What would have been the best reaction to this letter from Iran?

[beachmom]

This is really a question for GD, but as I stated in a previous thread, too many on this website would ruin the thread, and cause even further embarrassment with their "small ideas" to those of us dead serious about the threat of Iran.

One of the beauties of the internet is that the actual letter from Ahmadinejad to * is available.

Here's the link to the Council on Foreign Relations:

http://www.cfr.org/publication/10633/

It's a pdf file, but it came up quickly for me.

I haven't read it yet, but wanted to get this to you because with a president at 32% approval rating, I think it's up to the citizens to ponder such questions, when our leader has floundered and can no longer do the job.

My knee jerk reaction based on the excerpts I have already read? Dismissing it immediately, which is exactly what Condi Rice did, was a mistake.

[ginnyinWI]

1. if they'd have asked me--

and that is funny in itself--I'd have told them that this is a golden opportunity to renew effective diplomatic talks with Iran. But no, these people are too arrogant and short-sighted. Condi's response was the height of arrogance.

We know a President Kerry would have jumped right on this and sent his own Sec. of State to organize talks. But President Achmadjinadad (sp) wouldn't have needed to send such a letter to JK--diplomatic relations would already be ongoing.

[karynnj]

2. I agree with all you said

Why close a door that is even the teeny tiniest bit open, when a moderate response could move things from the cliff - which is in the whole world's interest. Arrogance really probably is the right word. Hubris, another.

It's things like this that take me back to distress over the election and bewilderment that people couldn't see Kerry for the man he is. What scares me are the Democrats (mixing perceived strength with real strength) are trying to be bigger and tougher than the Republicans, when it's diplomacy that will make us stronger.