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Subscribe to RSSMUNICH - The United States is ready for direct talks with Iran if it is serious about negotiations, Vice President Joe Biden said late Saturday, backing bilateral contact many see as crucial to easing a dispute over Tehran's nuclear program.
Speaking at a security conference in Munich, Biden said Iran - which says it is enriching uranium for peaceful energy only - now faced "the most robust sanctions in history" meant to ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons.
"But we have also made clear that Iran's leaders need not sentence their people to economic deprivation and international isolation," Biden said. "There is still time, there is still space for diplomacy backed by pressure to succeed. The ball is in the government of Iran's court."
To date, fitful talks on Iran's nuclear program have been between Tehran and the EU's top diplomat representing six world powers including Washington. But analysts have suggested that with his re-election behind him, President Barack Obama might have more leeway to take on direct negotiations with Iran.
That makes the year ahead critical for chances of overcoming a stand-off which, if left to fester further, could see Iran approach nuclear weapons capability, possibly provoking military action by Israel that could inflame the Middle East.
Progress on Iran would also help ease regional tensions as the United States prepares to pull most combat troops out of Iran's neighbor Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
Asked whether Washington might consider direct talks with Iran to smooth the process, Biden said, "When the Iranian leadership, Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei), is serious.
"We have made it clear at the outset that we would be prepared to meet bilaterally with the Iranian leadership, we would not make it a secret that we were doing that, we would let our partners know if that occasion presented itself.
"That offer stands, but it must be real and tangible and there has to be an agenda that they are prepared to speak to. We are not just prepared to do it for the exercise."
Negotiations with Iran have so far been overseen by European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on behalf of France, Britain, Germany, China, Russia and the United States. But they have made scant headway, raising fears Iran is simply playing for time while it develops nuclear know-how.
Many believe no deal is possible without a U.S.-Iranian thaw, requiring direct talks addressing myriad sources of mutual mistrust and hostility lingering since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran.
Iran has avoided direct, public talks with the United States, though some suggest Tehran would eventually welcome an opportunity to end its international isolation.
Speaking at a news conference in Munich, Republican Senator John McCain said he would have no objection to direct talks but questioned how much these would achieve if fundamental questions over Iran's nuclear program remained unresolved.
"I don't know when we will have direct talks between the United States and Iran. That is a subject for the president of the United States. I don't think anyone here objects to that," he said. But he added, "to have grounds for optimism, I think, would be a mistake."
Israel, which describes the prospect of Iran being able to weaponize enriched uranium as an existential threat, has made clear it would be ready to bomb the nuclear sites of its arch-enemy to prevent that outcome. The United States has also said it would not rule out the use of military force.
Related:
Under fire from Republicans, Hagel ends marathon confirmation hearing
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Actually I believe there isn't because there was time all along and no dialogue happened to produce anything of value but to give Iran time to do more of the same sh,.. stuff.
Time doesn't matter, only life matters.
Nothing is going to happen to Iran, it is a Muslim Country. We have a Hussien Muslim pres who has MSN Muslim Social Network on his side so the stupid people of the US will read his edited stories and believe it. Nothing his giong to happen to Iran while Hussien is in office. He has already made a deal with them to make the bomb and he will not do anything to them. NOTHING. Isreal will be on there own. Hussien is gradually allowing the Radical Muslims surround Isreal. Hussien is also GIVING THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD F-16's and 200 US tanks. Yep all for the name of his Father who hated the US and allah. Good Luck LIberals. I hope you idiots enjoy being a Muslim. I am not. LOL
Rick, You are pathetic and look and sound like an a hole to anyone other than like minded a-holes here posting this morning. If you only knew how stupid your comments are.
Rick sounds like Leftisfascist in an alter ego.
Iran is arming, training and exporting terrorism throughout the Middle-East. Keep talking Joe.. they are still counting on you and the limp-wrist in the White House to keep talking.
So, it's better to not talk with Iran and let this snow ball into a huge regional if not nuclear war, costing many more lives and another ruined economy as opposed to at least trying one more time, seriously, to just maybe head this off? Yo guys talking smack against this- go enlist and enlist your children. Tough guys behind the keyboard. You can't be serious, it just must be another reason to oppose anything this president or administration does. It sounds like you hate your own government even more than you hate any Muslim or Taliban. Just plain haters.
Spot on, Gofins.
Oh how Lefty danced, on the night he wet the bed!
Since when is this the Unites States of Israel? It would be nice, even for once, if we would Mind our Own Business. Interfering in other countries business has gotten us into trouble in the past (like when we sent the CIA into Iran in order to put their Shaw back on the throne) and it will continue to do so until we learn to quit interfering in other countries internal affairs. Let Israel and the Arabs resolve their own problems; we have enough problems of our own making without taking on theirs.
Who was "their Shaw"? George Bernard Shaw?
Pavlavi was the Shah!
One tiny little problem with that this time George..IRAN is close to getting a nuclear weapon..They just put a monkey into space so its theoretically possible for them to probably hit the United States with a missile..THEY have already said that would LOVE nothing more than to wipe Israel off the map, PLUS annihilate US as well..Do we sit back and wait for that or do we try and do something to prevent that?..Whats your thoughts on that?
The monkey in space was proven to be a hoax.
No sir.
Israel must have the backing of the United States military at all times.
Perhaps you require further education in this matter.
TO: Justis4U
"No sir.
Israel must have the backing of the United States military at all times.
Perhaps you require further education in this matter."
Why? You must not know history very well; history is loaded with the disasters such as the one you suggest. BOTH World Wars (although there are many more examples) were partially created because of foreign commitments. As a mater of fact that is exactly how England and France got sucked into WW2. Even our Founding Fathers were concerned about getting sucked into some other countries' war.
If you are anxious to "defend Israel" you have every right to go over there and fight along side them. In my opinion, this countries unilateral support of Israel has actually done them a disservice. Without our backing Israel would probably be forced into finding a negotiated settlement with its Arab neighbors. As it is, Israel continues to build illegal settlements and make us target for many Muslim "terrorist" (Why do you think our embassy was just attacked?).
At some point in time the Muslim world WILL get its hands on a nuke (just like North Korea and Pakistan). IF Israel has not come to some sort of accommodation with its neighbors by that time, it risk becoming a giant hole in the ground and there is nothing you, I, or the US can do to stop it.
What is your justification for spending this countries resources in support Israel? What is the benefit to the US or world peace? We don't even give England and France the level of support we give Israel.
Perhaps you should have paid more attention to your history classes, then you would not suggest repeating history.
Iran has never been serious about negotiations. They use “negotiations” as a tactic to distract, delay and divide. A child could see this.
I bet Lefty is in full swing...name calling, lies, his whole display.
His favorite name to call is 'NUTJOB"....(He likes "nutjobs"...$3 each, 2 for $5)
Why open talks with them IF the SANCTIONS are working as GREAT as the Government tells us they're working??Haven't we collapsed their economy yet?..The funny thing is OUR own economy is CLOSER to collapse than theirs and we don't have anyone imposing sanctions on us...Just our own government regulations..
If you follow the facts and reasoning of the above and especially the 709891 post above is to attack Iran
before they are destroyed or sold out by the U.S. The reason the post of 709891 calls for immediate strike
and nuclear war immediately by Israel is because the propaganda of this organization, who has to be
terrorist, in nature is allowed to post here . Propaganda has the whole Iran population believing statements of their leades , and allowing them to declare war on Israel for years , now . For Israel the handwriting is on the wall . Over and over again through terrorism such as the writer of 709891 , and through the media and speeches before the UN as well as act defying the UN nuclear inspections has stated over and over again , and have enacted in their political and religious dogma , the destruction of Israel . The USA through Obama wants to talk . The so called embargo has not been effective as the embargo is blamed on Israel not the actions of the US . As to the embargo being effective as is claimed by Obama please explain how this possible with 20 exemptions given by Obama to 20 countries . This is the problem this propaganda in this case by Obama . So there are 2 propaganda against Israel one is by Obama and the Democratic Party which he heads and it Patron and the other is by terrorists sick as 709891 who object is not to inform you , but to tell you lies , and are very well paid to do so /
The idea that Bidden is unilaterally telling Iran life can be better for them , means to me , he brings the message that he and Obama is going to play the Chamberlain Game . We all know now there is renegotiation with Adolph Hitler as England learned , and Obama and Bidden know this too , so the US is selling out Israel . Obama is exercising betrayal of a friend nation . Is this really unusual in the history of the world ? no . What should Israel do ? If you ask me , launch immediately , and same missiles for those that would attack them afterwards . Israel response has to be to the handwriting on the wall , or the attack that is sure to come from Iran as Iran leadership has indicated time and time again . Israel first has to respond wih an act of war against Iran , and prepare to attack immediately , as Iran is about to actualize its act of war against Israel and the US has sold out Israel / ? All of a sudden , the USA , is going to pull the rest of the embargo for the people sake in Iran . Who is this Obama liar trying to fool? I guess it is the US public . The only thing positive about the embargo is that Iran knows that those nation not buying their oil don't trust Iran - get it please - don't trust Iran , and not the effect against the people . The purpose of an attack on Israel is to create fear so that Iran can conquer the rest of the middle east . All you have to do is remember that this is what the Sadman did . When his intention was conquest of the Saudie and kuwait what did he do ? He attacked Israel with V-2 rockets . We already know and they have on tape or witnessed that Obama called the PM a pain in the ass . And photo of a disdain look have been taken time after time when Obama is with the PM of Israel . Quite frankly if Obama wants to pull out of Israel let him state it like a man , instead it smells like i t, it looks like it , there is evidence of this , it feels like it , the current topic of giving in to the people of Iran is like it when it is meant giving into the hatred and war take of Iran against Israel . IT IS IT . Israel has to get off its ass , and declare war against Iran immediately as it , Iran has declared war against Israel , and order Iran to stop it missile building immediately or they will launch . Then if this is not done , let Israel launch , or Israel will be destroyed .
I can be over ruled , by the righteous , but the righteous were against accepting the State of Israel ,
and the righteous did not warn the Jews in Germany against Hitler so G-d and only G-d can tell Israel
what to do by the same signs and wonders that G-d showed the Jewish nation to remove us from Egypt .
Next thing you know Biden is going to be telling us that Iranians are people.
But, not the corporations as Mittens claimed.
Can you please tell me why the Iranian people aka Persians are not putting preasure on their Government to withdraw the act of war and the war talk against Israel and the general hatred of Israel that Iran has engaged in . This plus the act of supply of weapons that have been used to kill Israeli citizen called people too . I guess since Iran has not be attacked it is ok to sponser the killing of Israli people becasue after all they can do this and get away with it . Iran sponcers the same terrorist that destroyed the World Trade Center , and I guess they are people . YOu know Obama is killing the seniors in this country and rich say go obama go kill senior cut their medicare benefits so they die as he has already done by known fact by 120 billion and counting . You see arrogance and the snobs of this world only react when it is done to them . I guess you are one of them . The creatures of Iran called people are not screaming at their leaders who have declare war against Israel , they either have no opinion which is tacit approval , or they do approve of the killing of Jews becasuse as they say the stones and the trees tell them to kill the Jews behind them . If you are a comic strip writer then write comic strips and save you care for the creature people of Iran who they are proud to kill as are their leaders for their blogs . I am sure they will accept you and your woman if you have one as a Arab . Maybe you can join their death team building nuclear weapons to kill Jews.
Joe Bite Me, can go to Iran and have talks with the Chimp they just put in space.
Your son is in space?
No, your momma. Better part of you, ran ran down your old man's leg into his sneaker.
Sorry, Arizona, she died in 1993....must be YOUR son! (momma is what I call your wife)
We have a state department for this matter, Mr. Biden.
Shouldn't you be attending a funeral for a young girl from Chicago that was shot dead after performing for Mr. Obama's inauguration?
What is it that vice presidents are supposed to do within the scope of their duty, Sir?
Send Crazy Joe as our top negotiator. Call it the Psycho Summit Talks.
When will Israel open its nuclear sites so they can be inspected? Stop the bias. Stop the warmongers. Iran has said its ready to talk to the US when the US is ready to talk. US needs to get ready asap for then talks and stop blaming Iran.
How serious is the offer? What will Iran receive in exchange? Will the jewish apartheid rulers of Palestine give up their hundreds of nuclear weapons? Will the USA retain sufficient nuclear firepower to exterminate all life on earth several times over?
well.... it looks like the same old stuff. The economy is on the way back, healthcare costs will go down over time and we just need to talk to iran a little and everything will be alright. This adminstration is a cross between the costanza principle of it's not a lie if you believe it and wait for for it, it's just about to get better. Ughh! four more years of this, what the next pres will walk into will make the 09 collapse seem like a treat. peace out!
The standard yammering trolls all claim Iran is all for nuclear weapons. That war is just a matter of time.
They may be right, it may come to that, but the stakes in a (semi-)unilateral intervention are very high. We risk a global destabilization at worst and a local loss of credibility as an agent for peaceful change at least. What are the rewards to accrue from this risk? Will we be sure of removing the WMD? No, not without a wholesale conquest of the Iranian people and years of rooting out all the threads of the nuclear program. Limited precision strikes will set them back as they already have, but likely not cause them to stop.
The dark forces of our own Reich Wing are all too ready to drive us deeper into debt with a new war, all too ready to throw America under the bus to feed their short term political agenda, all too ready to flim flam the citizens with exaggerated claims of how many nearly ready bombs the Iranians might have. Now -- we got lied to by the great chicken hawk Cheney and Bush, his "box 'o rocks" grade lap dog, once before.
The sanctions are beginning to punish the Iranians very firmly, some reports of hyper inflation are emerging. Is there anything more we can do?
Yes. We could offer to help the Iranians change their program over to Thorium based nuclear power reactions, in addition to perhaps agreeing to let the Russians stock their existing enriched uranium in "escrow" The Thorium nuclear fuel cycle cannot produce weapons grade material, it's just outside the rules of nuclear chemistry, a technical impossibility. Whether or not the Iranians now "want" the bomb, whether or not they can be held to a "trust but verity" protocol, the action to move to the Thorium reactor technology is unequivocal — fission bomb production is no longer an option.
Will they do it? Well it's as clear a "red line" as anything based on intelligence estimates of how many fissile piles of Plutonium they might have. It's a less dangerous "red line" than perhaps waiting until they actually test a device — and they must do that test at some point to have any credible nuclear arsenal.
Moreover a failure to accept this option pretty much proves that "nuclear energy for power only" is clearly a lie. A lie that is then much clearer to the rest of the world than any case made based on general fear levels or dicey intelligence estimates.
So, if the stakes of intervention are anywhere near as high as Chuck Hagel and Bob Gates think, maybe this is worth a shot. It's at least a novel agenda for Biden to pursue in direct talks.
the stupidity is yours ... KMSWAMF!
You are sooo right, reterry
Lefty is still way off his pace to hit 30 postings on the page. Of course, he does have the hypocrite liar Willaim Reno to compete with.
Say What - Go troll somewhere else.
this OBAMA government wants to talk to Terrorist supporters!!! the same group that support killing our American citizens and American soliders...!!! what a pitty!!
Okay. Who's playing that broken record again?
Who will fight this coming war with Iran--any takers that posted here? No harm in talking along as the big stick is being waved in the background. Iran covered in Mountains, and don't kid yourselves folks, Iranians will fight to the death if invaded and will become united to repulse the invader. If Iran closes the Straight of Hormuz you better believe there would be military action by NATO and others--world oil supplies dependent on shipping.
Skyparrot....
You are trying to use intellect and logic against people like Onermailliw and Leftisfascist. Mission Impossible.
The only one missing is NC who insists the draft was never abolished! Of course Iran must be contained. They are definitely a force that must be dealt with.
When does it become perfectly clear tha talking is getting us absolutely nowhere. Enough "diplomacy". Why are we playing with our relationship with one of our strongest and most loyal allies in Isreal? Show Iran what a real nuke can do and that goes for Syria, Egypt (why are we sending this regime all tose weapons BTW?), Libya, N. Korea, Venezuela and a few other countries run by madmen.
Here is an idea! Let's start 24 hour a day, 7 days a week bombing! We can hit Egypt, Iran, Syria, Libya, North Korea....24/7
We can tell them we will not stop until they all like the US a lot better!
Rick, who are you kidding? You really suggest a preemptive nuclear strike to deal with Iran's alleged nuclear program? You are completely irresponsible I say, sir, chickenhawk!
The Thorium nuclear fuel cycle cannot produce weapons grade material, it's just outside the rules of nuclear chemistry, a technical impossibility. Whether or not the Iranians now "want" the bomb, whether or not they can be held to a "trust but verity" protocol, the action to move to the Thorium reactor technology is unequivocal — fission bomb production is no longer an option.
Why not try the Thorium reactor option? Give me one good reason.
Wow, what a smoke screen.
The U-233 may be fissile, but it has never been shown to offer a practical weapons grade fission. To put it into perspective for the reader, a critical mass of plutonium waste product can be handled with a standard glove box, whereas a critical mass of U233 (approximately 5 kilograms) would contain enough U232 content (approximately 1%), that after 10 years, anyone handling it without thick lead shielding would receive a lethal dose within hours or days of such close proximity. The high energy and high rate of gamma rays emitted would also be detrimental to both the explosives and electronics of any weapon and make it highly detectable. In short an extremely poor choice for a nuclear weapons material. [http://thorium1.com/thorium101/fuel-characteristics.html ]
What's more wicked, the 2.6 MeV gamma from U-233 or the 1.47 MeV, 1.17 MeV, or 1.33 MeV gamma from Co-60? You just get any of these sources behind a few meters of water, and enjoy the Cherenkov light.
"Blessed are the Peacemakers" - Jesus Christ
Amen!
newbook.......A thermonuclear weapon is the very best "peacemaker" on Earth. Ask the Japanese. They were a bunch of fanatics, now they are our best friends! I've been there. I know!
Burnie,
Thanks for sharing evil with us.
Hope everyone sees you post to know that evil does exist...
VP Biden's comments make common sense! Simlpy put, its better to have Iran at the table, as opposed to current policy - Why should our government keep giving those nutty clerics a platform to shoot from? And besides, the Iranian people are not our enemies! The sanctions hit them harder than the fat cat rulers!
Biden,obama, all the clinton's, should jut go far far away.
Ken...
They will be here longer than you...take a hike. Your folks LOST in November
we lost but the question is what won? you run a campaign of character assassination and false staements starting w/romney was resp for a steel workers wife's death 5 years after he lost his job and it turns out she had her own health care. you follow that up by blaming bush for 4 years then changing your tune to the it's the republicans fault, at what point after 4 years 2 of which your party held a majority in both houses and for the other 2 held the senate are you responsible? responsible for things like the economy, deficit, debt, out year solvency of entitlements etc etc. if we needed the best politician we got him, if we needed a problem solver and a man with leadership abilities we lost. fooling enough american people with crap like the republican war on women, what a load and as accurate as saying those that support choice are at war with babies, may have gotten you reelected but that is all. we face serious challenges at home and abroad and we got ...........