During President Obama’s impromptu, sort of press conference with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, he came right out to say that The New York Times article on his letter to Russia “didn’t accurately characterize” what was sent to President Medvedev.
President Obama sent a secret letter to Russia’s president last month suggesting that he would back off deploying a new missile defense system in Eastern Europe if Moscow would help stop Iran from developing long-range weapons, American officials said Monday. [...]
Not quite, according to the President:
“What I said in the letter is what I have said publicly, which is that the missile defense that we have talked about deploying is directed toward, not Russia, but Iran,” he said.
“And what I said … was that, obviously, to the extent that we are lessening Iran’s commitment to nuclear weapons, then that reduces the pressure for, or the need for a missile defense system.”
For her part, Secretary Clinton walked in rhetorical lock step with President Obama:
“What we have said specifically in regard to missile defence in Europe is that it has always been intended to deter any missiles that might come from Iran,” Clinton said. “It remains our position. We have explained that to the Russians before.” …
Clinton declined to comment on the letter Obama sent to Russia.
Regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Clinton was as transparent and boldly honest in her response today as anyone on her level can be, a comment that reveals the actual capabilities anyone has of stopping Iran. The United States will “do all that we can” to stop Iran. In the end it will take real regional pressure, as well as restraint from the Israelis, though doubt remains as to whether that part of the equation will manifest, especially given the weight the Iranian issue now has in Israel.
One thing Clinton said yesterday after the Sharm el-Sheik conference I’d also like to mention, which also goes under the “transparent and boldly honest” heading, revealing Clinton’s commitment to communicate not only the President’s policies, but where they stand within her own commitment. Regarding working toward the equilibrium required to move forward in the Middle East, Clinton revealed the passion and purpose she brings to her position:
I feel passionately about this. This is something that is in my heart, not just in my portfolio. – Secretary Clinton
It’s a remarkable team we’ve got on the diplomatic front and we’re going to need every bit of wattage they’ve got.
