Obama Recites Poetry to Iranians in New Video

Barbara Boland | March 20, 2015
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Because spring is as good a time as any to talk trade, and nuclear deals...

Always one to believe in the power of his own rhetoric, President Obama released a four-minute-plus video to “the people and leaders” of “the Islamic Republic of Iran” ostensibly to wish them a happy Iranian New Year.

In the video, Obama speaks earnestly and looks directly at the camera while his English words are captioned below in Persian. It’s great stuff and classic Obama: the soaring rhetoric, the hopeful tone.

He mentions that Michelle Obama had a White House celebration for the Iranian New Year holiday Nowruz last week at the White House:

“So I want to take this opportunity once again to speak directly to the people and leaders of Iran.  As you gather around the Nowruz table…you’re giving thanks for your blessings and looking ahead to the future.

This year, we have the best opportunity in decades to pursue a different future between our countries.  Just over a year ago, we reached an initial understanding regarding Iran’s nuclear program.  And both sides have kept our commitments.  Iran has halted progress on its nuclear program and even rolled it back in some areas.  The international community, including the United States, has provided Iran with some relief from sanctions.  Now, our diplomats—and our scientists—are engaged in negotiations in the hopes of finding a comprehensive solution that resolves the world’s concerns with Iran’s nuclear program.

The days and weeks ahead will be critical.  Our negotiations have made progress, but gaps remain.  And there are people, in both our countries and beyond, who oppose a diplomatic resolution.  My message to you—the people of Iran—is that, together, we have to speak up for the future we seek.”

Really? The people of Iran can speak up for the future we (or they) seek?

Obama does know that “the Islamic Republic of Iran” is actually a theocracy that imprisons dissidents with impunity, right?

Obama also promises that if Iran’s leaders “can agree to a reasonable deal” it will lead to “greater opportunities for the Iranian people” like “more trade and ties with the world,” foreign investment and jobs, cultural and student exchange, and science and technology partnerships.

This video was released today, the first day of spring – a not-so-subtle reference to the Arab spring, perhaps…

“This is what’s at stake today.  And this moment may not come again soon.  I believe that our nations have an historic opportunity to resolve this issue peacefully—an opportunity we should not miss.  As the poet Hafez wrote, ‘It is early spring.  Try to be joyful in your heart.  For many a flower will bloom while you will be in clay.’…. Now it is up to all of us, Iranians and Americans, to seize this moment and the possibilities that can bloom in this new season.”

Iran is a country that imprisons women for walking outside without a veil on their heads. But, average Iranian, won’t you please “seize this moment” and make a deal, for just think of all “that can bloom,” like, you know, “more trade” with the United States?

Because that’s sure to be at the tip-top of the average Iranian’s priority list.

 

 

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