Chuck Hagel on Iran:

[TheFarseer]

He was on local radio this morning and he was basically saying we need to talk with the Iranians and find the common ground with them. Find out what they really want. So the host says, "They want the destruction of Israel. Like Condalezza Rice seemed to be saying, there's nothing more to talk about. They've crossed the line and now we've got to take action." So Chuck says, "What does that mean, we're going to invade Iran in addition to Iraq?" Then he went on to say (very paraphrased) we can't impose sanctions because then we're going to get $90 a barrel oil and with their friends in the world, they can get around the sanctions anyway. (roughly word for word)"One mistake we always make, that we made in Vietnam and Iraq is we don't understand the history and the culture and the people. We just blunder into these things and start threatening people and it makes things worse. It is not a black and white thing. It's not we against them. We've got to find common ground where we can work with them. We've got to find out what they really want. One thing the Russians have been working on is a plan where Russia can enrich uranium and send it to Iran so they can have nuclear power. The Imoms(sp?) that run Iran are concerned that this is going to get out of control. They're concerned too." I'm a little concerned that his plan seems to be "get a plan". That won't be good enough for the folks that want to "kick their butts"

[ixion]

1. Hagel has made a better dem as a repub than Nelson

who is a neocon puppet in the form of a dem.

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. They should both switch parties.

[Surya Gayatri]

3. The US has already been largely

out-maneuvered by the Iranians on this one. The mullahs have Bush's balls in a vise, with the volatile Shia majority in Iraq, China's special "understanding" with Iran to ensure their energy needs, etc. SG

[rodeodance]

4. a well reasoned response--thanks Chuck

(roughly word for word)"One mistake we always make, that we made in Vietnam and Iraq is we don't understand the history and the culture and the people. We just blunder into these things and start threatening people and it makes things worse. It is not a black and white thing. It's not we against them. We've got to find common ground where we can work with them. We've got to find out what they really want. One thing the Russians have been working on is a plan where Russia can enrich uranium and send it to Iran so they can have nuclear power. The Imoms(sp?) that run Iran are concerned that this is going to get out of control. They're concerned too." I'm a little concerned that his plan seems to be "get a plan". That won't be good enough for the folks that want to "kick their butts"

[awoke_in_2003]

5. what??

talk?? that would mean diplomacy, compromises, etc. No way in HELL this gov't would ever do that.

PS Euro bourse is in march, expect late February bombardment.