President Obama reaches out to the Iranian people in a new video with Farsi subtitles

[bigtree]

Friday, March 20, 2009


Obama addresses Iran (White House photo)


WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is reaching out to the Iranian people in a new video with Farsi subtitles, saying the U.S. is prepared to end years of strained relations if Tehran tones down its bellicose rhetoric.

The video released Friday was timed to the festival of Nowruz (no-ROOZ), which means "new day" and marks the arrival of spring. It's a major holiday in Iran.

"So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran's leaders," Obama said in the video. "We have serious differences that have grown over time. My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community."

In his message Friday, Obama had a warning for Tehran: "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."

"You, too, have a choice. The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations," Obama said. "You have that right, but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization."

http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2009/03/20/ap/headlines/d971p60o0.txt


Transcript of Videotaped Remarks by The President in Celebration of Nowruz: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Videotaped-Remarks-by-The-President-in-Celebration-of-Nowruz/


THE PRESIDENT: Today I want to extend my very best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz around the world.

This holiday is both an ancient ritual and a moment of renewal, and I hope that you enjoy this special time of year with friends and family.

In particular, I would like to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nowruz is just one part of your great and celebrated culture. Over many centuries your art, your music, literature and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place.

Here in the United States our own communities have been enhanced by the contributions of Iranian Americans. We know that you are a great civilization, and your accomplishments have earned the respect of the United States and the world.

For nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained. But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together. Indeed, you will be celebrating your New Year in much the same way that we Americans mark our holidays -- by gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and stories, and looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope.

Within these celebrations lies the promise of a new day, the promise of opportunity for our children, security for our families, progress for our communities, and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes, those are common dreams.

So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran's leaders. We have serious differences that have grown over time. My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community. This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect.

You, too, have a choice. The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right -- but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization. And the measure of that greatness is not the capacity to destroy, it is your demonstrated ability to build and create.

So on the occasion of your New Year, I want you, the people and leaders of Iran, to understand the future that we seek. It's a future with renewed exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and commerce. It's a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you and all of your neighbors and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace.

I know that this won't be reached easily. There are those who insist that we be defined by our differences. But let us remember the words that were written by the poet Saadi, so many years ago: "The children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence."

With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share. And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning.

Thank you, and Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak.


Watch the video (Persian captions available): http://www.whitehouse.gov/Nowruz/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/2009/03_20_1237521600/20090320_Nowruz_Message.mp3

http://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/2009/03_20_1237521600/20090320_Nowruz_Message_En.mp4

http://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/2009/03_20_1237521600/20090320_Nowruz_Message.mp4 (Persian captions)

[Arctic Dave]

1. This how how you make change for the better.

[dos pelos]

2. Here is what Obamas overture looks like to me.....

I like Obama,voted for him,but he is a rookie still warming up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsXnK0ouTL8&feature=related

[bigtree]

3. carrot and stick

Consider this . . . the president has made an unprecedented outreach to the nemesis nation by jumping ahead of the 'groundwork' for direct talks and addressing the 'leaders of Iran', along with his appeal to the Iranian people.

He may well be warming up, but he isn't at all unprepared or faltering in his promised rapprochement.

[dos pelos]

4. rapprochement requires two parties

this is a delusional monologue at this point

[bigtree]

5. I certainly don't think the WH is 'delusional' in their approach

The U.S. should feel secure enough to take the first step forward.


Trita Parsi, a respected scholar on Iran, put it this way: http://weblogs.newsday.com/news/opinion/viewsday/2009/03/a_tale_of_two_messages.html

Through this carefully written message, Obama is doing something crucial: He is sending a signal of strategic intent that America’s objective is to find constructive relations between the US and Iran, i.e. ending the destructive enmity that has existed for three decades.

This is important since tactical collaboration with Iran in Afghanistan would be unlikely to achieve unless America assured the Iranians that the broader long-term objective is to find a positive relationship between the two countries.

By using the term “Islamic Republic,” Obama is also signaling America’s acceptance of Iran’s revolution. This does not mean that America will not welcome democratization in Iran, but it does signal that the policy of regime change has been cast aside.

Obama is focusing on behavioral change, not regime change. Recognizing that Iran has a rightful place among nations, clarifies that America recognizes that a country and civilization of Iran’s size cannot be isolated and contained inevitably. By pointing out that this role comes with responsibilities, he signals Iran that its rightful role is within reach if its policies change. This is a significant break with the Bush Administration policies.

Through this speech, President Obama does not only express tremendous respect and recognition of the Iranian nation and civilization, he also demonstrates that he recognizes that outreach to the Arab world is different from outreach to Iran. He shows an important understanding of the uniqueness of the Iranian civilization, a point that likely won’t be lost on the Iranians.

[Aristus]

11. Go back and read reply #3. It says "promised rapprochement." And that's what it is.

The delusion lies with people who think democracy comes at the tip of a bayonet, or that friendship comes from the weapons-bay of a bomber.

Peace begins with the simple desire for it. And God blesses that.

[H2O Man]

20. silly

[EmilyAnne]

10. You should separate the Iranian people from the Iranian government and their cleric advisors.

The recent history of Iran is very turbulent, forcing so many moderate and secular people to play along with an extreme agenda out of fear. Its amazing to talk to the people of a country rather than just meeting with the leadership behind closed doors.

[malletgirl02]

16. Exactly

Also, before Bush made the "Axis of Evil" speech. Iran actually had a reformist president, after a result of the speech a hardliner was elected. Maybe Obama's overtures to the Iranian people, will get the reformist back and power, and on the road to a democracy with rights for women.

[loyalsister]

6. I love that!

He's always doing more right than wrong. This is spectacular. I look forward to the response.

[bigtree]

8. the initial response has been both wary and challenging

I won't post the initial responses here, because I think it will take some more reflection by the Iranians on this and other outreaches to elicit any reasonable reaction.

The nub of the initial responses is a complaint about continuing rhetoric from the U.S. accusing Iran of developing a nuclear weapon and sponsoring terrorism.

[loyalsister]

9. I really hope the value of the context overshadows that

He is doing an amazing job reaching out.
I have talked to foreign students from India, Kenya, Germany, Brazil and China. Of course, they are all extremely impressed with the new relationship with the world President Obama is building. :)
I so hope to see that kind of progress develop in the Arabic countries. If anyone can do it, it will be President Barack Husein Obama.

[bigtree]

13. here's a balanced response

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki late Friday said he was studying the offer . . . http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1465939.php/_eca174___Irans_foreign_minister_studying_Obamas_message_from_Obama_message__Extra__

Mottaki, whose comments were made in Afghanistan and were carried by the official news agency Irna, showed a cool reaction.

'It is nice that Nowruz is used as an occasion for messages of peace and friendship - but as far as other aspects (in the message) are concerned, they are under evaluation,' Mottaki said.

Observers expected that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will make a clear comment on the Obama message on Saturday, in his annual Persian Nowruz speech in the religious city of Mashad in north-eastern Iran.

Khamenei, in line with the constitution, has the final say on all state affairs.


Read more: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1465939.php/_eca174___Irans_foreign_minister_studying_Obamas_message_from_Obama_message__Extra__

[loyalsister]

15. Thanks

Looks like.... progress. :)

[HamdenRice]

7. A breathtaking initiative! nt

[bigtree]

12. .

[pelicanlips]

14. Didn't Jeffereson do the same in 1805?

I'm trying to remember my history here. Help me, if someone knows. I'm working off of memory.

Back in college, we studied the Federalist Papers. One if them had some letters between Washington and Jefferson regardign how to deal with US merchant ships that were being pirated by Algeria, I believe it was. Washington wanted to build a fleet of US war ships to provide escort for our trade vessels. Jefferson was able to get Congress to turn down the request, but rather work out a treaty of payment to Algeria in order to allow US vessels safe passage. As is customary with the Arab countries at the time, no "gift" could go unreturned. So, Algeria return in kind with a "gift" of their own. Now we are talking about numbers of about $1 million or just under.

This worked for a while, just like the 1994 Armistiace agreement with North Korea, but after a short time, the piracy returned and our merchants were lost, ships, goods and all.

Finally, Washington was able to get Congress to only allow three ships for protection of our trade vessels. Washington was hoping for more...and rightly so, I believe. Anyway, as Washington feared, all three US warships were pirated and stolen - inlcuding the flagship named the George Washington. We have had all sorts of issues with many Arab governments ever since.

How was it resonved? Well, the leader of Algeria had a jealous brother who was envious of the crown. The US paid him off and facilitated what in essence was a regime change. We basically supported the estranged brother to take over for the reigning king.

Now, there is a point to all of this. Extending a hand to Iran is all well and good. Peace will not be achieved with out it. Obama is saddled with the US coming off of a disasterous Middle East relations, really has no choice, but to try. Having said that, many of our Euro friends have tried to do so with little success. I think the bigger problem lies with the traditional customs of the region in that, in order to have that relationship, you have two choices....

Force or unfair trade agreements (which is what it will take)...and, if history is as it usually is, the former is inevitable.


My whole question is...which is the right way? Shaking hands and trying to listen to the demands of the right wing relious Iranian government or continuing the stalemate (which may never excalate beyond its current cold relationship)?

[bigtree]

17. you assume a stalemate, but the relationship has actually declined

There's really no way of judging the outcome right now, given the decades of animosity and the unprecedented way that this administration is approaching their diplomacy with Iran.

Persians in Iran may have a decidedly different response to this overture than the Arabs have in the instances you describe.

[bigtree]

18. .

[bigtree]

19. Iran's supreme leader questions Obama overtures

37 minutes ago

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed overtures from President Barack Obama on Saturday, saying Tehran does not see any change in U.S. policy under its new administration.

"They chant the slogan of change but no change is seen in practice. We haven't seen any change," Khamenei said in a speech before a crowd of tens of thousands in the northeastern holy city of Mashhad.

Khamenei asked how Obama could congratulate Iranians on the new year and accuse the country of supporting terrorism and seeking nuclear weapons in the same message.

"He (Obama) insulted the Islamic Republic of Iran from the first day. If you are right that change has come, where is that change? What is the sign of that change? Make it clear for us what has changed."

Still, Khamenei left the door open to better ties with America, saying "should you change, our behavior will change too."

article: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVPq_niez7THUHLUXdl7rtCM0FoQD972CNQO0