[Peace-discuss] FCNL: A New Opening for Iran Diplomacy

[Carl G. Estabrook]

US Promises Israel: New Iranian President Will Be Met With Hostility
US to Threaten Rohani Even More than Ahmadinejad
by Jason Ditz, July 14, 2013
 
Last month, US officials were greeting the election of Reformist candidate Hassan Rohani as Iran’s next president as a hopeful sign, while simultaneously patting themselves on the back and taking credit for his election.

But if Rohani was really the candidate the US wants, they have a funny way of showing it, as US diplomats are now reassuring Israelis that the US will treat Rohani with intense hostility, and will up the sanctions and threats against Iran going forward.

The promises appear designed to assuage Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who fears that Rohani’s election has spoiled his assorted war plans and has been railing about the need to threaten Iran more often every chance he gets.

Rohani has already called for direct talks with the US, and while the State Department was quick to issue a statement of its own to virtually the same effect, it isn’t clear if the talks will ever actually happen, with Israel too likely to fly off the handle if the US participates and US hawks eager to treat whoever wins Iran’s election as the next “enemy.”

On Jul 15, 2013, at 11:53 AM, Robert Naiman <naiman at justforeignpolicy.org> wrote:

> 
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Diane Randall, FCNL <dianerandall at fcnl.org>
> Date: Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 11:43 AM
> Subject: A New Opening for Iran Diplomacy
> To: Robert Naiman <naiman.uiuc at gmail.com>
> 
> 
>  	
> 
> Dear Robert Naiman,
> 
> Already, 57 representatives—both Democrats and Republicans—have signed onto a call asking President Obama to re-energize diplomacy with Iran in the wake of last month’s presidential elections. Members have until Wednesday, July 17, to add their names. Please ask your representative to support this letter.
> 
> This support for diplomacy marks a shift in Congress. For the last decade, Congress has responded to concerns about Iran’s nuclear program with attempts to isolate and punish Iran through sanctions and threats of war. It’s important that members hear support for a new, diplomacy-focused direction.
> 
> With the election of Hassan Rouhani as their next president, the Iranian people have sent a powerful signal of their interest in renewed negotiations. With this letter, organized by Democrat David Price (NC) and Republican Charles Dent (PA), Congress can show U.S. interest for these discussions. By encouraging your member to sign this letter, you can help create more momentum for sustained and comprehensive talks with Iran.
> 
> We’ve heard that, already, representatives from across the political spectrum are adding their names to this letter. Even if your representative hasn’t seemed supportive of diplomacy with Iran before, your email today could help sway his or her opinion. Please contact your representative today.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Diane Randall
> Executive Secretary
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> -- 
> Robert Naiman
> Policy Director
> Just Foreign Policy
> www.justforeignpolicy.org
> naiman at justforeignpolicy.org
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