[S.T.D.]

From a certain perspective, it was a zero loss or gain move for the great Orator. Iran is hostile to the US (and Israel) im order to primarily: 1. re-enforce internal control against revolt and 2. promote shia political expansion in the greater Araby.

Unless Obama was ready to admit that Iran had the right to pursue nuclear technology, and that it was right in calling for Israels destruction, they could not politically do anything else but scoff him. Obama's speech was targeted at a particular group, and they were not Iranian Mullahs, they were American bleeding hearts who expect him to do these things. He's a politician like the rest, he has a platform he was elected on and he needs to meet some promises (in the attempt) to get potentially re-elected. This was a no brainier. But what it will do externally is just bolster the Iranian regime, who will use the attempt to subtly demonstrate that the great Satan is fading, begging for forgiveness. Every single Liberal in Iran was stabbed in the back by the speech.

Within two years I expect a renewed and pretty radical isolationism in the US. Obama + the Paleo conservatives will attempt to stick their heads in the sand. And that is when the S* will hit the fan.

[brraverishhh]

From a certain perspective, it was a zero loss or gain move for the great Orator.

Not really.

It showed that voting in the Great Thievorator as president of the US didn't make the whole world fall in love with America, as our resident Leftists promised us before the election. On the contrary - the world now views us with even more scorn and our enemies are laughing their heads off at how weak and stupid our country has become.

And Iran is not even the only country to laugh at America these days. North Korea has threatened outright war for the first time, Russia knows that it can dictate a new arms race not seen in this country since the days of JFK. And even the NATO commander is laughing at Obama's troop plans for Afghanistan.

I would say that the Great Thieverator has taken the same beating on the foreign relations front as he has on the domestic front. Every time he opens his mouth, things get worse and worse for our country. Maybe he should take the hint...

[HedgeYourBets]

Not really.

I mean in making the speech for Obama, not the consequences for the rest of the world and the US.

Do you think the joint chiefs of staff expect the Mullahs to embrace the US? That the speech can in anyway "reset" the relationship with an tyrannical regime bent on regional domination and continuing their reign of terror in Iran itself... I personally don't. Which brings up a more probable scenario- that it was done for internal consumption. So the people who bought all those colorful buttons and that have written so many nice words about him can feel better about themselves... and then are probably willing to do so again with that said.

[Lt_Apple]

Don't you love these neutral LA Times journalists? From the posted article:

President Obama's extraordinary Persian New Year gesture
LOL

[Paul Bunyan]

this.

[Beerinkol]

I'd say things, in general, around the world have made us "more popular"

On what basis do you say that? The contrary is true.

having a well-spoken president rebuffed is as rebuffing as having a less articulate one rebuffed! A rebuff is a rebuff by any other name! Except there's one major difference. Obama ran for president on the basis that electing him will boost America's standing in the world. He obviously lied. He also promised America's Leftists and others that talking with Iran will solve all our problems. Again, he obviously lied.

Turns out that the president who was less articulate, was correct all along about dealing with Iran, while the lying thief Obama has been proven wrong on all counts. He may be a better speaker than Bush, but it's just humiliating seeing Obama's lies exposed time and time again.

"Change we can believe in?" I think not.

[Lt_Apple]

I mean in making the speech for Obama, not the consequences for the rest of the world and the US.

Do you think the joint chiefs of staff expect the Mullahs to embrace the US?

No, but the American voters who were duped into voting for Obama sure did believe that because that's exactly what they were promised.

Which brings up a more probable scenario- that it was done for internal consumption. So the people who bought all those colorful buttons and that have written so many nice words about him can feel better about themselves... and then are probably willing to do so again with that said. Yes, that's exactly what this is about. You hit the nail on the head.

This is for Loony Left consumption in places like San Francisco and the Village in NY.

[TorryJens]

I'm with B. He did it all for internal consumption.