Speak softly and carry a big stick – as he has been doing.

Jack,
Engage Iran in dicussions and diplomacy much like Reagan did with Mikhail Gorbachev. Stand-up to Iran’s nuclear and political ambitions, and let them know that if they touch Israel: the gloves are off.
Page Sausman in Boise, Idaho

He should work with them to restore normal relations, get out of Iraq and assure Iran that the USA is no longer interested in empire building in the MIddle East. He also needs to work with Israel to get them to adopt a more reasonable attitude as well. The USA needs to abandon the British Empire, stop trying to sustain and expand it. Those days are gone, we can’t afford it either in terms of economic support, the immiorality of it, and world opinion. We need to work with other nations, not threaten them and force them into their version of the Bush Doctrine, pre-emptive attack.

Since it is a fact most ordinary Iranians have good feelings about the U.S. it should be possible to diplomatically forge a good relationship with Iran within the next few years.

Remember the hard feelings with the current Iranian leadership comes from the U.S.’s support for the Shah of Iran before he was ousted by the current administration.

With smart diplomacy and, if necessary, with an iron fist.

Get the dialogue going with the low to mid level mangement. Exchange the ideas with Iran, fly back to DC for a townhall meeting with Obama ’s advisors, make a plan, then implement towards Iran. Let’s remember, Iran wants peace and security like every other nation.

Negotiate baby negotiate!!!!!!!

GO STEELERS, PENS!!!!!!!!!

Jack,

Diplomacy first! We don’t need another half-baked Bush war. He should make use of whatever friends and assets we have over there to keep them under surveillance and isolate them if they persist in trying to develop nuclear weapons. A preemptive strike on an enrichment facility is a last resort.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

He should state that he has evidence of weapons of mass destruction, that they have a nuclear bomb with our name on it, that we are just 45 minutes away from a nuclear attack, then, for humanitarian reasons, invade the country with underwhelming military force… wait a minute, I think we tried that once – didn’t work out so well.

Well, the first thing he should do is communicate with them.
We have had an administration that has felt they are above
negotiating with anyone.
With Barack Obamas intelligence, judgement and sincere
concern for all the world, much could be accomplished by
recognizing and listening to others.

It definitely doesn’t involve taking instructions from a parody of a certain Beach Boys song…

Obama should deal with Iran using the same tact, diplomacy, intelligence and strength that he has exhibited throughout his campaign. In other words, don’t threaten to “Smoke em’ out of the foxhole’ or catch them “Dead or alive.” The cowboy circus is over.

At least make an attempt to resolve the differences before we go in shooting up the place. And, if we do,I am sure he will get the consent of the Congress.

We need to reestablish some sanity in our international affairs to overcome the effects of the current administration. While we will always have differences with many countries views, we need to get away from the “my way or the highway” mind set. Obama would do well to begin a dialogue with Iran and others to lessen tensions. I don’t like theocracies of anykind but we need to at least talk to each other.

We should try all out diplomacy with Iran. iran’s current president is only a figure head. he is not the last word on Iranian foreign policy. The Iranian people do have great respect for the US, especially now that the US has elected a president with an Islamic sounding name. Obama should bring in other players like France and Russia into the fold as partners in gaining diplomatic levarage with Iran.

He should deal with them with smart and intelligent forethought without preconceived prejudices and then be dilerberate with his actions.

Talk, talk and more talk!!!! No threats to world–no bombs, just talk, and talk some more!!! Do this with ALL our so called enemies. AND after this Bush administration, I’m beginning to think we have become the axis of evil. Obama needs to change our image to the world. NO MORE WARS!!!!!!

Well, having Hillary (nuke ‘em) Clinton as Sec. of State isn’t going to help matters is it??
Knoxville Tennessee Centrist –

Go sit down without preconditions and talk to them like he said he would. It will be interesting to see how far he gets since Iran wants to blow Israel off the map, then Obama can tell Israel, he is sorry.

Hit them with a missile first thing January 21st!!! Nah, just kidding. He should keep doing what he’s been doing. Surrounding himself with smart advisors, and considering every move very, very carefully.

O’s a smart guy. He’ll figure it out.

He should explore every avenue that is available by first using more diplomacy, sticks, and carrots, with all alternative options left on the table until all else has failed. It is my hope that by using a little common sense( unlike Bush) that we can avoid another Iraq.

John McCain, Ambassador to Iran - McCain seems to have had an answer to Iran during the campaign, let’s see him back up his talk.

This topic is above my paygrade. Obama should be diplomatic, but firm in his convictions. He said that if Iran produces a nuclear weapon it would be unacceptable. Should diplomacy fail and Iran doesn’t allow inspectors into its nuclear facilities Obama should warn them that if the United States has proof of its nuclear ambitions, he will seek the approval of the U.N., and take them out.

Barack should deal with Iran real fast since it now appears they have enough stuff to make one atom bomb.

Lancaster PA

He should engage in the kind of tough but direct diplomacy he described during his campaign, starting at low levels, but escalating as progress is made. We should be willing express our intent to forswear the type of regime change, as we committed in the 50s in Iran (overthrowing a democratically elected regime in favor of the despotically torturous and despised Shah), and all other threats that allows Iran to justify possession of nuclear weapons for defense, in exchange for their abortion of .their nuclear weapons program.

Obama should gather a coalition of other nations and they should reach a consensus, and inform Iran that the world will not tolerate their possession of an A-Bomb, or their support of terrorism. We should no longer go it alone.

Jack, the United States engaged the Soviet Union in direct talks during the height of the Cold War. Those talks often were contentious, not much was accomplished at times, but occasionally breakthroughs occurred such as the SALT II Treaty. President Obama should deal directly with the Iranians and not wince when detailing the consequences of supporting groups such as Hezbollah, attacking US troops in Iraq, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons. Every diplomatic effort should be exhausted and if that fails, then and only then should a military solution be examined.

I don’t know. This is why we elect intelligent presidents and trust them to surround themselves with competent advisors, diplomats, and military personnel.

First of all by recognizing that talking to Iran dosen’t mean a weak position. Making clear that talking and listining to each other is civiliezed way of finding a common ground to deal witheach other. Iran has to recognized that they have a good chance of representing their case, and to look positively to the political and economical benifits they might gain. They have to be realistic and recognize that there are certain points that no one will accept, and it is up to them what they want out of this chanse. And to be part of the wider world.
Mackawee- The Netherlands

I think it would be wise for everyone to realize right now Iran is strapped with an idiot as their President. Americans should be able to relate to Iran’s plight after suffering through the past 8 years.

If reports are any where near correct most ordinary Iranians are a peaceful group with good feelings toward America then diplomacy and common sense will likely prevail.

It doesn’t matter what country you refer to they will all develop their own means of self defence in a violent world. Every nation has the right to defend it’s soveriegnty so it isn’t likely Iran will relinquish this right. Nuclear weapons are a fact of the 21st Century and most if not all countries will sooner or later acquire these for their own defence.

Jack
In the chaotic world we live in diplomacy has to be the answer, the big stick days are over our military is strung out and we cannot afford another third world adventure.

With diplomacy, and common sense.

Do exactly the opposite of what John McCain would do.

Its obvious that ignoring and threatening them is not doing any good
like Bush has been doing for the last eight years how about carrot and sticks and trying to deal with the real leader in the country.

Jack, McCain had the answer in a song. BOMB! BOMB! BOMB! IRAN. We better do it soon before we all go bankrupt and cannot afford to do it. Terry, Piscataway, NJ

If Carter can achieve peace talks with Sadat and Begin, then there is always hope that diplomacy can work.
The current administration’s mentality of violent retaliation brings us to the level of the violence that leaves little hope for a solution to the history of the middle east.
We must strive to find a way to peacefully coexist with respect toward all, even those who hold different views, if there is to be hope for mankind.

He should try an approach that the world no longer thinks we are capable of: intelligent deliberation. In the non-Western world, Western thinking never works when it is presented with arrogance and self-righteousness. Nations such as Iran have incredibly old and rich histories and traditions that first must be understood and respected before we can hope to effect anything constructive and long-lasting in our relations with them. Let’s all hope and pray that it’s not too late for us to be taken seriously and not just hatefully.

He needs to work with the UN and find a peaceful solution to the situation. People around the world, including the people in the Middle East are supportive of Obama (except for those supporting terrorism). Obama has an opportunity to reach out to the people of Iran, which will put pressure on their government.

He should inform the Iranian leadership that our policy has completely changed and that we no longer support the apartheid state of Israel and that we really don’t care what they do anymore. We shall also inform them that any nuclear strike on the US will be considered as an attack from Iran as they are the only country in the Islamic world (save Pakistan, and we’d have samples to prove it was them or not) that is close to this technology. This might also inspire them to help with terrorism as they will now understand that any dirty bomb in the US will be blamed on them. This would lead to their destruction. Of course you won’t even post this since it is apparently illegal in this country to consider cutting Israel loose.

talk to iran and if the leaders of iran don’t want to accept this method then use the leverage we have in the current financial delema. i know this sounds crazy, but arn’t we bailing out 134 other countries? isn’t iran and the middle east in the 134 countries? weren’t we told by the news media that this bailout plan included 134 other countries?

Very, very carefully.

Well Jack…

As a staunch, compassionate conservative, straight ticket voting Republican, I hate to advocate the usage of violence, innocent bloodshed, war and destruction to others.

But…its always worked for me!

Jack

Dealing with Iran is not an easy thing now that we have messed up the counter balance that was Iraq. We need to include such countries as China, India and Turkey in the conversation as these are countries that have an interest in a stable Iran. Taking the UK, France and other European countries has not solved anything and it would be worthwhile to realize that the new economic powers of India and China are those that you want to bring to the table and have in discussions with Iran to see if they can peacefully rejoin the community of nations. If all else fails, impose sanctions!

Meet with Iran, talk with them, try to come to some sort of consensus about living together on the same planet, exchange a friendly “fist-bump” with them…. then, smile, wink and say something like…things can get a whole lot more physical than a friendly fist-bump if do something stupid.

with intelligence and firmness as he has been doing…unlike you know who

The Obama administration should express to Iran that there are many options open to them and the United States, that are peaceful ones and in both countries interest to pursue. But Iran with nuclear weapons and statements of destroying Israel isn’t one of them.

First, recognize the problem for what it is.Ask yourself some questions.
1.Is this problem resolvable?
2.If not, what can I do to ease or adjust to it?
3.Are others involved and are they as interested as I in resolving the issue?
Second,your attitude.Be determine that you will not knowingly be part of whatever the issue is and the situation is on its way to being resolved.

I think we can safely leave this to President Elect’s exceptional sense of diplomacy. If they need firmness, I’m sure he will find a non-threatening way of being firm. What we DON’T need is yet another war front in the Middle East!

Talk! Communication is the key to improving any relationship!!!!! Wars and rumors of wars will lead to wars. Has there not been enough death lately?

Why are we worried about them or anybody having a couple of nuclear weapons. We as well as Isreal have thousands. We could wipe them off the face of the earth.
The “cowboy” mentality is over.
hope we have learned something.I

President Obama should lay out very clearly and publicly to the leaders of Iran a policy that could best be described as “if you do this, we will absolutly do this”. The one extreme being if you use weapons of mass destruction on your neighbors we will absolutly use our might to return your country to the stone age. The other extreme being if you help us stop radical islamic terrorism we will absolutly use our resources to help bring you into this century. Reagan assured the old Soviet Union an attack on us would result in their own Annihilation and they new he meant it. We need to promise Iran the same.

Leave them alone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Put Iran and any other sponsor nation of terror on notice. If you first harm us or any of our allies, you and your country will be oblitherated immediately. No ifs, ands or buts. Have a nice day.

Jack I have lived in the Middle East. The Arab states consider - quite correctly in my view - that Palastine was stolen to form Israel.

Now I am a firm supporter of Israel but neither believe that it can do no wrong nor that its formation at the expense of Palastine was morally correct.

Therefore asking Iran to recognize Israel - the typical precondition for talks insisted upon by all American politicians to date - is asking Iran’s president to loose face with huge portions of his population. After that, what would be the point of meeting?

Much better to meet, as Obama has consistently suggested, with careful preparations but no preconditions to negotiate a pragmatic way to reduce tensions in the region.

Iran is developing nuclear technology “for domestic energy” (that is, for weapons) and has some pretty scary long-range missiles.

Not wanting to invade Iran and take the technology away from them, we are developing anti-missile missiles. We want to install them in Eastern Europe.

Russia considers this a dangerous provocation and has vowed to target our anti-missile sites.

Maybe the question should be “How should Obama deal with Russia?”

talk with them maybe we can solve our differences and as it’s said “nothing ventured nothing gained”

Obama has to cut the little Iranian dictator off at the knees, he is not the top man in charge of Iranian policy making. Until that happens Obama must keep the pressure on Iran with the support of all allies.

Talk Communication and carry the Big sticks as well!

He should appoint bomb-bomb-McCain as special envoy and scare the bejeebies out of Iran.

First, we have no troops, so talking big won’t work. So you have to converse with Amadinajad and the clerics who are the real power of Iran.

We have to communicate. With oil prices plunging, Iran’s swagger won’t be as robust and maybe something can be accomplished.

Of course first he should have his people gather their own data about Iran. I would consider anything the Bush/Cheney administration gathered as “tainted”. I would not put it past them to set Pres. Elect Obama up for a great disaster. Pres. Elect Obama is a lot smarter and diplomatic than any of the bullies in office now.

Certainly not the shoot first, ask questions later approach that Bush used,
Jack. But that being said, Obama won’t start it , but he’ll certainly
finish it.

Can’t we just all get along, Jack?

Obama should be firm, but has to be open to any talks…Going back to TR’s “speak softly and carry a big stick” , and that means with the likes of China, N Korea, and possibly Russia. I don’t know if anyone can deal with the terrorists organizations since they don’t represent any one country.

He should consider building a missile defense shield in Iraq. Kuwait and Israel. This will accomplish two things:
1. It will show Iran that we are a coalition that is determined to protect these countries.
2. It will also empower Iraq to build its own defenses. Once they have the confidence to fight on their own, they won’t need us to wipe their noses for them.

Short and Simple, Talk to them, and find a common ground to build upon.

Jack
First of all we need to back away from the exclusionist attitude we have had for the last 8 years, you know the you do what I say or you’re against me. And engage the Iranians in talks. When you back someone into a corner or give them only 1 choice you severely limit any positive outcome. I for one will not miss the Bush Doctrine at all!

He has done well so far. Offer to negotiate without preconditions. If they refuse, that reduces their standing, not the United States’. If they accept, perhaps common ground can be found that will reduce tensions and lead to better relations…

He should continue sanctions, make it a criminal offense for an American company to do business with them, and prepare to have to enforce the UN Orders that Iran is ignoring.

Hopefully, he will send a diplomat in to have talks with them – try to figure out where we agree and disagree and see if we can find common ground. Clearly, the bullying tactics of the last eight years have failed abysmally. He should make it clear that Israel is and will always be an ally. That said, diplomacy and negotiation should always be the first approach.

Bomb Bomb Bomb…Bomb Bomb Iran

First order of business on Iran should be to open a diplomatic post in Tehran, sit down with the Iranians and offer them help on alternative sources of energy other than nuclear power. In return, the Iranians should dismantle all their nuclear facilities and let UN inspectors access to all nuclear facilities.

If the Iranians are telling the truth about peaceful nuclear power, they will be receptive to this proposal and abandon their nuclear dreams.

If the Iranians are not objective and everything has been exhausted, then we should just go in and level-off the facilities and quickly get out.

What more can do?

Should pick a solid Ambassador and have him see if there is worthwhile discussions possible. In the mean time transfer several batallions from Iraq and depoly some along the Iranian border Consult allies on a plan of action.

If they continue nuclear weapons developement and no progress, then hit the nuke sites with missles.. OF course, be prepared for any attempted response.

He should have face to face talks with them. We cann’t keep trying to push our believes on the world. Now that the war monger Bush is gone, we need to make up for all the dammage he has done.

I don’t know, Jack, that’s why I voted for Obama. He’s a whole lot smarter than the vast majority of us. I trust he’ll figure it out.

Iran knows what it needs to do that includes UN inspections. They need to deal with it.

Jack what with more countrys favorable to Obama the US may have more clout to insist on cooperation to drop nuclear weapons and go to energy. Communicate to them if not war is the only solution not only with us but the World!!!

say to them we will leave you alone and you do the same, stay in you own country, and we should do the same,

diplomacy must be taken care of..don’t let it be another strike without any reasoning like bush did…if they don’t agree, make aggressive actions towards them and prepare whatever is necessary to prevent another war..

Diplomacy, diplomacy and diplomacy. Iranians are a proud nation with 3000 years civilization. They don’t tolerate to be threatened with military means. I hope that Obama keeps his promises and starts talking to Iran without pre- conditions. I am afraid if he makes Hillary his Secretary of State, that would make it hard to do. After all it was her who suggested to bomb Iran with nuclear bombs.

He should have his Secretary of State do the preliminaries and try to strike favorable conditions for the two countries to set up diplomatic relations and a dialogue. If and when these steps are achieved,he himself may meet with Iran’s top leaders. It would be nice to try and solve some of our differences diplomatically rather than militarily.

What he will do and what he should do will be two different things.

Obama will still be speaking with Iran past the point of them fully developing nuke weapons. He’ll probably still be talking even after the first weapon is used on Israel or us - be it Iran or some crazy faction they give it to.

Speaking to Iran is a waste of time and viewed as a sign of weakness for them and will be leveraged in their pursuit of “Western Destruction”.

Sadly, this will be another “I told you so” in the end.

Directly, with an open no nonsense, yet honest dialogue. Which is the way that we should deal with all of our friends and foes alike. And I believe that is exactly what he is going to do. What a breath of fresh air.

It would appear most Nations in the world are either threatened by or have been subject to terrorism. Terrorism has no country only self serving ideals therefore Iran is not the enemy of the world but rather the terrorists who have no country.

Diplomacy and tact by the Obama administration will eventually succeed with more understanding between the Arab countries and Israel. Sooner or later all nations are going to unite against the one common enemy and its just a question of when.

Remember most of the terrorists on 9/11 were Saudis not Iranians or Iraqis.

Jack, President-elect Obama should do exactly as he promised in his orations. Serious dialog and no pre-determination. This kind of attitude is exactly what the United States needs to reestablish it’s credibility on the world stage and negate the current administrations destructive policies.

The president will only be able to influence the course of action of “rogue” regimes through collaboration with our allies. Nothing else will produce fruit. This is why we must first repair those tattered relationships. The western world must be united in its approach.

With his usual diplomatic, brilliant self.

Kill him with Kindness.

Engaging them is a starting point but he has a lot of work to do internationally. We can’t and should not go it alone.

He can deal with Iran by diplomacy which is something that was unheard in the Bush Administration. Once we exit from Iraq, I believe the relationship between Iran & the USA will be one of tolerate BUT Obama is no fool, he knows that you bring your friends close and your enemies closer so you can see what they are doing. Once President Obama heal the wounds made by Bush to the world leaders by our invasion in Iraq, then the door to diplomacy will be open with more participation from our allies as it relates to Iran and others.

I’m sure he has this figured out already….and I trust he will do the necessary things that will bring this situation under control. He and his team know the mechanics of this better than you and I will ever know.

Jack

Just because they got this Nut Case for a vocal leader doesn’t mean we need another war. There are sensible people in Iran that know what they are doing is not in there best interest , seek them out and with honest support maybe we can help change the region without
firing a shot. No one’s saying it’s going to be easy.

Mike
Genoa, Wi.

Recognizing that Iran is a failed economic state requiring a $95 barell minimum oil price just to break even; a divided government with the mullahs, not the pres. in charge of the military or the futureNukes; a very unhappy educated poulation and a long term foreign policy to expand Shia Islam against the Sunni neighbors (all are Sunni); Obama should set up direct talks with all of these factions, avoid a monolithic approach, include the neighbors in consultation and carry the big economic oil stick in a steel fist covered by a velvet glove.

Jon in Calif.

Obama should quickly withdraw the troops and contractors, then give funds to the next Iraqi government to fix the repairable damage we’ve done.

Calmly and firmly just like he deals with everything else. Our military may compromised right now but if they act threatening the rest of the free world has a lot to lose by not coming to our aide.

Keep a close eye, not over react. We do this all the time, making our enemies “ten foot giants” while that country is decaying from within. All the money we spent to defend against the USSR would sure come in handy now.

Say a simple prayer that they go away forever and when the reality is that they didn’t go away or change their ways try a little diplomacy, this will all be 1000’s times more than the current administration has done in this or any area.

If we do basically nothing in Darfur and other places where women and children are being systematically raped and tortured, then we have no right to get into Iran’s business than we did in Iraq. Showing muscle to men with oil means absolutely nothing if we will not help those who really need it.

When President Obama officially can act, he should make it clear to Iran what the United States considers as Iran’s potential dangers to the United States in a diplomatic way and if forced to, will otherwise make it clear the United States will protect itself in all areas concerning Iran and the Middle East.
John
Pampa, TX

With diplomacy in one hand and a big stick in the other!!

We just need to leave Iran alone.

Jack

Obamas will win the war in the middle east by bringing America to energy independance. Iran, Iraq, Syria will fade into history when America refuses to fund their hatred

Obama has a full plate here. Let Iran deal with their own mess but keep a watchful eye on them. We are drowning into a Depression and we are still worried about Iran? Please, people wake up. Fix America first then the rest of the world. Has anyone thrown us a bone? No but we sure throw them around the world.

I would say work with them, but we know the US can’t. The United States is way too heavily invested in Israel, and they (Israel) don’t like Iran. Also, Obama has jumped onto the “Israel should rule the middle east” band wagon. With a foreign diplomacy attitude like that I wonder why people seem to be puzzled as to why the US can’t make any headway in that area.

If the US worked with Iran, not only would we be have one less possible enemy, but it may help all the relationships in that area of the world.

The smartest decision to deal with the iranian president should be only talks around a gigantic dinner.I mean american hospitality.For the success of this operation,Obama can invite him in the white house and offer him the presidential suite over full of the most valuable american beauties in order to help him relax.When all this is done,he can now go forward with negociation.If not ,to catch this big fish will be the toughest chore of his mandate.

Jack,

He needs to have a meeting with the U.N. and use the proper rules of engagement. However, we still just cannot sit back and wait for the big gang boom to occur. Iran is a major threat and should be dealt with seriously. Now that this country has a new commander in chief, like Joe Biden says, this country and new administration will be tested. The question is are we ready?

Daniel,
Atlanta, GA

Send Sarah Palin over on a conversational sabatical with Ahjmadenijad.

And we were told that Saddam had Weapons of Mass Destruction, so we invaded Iraq.

Should we use the Bush logic or the Obama logic on this one.?

One of the traits Barack seems to possess that W doesn’t is empathy; i.e., he is able to put himself in the other person’s shoes. With his empathy, superior intellect, tact and diplomacy he will be able to find a common ground on which to start a dialog with them.

What should Obama do about Iran? What can he do? Since AIPAC dictates US Middle East policy, he’ll have to do what they and his duel nations on his staff tell him to do. So, Isreal will probably instigate a confrontation with Iran and the US will be drawn into it. And more US soldiers will die for nothing.

Follow what T.R. said “Speak softly and carry a big stick”, (which is what Obama has been doing) and if that dosnt work then do what Mccain said “bomb bomb Iran.”

Diplomatically.

Watch them closely and make it known we have no intentions of fighting, but should they strike, we will respond in kind, and quite swiftly at that. If things are starting to look like it will reach that point, it would be wise to step in and attempt peaceful or semi-peaceful negotiations. I guess I’m doing a pretty bad job explaining things, I’m a little deprived of sleep lately. Basically he should take the sort of approach Reagan did with Mikhail Gorbachev, but be more than willing to crush Iran if they attack.

Of course - he should nuke ‘em! Mission Accomplished! USA! USA!

Oh wait, that was GW’s approach… Diplomacy. Calm. Rational. Discussion. And if it fails, work with our Allies to come up with a plan instead of more Shrub Diplomacy…

The United Nations needs to step up to the plate over this new report. Surely, the U. S. is not the only country that worries about Iran having an atomic bomb. We need diplomacy and economic sanctions imposed to help Iran understand that nuclear arms are not what they really want to have. If someone told you to give up your weapons or you don’t get food supplies, you would think twice about how good that weapon was going to taste on your plate when you get hungry. Plain and simple — we don’t need Iran in possession of a loose cannon called a WMD.

He should be friendly, he should converse, keep an open mind, and not bully. People respond to fairness and respect. Bush’s 8 year ‘my way or the highway’ experiment obviously failed…what an opportunity to try something new.

Diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy.

Whatever actions Obama feels necessary to take, he should work with our allies and the other nations in the UN to accomplish that.

One word , Jack :

DIPLOMACY

Something the Bush Administration knows nothing about.

Jack, the answer to this is so obvious. Since we elected Obama all of the rest of the world loves and respects us, so all he has to do is ask them to stop.

He needs to build world partners to deal with Iran.

Fortunately for Barack Obama he can delegate all dealings with Iran to his new Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. As she repeatedly pointed out during the campaign, only she has the experience and ability to tackle dangerous situations like Iran’s nuclear ambitions. It would be a great opportunity for her to show off what she can do.

Jack,
He should do what he said he would talk and use Diplomacy in those talks…better to make friends than enemies,…we all have to live on this Planet.so why destroy it ?

William Allen N.B. Canada.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has already proved that he isn’t playing with a full deck with his statements about Israel. He definitly should not be allowed to have any type of nuclear activity. A person that shoots off his mouth about destroying a whole race of people should not even be allowed to have a box of matches.

As all have said, strong, intellegent, diplomacy; not capitulation. We must stop this falicious and duplicitous precept that the US is responsible to curtail selective nations from having nuclear power [arms]. As was said in 1945, once the nuclear genie is out of the bottle, there’s no putting it back. With blackmarket sales of technology, hardware, and fissial materials rampant, it’s absurd to target any one nation for pursuing nuclear development. World diplomacy wrought the first arms limitation agreements, not threats to soveriegnty. It’s a world issue, not one between the US and Iran. Truth be known, the instability of India v. Pakistan is a much greater threat to nuclear security.

Actually sit down with Iran and have a civilized discussion.

First, treat President Ahmadinejad with the respect he craves. Bush’s use of threats didn’t work. Perhaps, President Obama and other world leaders should sit down with him and talk. If that fails, then more sanctions. If that fails, then we’re looking at forced removal from office or possibly another war. If that fails, then nothing would have worked. If he nukes Israel or the U.S, we’d better be prepared to living a nightmare without end. Until then, pray hard that the people of Iran vote him out of office soon.

Jack , Very cautiously. Especially since western leaders like him need to learn what makes middle eastern minds think . Educate the American public as to what is really going on behind the scenes.
Don’t keep the people in the dark. Don’t slant the news. Publish the facts.

Just let them know that we will not allow them Nuke-U-Lar weapons.

Sorry about the spelling. When you let yourself be led by idiots, you will eventually become one.

Jack, he should tell them “stop the path your taking , or you can wait for the Israeli’s to act” We know Israel has the means and the will to act and have their own nuclear weapons with a delivery system.

the middle east will never be happy with the u.s. there. Iran is one of those dissenting countries who will stick to their beliefs and not give in to any type of demands or pressure made upon them by an outside country like the u.s. After hearing the anti-semitic remarks made by Iran’s leader and considering how close the u.s. with israel, it doesn’t seem like there is any chance of Iran caving to any type of u.s. diplomacy talks. So our newly esteemed leader will have to ask himself, how far is he willing to give in to iran’s demands, and is he willing to engulf this country in another war when those demands are not met?

Jack,
In my opion, Mr. Obama should have a sit down talk with the leader of Iran. Listen to his advisors about the problems we have with Iran, and than make his own decision. The world according to Bush was War first, talk later and you see where that fool got us. Our so called leaders need to learn that the United States is not the Police of the world. We as a country have to start looking out for our citizens first instead of rebuilding the Schools, Roads and Bridges of Iraq.
Carl

I believe President Elect Obama should keep the same policy as the Bush Administration , until Iran shows that It is willing to change the way it conducts it self in the world. Iran needs to stop sponsoring terrorism, it also needs to become more democratic, and stop trying to acquire Nuclear weapons.

Hey Jack,

Right now Iran has two of it’s borders with American Troops next door. Hopefully, with the cowboy out of office, they will not feel so threatened Remember, we gave Saddam weapons to fight against Iran before. We gave the Taliban weapons to fight the Russians. Iran has probably always felt at any time there would be American aggression, and if Obama REALLY makes them believe that this is not the case, I think they will not make a bomb. Why can’t we offer them new technologies besides nuclear for some of their energy needs? If Canada and Mexico had foreign troops on our borders, we would be happy we had our bombs! I think that’s where Iran’s nuclear ambition lies, IT’S OWN PROTECTION!

What he has said he would do, open diplomatic relations but
be sure they are on notice that nuclear weapons are not an
option if they want to be respected by the rest of the world and if
they do get them and use them, game over.

Pres Obama needs to take a page out of the Kennedy Pres, of the cuban missle crisis, and add that which we all believe in world peace.

Jack, Worst sinerio about Iran, they let a bomb go, Bush retaliates and declairs marshall law and freezes the nomination of Obama. If i read the laws right, he can do it! I don’t trust that Bush clan. Bush put us in one war and i think he would do it again. He wants world domination. Metropolis, Ill ( home of superman)

Iran’s people are fed up with there leader Mahmoud ,and are about ready to vote him out of office, all past promises of prosperity,and job creation haven’t come to fruition under his tenure. The only source of GDP is oil related,and there countries infrastucture is antiquated regarding the fostering of new industry. Obama would be wise to offer ,”Three Carrots to One Stick”,in helping this misguided country out of it’s economic duldrums. The citizens of Iran are very educated, and the last thing they would want is a nuclear show-down with the United States.

Obama is an intelligent, calm man. He is aware of the stakes and he knows how to play the game. He should politely acknowledge the congratulatory letter for now. Once in office, he should insist that Iran allow complete access to their nuclear program so that it can be determined if it is a threat to the world.

direct talks ! if you want to be seen as a beacon of light in a dark world, let yourself be seen and heard, loud and clear. ignoring them and threatening them will make nothing better. look em in the eye and let them know where you stand.

I don’t believe the extremists are the majority in Iran. I would like to see Obama sit down with their leaders and negotiate a peaceful resolution. The hearts and minds of the people are more important now than ever before. Obama has the calm demeanor that can be very reassuring to many. I trust he and Joe Biden to do what is best for all.

Multi-lateral talks including diplomats from all the Middle Eastern countries willing to conference. He needs to take a firm stance on Iran but it would be nice to (A) include the rest of the world in said stance and (B) to let Iran’s neighbors weigh in. One of the reasons we have such difficulties with Iran as it is is that we invaded their next door neighbors without so much as a diplomatic curtsy.

Jack: Plan diplomacy with an agenda for any formal or informal meetings. Talking about mutual problems. No more talk of blowing them away. Iran knows we will not take the military option off the table. Iran will not stop enriching nuclear material. The USA and Europe must win their trust to get them to stop their nuclear plans. The last 8 years have been a diplomatic failure except for North Korea.

John
Alabama

When dealing with Iran, President-elect Obama should use strong diplomacy, big carrots and big sticks.

Wow - such anger here about how Bush handled this. He didn’t bomb Iran and as you say sent representative to Iran to no avail. The people here that think the middle east will fall in love with Obama and all the world will be at peace are so sadly mistaken. All Obama can really do is try and negotiate, just like the presidents before him. The real trick will be to keep Israel from bombing the hell out ofthem..

He needs to start talking to Iran. Like it or not it’s the only option in a dangerous world. There’s room for a lot of hope because absolutely nothing of any substance or sense has been tried by the Bush administration, so injecting some sense into this issue might yield some surprisingly good results.

It’s good that President Obama wants to open dialogue with Iran, but I think he should continue to stand in solidarity with the U.N. Security Council resolutions on this issue and force Iran to surrender all of their uranium or face continued sanctions. And in the spirit of Reagan, we need to “trust, but verify” that they follow through.

As all of us who went through the cold war period know, the fact that Iran already has enough uranium to build a single A-bomb is legitimate cause for concern. The threat of nukes aside, the history of war/tension between Iran and Iraq is already a major complication in our ability to withdraw from Iraq and ensure the safety of the Iraqi people once we are gone, especially with a sociopath like Ahmadinejad in control of Iran. And to make matters worse, if Iran is allowed to acquire enough uranium to implement a full-fledged nuclear program (under any pretense), the unfortunate reality is that we will need to occupy the region indefinitely.

Roland
St. George, UT

He could remind them that the United States has been the only country that has actually used a nuclear device against another nation, so unlike Iran, we have a history of not bluffing, and that Iran should consider this before it makes any rash decisions. That may sound like aggressive posturing, but it is a fact not to be ignored. Plus it provides an extremely strong position to negotiate from.

hi jack
carefully,but forceful
bay pines fl

Jack,

He should not implement the same strategy as President Bush which has been a failure. President Elect Obama should make it known to them in the clearest terms that the United States is willing to work with them if they immediately stop their nuclear program to build weapons, training terrorists to create havoc in Iraq, and cease with the hate filled rhetoric regarding Isarael: else If they continue on the path, United State will use its diplomatic, economic and military power to defeat them.

It seems hypocritical that we are discussing a leader of his country wanting to have nuclear power just like the United States. We want the rest of the world to be like us so its only fair that they should have nuclear power as we do. Its not like the Iranians have a crazy dictator who would do something like allow his friends to raise the price of fuel so high that it devastates his country’s economy as well as the global economy. We have enough issues here to worry about. Let them have their nukes and if they try to use them against us, we give new beachfront property to the countries that border Iran

Almost anything they do will be better than we have been doing.

He should remain adamant about nuclear weapons.
He should engage them in multi-lateral talks with all arab nations who are willing to participate in developing plans for the next decade to reduce crime, poverty, war, and pestilence.
He should insist the U.S. be a partner in the talks–because of our decades of foreign and military aid to the region.
He should ensure the leaders of Iraq are aware he will retaliate immediately at the first sign of military aggresion to the U.S. or any allies (including Israel).
He should be just as charming and optimistic as he was during the campaign.

In the words of Michael Corleone, make them a deal they can’t refuse.

I listened to President of Iran before the UN and the man’s speech made me gasp. President-elect Obama should call upon the UN for a remedy.

P-e Obama has got to deal with this very sure-footed every step of the way. P-e Obama must not follow the mistakes that W. has made regarding WMDs in Iraq.

I think he should wait until he is president to do anything.

Allen
Mountain Home ID

It is not the USA’s responsibility to police the world. Europe is in much closer proximity to Iran and they should take the lead. The U.S. should try to normalize relations with Iran while letting them know that they cannot promote the destruction of Israel or any other nation without facing extreme consequences.

The best way of course would be to let Bill Gates air drop free computers into Iran with Internet access so these folks that live there would know really what is going on not what their misguided leadership tells them. Covert operators infiltrating the gentry may work as well winning the hearts and minds of the people. Trade relations regarding exchanged of goods such as our wheat and corn for their oil would be another good start as well as releasing all the economic sanctions placed on the decades ago as well as releasing their tied up assets.
It did not help that Kermit Roosevelt and the CIA removed from power one of their leaders that the citizenry freely elected into power only to have him removed from power by a stage coup orchastrated between Great Britian and the United States in the interest in pillfering all their oil. Jimmy - Rockville Maryland

Jack–
I think that our new President will handle Iran with wisdom, fairness, and toughness. He has already shown his metal during the campaign and so far in the transition period. The Russians have already been negative, because they know that they’re not dealing with the usual suspects anymore. I trust him and his team to do the right thing.

Troy, Ohio

Sit down and talk with them and find out what they really want

He should undertake discussions at a high staff level (p[erhaps Secretary of State) with the aim of finding common ground with the moderates in Iran and not adding impetus to the most anti-American segments. He shouls signal quite clearly that the days of “They know what we want, so there is no need to talk” are over.

Put out the cheese and wait until the (rats) take the bait!

Jack,

The time to talk is over, because the Government of Iran has clearly demonstrated their total disregrad for the dipomatic process to reslove this matter peacefully. It’s time for President-Elect Obama to show the rest of the World he is not a push over and take out Iran’s nuclear program…

C.I., New York

What do you mean,Jack?Didn’t both Biden and Obama say that they were going to bypass the Iranian president and talk directly to the Mullahs etc,whom they described as the real power in Iran?And isn’t that why we all laughed at Sarah Palin?Because she didn’t know the real situation in Iran?So now that he’s elected,Obama is going to do the same as Sarah Palin would have done,i.e. avoid direct talks and start some low level talks?What a joke!

Encourage the Iranian leadership to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the nuclear energy they are developing is for peaceful use and is in no, way, shape or form designed for nefarious means. He should invite the true leaders of Iran (not Ahmadinejad) to visit the U.S. and have a peaceful discussion about how we can all better address the needs of the planet, and not just our own selfish aspirations.

Jack: How Obama deals with Iran is going to be his “first test” in foreign affairs and relations. Obama needs to get advice from VP elect BIden on the best strategy in dealing with Iran. If I were Obama, I would increase the sanctions because I believe that no resolution with be forthcoming with diplomatic meetings. The Iranian government is “splenetic,” and they will always remain. Increase the economic heat.

He and his advisors need to formulate a clear policy toward Iran, and then decide how they will implement that policy by using diplomacy, not military action. This would probably require preparation and negotiations at several levels before Obama himself meets with the president of Iran to finalize an agreement which is acceptable to both sides.

how about talk softly but carry a big stick? Seems a lot better than the loud yelling “axis of evil” stuff we have seen the last 8 years.

Slow, easy and start off low level, but move up rapidly to SoS. Give them attention, an ear, but be firm, forcefull, before talks with the President.

Let Obama engage in diplomatic discussions with Ahmadinejad who did allready come to Columbia University, N.Y.,N.Y. to speak last year. The peace talks will produce favorable results and assuage the Iranian leader’s fears that the U.S.A. continues to empower Israel for the annihilation of Iran and the Islamic states in the middle East!

Mr. Obama should let the UN handle it first. It is not our baby to rock. We can’t police the world. As the last resort, then he could talk with them.

Hi Jack, let’s get this country off of its independence on foreign oil ASAP, and then we won’t have to worry at all about those countries. Green baby green!

Jack,

Obama has to study Iran carefully and understand its vulnerability and needs. In doing so, Obama can craft a strategy that leverages America’s ability to address Iran’s needs and exploit its vulnerability in such a way that gives Iran motivation to cease any efforts to build a nuke and to cooperate with the US in stabilizing the region.

I favor the carrot and stick approach. But we need to be sure of our facts. For, while nuclear armed Iran is unacceptable, how can we deny them the means to generate electricity and improve the lives of their citizens?

Jack -

He should work w/ them…And if they want to build up an arsenal to protect theirselves, so be it….We ( the U.S. ) cannot patrol every country and continent on the globe…they should protect theirselves ONLY if provoked…….We are talking about another country coming in and just Bombing Them, without no reason…..That won’t happen, so that being said, if they want to spend their money building bombs & guns & every kind of weapon they can think of , or come up of, then let them GO….We don’t have to DO ANY trade w/ them, PERIOD.

Larry
Houston
TX

He should send Hillary to talk to them.

The United States should attempt to fix in a major way Iraq, and thus create a zone of comfort for Iran to find reason and an olive branch.

As far as measures for global nuclear control; The IEC must be beefed up and allowed total monopoly over nuclear fuel production and sale, and must also have corporation to internationally store and refine nuclear wastes.

By the Security Council and all nuclear active nations.

As far as trade(i have heard rumors of a new treaty for international infrastructure)

I think extreme caution should be used with Iran. To me, they look like they are posturing to draw America into a conflict in order to ferment hatred with the Islamic community in the Middle East.

I think Obama should deal with Iran on a firm but diplomatic stance. He should let them know he means business but a the same time is willing to listen and compromise effectively without international conflict.

Offer Iran a really good deal on a Chevy Trucks in exchange for the nukes! They have amble fuel to run them and look what easy access of fuel gobbling vehicles has done for the US.

I think he should first engage them diplomatically to try and resolve this issue but I’