Republican critics are calling it "timidity." But the Obama administration's policy of "prudence" toward Iran's postelection protests gets high marks from Iranian specialists in Europe. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins
Informative roundup of European perspectives about President Obama's moderate stance on Iran. This article cites the views of French and German leaders, as well as credible European and American observers -- and contrasts them with recent statements from GOP congressmen that Obama is being too 'timid' about the Iranian crackdown on protests.
I'm glad to see an overall consensus from Iranian specialists that Obama's "prudent" policy is appropriate at this time. An outright confrontation by the U.S. could make things a lot worse for protesters and opposition leaders.
I consider this standard journalism. I do not think it adds anything new to the debate or to available information, but it is one acceptable source among others one might use.
Personally, I am quite content with Angela Merkel's, president Sarkozy's, and president Obama's reactions to the developments in Iran. I do not think these politicians "meddled" in Iran. The public in Western countries expects political leaders to pronounce their point of view on current world affairs, and this is just what president Obama, president Sarkozy, and Angela Merkel did.
Good quick read. Richard Burt's contention that Obama is engaged in a high risk plan to engage with Iran is neatly refuted by a French authority.
Obama should not abandon his low profile approach to the Iranian situation, and in any event the US should reopen its embassy in Tehran and have Iran reopen its embassy in Washington. The childish and rather stupid effort to isolate Iran needs to be consigned to the rubbish bin.
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