A Headline You're Not Reading: Iran Ready to Work with US on Iraq

The Financial Times reported over the weekend that the Islamic nation would help the U.S. stabilize Iraq if Washington presents a timetable for a withdrawal of its troops. The story was picked up by China's news agency Xinhua, Reuters India, Polish news site Onet.pl, and the New Zealand Herald, among others, but leading American news agencies preferred to focus on another, of course, more inflammatory story involving Iran: the country's parliament recently voted to label the CIA and U.S. Army "terrorist" groups.

Even supposedly left-leaning papers The New York Times and the Washington Post had no mention of the remarks made by Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council, who said, "If they [the Americans] have a clear definition of a timetable we'll help them materialize it. If the US is persisting with its mistakes, it shouldn't ask for help from us." So much for the "liberal bias" in American's newspapers. Sure, Larijani is playing politics and made some aggressive threats against Israel and other U.S. foreign "adventures" in his interview with the Financial Times, but the message in his remarks offers some complexity to what is, of course, an enormously complex situation and an enormously complex country.

It's shocking to believe that the American media could make the same mistake twice, falling in lockstep with the Bush administration's propaganda about the war and demonizing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- who, it's not hard to see, is essentially a political weak boaster and blunderer on the order of our own U.S. president, no better or worse than a half-dozen other demagogues in power. But that's exactly what is happening. Ahmadinejad's U.S. visit was savaged by the press, taken as an opportunity to further turn him into America's next "Hitler" figure, rather than try to engage in the serious political issues of the Middle East. That's partially Ahmadinejad's own fault, of course, for making controversial statements about the Holocaust and homosexuals, rather than trying to cultivate meaningful dialogue. But one might expect more from our own supposedly free presses.

Comments

[ApolloSpeaks]

To satisfy the Bush administration Iran would first have to renounce its revolutionary aims-the unification of Islam under Iranian rule-abandon its nuclear weapons program, dissolve its unelected government and hold free elections like they did in Iraq. Then once a legitimate government is in place the administration would probably be very glad to speak to Iran about stabilizing Iraq and withdrawing from the country. I don't blame the NYT and Washington Post for not running the story, it's not newsworthy.

[MajorKong]

That's because we only publish the Iranian statements that help make our case for attacking them. Which we wanted to do anyway.

[LightningJoe]

One thing that's never been tried is (gasp) talking to people we have differences with. The Persians are a justly proud people who deserve the respect of an open and respectful dialog about differences (not really that many) and commonalities (plenty, and more to discover).

Bush is afraid, simply put. He was afraid to talk to Cindy Sheehan, afraid to talk to Kim Jong Il, Afraid to talk to Saddam, and he's afraid to talk to Amadenijad.

He blusters and stonewalls extremely well, but the thought of a free exchange of ideas send shivers up his spine. Because for that he'd have to be willing to give, as well as take, and he wasn't brought up that way. He's never given away anything but threats in his entire life.

So Amadinejad didn't believe in the holocaust. That doesn't make him the devil. It's just the culture he grew up in. Most in the middle east would say the same as he did, because the Jews (breaking news, here) don't make themselves popular in their own neighborhood. The Jews probably don't look a lot like victims from Tehran. I imagine they look more like plain vanilla assholes. Why would a self-respecting Persian believe anything they say, when they'd just as soon bomb you as look at you?

Did anyone invite Amadinejad to take a tour of the Auschwitz Holocaust Museum? To talk to survivors' groups? Hearing their stories, and seeing the piles of gold fillings the Nazis pulled out of their victims mouths just might make an impression on him. He's not stupid, he's just a product of his culture. Instead, we castigate him for his ignorance and refuse to make any effort to answer that ignorance.

What do they call that thing where you arrange forums to discuss common interests and problems, and try to find common grounds for progress, that can serve both parties' interests?

Oh yeah, diplomacy, that's it. We could try that thing.

[SKonnery]

Condi Rice missing in action!!

[Dr. Alchemy]

She's been MIA for 7 years..along with Dumbo's brain.

[JoeBlough]

Cheny doesn't like her. He's marginalized her to the point that she just doesn't matter any more.

[DemandTruth]

If only our "leaders" exibited one whit of the common sense you write here. I know it and you know it...why aren't WE running the country?

[hoopoe]

well said, LightningJoe!

[Sundialsvc4]

There is absolutely nothing "free" about our Press. It has been thus for quite some time. A one Herr Goebbels would understand its motives and its operations perfectly.

The most damning thing about the pronouncements of the Iranian government (and even of the Iraqi "so-called government" that Blackwat... I mean Carlyl... umm, the American government... installed) is that THEY ARE RIGHT.

"Dammit to hell, THEY .. ARE .. RIGHT."

And so I would ask similar questions about our own government right now: "Who in the hell are YOU? And who, exactly, do you imagine that you are 'speaking for' other than your own bloodthirsty, greedy, fat-assed selves? Is there, will there ever be, '"enough" money and power' for you?"

The world IS asking these questions. They HAVE taken the measure of the people who are running the United States Government right now, and they can do it quite easily because they have seen tyranny many times before.

[BARRISTER]

CHIMP-THE-CHUMP, Americans ARE giving up EVERYTHING: The lives of its young soldiers ; its treasure; its future; its allies; its credibility; its global standing, all the while China and Russia are watching with glee at the self-induced destruction of a once great Nation.

Wake up. Wars NEVER bring PEACE: Wars bring WARS.

[SKonnery]

Your so right!! It's sad but it's true!!

[Overd0g]

Gee whiz, you're right. Well, except for World War 1, the Spanish American War, the Revolutionary War, etc... Nice try, ignoramus.

[originalhuman]

Overd0g, you should hesitate labeling someone as ignorant considering your own lack of research.

World War One is a consequence of numerous wars of expansion and colonial aggression in addition to a massive militarization of nations and empires.

The Spanish American War is directly related to the Cuban War of Independence.

And the American Revolution is one result of the French and Indian War.

I cannot think of any war that is a purely singular event. The war we are engaged in currently is a result of the countless wars of the 20th century and those which precede the 1900s. I'm glad we are starting this century on the right foot.

The cycle of war must be broken.

[JoeBlough]

It also brings money to the upper class. Industry has always been for war. If there was no profit in supplying war needs, there wouldn't be one.

[LindaSmart50]

Lets recap this whole situation.

The Useless States attacked, invaded, raped, pillaged, and occupy a nation that never was a threat.

Not only that they went 10,000 miles to do it.

Then we have Iran, a NEIGHBOR wanting to help reconstruct Iraq because its in THEIR interest to have a healthy neighbor, being threatened by the Useless States.

How many Americans cannot see just how totally evil the USA is?

[mikeodd]

Please end the myth that the NYTimes is a 'left-leaning' paper. Even before Judy Miller cozied up to the Neocons and so gleefully spewed their propaganda, the Old Gray Lady has always been rah-rah Israel despite the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

[TruthSlayer]

It is not a myth it is a fact. Like most left wing newpapers your writers make up stories to fit their Liberal ideology. How many times do you have to see these NYTimes reporters exposed? It takes a Liberal not to see reality.

[Hastings]

At some point someone is going to have to cut the head off of the snake, and we all know it.

[carefulcautious]

I thought you were great as a comedian. Why did you quit? Mighty Mouse Song = #1.

[researcher]

"It's shocking to believe that the American media could make the same mistake twice,"

oh really check the profits of cable news since the iraq war began. this is a capitalist system and wars are big money makers for corporations.

follow the money and there you will find your answers.

[Overd0g]

No. Follow the power and you will find your answers. Money is merely a means to power.

[Mack20]

No supposedly about it, Tony. Your pals in the liberal left wing media have been cherry-picking the news for quite a while. Any bad news about the war is trumpeted on the front page or is the lead story at the top of the hour. Democratic politicians caught with their hand in the defrosted freezer are ignored while any republican that taps his foot in the bathroom stall is a sex craved pervert.

That"s fine. Today, our technology wont allow another General Walter Cronkite wannabe to get away with reporting an ill advised, misguided, and uninformed opinion. The most trusted man in America responded exactly as NVA General Giap was hoping. Your pals in the MSM have been either unwittingly duped by our terrorist enemies or are purposely aiding and abetting our foes. There is one more possibility. Their hatred for GWB cancels out any logical thinking and reporting thus creating irresponsible reporting.

This type of behaviour is only a shock to you when you don"t hear what you expect or want. Why should the MSM report any positives about our relationship with Iran? Anything good that may happen should be saved for Hillary to exploit. Then we will hear about all the details and Mrs. Clinton will win the Nobel Peace Prize.

[BARRISTER]

You again TROLL??

Why dont you and Rush go smoke a pipe?? Take Senator Craig with you.

[Dr. Alchemy]

Seems to me the "frozen assets" sting was huge news for many days. He deserves prison time. So does Craig..too bad being a two faced scumbag isn't a felony.
Calling Cronkite's opinion "ill advised, misguided and uninformed", is total lunacy. This country was being lied too by soldiers put on the spot by politicians with agendas, and the pols themselves..and those were Democrats! GWB is the worst thing to happen to this country in all it's history. I told my wife the day the supreme court stole the election my new name for the "deciderer" is Giant Weenie. He's proved me right at every turn for 7 years. I hate to say I told you so, but it feels sooooo good.

[GenericBlogger]

Anthony Kaufman,

I believe you missed the mark on this one.

If you saw the interviews of Ahmadinejad by Charlie Rose, Scott Pelli, and Christian Amanpour, you would have seen how exasperating that exercise was.

Giving Ahmadinejad more time and coverage would not be beneficial, not when the majority of his dialog is rhetoric and propaganda.

The Iranians have virtually no credibility when it comes to agreements with America. If we agree to their proposal, after we leave they will occupy or control Iraq and have a good laugh at our expense.

A peace settlement with Iran won't be reached for another generation or more when the revolution minded Iranians are out of office or dead and members of the now young majority will be in government.

[priorzola]

Ahmandinejad does not equal Iran any more than George Bush is reflective of the points of view of the majority of Americans. And as exasperating as the Ahmadinejad's answers were, try making heads or tales of the incoherent grunts and superficial rhetoric of George Bush. These men are not in the business of telling the truth, they're in the business of playing to their base.

The gist of Kaufman's piece is that there are more power brokers in Iran than the President. In fact, other than Ahmandinejad (elected mostly on the basis of George Bush's "axis of evil" rhetoric and his own anti-Israel pandering) is the only Iranian President that the US media has ever paid any attention to. The question is is whether this sudden notoriety and feigned outrage at the pompous ramblings of a second-tier (ie, two-bit) Iranian politician is cultivated out of real fear of Iran's intentions or frustrations with Iran's meddling in the war of their neighbors. Does this administration really believe that Ahmadinejad pulls as much weight as Saddam or are they angry that he is throwing a monkey-wrench into their Iraq program and using Iran as a convenient scapegoat to avoid confronting our own inadequate planning and execution of policy in Iraq.

I believe what other Iranian politicians are realizing is that as the US and it's media ramp up the rhetoric on Ahmadinejad, it reflects poorly on the entirety of the Iranian nation and can give the sense of just cause for a future potential US intrusion in Iranian power plays. Meaning, that Iran doesn't wanna go down like Iraq just because of the bullsh*t spewed by an unpopular leader.

Yes, real change to occur in Iran it would be necessary for the youth of Iran (who have no living memory of a Shah) to grow old enough to have a greater influence on Iranian policies. Still, if the US invades Iran now, it will lose all potential sympathy toward western-thinking moderates to control the future Iran and will serve to foment ongoing antagonism.

[GenericBlogger]

priorzola, I agree with the gist of your post and I am responding by paragraph.

1st: Dubya's administration doesn't comprise enough peace makers to engage in meaningful talks with Iran so peace won't be reached before 2009.

2nd: Ahmadinejad isn't the only power broker. The real power is in the theocracy of ayatollahs, mullahs and imams in the government sector. Ahmadinejad is not the first president the media covered but he is the most vocal and dramatic. Rafsanjani, a former president was covered because of his moderate and conciliatory stance towards the West including America. Frustrations towards Iran are rooted in both the fear of Iran's intentions AND frustrations with Iran's meddling in the war of their neighbors. There are other reasons as well. Iran's open hostility towards Israel, their support of Hezbollah, possibly Hamas, and the speculation that it's involved in Syria's recently uncovered nuclear related activities. Iran was an empire in the past, known as Persia and considering the wave spreading Islam, I would not be surprised if Iran has aspirations of expanding its interests beyond the Middle East. I have little faith on Dubya's administration. They are an incapable inept bunch, so are some of the Congressional Democrats. It's too late for the administration to worry about their poor planning, that has been known since shortly after Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled. But Iran's arming of insurgents in Iraq is a credible threat that must be addressed.

3rd: That's true when you think like a Westerner. We value life, we go to war not to kill ourselves but the enemy. Muslims cherish martyrdom and many aspire to die so when they go to war, they willingly kill themselves and the enemy. Ahmadinejad is seen by many as a hero for keeping his stance at Columbia, the UN and against America.

4th: I agree but if Iran is invaded to obliterate their nuclear program, it must be done with the consent of the UN and with a multi national force. Most powers in the world don't think Iran should have nuclear capabilities.

[BARRISTER]

" cerdibility with america..." means doing what america says..." full stop.
Democracy at work.
Good job.

[SKonnery]

Seems your having trouble with something we lack in the world thanks to the present administration. "Credibility"

[originalhuman]

How can you speak for the entire government of Iran and the country's young majority? Generic is an accurate username.

[GenericBlogger]

If you are the original human you would be a fossil or decomposed about 100,00 to 150,000 years ago. At least your thinking is prehistoric.

[PADDYWHACK]

This story will never see the light of day in the US press.Bush or his master Cheney have to keep on killing for when they stop the game is up.I expect there will be some brass objection to their next adventure,the professional military can't be happy being used by these clowns.It's a crap world,if you injure someone in an accident you'll probably go to jail,but they have killed thousands of troops and put 50,000 in wheelchairs and-bupkes.

[fetchezlavache]

Bush is listening to Bolton and to that old fart Norman Podhoretz, and they are telling him to hit Iran. The idea that a president should listen to his people seems to have been discarded entirely.

[Marsangusidaho]

"It's shocking to believe that the American media could make the same mistake twice, falling in lockstep with the Bush administration's propaganda about the war and demonizing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad..."

What's shocking is that anyone would believe that the corporate media is making a mistake instead of a considered choice. It's no mistake. War makes big money for all the big boys, the news media included. The regular folks? They just do the killing and dying. Get it?

[NoCorporatePersonhood]

well said Marsangusidaho

[SKonnery]

I'll second that!

[mgloraine]

The corporate media outlets are doing exactly as they did prior to the Iraq invasion for the simple reason that nothing for them has changed: they all still insist upon the importance of access to "big" government sources, the price for which is the prominent placement of stories from those sources to the exclusion of competing world views.

The MSM are not interested in getting the story right, they are interested in drawing the most readers/viewers/clickers for their advertisers. They are not in pursuit of Truth and Justice, they are in pursuit of Dollars and Cents.

It should be noted that some elements of the Israeli media (e.g., Ha'aretz) are JUST as fond of quoting verbalizations from US officials as unquestionable truth. For example, the recent incursion into Syrian airspace by Israeli planes was characterized as a probable strike against secret Syrian/North Korean nuclear facilities based on information from John Bolton and sources at the US State Department! The Israeli government and armed forces made no statement at all!

Syria said they spotted the planes and fired on them, forcing them to dump fuel and munitions for a quick getaway. That sounds plausible. The US sources claimed that the target(s) were the aforementioned nuke facility (which Syria says doesn't exist), and/or a weapons shipment from North Korea destined for Iran and/or Hezbolla. With no statement from Israeli officials, all the op eds and reader comments were in response to claims made by Bolton and minions of Condoleeza Rice.

To have reported that an Israeli sneak-attack on a probable shipment of North Korean cement had been thwarted by conventional anti-aircraft equipment was not going to garner the enthusiastic sabre rattling and calls for invasion of Syria by Israel which the US story was eliciting.

This is not to pick on Ha'aretz, only to show that the long arm of BushCo extends beyond our borders to "create its own reality" by delivering high-profile attention-grabbing morsels like that wherever it may deem useful.