In an interview to air tonight on CBS's 60 Minutes, President Barack Obama will refer to Israel's concern over Iran's march toward a nuclear program as "noise."
"When it comes to our national security decisions -- any pressure that I feel is simply to do what's right for the American people. And I am going to block out -- any noise that's out there," Obama says, according to AFP.
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UPDATE: Here's the transcript:
STEVE KROFT: "How much pressure have you been getting from Prime Minister Netanyahu to make up your mind to use military force in Iran?"
PRESIDENT OBAMA: "Well—look, I have conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu all the time. And I understand and share Prime Minister Netanyahu's insistence that Iran should not obtain a nuclear weapon, because it would threaten us, it would threaten Israel, and it would threaten the world and kick off a nuclear arms race."
STEVE KROFT: "You’re saying, you don't feel any pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu in the middle of a campaign to try and get you to change your policy and draw a line in the sand? You don’t feel any pressure?"
PRESIDENT OBAMA: "When it comes to our national security decisions—any pressure that I feel is simply to do what's right for the American people. And I am going to block out—any noise that's out there. Now I feel an obligation, not pressure but obligation, to make sure that we're in close consultation with the Israelis—on these issues. Because it affects them deeply. They're one of our closest allies in the region. And we’ve got an Iranian regime that has said horrible things that directly threaten Israel’s existence."
very telling slip of the tongue/mask.
ReplyDeleteBothersome, nothing more.
ReplyDeleteIn 1941 FDR had to connive a way for the US to use it's destroyers to escort British bound convoys of american supplies past German subs, so against getting involved was the US population. So I get way Obama POLITICALLY wants to keep away any idea that he MUST respond to every detail of this coming war...HOWEVER
ReplyDelete1) He is only firm in this way when it comes to US allies, NOT US ENEMIES
2) This is a foreign policy 'Joe the Plumber' moment
3) He once again demonstrates that when this problem moves to crisis and attack, he is NOT going to back up Israel.
I would advise Netanyahu that since there is no doubt Obama is going to crawfish on them, they should act when they deem necessary without regard for any other considerations.
If the Iranians are SO INSANE as to attack American bases all over the middle east as a result, as they have threatened, well, I guess that would be Hitler declaring war on the US on 12/8/41 when FDR had no intent to do so towards Germany at that point.
If american are killed under Iranian missiles, even Obama will be COMPELLED to respond.
I guess.
Right?