[wrefrinny]

In a similar vein, I was especially amused how his grand quid pro quo to Russia (pulling anti-missile defense in exchange for ending Iran's nuclear program) was nonchalantly shrugged off by Medvedev. If that "big stick" wouldn't work, what will?

[desmond001]

I wonder why Obama snubbed Brown.

[SinyugiN]

Medvedev isn't stupid. He knows that Obama doesn't support missile defense and will most likely scuttle the sites in Eastern Europe no matter what Russia does.

That was my first impression too, but there's no way Obama would be stupid enough to reinforce that conclusion...



...or would he?

[dosugxxx]

You'll have to ask those Democrats who didn't see her as fit to be their nominee.

Terrible diplomacy. Perhaps this will open the door for better UK-Canada relations.

[indocrew]

It would be hilarious if Obama gave Brown NTSC DVDs.

edit: Apparently most PAL DVD players can also handle NTSC, so the PM should be ok.

[Qdkczrdi]

Hillary already admitted that diplomacy won't work with Iran. She's a smart gal. Maybe she can be President someday?

From your lips, to Gods' ears. 8 years of Obama, followed by 8 years of Hillary, followed by 8 years of Chelsea.

[pMJWFoAWD]

Have to get rid of Biden, Pelosi, and Reid too though.

[BEKREUNSEPBERw]

Easy. Throw a bucket of water on her and watch her melt.

[Adfcvkdg]

No, Reid is Senate Pro Tem.

[WUlcN1Rz]

You sure?

You're right. Byrd is pro tem. Reid is majority leader.

[Indoendris]

The Iranians haven't said anything different. Their spiritual leader has always been anti-American and their prez is just saying what he was told to say. As for Russia, if Obama doesn't get anything from Russia he probably won't take down the shield. The only issue is the dis of Brown. I can't think of any good reason for that and it could have repercussions beyond Britain.

[uranbigis]

The Iranians haven't said anything different. Their spiritual leader has always been anti-American and their prez is just saying what he was told to say.

Why are we trying to deal with them then?

JM

[rozneesitcn]

Why should we cancel an alliance with someone who likes us (Israel) to get a couple concessions from someone who doesn't like us (Iran) when both have similar levels of strength? And the concessions that would be granted couldn't even be proven/etc?

If you have two allies that don't like eachother, then you pick one. Or if an ally is now aligned against you, then you drop them.

Dropping an ally to start dialogue with someone who doesn't like you and isn't a massive threat to you is just stupid.

JM

JM

[SHUSIATULSE]

Uhm, who said we were dropping Israel as an ally?

[nermise]

It does seem to be what Iran is asking for for a dialogue to start. Given that a dialogue has begun, I don't know where you're getting this.

[budumol]

Saying that we will talk to you if you drop your ally is not a dialogue.

JM

[Caunnysup]

Saying that we will talk to you if you drop your ally is not a dialogue.


Given that they're talking to us (i.e. at the Afghan Security Conference at the end of the month) and Israel is still our ally, I have absolutely no idea what you're referring to.

[Chubrehege]

Google searched "obama disses brown" and the 1st 5 hits were all far right nutjob sites and the 6th was civfanatics. I'm not sure Brown was as put off as the wackos believe.

[avappyboalt]

Iran does not want us to do anything about Israel. In fact, if we agree to do nothing, "there will be no more Israel" they claim. At least as soon as they overcome all those pesky science and engineering obstacles in growing a sizable nuke program. Pakistan sold them the plans, Russia is building them a prototype, and North Korea was learning Arabic while building a facility in Syria, probably paid for by Iran. Those nukes were going to walk to Israel and Lebanon in the packs of Hamas and Hezbollah, or so some speculation goes.

I see little room for alliance with Iran, even if we did remove Saddam Hussein, their old worst enemy. We need to find energy sources that replace oil and then settle down for the monster watch in Israel.

[adverwork]

Uhm, who said we were dropping Israel as an ally?

The appointment of "Chas" Freeman to head the NIC is quite damning in this case.

Not to suggest there'll be immediate short term implications, but there will be mid-term implications as people tend to promote similar minded people to key positions, and the NIC has a lot to say on formulating future policy.