Posted by
Karen Spencer on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 10:46:42 PM
I must respond to Truth & Consequences who seems to advocate that the United States much not start a dialogue with Syria and Iran. Obliviously the terrorist situation needs more than one prong approach. Diplomacy is a necessary prong. President Reagan used it very effectively during the Cold War with Russia. Yes, our enemy was a state with borders at that time. However, during these past five years it is clear that Iran, and to a lesser extent, Syria, are financially and in other ways supporting terrorists.
As President Reagan said in one of his letters to Mikhail Gorbachev: "First, I want you to know that I found our meetings of great value. We had agreed to speak frankly, and we did. As a result, I came away from the meeting with a better understanding of your attitudes. I hope you also understand mind a little better. Obviously there ae many things on which we disagree, and disagree very fundamentally."
Clearly strong leadership is required on all sides. And a desire to solve a problem and to find common ground. And finally, the clarification of ground rules which will be communicated to the people each leader represent. If you read my other postings where I quote President Reagan's letters, you will see he tries to clarify to the American people his intentions. I view these efforts as leadership.