Obama: I Have a Deeply-Held Preference for Peace
Barack Obama dedicated the main part of his speech at AIPAC [The American Israel Public Affairs Committee] to defending himself from all the frostiness with regards to Israel and to trying to create trust in his intentions.
– "[I]f you want to know where my heart lies, look no further than what I have done — to stand up for Israel"
His speech went against the current of the escalating tension. Speakers haven't been met with enthusiastic applause, which would be easier for them than going to war.... Especially as he had not even mentioned the term of the moment: "nuclear capacity." His bottom line remains the Iranian "nuclear weapon," not Iran’s capability to manufacture the bomb.
As a columnist said, Obama is a "contrarian": a big believer in taking the opposite view. He did not storm in with the menacing tone that some were hoping for. He has developed his policy around a very rational tone.
– "I understand the profound historical obligation that weighs on the shoulders of Bibi Netanyahou and Ehud Barak.... But [a nuclear-armed Iran] is also contrary to national security interests of the United States."
He recalled that when he came to power, Iran had already acquired thousands of centrifuges.
– "In the region, Iran was ascendant — increasingly popular, and extending its reach... [Their] leadership was united and on the move, and the international community divided"
Today, he said it’s the opposite. The Iranians are divided. They have rejected his "engagement" policy, which has allowed him to gather the international community together to impose tougher sanctions.
Some had predicted that Russia and China would never join the effort.
– "They did."
Others have said that the sanctions would not be effective, that the coalition would not hold on to measures for the isolation of the central bank and the boycotting of oil imports. All this has proved to be wrong.
– "[But the] effective implementation of our policy is not enough — we must accomplish our objective. "
More Time
Again the President pleaded that there was still time. U.S. agencies estimate that there is still a year before the Iranians will be equipped with the bomb.
– "I firmly believe that an opportunity still remains for diplomacy... [T]he international community has a responsibility to use the time and space that exists. "
The only way to solve the problem in the long-term is to get them to give it up themselves, he has said.
Obama has clearly stated that he did not have "a policy of containment" and that we should not doubt his determination.
– "I have a deeply-held preference for peace over war."
He was met with wide applause when he reminded that Israel had "the sovereign right to make its own decisions" concerning security.
Many fewer applauded when he tried to lower the temperature.
– "[T]here is too much loose talk of war... [S]uch talk has only benefited the Iranian government, by driving up the price of oil."
It is time, he said, to follow Teddy Roosevelt's advice: "Speak softly; carry a big stick."
It remains to be seen whether or not he can convince a "big stick" public that only believes in those who speak loudly....
For the full text of President Obama's AIPAC remarks, see:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/04/remarks-president-aipac-policy-conference-0
– "[I]f you want to know where my heart lies, look no further than what I have done — to stand up for Israel"
His speech went against the current of the escalating tension. Speakers haven't been met with enthusiastic applause, which would be easier for them than going to war.... Especially as he had not even mentioned the term of the moment: "nuclear capacity." His bottom line remains the Iranian "nuclear weapon," not Iran’s capability to manufacture the bomb.
As a columnist said, Obama is a "contrarian": a big believer in taking the opposite view. He did not storm in with the menacing tone that some were hoping for. He has developed his policy around a very rational tone.
– "I understand the profound historical obligation that weighs on the shoulders of Bibi Netanyahou and Ehud Barak.... But [a nuclear-armed Iran] is also contrary to national security interests of the United States."
He recalled that when he came to power, Iran had already acquired thousands of centrifuges.
– "In the region, Iran was ascendant — increasingly popular, and extending its reach... [Their] leadership was united and on the move, and the international community divided"
Today, he said it’s the opposite. The Iranians are divided. They have rejected his "engagement" policy, which has allowed him to gather the international community together to impose tougher sanctions.
Some had predicted that Russia and China would never join the effort.
– "They did."
Others have said that the sanctions would not be effective, that the coalition would not hold on to measures for the isolation of the central bank and the boycotting of oil imports. All this has proved to be wrong.
– "[But the] effective implementation of our policy is not enough — we must accomplish our objective. "
More Time
Again the President pleaded that there was still time. U.S. agencies estimate that there is still a year before the Iranians will be equipped with the bomb.
– "I firmly believe that an opportunity still remains for diplomacy... [T]he international community has a responsibility to use the time and space that exists. "
The only way to solve the problem in the long-term is to get them to give it up themselves, he has said.
Obama has clearly stated that he did not have "a policy of containment" and that we should not doubt his determination.
– "I have a deeply-held preference for peace over war."
He was met with wide applause when he reminded that Israel had "the sovereign right to make its own decisions" concerning security.
Many fewer applauded when he tried to lower the temperature.
– "[T]here is too much loose talk of war... [S]uch talk has only benefited the Iranian government, by driving up the price of oil."
It is time, he said, to follow Teddy Roosevelt's advice: "Speak softly; carry a big stick."
It remains to be seen whether or not he can convince a "big stick" public that only believes in those who speak loudly....
For the full text of President Obama's AIPAC remarks, see:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/04/remarks-president-aipac-policy-conference-0