Former Iran president urges U.S. to stay in Iraq

[ECH1969]

Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami told a University of Virginia audience today that American military forces should not leave Iraq immediately because violence would most likely break out.

"We have reached a paradoxical stage," Khatami told an invitation-only group at the Rotunda.

"On one hand the occupation must come to an end so that there will be peace in the region. At the same time, you can't leave Iraq in the hands of insurgents and terrorists.

"If you asked me if America should leave Iraq tomorrow, I'd say no, don't do it."

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP%2FMGArticle%2FCDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149190486315&path=!news

[sabra]

1. Freepers heads are exploding about now...

when they realize that they are aligned with Khatami

[Renew Deal]

2. This all benefits Iran.

Of course they are saying this.

[liberalmuse]

3. They'll have chaos in their backyard.

I guess anyone who is for staying in Iraq now is an "Islamofacist" appeaser.

[Exiled in America]

4. wait...viloence would most likely BREAK OUT???????

Um... has he looked around lately?

[Recursion]

5. Of course he does

The US occupation of Iraq is the best thing that's happened to Iran since the fall of Istanbul.

[cliss]

6. You are right.

The war in Iraq has established Iran as THE major power in the region. Iraq is basically theirs.....the current leadership is very much pro-Iran, the Shi ites are aligned with Iranian leaders. Grand Ayatollah Mullah Al Sistani is Iranian, born in Iran and is that country's spiritual ruler.

They will wait while the US hemorrhages to death financially....in the hot iraqi sands, with our vehicle stuck in the mud & the wheels spinning....

[Solly Mack]

7. Yeah, sure would suck if violence broke out in Iraq

there's just so little of it now...

[struggle4progress]

8. Khatami Visits Washington, Urges Unconditional Nuclear Talks

By Mark Drajem

Sept. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, in a visit to Washington, said the U.S. and other nations should offer to negotiate with Iran about its nuclear program without any conditions.

Khatami, whose tenure was marked by an expansion of political openness in Iran, criticized what he labeled as ``violent language'' that is harming prospects for dialogue, and warned of global repercussions of any military action against the oil-rich nation.

``Russia, China and France are interested in pursuing a dialogue without preconditions, and I think this is the correct position,'' Khatami said through a translator at a press conference at the Washington National Cathedral late today. ``If there is another crisis in the region, it could have serious consequences not only for the region, but for the world.'' ..

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aylR_DBX1pbM&refer=home