Friday, June 12, 2009
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Bolton on Iran Election: 'Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guards Will Remain Very Firmly in Control'
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Posted by:
Chris Field at
11:42 AM
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Former U.N. Ambassdor John Bolton was on "America's Newsroom" this morning to discuss the elections in Iran. He points out that, regarding nuclear and security policy, it really doesn't matter who wins: The mullahs are in control.
From the opening of the interview, which you can watch below:
Hemmer: What happens if [Ahmadinejad] loses? Does it change much for us?
Bolton: It doesn’t change the fundamental direction of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs or its support for terrorism, because those are controlled by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who’s the “supreme jurist”—under Iran’s system, the president is not the highest official in their government.
There could well be changes inside Iran—I think that’s what a lot of this campaign debate has been about—but on the critical elements of foreign and security policy, Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guards will remain very firmly in control.
Bolton goes on to point out that the real dispute between hardliners and moderates on the nuclear issue may actually be whether you have Ahmadinejad out there proclaiming that he's proceeding with the nuclear program and wants to wipe Israel off the map or you have a moderate who "proceeds with the nuclear program but is smart enough to keep his mouth shut."
Watch the whole thing:
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Using my moniker again. Coward:
taormina Friday, June, 12, 2009 4:20 PM
Geez, wingnut. Sad. Sad. Sad. You even hijacked my "flag pants" line! I'm betting that KMC is behind this - only a nutbag would stoop to this level..... |
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When Iran gets nuclear weapons, then you fundy nutters can start your crying. Until then, wave your flag pants around and go pray to your fundy god or something. |
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It's his regime that helped bolster Iranian control in Iraq. |
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and I'm gone for several hours. Like the cut of your jib and glad you're here.
Will respond tonight or tomorrow. |
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Iran is a very difficult problem in and of itself. It doesn't fit a lot of the typical models for an Islamist country when you look at its history and the makeup of the Iranian people.
I do believe the current government in Iran is very dangerous and a tremendous threat to the stability of the region. If they did somehow acquire a nuclear weapon it will start a major war in the region if not the world.
That said, I have a tremendous respect for the Iranian people and hope that they can somehow find a way to overthrow the current regime and I believe we as Americans b/c of our recent history in the region need to do everything in our power to support such an uprising. A defeat of Ahmadinejad, in my opinion, could be the first step toward a truly free and democratic Iran.
I urge anyone to learn more about the current state of Iran to read Fareed Zakaria's recent Newsweek article. This is a complicated problem that is going to take a unique solution to solve. I just hope we arrive at that solution by honestly looking at all the relevant facts. |
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proliferating increasingly at TH, in recent months, your opinions and comments are well and clearly stated and display a damn good temperament. I've been urging my fellow Conservatives here not to directly engage the serial posting trolls as it simply sucks oxygen, thread space and fills their Need for attention, thereby fertilizing them. That said, and I mean no patronizing toward you, I'll answer your query about Bolton and 'having it both ways'.
Of course he can have it "both ways", in the context to which you're referring. Iran's blathering president is as powerful as The Supreme Leader, Khamenei, wishes him to be. He spouts policy, POV and Islamist Hatred and bluster, only as it is pre-approved by El Supremo. I don't know any serious Con, Neocon or historian whop hasn't been plain spoken about that. Ahmadspitooey spews and postures at the pleasure of Khamenei. He can be withdrawn for a quieter model. But, the Radical Islamist policies will, of course, continue. Nuke acquisition is Number 1, at this time. IF milder talk from a new Iranian President is all Obama needs, he's as lightweight as I believe him to be.
But, let's be clear, John Bolton and many other serious experts on that area have not stated it as 'either or'. |
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one with the nuts necessary to handle this job. Of course, that would leave out most if not all the Socialists. |
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Yes and name-calling and making broad assumptions is the correct way to handle political discourse. |
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Nihilist, you wrote: "You can't have it both ways John Bolton, either the Pres of Iran matters or he doesn't. You've been arguing for years he does and now on the brink of his removal you're saying the opposite."
Nine out of ten of Townhall denizens are blowhard, Curtis LeMay-types who wouldn't know critical thought from a hole in the ground. You must be new to these parts. |
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all the talk about Ahmadinejad over the last couple of years. I've been arguing this point with conservatives I know for years, that the real power in Iran lies with the mullahs not the Pres. But we continued to hear all about Ahmadinejad and his denial of the Holocaust.
You can't have it both ways John Bolton, either the Pres of Iran matters or he doesn't. You've been arguing for years he does and now on the brink of his removal you're saying the opposite. |
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"It doesn’t change the fundamental direction of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs or its support for terrorism, because those are controlled by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who’s the “supreme jurist”—under Iran’s system, the president is not the highest official in their government."
This coming from the guy who advocated his assassination and replacement.
""Because life is about choices, I think we have to consider the use of military force. I think we have to look at a limited strike against their nuclear facilities.
He added that any strike should be followed by an attempt to remove the "source of the problem", Ahmadinejad."" (Sep 30, 2007)
Oh! But now it doesn't change a thing! Puh. Leez. Someone's a little salty about the Obama effect. First Lebanon. Now Iran (God willing).
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Every day this man is not working for our government is a day wasted. |
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