Deseret News | Obama shrewdly deprives Iran of usual scapegoat: 'Great Satan'

Reader comments
My view: Obama shrewdly deprives Iran of usual scapegoat: 'Great Satan'

Cool Spin! | 12:54 a.m. July 5, 2009

Hey, I can use this excuse the next time I decide to sit on my hands and do nothing!

Anonymous | 1:21 a.m. July 5, 2009

What did Bush do? Reagan sold Iran arms. Obama did the right thing. You whiners know it. You feel like you get conservative brownie points for (n-word) bashing.

Parker | 2:34 a.m. July 5, 2009

As the writer of this article carefully explained Obama will do much more to help Iran buck its dictatorship by "doing nothing" (an incorrect statement anyway, did you read this article?)then by ranting about how corrupt the election was. I know it's a popular thing among hard line Republicans to criticize Obama on every move he makes, but people have to recognize he's played this one smart. I chatted with a guy from Tehran last night who has been a part of the protests, and to quote him: "thank God for Mr. Obama."

Comments continue below

k.n. | 3:26 a.m. July 5, 2009

I live in Iran. The problem is that Iranian government will continue to "mis-translate" and use the communication infrastructure to mislead and give false information to Iranians. Majority of Iranians dont have access to free press and internet.
the Problem here is lack of free press.

anonymous | 3:41 a.m. July 5, 2009

The strategy employed is brilliant. Support for our politicians is essential to effective dialogue and constructive criticism.

Dixie Dan | 6:49 a.m. July 5, 2009

Sarah Palin's "higher calling" will solve any problems that Iran with the USA. If not, than Rush & Sean will solve them.

Apologists | 7:01 a.m. July 5, 2009

No matter what the Peerless Oneness does, his ga-ga supporters will say it is brilliant. Kool-aid drinkers. He didn't have any problem jumping to the support of the Honduran dictator who was trying to dismantle their constitution. It will be a nasty four years for freedom and the dictators will advance around the world. "Great Satan" indeed.

How naive | 7:21 a.m. July 5, 2009

The Iranian goverment is blaming the Great Satan anyway, along with Britain, Germany, and France. Please , wake up people, this is superficial spin. The President of the USA does not have to say anything, the Iranians will put those words in his mouth. Fact is, Obama has already painted himself into this strategy when he apologized for everything the USA has ever done in the region. Now he's going to find himself faced with being forced to do the same. He's getting OJT. I hope we live through it.

parkite1970 | 7:38 a.m. July 5, 2009

A "great" article about how our new president ISN'T interfering with Iran, that then goes on to explain how we are still messing with their sovoreignty--we're just being more subtle about it. How did we feel when the world criticized the 2000 election? We told everyone else to butt the he!! out of our business--and it WAS a sham election. Even allowing only 2 viable candidates is a complete mockery of the word "democracy", so think about that when you climb on your high horse to criticize the policies of another nation.

Re: kn | 7:50 a.m. July 5, 2009

"I live in Iran. The problem is that Iranian government will continue to "mis-translate" and use the communication infrastructure to mislead and give false information to Iranians. Majority of Iranians dont have access to free press and internet.
the Problem here is lack of free press."

For a minute there, I thought you were talking about the USA since Obama has the media in his back pocket. Our problem here though is that we don't have independent press.

Gus Talwynd | 11:51 a.m. July 5, 2009

Those who forget Teddy Roosevelt's words about walking softly and carrying a big stick are lost on the vocal members of the wingnut fringe. Instead, they seem to think that an aggressive foreign policy is necessary in every instance. This is evident in their single-minded advocacy of the Bush/Cheney policies in the Middle East.

It needs to be remembered that these hot-headed zealots were the most fervent supporters of the Iraq invasion. However, that was not the end of it. They also wanted to invade Syria and Iran just to show American fortitude regardless of how much it would cost in American lives.

They are quick to sacrifice young Americans as long as they are not their sons and daughters. They also choose to pay for their wars on credit as increasing taxes is something they also avoid.

Waging war with other's lives and having later generations pay for it is their way. It is the way of the schoolyard tough and coward. And in their zeal, they make America a much more dangerous place with their bravado and false courage.

RE:Gus | 12:36 p.m. July 5, 2009

"Those who forget Teddy Roosevelt's words about walking softly and carrying a big stick are lost on the vocal members of the wingnut fringe. Instead, they seem to think that an aggressive foreign policy is necessary in every instance."

That is a good policy but you forget about the big stick. Soft talk has not worked with Iran or NK since they continue on with their policies of acquiring nuclear weapons. Maybe it is because Obama instead of carrying a big stick is carrying a twig. Carrying a twig, while talking to a bully is not going to make the bully respect you. A big stick on the other hand lets the bully know you mean business if soft talk fails to change his actions.

re: re:kn | 12:39 p.m. July 5, 2009

We have free press, it's just the major news agencies are biased. They are also clearly more biased towards Republicans. Ever heard of Fox News? remember the 2000 election. It probably only seems biased to you because of what they are covering now, our President (who happens to be a Democrat).

Good change in policy. I like the idea of not making the world hate us if we don't have to. Probably a better way to fight terrorism, instead of being aggressive and creating it. Bravo Obama!

CJ | 1:23 p.m. July 5, 2009

Are you kidding? They still blame us anyway.The only difference is that they now know what a weak leader we have along with North Korea and the rest of the world. Obama is being sized up and the unanimous consent is that he is a total push over. The Europeans call him "President Pantywaist" If this is what you call brilliance you are probably among the many fools who voted for this dolt.

Brilliant | 1:27 p.m. July 5, 2009

Kill Satan and then you have no evil. Kill Satan in Iran and give legitimacy to the current regime. Yep, Brilliant to kill Satan.

When are we as Americans going to really know what it means to "love liberty more than life itself"? This also means if the world hates us because we love "liberty more than life itself" then so be it. I will stand hated in the world while loving the values, responsibility and the trials that true liberty demands. Are we there with Barry? Nope. Were we there with GW? Nope. We truly, need change and now that we are at the crossroads that we are at.

I wish... | 3:31 p.m. July 5, 2009

Obama would get involved, deeply involved with Iran. Maybe then he'll be disracted just enough to stop destroying America.

John Kateel | 3:34 p.m. July 5, 2009

This is a brilliant and well thought out article that skillfully articulates the shrewd reasoning behind President Obama's policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran. If you were to read Farsi blogs by the worldwide Persian diaspora, they unanimously support the current Administration's position. The images posted by bloggers and the tweets transmitted out during the turmoil following the disputed election humanizes the Persian population. The cognitive dissonance created by the image of stylishly clad young women in designer sunglasses boldly challenging the ruling orthodoxy is in direct opposition to the image that many Americans may have of angry bearded young men stomping on a desecrated American and Israeli flag.

the truth | 4:59 p.m. July 5, 2009

They consider America the great satan,

whether we emddle or not.

meddling has NOTHING to do with it.

We are a great infidel power to them, that must be destoyed,

nothing Obama does will change that belief.

Just look at slow incursion in to the rest of the world, europe, and america,

then implementing sharia law where ever they can.

the radical muslims are just trying to do it faster.

KM | 5:16 p.m. July 5, 2009

I can't believe it! Yet another article demonstrating the "measured, shrewd, intelligent and wise Obama. We are so fortunate to have such a great leader at the helm. We are certainly not worthy.

mlanceash | 5:50 p.m. July 5, 2009

Apologist: The Koolaid drinkers are the bozo's that voted for Bush twice and actually believe he won those elections. This President won hands down and you cannot get over it. Obama is the only hope this country has has in nearly 50 years.

Why, why, why | 6:03 p.m. July 5, 2009

do so many backwards redneck Hannity-lovin' dittoheads continue to preach this utter nonsense about Obama trying to destroy the United States of America? I'm so sick of all this unfounded, ignorant junk that gets posted here ad nauseum.

Just what is the grand plan to save America, you dolts? Don't tell me: from all of the posts I've read over the last month it goes something like this:

Declare war on North Korea and Iran, watch the entire US business infrastructure go up in smoke, and pat ourselves on the back at the end because we steadfastly refused to allow the government to spend any money whatsoever. Hooray. Sounds like a fine, fine plan.

Kevin | 8:32 p.m. July 5, 2009

Excellent commentary.

GTO | 8:47 p.m. July 5, 2009

If you liberal "deep thinkers" believe Iran is going to love the US because of Obama's alledged shrewdness, you are dreaming! You never understand our enemies and you never will! This is a perfect example why we cannot trust defending this nation to liberals!

Parker | 1:04 a.m. July 6, 2009

Iran does not hate us. There are certainly some who do, including some in power, but the people as a whole DO NOT hate us. They do not think we are the Great Satan, they do not want to kill us. That's what this whole uprising there has been about, people are fed up with the hate and lies of their government.

People need to understand too, there is not much Obama can do here. Stepping back and letting the Iranians do this themselves is important. They don't need us to come charging in, what could we do? Arm them? Go to war?

To I wish... | 3:31 p.m. | 7:31 a.m. July 6, 2009

President Obama isn't doing anything to "destroy America." He's trying to repair the damage caused by his predecessor. That's a BIG job, given what his predecessor did to this country.

So Parker | 3:36 p.m. July 6, 2009

Guess you haven't heard all those chants "death to America"

So...yeah. | 5:36 p.m. July 6, 2009

You talking about those little gatherings of people in the country loyal to the current government who join in those chants at the provocation of of those few people in power I was talking about?

You're buying into Iranian propaganda, that is, sadly, presented and legitimized by some in the US media. (Both the right and left alike, though the right are definitely the biggest offenders.) Sure, Iran has had good reason to be pissed off in the past, more recently because of Bush naming them in his "axis of evil" when they did nothing to us like a total moron, and because of anti-muslim sentiment in US and our wars. But seriously, what I said before couldn't be more true: the people as a whole DO NOT hate us, they do not think we are the Great Satan, and they do not want to kill us. Do some research, read what the people are saying, watch some footage.

The government in power is dangerous and radical, sure. And that is exactly why the people of Iran are trying to dispose of it.

bm | 12:39 a.m. July 8, 2009

This is such a US centric analysis of events that are happening half way across the globe. It is as if the author has no clue about what the forces of dissent within Iran are. It is funny how he does not even name a single player in the Iranian power struggle except Mousavi.

Every paragraph is about a cursory analysis of President Obama's position. The author seems to be superficially aware of the US-Iranian politics, and it would be very interesting to see where his credentials are which allows him to comment on internal Iranian power structure. There are many people who have done a far more intelligent, and factual analysis than this juvenile interpretation and I suggest that it would be nice if he familiarized himself with facts and history before he wrote articles.

BM | 12:51 a.m. July 8, 2009

Mr. Feld states: “It is up to the Iranian people to decide Iran's future and chart a new course in U.S.-Iran relations.” Thanks for stating the dream, but how shall they accomplish that?

What do you think they have been trying to do? Except that charting a new course in US-Iran relationship is not the highest item on the agenda of the Iranian people at the moment. Ability to get away from a tyrannical dictatorship, getting a decent living wage and education in a society that is filled with rampant corruption and mafia-type organizations that control every aspect of the government, making ends meet, getting their voices heard and making free choices is their concern. The phrase “Great Satan” has always been a rhetoric to distract people from the incompetence of the Islamic Republic Government. Stop falling for it, and get the facts right. If people are so oppressed and humiliated that they willingly go in front of bullies and thugs with no fear of getting beaten up, it is not because of US-Iranian agenda, It is about human rights.

Jim | 8:47 a.m. July 8, 2009

So far, so good - Now if only Obama would just come home and bring all the troops with him and close all our over seas military bases.

I'm not an isolationist but I do think it's time for others to solve their own problems without the president of the US having to get involved. We have our OWN problems to solve.

If Obama want's to be the world hero then he should resign as president of the US and run the UN.

Amir | 11:15 a.m. July 9, 2009

This fight is the Iranian people's fight--not America's fight, not Israel's, not Obama's, and not John McCain's. The idea that foreign leaders or powers, most of whom have their own political and economic interests, will rush to the Iranian people's defense is absurd. The Europeans, the Chinese, the Russians all prey on the corpse of the Iranian people, and with Ahmadinejad's legitimacy damaged, they'll just try to extract larger concessions from the monopolists in Iran. The only way out of this situation is to challenge the political and religious legitimacy of the supreme leader, and that's what Iran's religious and political leaders can do. The last thing they need is to make it easy for the supreme leader to brand them as stooges of foreign powers.

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