IRAN,+don't+be+mean+to

Devin McDonnell - 02/10/09  Many believe that this is the first viable opportunity for reconciliation in 30 years Why are they saying that? 1) Obama’s proposed talks.. 2) Iran’s worsening economic situation, related political unrest and growing opposition to Ahmadinejad mean big changes might be coming after the presidential elections in June… 3) A convergence of interests in limiting instability in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan..  **On the U.S.’s side:**  **For the Iranian point of view:** Brief History: Iran actually used to like the US, which was seen as one of the Western superpowers that did not intervene and was a benevolently neutral ally in comparison to Britain which had been in ownership of Iran’s oil for years. When the democratically elected (and beloved Iranian leader) Muhammad Mussadiq nationalized Iran’s oil, the U.S. CIA clandestinely allied with Britain to overthrow Mussadiq’s government, put Iran’s oil back in Western hands, and restore to rule the unpopular Shah, who then ruled for 25 years with marked repression, torture, and killing. This event left a deep scar in the minds of Iranians, and fueled the first animosity towards America.   SINCE then, the added grievances Iran has stocked up against the U.S. include: <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The U.S. backed Iraq when it invaded Iran in 1980 in the belief that Iraq would check the spread of radical Islam. Half a million Iraqi and Iranian solders died during the eight year war. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1988 US warship mistakenly shot down a Iranian civilian Airbus, killing all 290 people on board. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The demonization and insulting of Iran, especially recently with the Bush White House, which famously aligned Iraq and Iran alongside N. Korea as the “axis of evil” <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">**Other biggest complaints of U.S. Iran relations from Iran’s POV:** <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(the following info comes from the ISRO [International Strategic Research Organization], and unbiased think tank, which invited the Iranian Ambassador Mr. Firooz Dowlatabadi to speak on U.S. Iran relations in September 2006 [article quoted from published Feb. 2009].) <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 1)  <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The fact that the U.S. has wanted to establish “talks” on its own conditions and ignore all of Iran’s conditions for talks. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“A U.S.-Iran relation to be established within the current strategic model means the U.S.’s loss of domination in the region. Hence the U.S. tries to change this model….But Iran has conditions to start a dialogue: <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The US’ declaration that it will not interfere with the internal affairs of Iran, <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">releasing the freezed Iranian assets in the US, <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">nullification of laws enacted against them. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The US wants to establish a dialogue with it’s own conditions and without approving Iran’s model.” <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 2)  <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The U.S. trying to keep Iran from nuclear power, which it claims it needs for its growing population and demands for energy. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The US has been trying for 27 years to get Iran on the negotiation table [without having to approve our own conditions] and that’s why <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">it has been escalating the tension on the nuclear crisis.” <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The aim is to frighten Iran’s neighbors and get other big powers on the US’ side against Iran, and eventually get Iran to the negotiation <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">table by the help of a joint decision on sanctions against Iran..” <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Otherwise, Iran’s nuclear program in clear for the IAEA.” (See other Iran fact sheet for Iran’s nuke program specifics, and how it is <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">totally legit and more responsible than both the US or Israel’s nuke agenda.) <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 3)  <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Finally, one of the biggest things against America <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN;">is that Iranians resent fiercely any hint of Western meddling in Iranian affairs. <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">n the general population’s eye, is that the US “sees itself as the guardian of all countries. This gives the US the right to intervene in the internal affairs of the countries concerned.” <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> **<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“In the current situation, we see the US as a threat to our country and we are trying to be wary of that threat. Therefore, our policy towards the US is different from our policies towards the EU, Russia or China.” ** **<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Our relations with these countries are progressing on the basis of national interests but this is not the case with the US.” ** <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> **//<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Q: So why should we make the first move (or any) to restore relations? //**<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> **//<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> A: //**<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> **//<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have MORE TO GAIN from making the first move than not. //**
 * Don’t Be Mean To Iran ** ***UPDATE (from Economist): “The Iranian nation is ready for talks, but in a fair atmosphere with mutual respect,” Mr Ahmadinejad told the crowd in Tehran’s Freedom Square during celebrations for the Islamic revolution’s 30th anniversary, on February 10th.
 * __<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Current situation with U.S. Iran relations __**
 * __<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are the biggest impediments to improved relations right now? __**
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Iran’s nuke program (against which we have a covert operations programme currently at work designed to break supply chain from abroad and disrupt essential computer/electrical systems)
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Iran’s support of U.S. recognized terrorist groups, Hamas (Gaza) and Hezbollah (Lebanon)
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">President Ahmadinejad ’s desires to “wipe Israel off the map” and the general anti-Americanism (Iranians often describing America as “the Great Satan.”)

<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Besides insulting Iran in general on a regular basis, the Bush administration basically rejected a serious overture by Iran when they reportedly received a credible offer of comprehensive negotiations in 2003 [no Bush response], as well as an 18 page letter, also seen as an overture for better relations, sent by Ahmadinejad in 2006 . It was the first U.S.-Iran president to president communications since the Islamic Revolution of 79’ and Bush ignored it.) <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> i.   <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By showing he is ready to engage Iran with respect and not threats, Obama can put pressure on Iran’s leaders to end their defiance of international treaties on nuke weapons and terrorism. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> ii. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">U.S. officials say Iran has already reduced the supply of roadside bombs to Iraqi militias (one of the few areas that have improved in recent years for US-Iran relations) but if we start a dialogue Iran could provide more cooperation in stabilizing Iraq and turn over information (it previously offered) on al-Qaida suspects. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If the U.S. drastically changes its foreign policy with Iran and the Middle East in general to one of mutual respect, it would be a huge curveball for the current anti-American dictators to deal with, since so much of their popular support is based off making America an enemy. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> iii. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ahmadenijad’s recent tirade against the US, which BBC is calling “one of his strongest,” arguably shows his desperation to keep America in this POV to win popular support, with elections coming up in June. <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> iv. <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN;">According to the Economist, Iran has a overwhelmingly youthful population. Some 70% of Iran’s 70 million people are under the age of 25, and most are very much in favor of more freedom and Western Culture. (Fun fact: They watch Jon Stewart in secret off homemade soda-can satellite dishes.) <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘could cause all kinds of disruption clandestinely in Iraq.’ <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He also said loud external threats, especially from the United States, tend to backfire by “sending Iranian moderates and reformers running under the banners of the clerical regime that Washington opposes.”<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> **<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">IRANIAN NOBEL LAUREATE SHIRIN EBADI **<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: **<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“ ****<span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Not only would a foreign invasion of Iran vitiate popular support for human rights activism, but by destroying civilian lives, institutions and infrastructure, war would also usher in chaos and instability. Respect for human rights is likely to be among the first casualties. **<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are still much more powerful militarily **
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Technically, Iran actually DID “extend a hand” already **<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, and got shut down. Now it’s our turn.
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If they don’t see us as a threat, then they will change their policies with the U.S. - **
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Undermine dictatorship and engage new generation **<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No Good Military Options **
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">David Albright, a former U.N. weapons inspector and now **<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> **president of the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington**, agreed that Iran
 * <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For that reason, and several others, he said there are no good military options on the table for confronting Iran. **
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">FORMER COUNTERTERROR CHIEF RICHARD CLARKE ****<span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> : ****<span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“We’ve thought about military options against Iran off and on for the last 20 years, and they’re just not good ****<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.” “ **<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I don’t think there’s any doubt that the intelligence community and the defense department believe Iran would respond with terrorism. …” <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">