Upon being the new United States President, Barack Obama is faced with a slew of international problems. A good portion of international problems lie in the Middle East. One such Middle Eastern problem would be Iran. There have been several events that caused Iran to grow into more of a major problem. One such thing would be Iran’s nuclear program.
Today, there was a meeting in Wiesbaden, Germany. Six countries have met in Germany to talk about Iran. Germany’s Foreign Ministry would meet with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: the United States, Britain, China, France, and Russia. Susan Rice, the new US Ambassador to the UN attended the meeting on behalf of the US.
Rice said that the Obama Administration is willing to engage in diplomacy with Iran. During Obama’s inauguration speech, he did say that the United States will extend a hand of hostile nations are will do present open hands instead of closed fists. That was one of the key parts of Obama’s inauguration speech.
No time frame has been given yet. In that respect, the job of engaging in diplomatic talks will be given to Hillary Clinton, the new US Secretary of State, former New York Democratic Senator and former US First Lady to former US President Bill Clinton. Clinton also met with foreign ministry officials from Britain and Germany.
She gave her assurance for direct talks. However, Clinton did bring up concerns about Iran sending its first satellite into orbit via a long-distance missile.
The issue of the satellite has raised concerns for the Pentagon. Also, Israel has given its concerns about Iran’s satellite. Ehud Barak, Israel’s Defense Minister gave warning that Iran’s new technology could launch missiles that could destroy Israel.
However, Iran insists that it is for nonviolent purposes. Not many people are buying that.
In regards to the satellite, Clinton said that the US is willing to talk with Iran. However, she said that Iran must comply with the mandates put forth by the UN Security Council and the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency).
“President Obama has signaled his intention to support touch and direct diplomacy with Iran, but if Tehran does not comply with United Nations Security Council and IAEA mandates, there must be consequences,” Clinton said.
So far, world powers applaud Obama’s willingness to talk with Iran. However, it seems that Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah does not believe it will change relations between both countries.
On top of that, Isreal has also given warning to the US not to talk with Iran. Tzipi Livni, Israel’s Foreign Minister said that talking with Iran will show weakness on Obama’s part. Overall, Obama’s willingness to engage in diplomatic talks come with support and criticism.
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