Remember, Mullahs have not budged one inch. It is Bush that is down on his knees. He is a victim to America's political cycles. The United States must however, in the long run, maintain and expand its interests through decency with real respect and compassion for the people of these nations.
With Iran especially, the United States does have a debt of decency. Consider Eisenhower's CIA backed coup to eliminate democracy in Iran (1952); Or Carter's active assistance in the demise of the Shah and promotion of Islamic militants (1979). Or even Reagan's back room deals with the same Islamic militants to swing them against Carter and delay the release of the hostages to win the 1980 presidential elections. And the subsequent arm sales to both sides extending the Iran-Iraq war resulting in 1 Million deaths and injured. It is worth repeating: Iran's mullahs have grown very rich and remain symbols of success for other Islamic militants.
The United States cannot support, assist, recognize or engage with any elements of Iran's theocracy - in this age of terrorism by Islamic militants. No matter what the situation in Iraq, or Bush’s political circumstances, appeasing the Mullahs in Iran is not the solution. All Islamic clerics from Morocco to Malaysia are dreaming of an age when they too can become rich like Iran's clerics, and are planning their own versions of Iran's Islamic revolution through Al-Qaeda. Terrorism will not end by appeasing Iran’s Mullahs.
Engaging with Iran’s Mullahs is a mistake. It’s a band-aid! It’s a distraction. And, Iraq cannot be fixed without fixing Iran. Terrorism will only diminish when Iran is fixed. The only viable long-term solution is a democratic, secular government in Iran.
Talking with Iran’s mullahs will also weaken Iran’s opposition forces. Whether true or not, Iranians (generally) have been unwilling to fight for change, participate in marches, take on the theocracy because they fundamentally believe that Bush and the Mullahs have been working together secretly for a longtime…since they first plotted to undermine Jimmy Carter in 1980. Iranians will feel further isolated and betrayed.
Mr. Bush, make no mistake about it, engaging these Mullahs is wrong!
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