Sep 15 2008
Well at least they agree on something
Five former Secretaries of State met in an effort to provide advice for the next President of the United States. The topic most discussed in the 90-minute session was Iran, and whether or not we should communicate with them or not. Surprisingly enough, all five agreed that communication with Iran was essential. The Bush administration has practically made it a point not to communicate with Iran, who is moving closer and closer to nuclear capabilities.
“You need to engage with countries you have problems with,” said Madeleine Albright, secretary of state under the Clinton administration from 1997-2001.
Other issues in the discussion included Russia and Israel. Colin Powell, secretary of state under the George W. Bush administration from 2001-2005, said that even though Russia acted “brutally” in the conflict with Georgia last month, that the act was not a second coming of the former Soviet Union.
James Baker, secretary of state under George H.W. Bush administration from 1989-1992 argued that there was no “deal to be struck” between Palestinians and Israel. He did comment though that the U.S. should be on better terms with Syria.
All in all the message reiterated by all five former secretary of states was that the U.S. needs to communicate with countries and work with them despite differences that they may have.
Barack Obama wants to open negotiations with Iran, leaving military force “on the table” as an option. John McCain would want to see major policy changes in Iran before he opened communications with the country.
From one sane voice to another, let me call you a bastard for getting to this story before I did. That these five men, even freakin’ Baker and Christopher, could unanimously advocate, um, what’s that word, di..diplo…diplomacy, is amazing. And encouraging. To anyone who hasn’t drank the Kool-Aid.
Cheers,
Steve
I got to this story first and I didn’t even have electricity for a day and a half!
In my defense, I got really shitfaced watching football on Sunday, and spent most of yesterday nearly fetal.
No matter how many days go by, our how many days Olberman counts until doomsday, I cannot wrap either of them as a qualified president