By Walt Zlotow
This brief juxtaposition captures a dramatic shift in tone – from revolutionary encouragement backed by American power to formal diplomatic recognition and massive economic engagement – in just over three months.
Day 1: “Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand… When we are finished, take over your government… No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach.” (President Trump, Feb. 28).
And now this:
Day 112: The US commitment to non-interference in Iran’s internal affairs and respect for the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The necessity for the US and its allies to present reconstruction plans for Iran amounting to at least $300 billion. (MOU to be signed June 19).
It says it all.
Walt Zlotow, West Suburban Peace Coalition Glen Ellyn IL
Also by Walt
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Trump’s failed Iran war may prevent war with China
Iran: Foreign policy high points, and the low
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The MOU is difficult to access as at this stage, the announcements have all been verbal with no written narrative issued. However, I have copied from the NY Times the interpretation of Paragraph 1 which seems to be the most contentious and a potential deal breaker.
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran have jointly agreed in good faith on such-and-such a date on the following.
Paragraph 1
The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war by signing this M.O.U. declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain [from] the threat or use of force against each other and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and other provisions of this paragraph.
The deal breaker could be Lebanon as we know that Israel, who is not a party to this MOU, will not retreat from the occupied areas of Lebanon and they seem committed to continuing bombarding areas of Beirut.
The success of this peace venture hinges almost entirely on Israel and the extent to which Trump can control Netanyahu.
Its not over ’til its over!
Netanyahu is not done yet.
The only way Trump can control Netanyahu is by cutting off funding and military aid. He’s going to have a hard time doing that with all the christian Zionists and apocalyptic hawks in his inner circle.
Everything TACO Trumpery touches turns to manure. Meanwhile POTUS Butcher Bibi has yet to authorise this propaganda.
I am not so pessimistic I think the butcher Bibi might be pulled into line on this one. If Trump’s alleged shouting matches are to be believed.
Netanyahu, like Putrid…er…Putin…can’t and won’t stop because that would make him look weak. Besides, there’s still tens of thousands of civilians to remove (I’m being polite there) from the land he wants.