Obama speaks to Iranian people in video message

[cal04]

Source: McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON — In an unprecedented video message released today on the celebration of the Persian new year, President Barack Obama speaks directly to the Iranian people and government, saying his administration "is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us" and that that the process "will not be advanced by threats."

Obama describes a "common humanity that binds us together" despite three decades of strained relations and calls for "engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."

"Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak," he says — Happy New Year.

While the United States "wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations" Obama says, "That place cannot be reached through terror or arms."

Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/64434.html

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video at link

[napoleon_in_rags]

1. I don't know what Eid-eh Shoma means, but I'm up for Mo' Barack.

;)

[Politicalboi]

2. I think it means

Happy New Year. It's so nice to have a President that can speak different languages and acknowledge other countries holidays.
Not Like Bush who thought it was a shame Osama bin Laden doesn't know the joy Of Hanuka. LOL!

[napoleon_in_rags]

3. His pronunciation was amazing too.

I mean I don't speak arabic, but it clearly wasn't a crappy americanized pronunciation, I imagine that will score big points with everyday Iranian people.

[Ammonium]

5. Persian

They speak persian in Iran, not Arabic. Iran isn't ethnically Arab...

[Behind the Aegis]

7. They call it Farsi.

[napoleon_in_rags]

9. Oh, there you are.

I was just thinking about you earlier...I see you're LGBT or friendly. Have you ever been to Israel? I was wondering how the scene is over there for LGBT folks. Do you have any experience? Thanks.

[Behind the Aegis]

10. I am gay. I have not been to Israel.

I have a few friends there and a few gay friends who have traveled there. The city to visit is Tel-Aviv. Haifa and Eliat are supposed to be real fun, especially Eliat. Jerusalem is "hit or miss" from what I hear. The marches are usually really fun and up-beat until the fundies show (much like the US and most other places). There is a very active support system and if you are looking at going, there is a LGBT Israeli travel agency.

[napoleon_in_rags]

12. Thanks for the info.

I'm interested in the Kabbalah, so naturally I've always been intrigued by Israel. I was wondering how tolerant it would be though, as a such a religious center. Sounds okay though, from your description. :)

[TomClash]

14. "I have not been to Israel"

Wow. Now that's a shocker.

[Behind the Aegis]

15. You have?

[TomClash]

21. You bet nt

[napoleon_in_rags]

8. Oh, is that what it was? Thanks.

Whatever it was, it didn't sound like a crappy American pronunciation, like Bush's "Spanish". :)

[Politicalboi]

6. I hope the Iranian people

Love Obama like we do. It really helps to have other countries like or love our President.

[Lilith Velkor]

13. Seems unrealistic

The benefit of the doubt is the most we can ask of them.

[Wizard777]

18. It means Happy New Year!

[bottomtheweaver]

4. Fantastic.

Very very encouraging. Best yet!

[Kaleko]

11. Remember when we had good reasons to fear that

the US would strike Iran with nuclear weapons?

[borrad]

16. Very good thing

I agree with person who sad that Obama is educated and he show it. And I like at him because he always use latest technology like this video conference. He is a guy who isn't conservative and haven't conservative way of thinking and that is good thing.

<a href="http://www.empire-beauty.com/archive/">Mark</a>

[Kolesar]

17. Welcome to the Democratic Underground forum!

:hi:

[Wizard777]

19. It was a beautiful message.

Hamazor Children of Persia/Iran, turn away from Ahriman/Dujal (destroyer)to embrace Ahura Mazda/Allah (creator.) I feel Cyrus the Great smiling down upon Barack from Paradise. God Bless them All. May the leaders of Iran find the good heart and good mind that leads to good words and good deeds. Fore here in America we have found our good heart and good mind in Barack Obama.

[Hope And Change]

20. K & R!Thanks for posting!

[Jefferson23]

22. To have an intelligent president, what a relief, and the fact that Obama is classy doesn't

hurt! Way to go Obama!!

I have to look for it and post it here if I can, it was about 2 weeks ago, CNN aired video messages from the people of Iran who were sending messages directly to Obama. The content of which for the most part was, hey, we are not these crazy people etc, I thought it was great.