jmdrake

Originally Posted by jmdrake

Ron needs to quit playing defense and go on offense. It's not enough to say "the Soviet Union was worse than Iran." If he could point out the following documented facts it would shut the naysayer up for good or at least make them back-peddle.

1) In 2003 Iran was the only Muslim country to help us fight and remove the Taliban from power.

See: Jane's Defense Weekly India joins anti-Taliban coalition. "India is believed to have joined Russia, the USA and Iran in a concerted front against Afghanistan's Taliban regime.

See also: PBS Frontline - Showdown with Iran : A slap in the face from America

2) In 2003 Iran's previous president Mohammed Khatami sent through back channels an offer to end support for Hamas and Hezbollah, end its nuclear program and end hostility with Israel in exchange for security guarantees. The Bush administration never even responded to the fax.

See: PBS Frontline The Grand Bargain Fax - A missed opportunity?

See Also: NY Times Iran's proposal for a grand bargain

Lastly, I'm glad Dr. Paul keeps bringing up the coup. That's important to bring out. But he should add that the coup wasn't even for the benefit of American economic interests. It was done for the benefit of British Petroleum. (Yes the same BP responsible for the Gulf oil spill). I've heard half-wits on talk radio try to explain away the coup by saying "we had a right to get our oil". As dumb as that is (do they think China has a right to get its debt?) it's not even accurate. Dr. Paul needs to preemptively cut such stupid arguments off at the knees by fleshing out the history a wee bit more. But good job smacking down Pawlenty overall.