Posted on 02/17/2006 9:08:14 PM PST by Pikamax
U.S. should be talking with Iran, Hagel says
BY TIM ELFRINK
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
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WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Hagel reasserted his differences with President Bush's foreign policy Thursday, calling in part for a more measured approach to Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Speaking to about 30 journalists who cover the military, the Nebraska Republican said a diplomatic approach was vital to confronting Iran, which has been pressing for nuclear technology.
"I think one thing we ought to be doing is engaging the Iranians. Why aren't we talking to them? That's the essence of good foreign policy," he said. "We must find a way to establish some relationship based on common interests."
Hagel said he was not convinced that military action against Iran was currently a viable option.
"You have to ask yourself what we would get in return. Would we destroy their capability to produce nuclear weapons?" Hagel said. "I don't think so."
U.S. leaders should also take into account the large portion of the Iranian population below the age of 21 who are sympathetic to Western ideals, Hagel said.
"We have to be careful we don't drive those people away from us, and if you attack them, they're sure . . . not going to embrace America and say, 'Thank you very much,'" he said.
Hagel, a consistent critic of Bush's handling of the war in Iraq, also reasserted his belief that a larger, multinational force could have helped ease Iraq's transition to democracy.
"I was saying three years ago, you can't unilaterally make the decision to invade countries," he said. "We are faced with a global challenge and that's going to require a global response. The U.S. can't go it alone."
Progress remains painfully slow in Iraq, as evidenced by decreased electrical output and oil production, as well as continued insurgent attacks and U.S. casualties, Hagel said.
Still, he didn't agree with suggestions that U.S. forces begin withdrawing.
"I think if the U.S. pulls out now, there's a real chance for a civil war in Iraq," he said.
His criticisms of the war in Iraq are based on his experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War, Hagel said.
"As long as I'm here, I owe it to those who died in Vietnam and their families to keep asking tough questions," he said. "Most of both parties were strangely silent during the Vietnam War. So who suffered? All those poor young guys who got chewed up every day."
Hagel also got in a gibe at Vice President Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of a hunting partner last weekend.
Referring to Cheney's repeated draft deferrals during the Vietnam War, Hagel said, "If he'd been in the military, he would have learned gun safety."
Is that windbag Hagel still a Republican or has he crossed over to the enemy? He sounds like Ms. Clinton, Schumer, Kerry, or Kennedy for starters.
I don't like McCain but at least I agree with him from time to time and ever so often he is funny. Hagel makes him look good.
Hagel is a total Clymer!
Hagel better watch out - Cheney shoots back! :-)
Hagel had better mean "diplomatic" in the sense of crooning "niiiiiice doggie" at the rabid mutt while we load the shotgun.
Shallow and smarmy.
U.S. should be talking with Iran, Hagel says
US: Stop building nukes
Iran: No!
End of conversation, warm up the B2's.
Hagel seems to believe that the way to the 2008 presidency includes a massive swing to the anti-Iraq way genre. IMO, as a member of the "WDC Bubble Crowd", he is very wrong. In the end, he'll be as credible as the recently failed Democrat candidates.
A cheap shot, sounded like a Dim.
The RINO version of Wesley Clarke--big hat, no cattle.
Senator Foghorn Leghorn
I know! Don't know how he thinks he can get through a Republican Primary in states like Oklahoma that have early primaries.
He is running to the left and most Republicans are on the right -- makes no sense to me. Guess he is forgetting that he has to go through the Republican primaries. Even when he is not being a total Clymer, he is not very likeable -- her personality stinks!
Hagel should pretend to be the 12th Imam and go to such lovely places as Benghazi, Islamabad and Tehran to preach the golden rule of the good book. After he has succeeded, we will all listen intently as to how he believes the Mullahs should be handled.
You just cannot please these people .. first they yelled because we didn't involve other nations - and we were a "go it alone" admin .. now they aren't happy because we have involved other nations.
Sheeeeeesh!! This is just getting tiresome!
Our enemies are quite aware that Schlubs like Hagel are their best friend because weak figures like him are easily swayed by the propaganda that influences the base that supports such a spineless worm like Chuck Hagel
U.S. should be talking with Iran?
Talk is cheap and the time for talking is over.
Shallow, smarmy and a recurring moonbat talking point this week (as heard on Air American and DU). Hagel's in good company.
I know where from I speak. I call Goober Graham's office all the time. He's a goner in '08.
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