Our President Doth Protest Too Much

Tom Friedman talks Iranian strategery with President Obama. When Friedman feels obliged to devote multiple voluminous paragraphs to the President's passionate commitment to Israel, it pretty much tells you that the President lacks that commitment. Reading the President's remarks in defense of Israel is like reading an explanation of his opposition to gay marriage circa 2011 - you know he is reading the script prepared by his pollsters and fundraisers but you also know his heart is not in it. Regrettably, Tom Friedman was far too polite to ask the President whether a direct Iranian threat against Israel would represent a "red line".

And on to the strategery! Obama delivers the wisdom of the man who assured us that he was leaving a "sovereign, stable and self-reliant" Iraq in 2011. Or the guy who described ISIS as the junior varsity. Away we go:

[Obama] added that America, with its overwhelming power, needs to have the self-confidence to take some calculated risks to open important new possibilities — like trying to forge a diplomatic deal with Iran that, while permitting it to keep some of its nuclear infrastructure, forestalls its ability to build a nuclear bomb for at least a decade, if not longer.

“We are powerful enough to be able to test these propositions without putting ourselves at risk. And that’s the thing ... people don’t seem to understand,” the president said. “You take a country like Cuba. For us to test the possibility that engagement leads to a better outcome for the Cuban people, there aren’t that many risks for us. It’s a tiny little country. It’s not one that threatens our core security interests, and so [there’s no reason not] to test the proposition. And if it turns out that it doesn’t lead to better outcomes, we can adjust our policies. The same is true with respect to Iran, a larger country, a dangerous country, one that has engaged in activities that resulted in the death of U.S. citizens, but the truth of the matter is: Iran’s defense budget is $30 billion. Our defense budget is closer to $600 billion. Iran understands that they cannot fight us. ... You asked about an Obama doctrine. The doctrine is: We will engage, but we preserve all our capabilities.”

Well. I am heartened to learn that Iran won't be invading the beaches of Miami or Long Island any time soon.

But when did Iran embrace the lesson that "they cannot fight us"? Was it in 1983, when Iranian-backed terrorists bombed the US Marines barracks and ran us out of Lebanon? Hezbollah is still a dominant force in Lebanon and the US is still absent, which may or may not be news to Barack.

Or perhaps the mullahs realized they can't fight the US when Iranian-backed Shiite militias made Iraq ungovernable and led to the rise of "peace at any price" candidates such as, well, Barack Obama. The US is still out of Iraq and Iran is still in, which may or may not be news to Barack.

Or perhaps Iran realized the futility of opposing the will of the US when Obama famously declared in 2011 that Syrian strongman Assad "must go". Of course Assad, backed by Iran, hasn't actually gone yet, but any day now! Or not.

Iran has no intention of fighting the US directly. They are also confident that the US, at least under Barack, has no intention of fighting them as they continue their bid to expand their regional influence.

The US beaches, however, remain secure.

Comments

[Jack is Back! (Crispy bacon and sausage links for me)]

Primo?

[Sandy--I Stand with Walker 2016--Daze ن]

Or perhaps the mullahs realized they can't fight the US when the facilitated the 25 June 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers, which resulted in the death of 19 servicemen and the wounding of 498

[Jack is Back! (Crispy bacon and sausage links for me)]

If they try to come to Long Island we will sick the big hind ends of the Kardashians on them. And in Miami we have South Beach which will stop all those jihadi boys in their tracks.

[Thomas Collins]

For those who won't click on a NY Times link, here is Tommy F's first paragraph.

"In September 1996, I visited Iran. One of my most enduring memories of that trip was that in my hotel lobby there was a sign above the door proclaiming “Down With USA.” But it wasn’t a banner or graffiti. It was tiled and plastered into the wall. I thought to myself: “Wow — that’s tiled in there! That won’t come out easily.” Nearly 20 years later, in the wake of a draft deal between the Obama administration and Iran, we have what may be the best chance to begin to pry that sign loose, to ease the U.S.-Iran cold/hot war that has roiled the region for 36 years. But it is a chance fraught with real risks to America, Israel and our Sunni Arab allies: that Iran could eventually become a nuclear-armed state."

Wow. Pry that sign loose. Tommy F really knows how to turn a phrase. And of course, what would a Tommy F piece be without referencing himself in the opening sentence.

[Sandy--I Stand with Walker 2016--Daze ن]

"Their sacrifice shall blaze as a flame in our hearts."

Well, in some of our hearts. For others, not so much.

[Thomas Collins]

Obama actually did draw a red line.

"But what I would say to them is that not only am I absolutely committed to making sure that they maintain their qualitative military edge, and that they can deter any potential future attacks, but what I’m willing to do is to make the kinds of commitments that would give everybody in the neighborhood, including Iran, a clarity that if Israel were to be attacked by any state, that we would stand by them. And that, I think, should be ... sufficient to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see whether or not we can at least take the nuclear issue off the table.”

A commitment to Israel that the US would stand by Israel if Iran attacked them. Bibi, Livni, Herzog and other Israeli leaders of virtually every ideological stripe must be having a good laugh at that one.

[Jack is Back! (Crispy bacon and sausage links for me)]

Here, hold my coat while I watch and decide if my friend needs me.

[henry]

Stand by, stand down... whatever we did in Benghazi. Now time to get ready for Reggie's Duke! -- thinks the JEF would say if he read TM's post.

[Cecil Turner]

At this point, the only thing that would deter the mullahs from developing nukes is a credible threat of force. And President Obama is anything but credible.

On to the (nuclear) arms race!

[Captain Hate]

“We are powerful enough to be able to test these propositions without putting ourselves at risk. And that’s the thing ... people don’t seem to understand,”

This effing retard talking about what other people don't understand is comedy that shouldn't even elude Flathead. Or should his moniker change to Tilehead?

[Captain Hate]

I'd also like to add that what the Persian Rug stated, if you can take him at his word (which is at best a 50/50 proposition), is a very provincial and blinkered outlook with no consideration for the rest of the world.

[Extraneus]

“A movement is pioneered by men of words, materialized by fanatics and consolidated by men of action.”

― Eric Hoffer, The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements

[Jack is Back!]

What a simpleton. Really.

[Captain Hate]

About that non apology:

http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=355983

[Captain Hate]

Somebody needs to staple this to the forehead of that witch Feinstein:

http://weaselzippers.us/219825-obama-thinks-its-a-fundamental-misjudgment-to-require-iran-to-recognize-israel-as-part-of-nuke-deal/

[Rex]

" And if it turns out that it doesn’t lead to better outcomes, we can adjust our policies. "

Those adjustments usually lead to those of us on the sharp end of the stick to once again risk our lives to salvage peace and prosperity for our country. Well, my days might be over (28 years active & reserve USMC), but my son's aren't (19 years active USMC), and my grandsons' generation aren't.

"What people don't seem to understand" is that failure of their pie in the sky attempts is casualties amongst the military.

The man's an ass.

[Frau Einhundertsechsundfuenzig Zentimeter]

On the previous thread Beast asked: How sweet is that?

What's sweet is taking your mom to Easter brunch.

[Too Pooped Too Pope]

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, praises Iran deal.

"Pope Francis said in his global Easter message on Sunday that the preliminary nuclear agreement reached with Iran last week in Switzerland could help pave the way to peace in the region.

“In hope we entrust to the merciful Lord the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world,” the pope said from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica."

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/237940-pope-francis-praises-iran-deal-as-potential-step-toward-peace

[pagar]

Story you may not see in the MSM.

http://moonbattery.com/?p=57015

Lawyer who worked in IRS ethics office disbarred for blatant corruption.

Please don't try to put this stuff in fiction books no one would believe it.

[Steve]

As with so many issues, I am unable to decide if Obama is that stupid and really believes what he says, or if he thinks we're stupid and will believe him.

On one hand, it's hard to accept that one man can be so utterly wrong on so many issues, but on the other, it's sad to think that one man could be so utterly deceitful.

Either way, we're screwed.

[Rick Ballard]

"if Israel were to be attacked by any state, that we would stand by them"

A statement such as that by President Merde Touch should put Israel on full alert. I'm sure King Salman wept with joy that Merde Touch made no mention of Saudi Arabia.

I'd be willing to try an agreement if sanctions were automatically reimposed when Iran is caught lying and cheating AND if use military force was automatic for failure to come into compliance within sixty days.

IOW - a stick and bigger stick deal. No carrots involved.

[gmax]

In regards to the Rolling Stone fiasco, I sure hope evrryone realizes that if you intend to make social justice omelettes you must break a few eggs. And with their unchecked white frat boy privledge they kinda deserved it!

[gmax]

Sorry i forgot to close the sarcasm tag now the entire thread will be dripping with it...

[All American.]

Thank you for your royal service, Rex.

[narciso]

evening all, in the summarizing proust competition:

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121462/rolling-stone-retracts-uva-rape-story-after-cjr-report

[MarkO]

I deliberately refuse to read the Times' editorial page. Inane.

Then, I come here.

[Beasts of England]

Thank you, Frau! She paid for it, though - perhaps only partial credit is in order? :)

[jimmyk on iPhone]

" Bibi, Livni, Herzog and other Israeli leaders of virtually every ideological stripe must be having a good laugh at that one."

I believe Barry 100%. If Iran attacked Israel I'm sure we'd see the biggest hashtag campaign ever.

[Beasts of England]

And a quick shout-out to Rece Davis. A quality sportscaster and a fellow Alabama guy...

[Jane on Ipad]

As Steve said, we are so screwed - and all sit on the couch and let it happen - including me.

[narciso]

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't the Iranians stage a series of naval exercises, where they pretended to attack a naval squadron,

[Some Guy]

"If you like your Israel, you can keep your Israel"

[pagar]

Narciso,
I thought the Obama regime said they just did that out of habit that they didn't really mean it.

[Beasts of England]

They did it against a mock-up of one of our carriers. But in the nicest possible way, of course.

[Jack is Back! (Crispy bacon and sausage links Irafor me)]

Domestic consumpton. Just like Cambridge police action, Trayvon, Ferguson and stiffing Bibi.

Too much sun and rhum. Nytol.

[daddy]

My new neighbor is prescient---and busy!

Greenpeace climbs, sets up camp on Shell's Arctic drilling rig

[Miss Marple]

Captain Hate,

That statement about it not putting US in danger (while ignoring the rest of the world) is just shameful.

Also up for discussion is how we can make a deal and then "adjust it" if things aren't going the way he wants. In other words, it's not really a deal. (The Ukrainians can attest to that.)

I am mortified. And I have no idea what to do. I call people in DC who are sympathetic, but everyone just sort of stands around with their mouths open, watching him wreck not only our country, but the world.

He is a horrible person.

And my Pope is a naif. I hope that is all it is.

[narciso]

the key to this old story, was that Rouhani as with many of the top defense staff on the Iranian side, were deeply inmeshed in the clandestine war against the west

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/185813/experts-to-inspect-nisman%E2%80%99s-apartment

[Stephanie]

"if Israel were to be attacked by any state, that we would stand by them"

He would have the White House chef make some porcini risotto "in solidarity."

If Israel were attacked, it's not gonna be a small or large invasion. It's gonna leave many parts of Israel Chernobyl like and as Hillary says... "what difference would it make" if we stood by them then.

Israel is no more, but we stand by them. Priceless.

[narciso]

Wolf Hall last night, reminded us that Europe was once filled with petulant tyrants, whose disobedience incurred the penalty of exile and or death,

[narciso]

of course, in Flathead Friedman, we have one of those tailors of the dolci and gabbani fabrics,

[rich@gmu]

Posted by: Miss Marple | April 06, 2015 at 08:27 PM -

same boat Miss Marple. surprised the earth didn't implode with all the vacuousness between Flathead and Jugears.

we'll see. Iraq was cheating the whole time during the 1990's even when the agreements were being signed. North Korea was much the same.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

--We are powerful enough to be able to test these propositions without putting ourselves at risk. And that’s the thing ... people don’t seem to understand...--

Let's see, they're developing an ICBM. An EMP from either an ICBM or freighter launched shorter range missile needs no particularly accurate guidance. Does he consider that a risk worth the rest of us taking while he lolls about in HI?
But then we needn't really worry about the threats from Iran because it is so easy to deter with our overwhelming power the members of a nutty doomsday cult intent on bringing about the good ol 12th Imam with a cataclysmic war.

[narciso]

Bamford and company, were so busy with their trapper keepers they never asked the question:

http://www.businessinsider.com/snowden-and-john-oliver-2015-4

[narciso]

'crossing the streams' seems a likely result, rich,

[maryrose]

Obama now officially has a Jewish problem
No one trusts him anymore and as usual his whining is all about him

[maryrose]

These are the same people who held Americans hostage for over four hundred days

[daddy]

Miss Marple,

Ancy chance outgoing Indy Mayor Greg Ballard might make a run for Governor over Pence? Your prognostication on the previous thread about Pence getting whipped in 2016 and helping the Dem's nationally is giving me a sick to my stomach feeling.

[Jim Miller]

marciso - Today's Washington Post has an article on Wolf's Hall in which a number of historians claim that the series gets the usitory wrong, in important ways.

[daddy]

Off with the dogs.

Hope the announcers on Radio are up for the game.

[narciso]

I was making a wider point about regimes then, and those we're dealing with now, the Borgias, who Niccolo commended at the highest ideals of statesman,

[narciso]

well those words you are using:

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2015/04/baathists-pervade-isis-werent-they-supposed-to-be-secularists.php

[Steve]

Rand Paul "A Different Kind of Republican Leader"

http://commoncts.blogspot.com/2015/04/rand-paul-different-kind-of-republican.html

[clarice]

Of course, Wolf Hall is bad history It paints Cromwell as an heroic figure and Moore as a villain, but then the author is violently anti-Catholic. Still, visually and dramatically it is a masterpiece.

[Miss Marple]

daddy,

Ballard announced he was leaving office at the end of his term, which is this year. (Mayoral races are in off years here in our state.) He could easily have run and won a 3rd term.

I would not be surprised if he is so PO'd that he decided to primary challenge Pence. I have never heard anyone sound so disgusted as he did about this whole mess.

I think he could mount a good challenge. I just don't know if he wants to.

[narciso]

yes, it's carried off with great skill, I saw the Tudors, and James Frain played the same part, with less ability, Phillipa Gregory has started to make up the Tory propaganda that the Bard relied on,

[Dave (in MA)]

Woo Hoo
TM included a Last Page link
x2

[Miss Marple]

My bull-headed dog has decided she doesn't want to come in from the backyard. I am REALLY going to have to work on retraining her.

[He's even taller dead than alive.]

Obama reminds me of the Duke of Guise.

[narciso]

yikes on all accounts:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/madonnas-dermatologist-fredric-brandt-found-786482

[Miss Marple]

Daughter got her in.

Nytol.

[new lurker]

Duke game is a thriller. Am I the only one besides MarkO who supports Duke? One daughter, husband and sister-in-law went there.

[henry]

Tie at the half. Excellent game.

[narciso]

no good deed:

http://legalinsurrection.com/2015/04/barry-university-suspends-project-veritas-student-journalist/#comments

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

So Tina Fey's show pokes fun at someone's appearance because of a medical situation and he commits suicide but Sarah Palin is a terrible person? Did I get that right?

[narciso]

yes, that's the size of it, captain, now mind you this is so selective an audience, it might as well be a null set, unlike House of Cards,

[Rex]

Well, I don't like Duke as a school, but they ARE an ACC team, so I guess I have to root for them. But it sure is fun watching how Wisconsin plays.

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

I don't really have a rooting interest in either team but I don't dislike either of them so I'm fine either way.

[Rick Ballard]

"Obama now officially has a Jewish problem"

It's not just now and it's not just Jewish. Contributions to the DNC for calendar 2014 are down 31% ($46,059,613) against calendar 2010, contributions to the RNC are up 9% ($9,723,393).

No one can say it won't get worse either. King Merde certainly hasn't lost his Touch.

[GUS]

I love the CBS crew. They can't get their lips off of DUKES ass.

[new lurker]

Who on CBS is doing that, GUS? I thought the man who seemed to love Duke is not announcing tonight?

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

K's team is playing like hot garbage.

[new lurker]

I know, CH, and it makes me sick.

[clarice]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/peter-berkowitz-the-false-evidence-against-scooter-libby-1428365713

Miller has written a book, charging Fitzgerald with unethical manipulation of her testimony.

[GUS]

The CBS bias is hard to fathom.

[GUS]

Who is the Dick Vitale wannnabee. He ought to ask a Duke player for a date. Nigel Hayes drills a 3. Ho-hum. DUKE ties their shoes. WOW THIS KID IS THE SECOND COMING OF OBAMA!!!!!

[Bowed arrow.]

I wondered when she would weigh in, c., or if. Hope Maid Marian's in the book.

[I wish I'd asked JMH to keep her notes.]

But it's written in disappearing ink after line four.

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

They got some quality play from their scrubs. Just keep Okafor on the pines, 404 territory.

[GUS]

Capn. Who is the announcer that Nance is calling "Coach". He's awful.

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

Sloppy play by both teams. Decker is playing like Larry Bird's retarded bastard son.

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

GD autocorrect. Gus, Coach would be Raftery.

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

Gus, Raf calls it pretty straight.

[GUS]

Oh yes, Raftery, I loved his stuff with Stealers Wheel.

[DrJ]

Bucky is not dead yet, but the twitches are slowing.

[henry]

Bucky is not executing right now.

[GUS]

No Capn, he doesnt'

[Michael (fpa Patriot4Freedom)]

Cousin starred in football for Duke, then went on to the NFL. So I've always rooted for Duke.

But I *really* admire Wisconsin's discipline, coaching and toughness . . .

So for me, I root for both to play well, and I'm happy no matter who wins.

What a great game!

[DrJ]

Bucky is dead. The clock still has time on it, but it is hopeless. Too bad!

[GUS]

Great game great tournament.

[henry]

Well great game anyway.

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

That short white guy bailed Duke out in the second half.

[Some Guy]

Normally, I'd like Duke, but loved how Wisconsin played in March Madness.

That was great basketball.

[clarice]

I take it Duke won. Damn it.

[Some Guy]

Wisconsin was outstanding, and has nothing to apologize about.

I had a feeling that after that game on Saturday, it would be tough to duplicate two days later.

[GUS]

The little Dude on Duke got away with a lot of left arm pushing off.
The buckwheat dude won the game for Duke. Wisconsin didn't fight thru the screens fast or hard enough. Duke won the game in the clutch.

[clarice]

My husband's downstairs in his Wisconsin sweatshirt..I think he's rending his garments and pouring ashes on his head..or something.

[DrJ]

Mr. Clarice in sackcloth and ashes? Brrrr.

[CR]

I'd love to read Andrew McCarthy's response to Judith Miller's new revelations and the Peter Berkowitz article Clarice linked above.

[Buckeye]

Do you blame him Clarice?

Doubt if he can wait another 74 years until Badgers make the final again :)