Reagan thought there were 'moderates' in Iran during Iran-Contra

[IndianaGreen]

Reagan thought there were "moderates" in Iran during Iran-Contra. He was proven wrong, just as Obama will be proven wrong about Afghanistan. There is nothing "moderate" about Wahhabism, the Saudi-based religion of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

If by "moderate" you mean Taliban elements that can be bought, this is what will happen: they will take our money, make public pledge they hate the Arabs of Al-Qaeda, and then proceed to attack us because they hate us as foreigners.

While we are spending $1.3 billion in Taliban payoffs (as reported by the Toronto Star), the American people suffer for lack of a viable safety net. The US will go the way of other empires in Afghanistan.

As other DUers have warned, we can choose to stay in Afghanistan or we can choose to concentrate our efforts in saving the American people from economic ruin. We can't do both!

Lugar: Let's Put Health Care On Hold To Deal With Afghanistan

One of President Barack Obama's closest Republican allies in the Senate urged him to put health care reform on the backburner and focus on Afghanistan.

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), a trusted GOP voice on foreign policy matters, told CNN's "State of the Union" that in light of a forthcoming increase in troops to Afghanistan, Democrats should turn their attention to matters of war and money.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/29/lugar-lets-put-health-car_n_373019.html

[hlthe2b]

1. As one who has actually lived in Iran, I have to say you don't

know what you are talking about... To compare Iran to Afghanistan only underscores that. Iran is a highly educated and very ancient society. Like others, there are always moderates around. At issue is the balance held by moderates versus reactionary conservatives. Our foolish governmental policies towards Iran for many decades have insured that that balance will NOT favor moderation and progressive reform.

[Ernesto]

2. "Reagan thought"?