Comments about ‘Obama policies spell hope for Iranian-Americans’

he gives hope only in the fact that He, King Obama, will take care of them given that they will not be able to get any jobs because they are nonexistant.

You have got to be kidding. How do you spell hope?...BROKE?

It is clear that the current political regime in Iran and past U.S. foreign policies have had an unfortunate effect on innocent women and children in Iran. While I do not agree with the hard-lined tactics for which Iran's President is known, I am grateful that changes in U.S. policy look to help create a path for access by Irans simple people to life's crucial necessities.

Very nice sentiments.

However, it totally ignores the unacceptable reality of madmen running Iran in possession of nuclear weapons.

A nuclear armed Iran is an imminent, existential threat to Israel, and almost as severe but not quite as immediate to western civilization in general.

Would that Obama's policies brought realistic hope for the people he was elected to represent. These are of course the people of the USA, since the President was not elected to be either a new Iranian Shah, Ayatollah, President or any other legal or de facto ruler of that nation.

Would it be too much to ask that, at least, Mr Obama refrain from sneering and stiffneckedly looking down on his American audiences when he speaks. He is tall and usually speaks from a rostrum; there is no need to stretch his neck so high. It looks so arrogant, not like the 'man of the people' he is hyped to be.

Isreal will still attack Iran within a year.

Just as I vote with my patronage businesses of which I approve or reject, I give my government the same right. That is the point of sanctions to influence change. If we dont approve they get neither our patronage nor commerce. Or would you rather we use our military to influence?

It behooves those who want my patronage or that of my country to be/have something I/we want/need.

Im sorry Cubas people suffer but if they wanted different they, like our founders, could rise up and effect the change they want. The same is true for Iran.

We in the USA (France as well), have a grate history. One that is open for the entire world to view. One that proves the power of the people over the leaders.

I feel sorry for the innocent citizens who suffer for their governments actions. I too have and will suffer for the actions of my government.

I, like everyone else, wants all to think of me good, that includes my country, but, as a reasonable person, I recognize what one (or a country) thinks is not mine to control.

The Iranian people do not hate America nor do they seek war with Israel. They have already been led into one disastrous war with Iraq. Obama is tackling anti-Americanism by distinguishing between the Iranian people and Ahmadinejad. That's smart. It weakens Ahmadinejad, and contributes to everyone's security. That's hope. What's the alternative? Another war? Sanctions that will kill thousands of kids? More of the same? America has made peace with much worse enemies than Iran--Great Britian, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, Mexico--after wars in which thousands of Americans were killed.
That's confidence--turning enemies into friends. That's America.

Great essay. A hostile US-Iran relation doesnt benefit the Iranian people or Americas interests, as demonstrated by the Islamic republics much more militant domestic and international behavior during President George W. Bushs term. Consequently, President Barak Obamas reach out initiatives to the Islamic republic is a step in the right direction. Only in a peaceful environment that is devoid of constant threats of foreign attack can Irans civil society flourish, which ultimately is the path to a more democratic Iran and a more peaceful Middle East. However, Americas engagement of the Islamic republic must be also based on the Iranian governments domestic policies, as in a new Helsinki-like agreement.

America has always been kind to visitors and immigrants (from whatEVER country or coulture).

We just don't take kindly to those who are here to harm us (terrorists or terrorist sympathisers and financers) or those who think their personal plight is more important than ANYTHING/ANYONE (including the law) so they skip the legal steps proscribed to legally immigrate, and intentionally break our law and elude law enforcement by trying to live here as long as they can secretly and illegally (in hopes of a law change that will retroactively make their actions legal).

Jimmy Carter tried all same policies over 30 year ago,

where did that get us?

Where did it get the middle east?

He is no Bush! The people, not wall street are the priority.