A Flip-Flop Democrats Can Like?
February 27th, 2007 | by Craig R. Harmon |When the Iraq Study Group report came out, the administration didn’t think much of it. One of the things they liked least about it was its suggestion that America open talks with Iran and Syria to discuss ways in which they would help bring peace to Iraq rather than fueling the violence there. While there is no talk yet of direct diplomatic talks between the US and Iran and Syria, the US will be taking part Iraq spearheaded diplomatic conference with Iran and Syria, the Washington Post is reporting.
The United States’ participation in the conference could suggest a change of heart for the Bush administration, which has largely resisted calls for dialogue with Iran and Syria — nations it has accused of aiding terrorists during the four-year-old Iraq war.
“The violence occurring within the country has a decided impact on Iraq’s neighbors,” Rice told the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is considering the administration’s nearly $100 billion request to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “And Iraq’s neighbors as well as the international community have a clear role to play in supporting the Iraqi government’s effort to promote peace and national reconciliation within the country.”
Rice did not say in her opening statement to the committee if the United States would engage in direct talks with Iran and Syria during the conference, scheduled for April. But she signaled that the administration has listened to pleas by many Democrats, some Republicans and the Iraq Study Group to broaden diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
“Prime Minister Maliki believes and President Bush and I agree that success in Iraq requires the positive support of Iraq’s neighbors,” Rice told the committee. “This is one of the key findings, of course, of the Iraq Study Group and it is an important dimension that many in the Senate and in the Congress have brought to our attention.”
The Left will undoubtedly make sounds reminiscent of Republicans waving a certain type of summertime footwear that make a distinctive sound as they slap the wearer’s feet and there will likely be disagreements from the Right but even if it produces no concrete results, it may be the right thing to try.
And yes, I was one of those who panned this aspect, along with many others, of the ISG report. I just don’t think Iran and Syria think that it’s in their interest to help pacify Iraq. If they did, they wouldn’t be contributing to the violence there and I still don’t think that we have anything in the way of carrots to offer Iraq or Syria, none that we should be willing to be offering, anyway. I am, and always have been, in favor of Iraq talking with its neighbors and it may or may not be help for us to participate. On that, I’m agnostic.
4 Responses to “A Flip-Flop Democrats Can Like?”
By Paul Watson on Feb 28, 2007 | Reply
Craig,
Heard about this last night. Although I must say, I didn’t think you’d be the one to bring it to BIO.
This is a good move, but, as you say, I’m not sure what it will accomplish given the entrenched positions on all sides. However, talking can’t hurt, even if it doesn’t directly help.
By Jersey McJones on Feb 28, 2007 | Reply
I disagree with your assertions, Craig, that Syria and Iran do not want a peaceful Iraq and that they are fueling the violence. I’ve seen no reliable evidence of either of these claims.
JMJ
By Craig R. Harmon on Feb 28, 2007 | Reply
Well, it’s more my belief…like you are convinced O. J. is guilty and the jury was convinced, too, but in effect nullified his conviction by letting him off. I mean, it’s a popular theory but you can’t possibly get inside the head of those jurors and know that that’s the case. So if you can know all that, then I guess I can know this.
By Charlie on Feb 28, 2007 | Reply
All I can say is “it’s about time.” I will not make disparaging comments about anyone making an honest effort to accomplish a goal. Flip flopping would be going back and forth between talking to Iran and not talking to Iran.
There was a good story a few weeks back in Gulf Times about all of Iraq’s neighbors fueling the insurgency. As long as we are there, it is in their best interest to do so. Further by cutting Iraq and Syria out of the diplomatic process while rattling the sabre at them makes it in their national interest not to aid Iraq.
Yet bringing Iraq’s neighbors to the table changes the dynamic. Also, Iraq has been seeking aid from Iran and Syria for a least a year (you have to read the foreign papers to get that info.) So, I say lets try it, but we have to give it an honest effort and not mere lip service. Thus Condi should not be involved in the negotiation directly. (Read Time for more on why.)