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Friday, January 02, 2004

Irrationality in Iran

James at OTB links to an article about how Iran is criticizing US efforts to lend aid in the wake of that earthquake last week - we’re meddling apparently.

    Hardliners in Iran’s government criticized U.S. relief efforts after the devastating earthquake that killed more than 30,000 people and flattened the ancient city of Bam, accusing Washington of trying to meddle in Tehran’s affairs.

    The criticism came as the Bush administration considered sending Sen. Elizabeth Dole to Iran as part of a relief mission after the 6.6-magnitude quake, and asked President Mohammad Khatami whether Tehran would allow a Dole-led delegation, an administration official said Friday.

    [...]

    Khatami has thanked Washington for its support but hardline clerics within the government expressed suspicion about the motives behind U.S. aid offers.

    State radio, a mouthpiece for Iran’s clerics, on Friday charged that Bush had “once again demonstrated that America’s interfering and hostile policy against Iran has not altered at all.”

Sure, she is an American politician. Sure, we have a vested interest in lending aid not just to those affected by the earthquake but to those who seek political change in Iran. But they need to remember that Dole was the President of the American Red Cross - a relief organization. She seems to be a logical choice from among our politicians to send, no? Is it not possible to believe that we really only want to help the people devastated by the destruction of their city and the lost lives? As James aludes to in his post title - they need not bite the hand that’s feeding them.

Posted by at 03:17 PM
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