This is a very interesting and important message that the President has for Iranians. He even speaks Farsi at the end. Watch and discuss.
Have a great break!
-Amir
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15 comments:
I think that the video is a great step for the U.S in reaching out to Iranians not only in Iran but the ones here in the U.S. Even though he made indirect political comments in the video I think the fact that he even made the video shows that the U.S. is willing to work with the Iranian government. Bush never made any effort to seperate the Iranian people and the Iranian government. I think its important to realize that most of the people in Iran are unhappy with the government and shouldn't be meshed with the governments actions.
While I agree that something like this is a good first step, it must be strongly reinforced by policy and direct communication. Obama is very respectful and is obviously making an attempt to allude to problems with the relationship between our two countries without adding too much detail that may offend or alienate either side. However, it was hard to tell exactly who the video was made for; Iran, American Iranians, Americans, or simply to make the administration look good. I have seen Obama be extremely charismatic, but here he shows no emotion and the video sounded more like a public service announcement than an attempt to reach out to Iranians. I almost expected him to end it with “I am Barack Obama, and I support this message.”
Along with Minoo, I think this video was a great step towards repairing relations with Iran. By doing so, it shows the U.S.'s desires for more peace and stability in the world community.
What I appreciate about Obama is that he often is very clear in his statements, his diction is applicable to anyone. I enjoyed hearing the words "let me be clear" about his intended efforts to sew up the wounds between the two countries, and also that he acknowledged there are serious issues that leave the countries divided. Nonetheless, the administration is willing to cast those aside and work to create better relations, which is huge not only for Iranians and Americans, but for those who are affiliated with these countries. The effects of such improved relations could be enormous. I also thought at some points he was slyly making inappropriate comments, like responsibility of a country is not about how much you can destroy, but how much you can build. But it did seem more honest than not. Overall, I think this was effective in improving relations.
I agree with the above posts in that this is a good first step. This video shows that Obama, unlike Bush, is willing to work with Iran; but the video by no means works out the differences. However, I applaud Obama's attempt to begin the diplomatic process.
It is upsetting to me that some Americans do not want Obama (or any US president, for that matter) to "appeal" to Iran by initiating diplomatic discussions without preconditions. I disagree with this view--I find these type of diplomatic statements very significant and effective for establishing friendly and peaceful relations.
As said above, I believe this is a positive step in good relations between Iran and the US on behalf of Obama. I like the fact that Obama is trying to open doors between the US and Iran, attempting to mend relations between the two. Yes Bush never did this, but I hope this isn't just words, I hope actions precede this. Most people in Iran do not agree with the way the government is run in Iran itself, so although Obama is addressing Iranians (although it is somewhat unclear who is main audience is) it is important for him to take action with the government directly.
I enjoyed the message that President Obama was trying to send out and I liked the fact that he referenced to Sa'adi, after all, one of his poems are on the wall of the United Nations building in New York! I liked the fact that Obama was reaching out but disliked some of the comments he made about terrorism etc. I felt that he was implying that Iran and the United States could have relations but without Iran having a nuclear program and being a sponsor of terrorism. I have always thought that this term is used wayyyy too openly. Terrorism. He terrorized me today. Israel shot out into a crowd of innocent protesters and somebody throw a rock back, He's a terrorist!!!! In order to please his lobbists, Obama ceases to say what the US Gov't is guilty of doing. Thats right children...Terrorism. The US and Iran should be guilty of supporting terrorism. If Iran were to funnel money to political groups in the middle east and the US funnels about 1M/day to the Israeli army (guilty of brutal war crimes since '67) then both should get a slapping on the wrist..not just Iran.
I think this video shows that Obama is committed to pursue a very different policy than what Bush did. Still, he does not do it "to be nice", it is just a different way of exerting and perhaps increasing his power. Bush chose the harder way, while Obama seems to choose the softer way.
Anyway, I think it is a very positive "initiative", because it encourages dialogue, and dialogue can never harm, in my opinion.
It is interesting that he mentions both "the leaders" and "the people" of Iran - one may interpret that as a way to separate the people from leaders, as if he is saying "People of Iran, we know that you are nice guys, and that it is just your leaders that are crazy. We will sweettalk with your leaders, and then things will be better." This observation might be to overinterpret things, but I think it has something to it.
Also, when he talks about Iran's responsibilities, he seems to be like a big brother, correcting a younger brother that has done something wrong. It seems kind of arrogant in my opinion.
I agree with what Minoo said in that Obama's distinction between the Iranian people and the Iranian government is an indication that Obama is somewhat more informed than previous presidents as to the state of Iran and the relation between the populace and the government.
As has been said several times before however, Obama, having expressed a desire to repair relations with Iran, must now take the necessary actions back his message by reversing current policy and extending an arm to Iran.
He does sound somewhat condescending at points, especially as he discusses Iran's nuclear program and their sponsorship of military proxies. But this is countered by his willingness to initiate diplomatic discussion with relatively few to no preconditions.
It seems Obama has directed this message primarily at the Iranian people, given his appeal to them early on. But it clearly benefits his standing with more liberal Americans who would want to encourage US-Iranian relations.
As many have already stated, this video is a good first step on behalf of the Obama administration to reach out to Iran. I for one can appreciate that fact that Obama claims that his administration is committed to diplomacy. I do however, feel that Obama is speaking to the Iranian people as if they were children. He's almost scolding them when he says that being part of the international community is a right that comes with responsibilities. His approach is a bit self-righteous and it seems like Obama feels that the US is a moral compass on appropriate behavior through respect and "not through terror or arms".
Like others have commented it looks like a total PSA and indeed it is very different approach than what we saw under the Bush regime. I thought it was very diplomatic and a positive action to praise Iran, again something Bush would of never done. However, I was concerned with Obama's language, when Obama states that he feels Iran has the right to be among nations as long as they refrain from terror and destruction. I guess only the United States reserves the right to be the self imposed leader among nations and terrorize others, It really comes off preachy. Hopefully peace can be reached if the U.S begins to speak directly as Obama says and begins to be responsible by owning up to its own faults.
Although perhaps the idea of a friendly and open diplomatic dialogue between the US and Iran is an admirable and also necessary step, I must say that the underlying tone of this message is somewhat double-sided. I agree with the statements that this new approach is a blessing for US foreign policy as the previous precondition policy just created stubbornness on both sides. Obama’s new concept of reaching out to Iran after 3 decades of diplomatic difficulties is the right step after years of Bush. However, I can’t ignore the fact that some of the things Obama says seem somehow a bit overdone. The praising of the “great and celebrated (Iranian) culture” and the coming back to “common human nature” to finally see the “promise of a new day” seems a little bit too much to me. However it is a great gesture of course. I also think that another underlying message is quite political as well, which is the already mentioned “rightful place” in the world community, that does not come without responsibilities and not through terror or arms. So still the US expects a particular behavior in order to see Iran as respectful partner. That is certainly understandable, but again fuels the impression that US diplomacy will always be talking down to other countries. On the other hand, the implications of this speech are clearly positive for future talks.
I think that this video is refreshing when compared to some of the other videos we've viewed in class of various prominent Iranian figures being interviewed by American news anchors. I felt that President Obama was refreshingly non-confrontational to the Iranians. I also felt that he was sincere in his message. Whether or not he can accomplish the goals he alluded to will only be told by time. I also think that it was very tasteful for him to end his message in Farsi because the Iranians who visit America or send messages to America always make an effort to speak English, however broken, and it doesn't seem that we have made an effort to relate to them in the same manor. I feel that by doing so we are showing disrespect to Iran.
As mentioned in the other comments, this is a positive step in the right direction. No good can come from alienating a country like what has been done to Iran by the previous administration. The fact that Obama takes the time to appeal to the Iranians is admirable, but at the same time, i feel like it is a slight slap in the face. The conditions outlined for opening friendly relations are mainly for Iran to cease the nuclear program and and aid to terrorism. Basically this friendship is based on Iran giving in to the US. Its no secret that the US is the global hegemon, but it still leaves me with an uneasy feeling to see this one-sided diplomacy take place.
I feel that this gesture is only legitimate is Obama actually follows through with civil and fair diplomatic action with Iran. Otherwise this video is all talk. and talk is cheap.
I am curious to see an Iranian response to this video. I know that Obama is favored in Iran but I have never read or seen any specificities regarding him. With that said, I too, am also curious as to WHERE this was shown. It does present a somewhat public service like announcement. None-the-less, it did not have to be made at all. I hope this is the beginning of rendering relations with Iran but like Obama said, that would be very difficult and I don't even know where amends would begin. Where are they beginning? I want to know more.
This video is notable because, in certain respects, it is a dramatic shift from the last eight years of the Bush Administration. George W. Bush would never have made such a message. This message truly underscores the different approach Obama has to foreign policy—he is much more a pragmatic than he is ideological. Interestingly, however, Obama is not proposing any major shift in policy. While the dialogue in and of itself is remarkable, it is not evidence of a new era of relations with Iran. It is merely presented in new packaging. Admittedly, it is still early in Obama’s term—we could soon see major changes in the United States’ policies towards Iran. But, for now, this video is not necessarily an indication of Obama’s message of “change.”
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