- Week of June 15, 2009 - President Obama has been highly criticized for not showing more support towards the Iranian people who have been protesting by the thousands in the streets of Iran. Instead, Obama has been quoted as saying "It's not productive, given the history of U.S.-Iranian relations, to be seen as meddling". As the people of Iran protest the Iranian Presidential election results, the crowds and violence grow. After ten days of Obama facing heavy criticism from Republicans that he was being too timid in backing the Iranian people, on June 23, he stated the United States was "appalled and outraged" by the violence.
D: After mentioning that America should not be "meddling" in Iranian relations, President Obama has received harsh criticism. It is ironic that Obama has chosen now to not be outspoken in addressing the Muslim world. Previously he has been quite vocal to the Muslim community while speaking overseas often apologizing for America. But this is the ideal situation for Obama to utilize his popularity and his gift of persuasion to tell the world that America is behind the Iranian people. America has always been the beacon of hope and staunch supporter of freedom for oppressed people everywhere. So why has Obama failed to continue this American tradition here? Is this the beginning of the spread of democracy in the Middle East? Have the Iranian people been encouraged by the freedom and liberation that are taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan? One thing is for sure. The liberal media and Obama supporters will never give the Bush administration the much deserved credit they should receive for helping to start this historic movement in the Middle East. The Obama administration claims that speaking out in support of the Iranian people will cause turmoil in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as the Iranian government will retaliate by sending support to the terrorists.
- April 21, 2009 - President Obama's technique of reaching out to Iran is not working. Iran's President Majmoud Ahmadinejad is still acting like his usual self. Since Obama has tried playing nice, Ahmadinejad has announced the opening of a new plant for developing uranium fuel and said Iran has increased the number and quality of centrifuges at its uranium enrichment facility. In addition he launched a fervent new campaign to label U.S. ally Israel as racist. At a U.N. anti-racism conference, he called Israel "most cruel and repressive racist regime," prompting diplomats from every European Union country to walk out. Furthermore Iran has also sentenced an American journalist (Roxana Saberi) to eight years in prison.
F: Eventually Obama is going to realize that diplomacy towards crazed socialists dictators does not work. The only thing that it will do is embolden them, which seems to be the case here.
- March 20, 2009 _ President Obama had a video message sent to Iran "marking the celebration of Nowruz, a Persian holiday signaling the arrival of spring," Obama said in his message that the festivities "could mark a new day of relations between Washington and Tehran if Iran's leadership seized on his overtures for engagement." The White House said the video with Farsi subtitles is being given to select news outlets with reach in the region, under an embargo to air at 8 a.m. Iran time. At the same time, the video will be available online in English with Farsi captions.
C- : Give Obama credit for keeping his word and trying a new approach with Iran by using diplomatic measures. However, there are concerns here. First, Obama seems to be sending mixed messages as just the week before he extended the sanctions against Iran. Second, this shows signs of weakness. Iran sees America surrendering its method of a tough, steadfast, unwavering tone and easing instead into diplomacy. So this has now empowered Iran and incited them to talk more anti American rhetoric. To no surprise to many, Iran did not react as Obama has hoped. Instead Obama got a dose of realty. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's responded by demanding an overhaul of U.S. foreign policy, including giving up "unconditional support" for Israel and halting claims that Iran is seeking nuclear arms. Iran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful energy purposes. "Death to America" chants followed Khamenei's response who was speaking to an Iranian crowd. "Have you released Iranian assets? Have you lifted oppressive sanctions? Have you given up mudslinging and making accusations against the great Iranian nation and its officials?" Khamenei said in the speech delivered in the northeastern city of Mashhad. It is clear diplomacy simply will not work with a regime like Iran. They can not be reasoned with.
- March 13, 2009 - President Barack Obama extended sanctions against Iran for one
year, saying it continues to pose a threat to US national security. Obama stated that Iran was acting contrary to US interests in the region. The sanctions, which ban US companies from trading or investing with Iran, have been renewed annually since 1995. The US fears Iran's nuclear program is a cover to build atomic weapons. The US sanctions against Iran would have lapsed without Obama's actions.
A: This move was expected. Extending sanctions on Iran is imperative in order to keep the pressure on them to stop moving forward with their nuclear programs. It also makes a statement that although America has changed leadership, its outlook towards Iran's government remains the same.