consequences for them and the world. I think that this administration is more dangerous than any other nation to the US interests. Instead of asking Iranian to change their regime you must start to change your liar regime. As Lavrof mentioned Iranian hasn???t had any nuclear weapon program even before 2003. You start a lie and after repeating it you think you can convince others to believe it. Wake up. Iranian are smarter than that and they proved it. You must change yourself first.
Comment: Jean444, while your spreading all this hatred for the US around, why don't you at least touch on the fact that the president of Iran preaches to his people how Iran will not stop until they wipe out Isreal, conquer the evil empire in the west (the U.S.) and convert the world to Isalm? That sounds pretty radical to me and anyone who understands common rational behavior. It's obvious you have your own twisted agenda and its comical how you insult the very country that enables you the freedom to speak your mind. If you were in Iran and expressed this same form of hatred about Ahmadinejad I don't think you would enjoy the consequence.
Comment: Very funny. You think that Iranian people are stupid? They understand that they deal with an illogical administration in the US that lies to their people. Even American doesn???t believe Bush anymore. You are under influence of propaganda and you think Iranian people are like American. Why American doesn???t ask their leaders that why they lied to them 4 years ago and caused the worse consequences for them and the world. I think that this administration is more dangerous than any other nation to the US interests. Instead of asking Iranian to change their regime you must start to change your liar regime. As Lavrof mentioned Iranian hasn???t had any nuclear weapon program even before 2003. You start a lie and after repeating it you think you can convince others to believe it. Wake up. Iranian are smarter than that and they proved it. You must change yourself first.
Comment: The majority of the population in Iran under 35 wants change. How can we strengthen this movement so they can begin the process of reform in Iran.. I know for a fact Iranian young people want change. "Do we want a policy change in Iran or regime change"? is an excellent question put forward by the author. We have to recognize that Iran is represented by a hard-line government, which only has one policy, demonize the west; destroy Israel and stay in power for eternity. . This regime has to be removed but we cannot force this revolution on the Iranian people. Our only hope for a long term solution is to reform from within. For some, this seems like an impossible task because ot the strangle hold that the Iranian government and the Ayatollah have on power. I disagree.There are great young leaders in Iran they just need support from the world community and especially from their Muslim and Arab commrades. We need a network in this region that is united by one ideology, Peace and Prosperity for ALL. What sense does it make to support a policy that is not backed by the people themselves. We have to support and help develop leaders from within these countries. If implemented this strategy would take time and the United States wants an immediate change. Technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that it is enivatble that one day the whole world will have nuclear weapons. So it is important that the governments in charge of these weapons are responsible. NO POLICY WILL CONTROL THIS REGIME. They do not care about their people, they will pursue weapons of destruction regardless of the consequences. Our best Insurance policy is to make it clear to the world that this regime must not have control of nuclear weapons. Countrie like Syria,Jordon, Pakistan, Russia, China and Saudi Arabia can influence Iran to back down. Why can't people see the the truth? By pursuing nuclear weapons Iran has subjected their people to attack. If there was a proper regime in place that actually cared about their people this would not be an issue. As mentioned, eventually the whole world will be armed with nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime has to go
Comment: Our best Insurance Policy is to remove the regime sooner than later. We must CANCEL the Iranian's INSURANCE POLICY while we still have a chance. We MUST come down hard on RUSSIA and CHINA and let them know that sharing nuclear, biological, and chemical technology with countries around the world is not acceptable. It is Russia's irresoponsible actions that have lead to this problem.The Russians sold the Iranians nuclear technology, that is a fact. Could you imagine if Russia never invaded Afganistan, there would have been no enviornment for a Bin Laden to rise. Reforms need to be carried out in this region. People that live in the region need to have control over their own governments so they can solve their own problems. American presence in the region is a big problem. There needs to be some sort of ARAB MUSLIM COUNCIL THAT POLICIES ITSELF. IT'S PURPOSE IS TO DECIDE WHICH GOVERNMENTS IN THE REGION HAVE VIOLATED the REGIONS LAWS concerning WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTON. THOSE WHO CROSS THE LINE MUST BE DISCIPLINED BY THEIR OWN. WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO INVADE COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD! THAT IS NOT THE AMERICAN WAY. WE HAVE TO USE OUR BRAINS.
Comment: So do we bomb China and Russia into submission? Keep bankrupting the country with cowboy diplomacy. See you in the bread line
Comment: I have read and analyzed Fareed's many analysis over the last many years. He should become an advisor - or even better appointed - Secretary of State. He could positively influence the thinking of the President (any one now or future). He understands what is happening on this planet (which extends beyond the DC!!!)
Comment: Mr Zakaria
can you mention a country which has been in full cooperation with IAEA as much as my country (Iran )? Iran is not the same as Ahmadinejad and Bush is not the equivalent for USA .
Comment: Mr.Zakaria I like to go through some of your points: "Tehran has been less messianic and stubborn about its nuclear development "....me: I wonder then why 17 years of deceptive policy to work clandestinely for the bomb?...
You said ???Tehran has moved incrementally, allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency to conduct inspections for years "....me: Tehran has moved deceitfully ..yes I agree, since they only allowed the IAEA inspectors in to visit the main parchin site, after it was totally destroyed and changed because its serious activities was revealed by the NCRI.
You say: the West "has been stingy in its offers of carrots, which have often been too little and come too late."....me; Well sir, I suggest you take a brief look at the past 27 years of conciliatory policy towards Tehran. 54 UN Resolutions condemning the regime for its disastrous human right violations BUT at the same time, billions of economical contracts (bearing in mind that the economy is controlled by the suppressive organ RGC) , giving the green light for a new style of political charlatanism , meaning accepting political bribes from the regime in exchange for the regimes tactical withdrawal of its demands . This however has had a set back .The best example for this "carrot" , WAS PUTTING THE REGIMES OPPOIRION IN THE BALCK LIST AS A "GOOD WILL GESTURE" to Khatamis??? stubborn presidency , which did not give fruit any way*AFP -2004 report on Troika discussion with Iran*. The opposition had been a horn in the throat for this regime and had it been supported we would not have had this menace today.
Other "carrots" so to speak are: allowing covert operations of RCG companies to import fissile material to use for the enrichment program. Other "carrots" comprise helping this regime to get blood money in economic contracts, then injecting this blood money into arms and funds for its proxies in the region....Shall I continue? I should think not.
I think your options and the content of the analysis is old fashioned. You should listen to the voices coming out of Iran. Only a few days ago, widespread uprising of Students in Iranian universities who chanted" Death to dicator"..asking for regime change , does not correspond with " carrots" policy
Comment: Mr. Zakaria, I like to say that your opinion , how ever so glamorously put in the News week is rather oldfashioned and worn out as far as the past 2 decades of political concesion is concerned with Tehran. Unlike your findings, the West and the US has tired out all its carrots in the past 27 years, with at least 54 Human right violation resolutions, years of economical contracts, and weapons deals , and also lots of nulcear fissile material -ofcourse as "carrots". So I wonder what you mean by the witing that the " West has been stingy "with carrots.? Allow me to remide you the recent widespread student uprising in Iran, all through Iran and their popular slogan "Death to Dictator". Sir, while thousands dies in Iran , because their dictaro has been boldened and strenghtehnd because of so much "carrots" , may I ask you " Have you asked the Iranian people what thier solution is ?" . I have no doubt that you too know very well that they want a radical change and are angered by the extend of appeasement ongoing with this regime. let alone giving it "more carrots".
There is a saying ; One cant caress a snake without expecting a biteback!! " .
Comment: Lets say what you say is correct approach Mr. Zakaria , in a rational world what you say might work.However Islamic Regim is another story. Since its first day of existance, it has followed the path of helter scelter to survive. The only way The Islamic Regim will survive is by Confrontation with USA and the west in general. The Islamist know for fact and it is part of their doctrin not to have normal relation with USA. The Islamic Regim will not survive if it had normal relation with USA. Our country is simply way too overwhelming for their survival. Here is a fact, when traveling in Tehran or any other cities in Iran , so many people from all walks of life approach you and ask "When will BUSH come and save us" . The Islamic Regim is a stounch opponent of anything American, and for the past 29 years has been trying to brain wash the nation of Iran as to how bas the American Government is. However this policy has failed as Iranians young and old see the United States in a favorable way and as so many reporters, Times included have been reporting Iranians are the most Pro American in the Middle East. The Islamic Regim Understands only one language "FORCE" As for the Nuclear Energy and weapons , well , I , too think Iran must have at least the know how to develop such weapons as a deterent due to its geographical location . But not This Regim.
Comment: Sanctions DO NOT WORK. THEY JUST CREATE CRISIS. SANCTIONS CANNOT STOP THIS REGIME. IN FACT SANCTIONS WILL MAKE THIS REGIME STRONGER AND MORE DEFIANT.
Comment: Sanctions for commiting what crime ? please tell me ?
Comment: Great. Let us start by listing five, or three or even one critical international issue resolved to everlasting happiness of the sanction-hawks by the route propagated by intermedusa!
Comment: IT'S ALL ABOUT IRAN
By,
Larry Houle
www. irandemocracy.net
intermedusa@yahoo.com
A DRAMATIC NEW APPROACH TO IRANIAN SANCTIONS
THE REALITY IS THE US DOES NOT NEED CHINA OR RUSSIA TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN. THE US CAN IMPOSE DEVASTATING RECIPROCAL SANCTIONS
The United States with or without EU support immediately imposes economic and political sanctions against Iran. The sanction regime is divided into 4 parts - Defcom 1 to Defcom 4 with each phase commencing every 30 days and staying in effect until the crisis is resolved. Within the space of 4 months Iran will be under total world wide devastating economic sanctions. ANY INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATION, COUNTRY THAT DISOBEYS ANY PART OF THE SANCTION REGIME - THEN THE TOTALITY OF THE ENTIRE SANCTION REGIME IMMEDIATELY APPLIES TO THEM. If China refuses - then all trade with China is immediately terminated and all ships carrying Chinese goods are not allowed to unload at US ports. All banking relationship are immediately terminated for China and all Chinese companies etc.
DEFCON 1 SANCTIONS
Under Defcon 1 sanctions Iran is immediately hit with the following measures:
1. The cutting off of all military and nuclear technology, materials, training, building including the Bushehr nuclear power plant being built by the Russians.
2. The suspension of all flights - both private and commercial aircraft in or out of Iran.
3. The worldwide banning of all Iranian passports.
4. Severing all banking relationships between all Iranian Government agencies/officials/organizations, banks, companies, front companies with the entire world banking community.
5. The freezing of all Iranian assets throughout the world including all assets of Iranian Government, Iranian companies, front companies, government officials/organizations.
DEFCON 2
In 30 days, if Iran refuses to stop all uranium enrichment and sit down at the table in good faith then the imposition of the following Defcon 2 Sanctions:
1. The immediate stoppage of all forms of transportation coming in or out of Iran including, buses, automobiles, boats. Only oil tankers would be exempt.
2. Cutting off of all satellite signals, phone lines, internet connections, electricity etc.
3. The complete closure of all border crossings to Iran.
4. The complete shutting down of all economic activity/trade with the outside world except for the importation of gasoline into Iran and the export of oil and gas out of Iran.
DEFCON 3
Thirty days after the imposition of Defcon 2 sanctions, the start of Defcon 3:
1. The importation of gasoline into Iran to be ceased by all countries, companies and individuals.
DEFCON 4
120 days after the start of the first sanction regime - Defcon 4 - the stoppage of all payments for Iranian oil and gas exports - NOT THE STOPPAGE OF THE EXPORT OF IRANIAN OIL AND GAS. JUST THE PAYMENTS FOR THESE PRODUCTS.
Comment: GWB is an angle in comparison with you .
Comment: Larry "Mr. Defcon" Houle: what a bunch of garbage you are selling. Stop oil payments for Iranian oil but not of the oil itself? huh? Like Iran is going to continue exporting its oil if it doesn't get paid. What world do you live in. And what pray will you do once Iran decides to close the Persian Gulf with a missile attack and nobody's oil goes through after your idiotic Defcon Con 4 scenario?
Comment: To the author: I think your article was so well written and thought out that the other writers left you off the columlist list. Why is that? Then they all started to write articles which included questions. Can you explain why the took you off the list and your article. That is why you are not getting a much commentary no one knows this article is here.
Comment: There is another way. The west, particularly the U.S., could quietly reverse the tough talk and the sanctions mindset. At the same time, Iran could rapidly be integrated into the international economic environment, other than oil trading. There is nothing better to reduce the aggressive mindset than to realise that your daily well being is tied to someone in Korea, Japan or the U.S. When enough people are so engaged there is enormous internal pressure to behave responsibly, as has happened in India, if not yet in Pakistan. Although it is quite obvious that Pakistan will also get there fast in a democratic set up.
Comment: There is another option. Without seeking a public statement from Iran denouncing or renouncing nuclear weapons at the outset, the west could go about reversing the tough talk and the sanctions mindset. Gradually integrating Itran into the global economic activity, other than oil exports, might be the most potent engine of change in attitude within Iran. There is nothing more powerful than the fact that your daily livelihood is linked to someone else in Europe or Korea or the U.S. to make you more friendly and less aggressive to the world around you. Then even as if Iran becomes a nuclear power the internal pressures to behave responsibly are enormous as has happened in India, if not yet in Pakistan.
Comment: i hope someday we will treat one another as brothers and sisters and let peace reign in our hearts. Why are we so busy mustering power? at the end, it will not be the amount of wealth we amassed that will save us but the LOVE we imparted to others! as a Christian, I've learned how to be contented and the extent of the word "enough". good day!
Comment: Comment:fareed yousay that the western leaders should stop being patnerlistic. i have read your magzine for many years and i find most of your writers to be the same. iam sure you have little influence on leaders but what about your writers? posted by javedmerchant
Comment: Now Fareed you are talking some sense, but since both Bush and Cheney are so stubborn and arrogant nothing will change and for that matter who ever will be elected as the next president whether a democrat or a republican the status quo will remain because the president has nothing else better to do. Remember that there is no president in the American history (except Abraham Lincoln) that have real concern on the domestic issues because it is the responsibility of the governors. Therefore the president is left to meddle with the international affairs. The middle east is the ultimate choice or the ultimate video game for the president.
Comment: This Administration is quite sickening. Matter of fact the entire US political system has be virtually destroyed by Bush/Cheney. The ultimate oxymoron is when you and others use the term "American Intelligence Community". This is a joke right??
My heart is sick and tired of watching the USA be so consummately destroyed by this horrendous team of maleficients have virtually destroyed the USA. The list only grows daily behind a constant barrage of lies and facetiousness.
The latest and greatest is Iran. Bush/Cheney want passionately to just nuke the hell out of all of them to provide their rich friends with more oil wells. You are so right Mr. Zakaria, "why not talk to them, negotiate"?? Well,. one thing for certain is that this would end in failure because Bush has already had his mind made up by Halliburton and T-Bone Pickens.
They wish to blame Iran for providing arms that are killing US Soldiers at the same time, the news reports that half a billion dollars worth of weapons are missing? Is this a giant "DUH"!!! The old adage "Beam me up Scotty fits perfectly.
I despise terrorism in all forms, verbal, action and bombs but believe everyone is entitled to their day in court. It does smell to high heaven with the incarceration for years with no one to help or talk to them. There simply are no alternatives in this administration.
Torture!! Dear God, Dear Allah, Dear whomever, can America ever recover from the horrible acts of Cheney and his prisons?? When truth finally is finally out, American Service men and women will be tortured for ever because of the Cheney policies.
Every country should have its rights to have the government of their choice and not some facade democracy tell them "what is right and what is wrong".
'Does Iran not worry that Israel have over 1000 nuclear weapons?? Why does Israel need 3 Nuke subs on top of the 500 nukes it already had??
What will America do when it wakes up to the headline "Bush and Israel nuke Iran"?? What will America do?? "Oh well, they deserved to be turned back into glass" (a good republican statement).
I enjoy your articles and have recently made Newsweek my homepage. MSNBC is not bad but too much MSN .Did you ever hear of Kate Smith? Big woman with a beautifully powerful voice and when she sang "God bless American, it was perfect rendition. I wish someone would take her place and perhaps start a movement of spirit again in America. As for Bush/Cheney, I hope the war crimes trial begins shortly after their departure.
Comment: : Our best Insurance Policy is to remove the regime sooner than later. We must CANCEL the Iranian's INSURANCE POLICY while we still have a chance. We MUST come down hard on RUSSIA and CHINA and let them know that sharing nuclear, biological, and chemical technology with countries around the world is not acceptable. It is Russia's irresoponsible actions that have lead to this problem.The Russians sold the Iranians nuclear technology, that is a fact. Could you imagine if Russia never invaded Afganistan, there would have been no enviornment for a Bin Laden to rise. Reforms need to be carried out in this region. People that live in the region need to have control over their own governments so they can solve their own problems. American presence in the region is a big problem. There needs to be some sort of ARAB MUSLIM COUNCIL THAT POLICIES ITSELF. IT'S PURPOSE IS TO DECIDE WHICH GOVERNMENTS IN THE REGION HAVE VIOLATED the REGIONS LAWS concerning WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTON. THOSE WHO CROSS THE LINE MUST BE DISCIPLINED BY THEIR OWN. WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO INVADE COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD! THAT IS NOT THE AMERICAN WAY. WE HAVE TO USE OUR BRAINS.
Comment: To the author: Excellent piece. You asked the right questions , that helps the reader distinguish fact from fiction. To your credit you were able to clearly point out the problem and also offered a possible solution. IS was a great joy to read your article because many of the writers fall under the criticism trap and never offer solutions, they just repeat the same problems over and over again.
The majority of the population in Iran under 35 wants change. How can we strengthen this movement so they can begin the process of reform in Iran.. I know for a fact Iranian young people want change. "Do we want a policy change in Iran or regime change"? is an excellent question put forward by the author. We have to recognize that Iran is represented by a hard-line government, which only has one policy, demonize the west; destroy Israel and stay in power for eternity. . This regime has to be removed but we cannot force this revolution on the Iranian people. Our only hope for a long term solution is to reform from within. For some, this seems like an impossible task because ot the strangle hold that the Iranian government and the Ayatollah have on power. I disagree.There are great young leaders in Iran they just need support from the world community and especially from their Muslim and Arab commrades. We need a network in this region that is united by one ideology, Peace and Prosperity for ALL. What sense does it make to support a policy that is not backed by the people themselves. We have to support and help develop leaders from within these countries. If implemented this strategy would take time and the United States wants an immediate change. Technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that it is enivatble that one day the whole world will have nuclear weapons. So it is important that the governments in charge of these weapons are responsible. NO POLICY WILL CONTROL THIS REGIME. They do not care about their people, they will pursue weapons of destruction regardless of the consequences. Our best Insurance policy is to make it clear to the world that this regime must not have control of nuclear weapons. Countrie like Syria,Jordon, Pakistan, Russia, China and Saudi Arabia can influence Iran to back down. Why can't people see the the truth? By pursuing nuclear weapons Iran has subjected their people to attack. If there was a proper regime in place that actually cared about their people this would not be an issue. As mentioned, eventually the whole world will be armed with nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime has to go
Comment: The majority of the population in Iran under 35 wants change. How can we strengthen this movement so they can begin the process of reform in Iran.. I know for a fact Iranian young people want change. "Do we want a policy change in Iran or regime change"? is an excellent question put forward by the author. We have to recognize that Iran is represented by a hard-line government, which only has one policy, demonize the west; destroy Israel and stay in power for eternity. . This regime has to be removed but we cannot force this revolution on the Iranian people. Our only hope for a long term solution is to reform from within. For some, this seems like an impossible task because ot the strangle hold that the Iranian government and the Ayatollah have on power. I disagree.There are great young leaders in Iran they just need support from the world community and especially from their Muslim and Arab commrades. We need a network in this region that is united by one ideology, Peace and Prosperity for ALL. What sense does it make to support a policy that is not backed by the people themselves. We have to support and help develop leaders from within these countries. If implemented this strategy would take time and the United States wants an immediate change. Technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that it is enivatble that one day the whole world will have nuclear weapons. So it is important that the governments in charge of these weapons are responsible. NO POLICY WILL CONTROL THIS REGIME. They do not care about their people, they will pursue weapons of destruction regardless of the consequences. Our best Insurance policy is to make it clear to the world that this regime must not have control of nuclear weapons. Countrie like Syria,Jordon, Pakistan, Russia, China and Saudi Arabia can influence Iran to back down. Why can't people see the the truth? By pursuing nuclear weapons Iran has subjected their people to attack. If there was a proper regime in place that actually cared about their people this would not be an issue. As mentioned, eventually the whole world will be armed with nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime has to go
Comment: Our best Insurance Policy is to remove the regime sooner than later. We must CANCEL the Iranian's INSURANCE POLICY while we still have a chance. We MUST come down hard on RUSSIA and CHINA and let them know that sharing nuclear, biological, and chemical technology with countries around the world is not acceptable. It is Russia's irresoponsible actions that have lead to this problem.The Russians sold the Iranians nuclear technology, that is a fact. Could you imagine if Russia never invaded Afganistan, there would have been no enviornment for a Bin Laden to rise. Reforms need to be carried out in this region. People that live in the region need to have control over their own governments so they can solve their own problems. American presence in the region is a big problem. There needs to be some sort of ARAB MUSLIM COUNCIL THAT POLICIES ITSELF. IT'S PURPOSE IS TO DECIDE WHICH GOVERNMENTS IN THE REGION HAVE VIOLATED the REGIONS LAWS concerning WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTON. THOSE WHO CROSS THE LINE MUST BE DISCIPLINED BY THEIR OWN. WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO INVADE COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD! THAT IS NOT THE AMERICAN WAY. WE HAVE TO USE OUR BRAINS.
Comment: The majority of the population in Iran under 35 wants change. How can we strengthen this movement so they can begin the process of reform in Iran.. I know for a fact Iranian young people want change. "Do we want a policy change in Iran or regime change"? is an excellent question put forward by the author. We have to recognize that Iran is represented by a hard-line government, which only has one policy, demonize the west; destroy Israel and stay in power for eternity. . This regime has to be removed but we cannot force this revolution on the Iranian people. Our only hope for a long term solution is to reform from within. For some, this seems like an impossible task because ot the strangle hold that the Iranian government and the Ayatollah have on power. I disagree.There are great young leaders in Iran they just need support from the world community and especially from their Muslim and Arab commrades. We need a network in this region that is united by one ideology, Peace and Prosperity for ALL. What sense does it make to support a policy that is not backed by the people themselves. We have to support and help develop leaders from within these countries. If implemented this strategy would take time and the United States wants an immediate change. Technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that it is enivatble that one day the whole world will have nuclear weapons. So it is important that the governments in charge of these weapons are responsible. NO POLICY WILL CONTROL THIS REGIME. They do not care about their people, they will pursue weapons of destruction regardless of the consequences. Our best Insurance policy is to make it clear to the world that this regime must not have control of nuclear weapons. Countrie like Syria,Jordon, Pakistan, Russia, China and Saudi Arabia can influence Iran to back down. Why can't people see the the truth? By pursuing nuclear weapons Iran has subjected their people to attack. If there was a proper regime in place that actually cared about their people this would not be an issue. As mentioned, eventually the whole world will be armed with nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime has to go
Comment: Your analysis is very much to the point, Mr Zakaria. But aren???t we in essence talking about the pursuit of power, exerted by almighty USA over a medium sized nation with a lot of oil? The Bush administration is not really interested in a change of attitude, all it wants is regime change. It aims to install a puppet regime that is favourable to the USA. You find this attitude in all aspects of US foreign policy. Bush is a hypocrite in advocating democracy to spread to all corners of the world. All his government wants is control over nations, over their resources. But Bush is no exception. Throughout its history, the US foreign policy has always been a vehicle to achieve mercantile objectives. The motives were purely self-centered. Military interventioned were aimed at developing ciommercial markets for US exporters. Please refer to Howard Zinn???s ???A People's History of the United States??? and John Perkins??? ???Confessions of an Economic Hit Man???. Will there ever be a future with superpower America adopting a somewhat more give-and-take attitude?
Comment: It may not be nuclear weapons which matter, but business.
Comment: I am not a democrat, I am not a republican. I am first and foremost an American, as we should all be. I would love to be able to believe that the Iranians aren't pursuing nuclear capabilities. The problem with a government or country having nuclear capabilities isn't whether they would use them but whether others, ie, al Qaeida, etc. would be able to somehow obtain them through sabotage, etc. If any of these groups were to somehow obtain nuclear weapons, does anyone really believe that they wouldn't use them? I am not naieve, I am not brain washed. I am a realist. I was in NY on September 11, I will never, as long as I live forget that day. No one should. Shouldn't we be on the side of caution rather than hopeful wishing?
Comment: "I am not a democrat, I am not a republican." But you sure look like a stubborn guy. Don't spam the board with the same messages. How many times did you leave this comment here. Are you crazy or new to internet? One comment is enough!
Comment: I am not a democrat, I am not a republican. I am first and foremost an American, as we should all be. I would love to be able to believe that the Iranians aren't pursuing nuclear capabilities. The problem with a government or country having nuclear capabilities isn't whether they would use them but whether others, ie, al Qaeida, etc. would be able to somehow obtain them through sabotage, etc. If any of these groups were to somehow obtain nuclear weapons, does anyone really believe that they wouldn't use them? I am not naieve, I am not brain washed. I am a realist. I was in NY on September 11, I will never, as long as I live forget that day. No one should. Shouldn't we be on the side of caution rather than hopeful wishing?
Comment: I am not a democrat, I am not a republican. I am first and foremost an American, as we should all be. I would love to be able to believe that the Iranians aren't pursuing nuclear capabilities. The problem with a government or country having nuclear capabilities isn't whether they would use them but whether others, ie, al Qaeida, etc. would be able to somehow obtain them through sabotage, etc. If any of these groups were to somehow obtain nuclear weapons, does anyone really believe that they wouldn't use them? I am not naieve, I am not brain washed. I am a realist. I was in NY on September 11, I will never, as long as I live forget that day. No one should. Shouldn't we be on the side of caution rather than hopeful wishing?
Comment: I am not a democrat, I am not a republican. I am first and foremost an American, as we should all be. I would love to be able to believe that the Iranians aren't pursuing nuclear capabilities. The problem with a government or country having nuclear capabilities isn't whether they would use them but whether others, ie, al Qaeida, etc. would be able to somehow obtain them through sabotage, etc. If any of these groups were to somehow obtain nuclear weapons, does anyone really believe that they wouldn't use them? I am not naieve, I am not brain washed. I am a realist. I was in NY on September 11, I will never, as long as I live forget that day. No one should. Shouldn't we be on the side of caution rather than hopeful wishing?
Comment: I am not a democrat, I am not a republican. I am first and foremost an American, as we should all be. I would love to be able to believe that the Iranians aren't pursuing nuclear capabilities. The problem with a government or country having nuclear capabilities isn't whether they would use them but whether others, ie, al Qaeida, etc. would be able to somehow obtain them through sabotage, etc. If any of these groups were to somehow obtain nuclear weapons, does anyone really believe that they wouldn't use them? I am not naieve, I am not brain washed. I am a realist. I was in NY on September 11, I will never, as long as I live forget that day. No one should. Shouldn't we be on the side of caution rather than hopeful wishing?
Comment: I am not a democrat, I am not a republican. I am first and foremost an American, as we should all be. I would love to be able to believe that the Iranians aren't pursuing nuclear capabilities. The problem with a government or country having nuclear capabilities isn't whether they would use them but whether others, ie, al Qaeida, etc. would be able to somehow obtain them through sabotage, etc. If any of these groups were to somehow obtain nuclear weapons, does anyone really believe that they wouldn't use them? I am not naieve, I am not brain washed. I am a realist. I was in NY on September 11, I will never, as long as I live forget that day. No one should. Shouldn't we be on the side of caution rather than hopeful wishing?
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