hitest Posted March 21, 2009 Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 Obama has a long and difficult journey ahead of him as he attempts to improve relations with Iran.Iran's Khamenei rebuffs Obama overtureIran's supreme leader says Tehran seeks U.S. policy shifts, not merely 'changes in words.' The U.S., he says, could begin by lifting economic sanctions and retracting 'hostile propaganda.'By Borzou Daragahi and Ramin Mostaghim8:50 AM PDT, March 21, 2009Reporting from Tehran and Beirut -- Iran's most powerful figure today dismissed President Obama's extraordinary Persian New Year gesture, insisting that the U.S. administration's actions must match its rhetoric before Iran would alter its foreign policy stances.Supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who is Iran's highest spiritual, military and political authority, told supporters in his hometown of Mashhad today that "changes in words" won't be enough to convince Iran that the Obama administration is sincere in its outlook."We do not have any record of the new U.S. president," he said in a live television broadcast. "We are observing, watching and judging. If you change, we will also change our behavior. If you do not change, we will be the same nation as 30 years ago."The crowd chanted, "God is great! Khamenei is the leader!"As he spoke, Khamenei glanced cursorily at his notes, suggesting his words were carefully considered. His remarks were the most detailed and authoritative response by any Iranian leader to several attempts by the Obama administration to reach out to the Islamic Republic.Obama early Friday morning issued a 3 1/2 -minute videotape congratulating Iranian people and officials on the occasion of the important holiday, acknowledging 30 years of strained relations and offering a new beginning.Iran's Khamenei rebuffs Obama overture Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JDoors Posted March 21, 2009 Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 Maybe they'll change their tune if we send them a box-set of classic Hollywood DVDs? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sultan_emerr Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Maybe they'll change their tune if we send them a box-set of classic Hollywood DVDs?Great idea, but make sure they're the correct region. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hitest Posted March 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Maybe they'll change their tune if we send them a box-set of classic Hollywood DVDs?LOL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pete_C Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_presi..._election,_2009They have elections on June 12http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/200...-03-13-voa1.cfmhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/12/i...o_n_150580.htmlI forget where I saw it but I remember a poll that showed that "Momma I'ma nutjob" is way behind and the people are tired of starving while they blow money on a nuclear program. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JDoors Posted April 25, 2009 Report Share Posted April 25, 2009 I can't help thinking how wonderful the countries in the Middle East could be if only they could accept secular government. The people are strong, resourceful, imaginative and industrious (among other superlatives). Religious oppression is crushing them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matt Posted April 25, 2009 Report Share Posted April 25, 2009 I can't help thinking how wonderful the countries in the Middle East could be if only they could accept secular government. The people are strong, resourceful, imaginative and industrious (among other superlatives). Religious oppression is crushing them.I'll agree with that! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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