Yet another important voice speaks to the Nixon-goes-to-Tehran concept

OP-ED: Mr. President, Don't Forget Iran, By CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS, Wall Street Journal, February 19, 2008; Page A19

(Thanks: Patrick O'Connor)

Comments

[Jeff J]

I am not sure the "Future Iranian Disaster Relief Plan" would be very well accepted by the current leadership of Iran. Allowing the international community, headed by the US, to come in and score a public relations victory would further highlight their inabilty to provide for the people of Iran. I would think a better strategy would be to acknowledge Iran's right to the peaceful development of nuclear power. They are going to get there anyway. Drop the broad economic sanctions (keep the targeted ones directed at the leadersip and revolutionary guards, al quds etc.) that are hurting the people of Iran. This doesn't require any negotiation with their government and they can't say no. It further allows gloablization to seep in to do its long term work of empowering the Iranian people who will ulimately be the greatest agent for change.

[Tom Barnett]

I admit I sort of ignored that suggestion too. Nice but naive.

Then again, no harm in trying...