Many people feared (or hoped) that President Barack Obama’s foreign policy would twist sharply to the left. Particularly on Iran, Obama’s campaign promise to negotiate directly with its leaders was damned (or praised) as a turn away from the resolve (or overt hostility) of President Bush. However, the emerging evidence is that Foreign Policy Obama is neither a radical leftist nor a naïf. There are encouraging (or disappointing) signs of continuity.
Here’s the latest. On March 11, Obama issued an extension of the Clinton-era sanctions against Iran:
Because the actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 2009.
The possible expiration of sanctions provided an opportunity to send a message to Iran. The message turned out to be: Yes, we should talk, but don’t have any doubt that I understand how dangerous you are.
This message is in harmony with Obama’s inaugural address:
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
So let’s see what talking to the mullocracy accomplishes. Let’s see if they “unclench their fist.” If not, they should bear in mind these stirring words from the Obama inaugural:
And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that, "Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”
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