White House Turned Down Cooperation Deal from Iran in 2003

Out of Control White House Craves Conflict

By paul angelo, published Jan 18, 2007
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With a dangerous conflict with Iran looming, Lawrence Wilkerson, chief of staff to former Secretary of State Colin Powell, has revealed to BBC's Newsnight that the White House rejected an offer from Iran in 2003 to help stabilize Iraq, end its support of Hezbollah and Hamas, and to increase transparency of their nuclear energy program. According to Wilkerson, once the offer arrived on the desk of Vice President Dick Cheney, the offer was stopped cold in its tracks, despite the State Departments determination that the letter containing the offer came from the highest authorities in Iran.

In Wilkerson's own words, "We thought it was a very propitious moment to (strike the deal)," Wilkerson said, "But as soon as it got to the White House, and as soon as it got to the vice president's office, the old mantra of 'We don't talk to evil' ... reasserted itself."

Wilkerson asserts that what Iran was asking for in return is that economic sanctions on Iran be lifted, that the US dismantle the Mujahedeen Khalq, an Iranian opposition group inside Iraq, and that the US government end its general hostility toward Iran.

This revelation takes on great significance in light of the ongoing crisis over Iran's nuclear energy program, and the allegations by Cheney and Bush that Iran is interfering with and destabilizing the Iraq situation. It also, once again, calls into question the claims of the Bush administration that they don not desire conflict.

If they truly desire to live up to their responsibility to try to resolve conflicts diplomatically; if they are interested in fighting a war on terrorism; and if they do not simply crave war and military domination of oil rich nations - why then would they reject an offer from a major state sponsor of terrorism to cease their support of recognized terrorist organizations? Why, if they are so concerned about Iran's nuclear program, would they have rejected an offer from Iran to provide greater transparency of said nuclear program?

Dark Side Dick Cheney could be our downfall

Credit: thepeoplesvoice.org

Copyright: thepeoplesvoice,org

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I agree with you Paul all the way. L.

Posted on 04/11/2007 at 2:04:00 PM

 
Oliver, This is not just me and a bunch of crazies saying these things, even conservatives admit that the Bush administration is wrong in their overall abandonment of diplomacy. But, as far as this particular conversation goes, Iran made a very reasonable offer and was completely ignored in 2003. It isn't even as if Bush and Cheney even took their offer as a starting point--they simply ignored it. Listen, if you desire perpetual war and would like to keep sacraficing our sons and daughters up for the privileged ruling class and their adventures, go right ahead. Fortunately, there are still millions who know there is a better way.

Posted on 01/20/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
Spend 10 minutes at this website>> http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/ (i know you won't because you already think you know it all) and then tell me that Bush and Cheney are the evil ones. And while you're at it, I would be very curious to know how you would use "diplomacy" in a more effective way than the current admin. The fact is, YOU CAN'T USE DIPLOMACY. It's easy to sit back and whine like babies about bush when you have NO solutions.

Posted on 01/20/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
Paul, this is just another example of how this Administration has its blinders on and has always had the same goals, regardless of what anyone else (or common sense) might say...and Oliver, perhaps you meant me...I have no problem saying that Bush and Cheney are evil, and that we have a stupid President...and I think the record speaks for itself in backing me up...

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 5:01:00 PM

 
I'm sorry, but your explanation of why they turned down Iran's offer didn't make sense. It is eactly what Wilkerson described, the whole "we don't negotiate with evil" argument. That is no way to run a foreign policy. Bottom line is that Iran approached the US with a reasonable offer and the Bush administration seemingly ignored it. The only plausible explanation is that they chose to remain in conflict with Iran, rather than open the door of cooperation. If you are calling me a liar, then you are calling Lawrence Wilkerson and Colin Powell liars too. If Wilkerson didn't think Irans offer was worthwhile, why would he disclose this information? Is he part of some liberal, Bush hating conspiracy? You are being irrational and would probably follow Bush and Cheney no matter what, so I don't know what else to say to you.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 3:01:00 PM

 
>>>"However, none of what you have said addresses the question of why Cheney would have turned down Iran's offer to give in to major US demands, which is the point of my article.">>>> Unbelievable. I just explained this!!! You are the perfect example of why it's impossible to have a conversation with someone that is determined to believe what he wants to believe. You also are a little weasel with your words, you say "Iran's offer to give into US demands." No sir, this was not your article. Your article involves an Iran-offered deal involving give-and-take. Your title says "turned down cooperation deal." No sir. This was just another of many "deals" to waste America's time, not a "cooperation deal". You innocently say "oh, i dont hate bush" but your subtitle says "Out of control... craves conflict" which is a despicable lie and shows your contempt for the white house regardless of policy. You, paul, are a lost cause.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 2:01:00 PM

 
Oliver, there has been no genuine offer made because the disagreement has little to do with the things you mention. Iran is insistent upon keeping up a nuclear ENERGY program, which is their right, just as it is Israels right to do so, for example. Also, there is no evidence that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons at this time. Therefore, demanding that they cease a completely legal program is a non-starter, and therefore the complete opposite of diplomacy. However, none of what you have said addresses the question of why Cheney would have turned down Iran's offer to give in to major US demands, which is the point of my article.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 2:01:00 PM

 
March 21, 2005>>> "In return for Iran's agreement to temporarily cease the work needed to produce a nuclear bomb, President Bush has agreed to allow Iran to buy civilian airplane parts, and to drop opposition to Iran's membership in the World Trade Organization." This is what you want, right? Surely this will bring peace. HOO-RAY for Bush! Funny, i dont always agree with bush, but even when he does what YOU want him to, you still find a way to disagree.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
one more thing paul, keep in mind that North Korea watches every move we make with Iran. Everytime we give into Iranian demands, that's one more trump card that N. Korea gets to throw at us.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
>>"that the US has not offered Iran any "deal".">> Incorrect. We have offered many deals including trade incentives and energy in exchange for Iran to chill out it's nuclear research, all denied. Here's the problem Paul: "Diplomacy" with an irrational life-hating dictatorship is dishonest and self-defeating. It is grotesquely irrational and immoral to seek to reward someone in exchange for not killing us. Isn't it blatantly obvious what behavior that encourages? Nothing we say or promise is going to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons in any case. There is nothing in this world we could give them, or that they would want, that could persuade them to cease and desist. They don't care about "this world". Their focus is on the "next world"--which, according to their beliefs, a nuclear bomb will help to bring about. Also, Israel is powerful because of America. Subtract America, and you metaphorically throw a Lion into a river filled with piranhas.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
President Bush is, in fact, too stupid to tie his shoes. Look at his shoes. Velcro. That is all.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
The point is Oliver, that the Bush administration turning down Iran's offer seems to suggest that they have no desire to find peaceful resolution to such conflicts. If they did, why would they turn down an authentic offer from Iran to capitulate on major US grievances?

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
Oliver, you really should relax a bit. When did I say that WE are Evil? I've never even said that Bush or Cheney are evil, let alone our entire country. I also have never called Bush stupid--so I'm not sure who you are referring to. Anyway, you should know Oliver, that the US has not offered Iran any "deal". In fact, the Bush admin has refused to even speak to them unless they give up their nuclear energy program. Beyond that, all Bush has offered Iran is to call the entire country "evil" (remember the axis of evil) and to threaten them with enormous aircraft carriers. Another thing you are forgetting is that Israel probably has the majority of their nukes pointed at Iran right now, and has by far the most powerful militray in the region--Israel is by no means a little innocent victim any longer.

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

 
why do i even bother, *sigh*. . . ok paul>> what's hearsay is your conclusion that because the US rejected a "deal" written up by Iran that we are EEEVIL. That is based on your hatred of Bush and assumption that he is too stupid to tie his shoes. How about this--- Since your such a "patriot" why don't you get upset at Iran for rejecting the deals that the USA puts forth? Why do we have to accept Iran's deal? Why doesn't Iran have to accept ours? Does Iran have better, more *peaceful* deals to offer? You apparently think so, I do not. I believe that America is more likely a nation of peace than Iran, but that's just me. I believe Iran should accept OUR deals. And why don't you want to support Israel??? Do you hate jews? you must, because you dont want America to support the most persecuted people in the history of mankind. America is the only thing stopping Iran and the others from annihilating the jews. Again. And we should accept THEIR deals?

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 12:01:00 PM

 
paul angelo: Oliver--When have I ever expressed any praise for Clinton? When did I mention him in this article? But back to the topic at hand--how you can dismiss this as hearsay is beyond comprehension? Wilkerson was Powell's chief of staff and has personal knowledge of a letter sent by Iran, which the State Department determined to be authentic and from Irans highest authorities. Until we hear Powell deny this, I think you are way wrong in calling it hearsay. Also, it sounds like you are the angry one. I express no hatred for Bush in any of my articles, especially not this one. However, I do hate his policies, particularly his belligerent foreign policy. Lastly, explain to me what historical perspective talking about Clinton gives us as it relates to the Bush administration turning down an offer by Iran to be more cooperative?

Posted on 01/19/2007 at 12:01:00 PM

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