Bush Uses Earthquake Aid in Appeal to Pro-Democracy Forces in Iran

[rodbarnett]

By George Gedda Associated Press Writer
Published: Jan 2, 2004

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration is weighing the possibility of sending Sen. Elizabeth Dole to Iran as part of a mission to deliver earthquake relief assistance, an administration official said Friday.
If Dole does make the trip, it would send a clear signal of American interest in providing assistance in connection with the tragedy as a prelude to a possible political opening to Tehran. Dole, R-N.C., is a former president of the American Red Cross.

The administration also may send a member President Bush's family to accompany Dole if the mission receives a green light, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

<snip>

The United States moved quickly this past week to provide assistance to Iran's earthquake victims, insisting that there was no political component to the initiative.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA75SEBYOD.html

[Nashyra]

1. Trip has just been approved

* family should stay the hell out. Send Big Dog with her.

[robcon]

2. We should be more subtle on the subject of pro-democracy forces.

One thing that might "kill" the pro-democracy movement in Iran would be too close/too overt an association between that movement and the West, especially the U.S.

The mullahs, of course, have blamed Big Satan for fomenting the movement, and funding it. I think they would do that no matter what the U.S. did.

But I think the U.S. should should be as subtle as possible about support of the movement to try to keep the crackdowns less "justified" in the minds of the mullahs and the leaders of the movement. The bravery of the pro-democracy leaders and their followers reminds me of the Solidarity movement in Poland that led to crackdowns, but ultimately freed Poland from Soviet domination.

Unfortunately, subtlety is not this administration's strongest attribute, and the demands of domestic politics may make them try to claim some credit for the movement. (I have little doubt that the CIA is helping the pro-democracy protesters with money and resources.)

[Turbineguy]

3. Bush will blow this one

like everything else. He doesn't get it. People don't hate Americans, they just don't want Bush.

[pansypoo53219]

4. yes, he will manage

to fuck this up too. open up to Iran, but if he gets is hands in there, there will be a backlash.
god dammit god dammit god dammit.

[leesa]

5. Hmmmm....which one of the Bush Crime Family will go???

Marvin could install bugging devices and wire buildings for demolition. Neil could arrange some scam to pull a few billion out of Iran, or he could start a sex scandal and throw the Mullahs off guard. Jeb could 'arrange' an 'election'. Is James Baker one of his uncles yet? He could help 'convince' them that allowing us to invade them is a good idea.

[guajira]

6. Why Can't this WH Give Aid Without Demanding Something in Return?

What a bunch of opportunistic bastards in the WH!! Take advantage of an earthquake that kills more than 30,000 and use our US humanitarian aid for political purposes!!

How sleazy can this bunch get??

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

7. Those are my thoughts. It's like charging exorbatant prices for drugs

to a dying man....

Wait, we already do that.

[Moderator]

8. Dupe....locking

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=294613

DU Moderator