Iran's supreme leader affirms policies. Are We?

Los Angeles Times:

"As regards foreign policy, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always adopted an aggressive stance, and changing this policy into a defensive position, which has unfortunately happened sometimes, is wrong," --Ali Khamanie, Supremer Leader

What does the above quote translate to? It means first, that the "reformers" (Khatami, Rafsanjani et al) have zero power and only act as free lancers when they give interviews or talk unofficially to self-serving and professionally conceited journalists, left-leaning diplomats or so-called realists (projective of their detachment from reality). Second, it demonstrates the IRI's determination in becoming a nuclear power.

It has always been crystal clear to all Iranians that Ahmadinejad has been the Superme Leader's errand boys. Everything and anything Ahmadinjads says or does is scripted, orchestrated, and coordinated by the office of Supreme Leader. Without Khamanie's approval, Ahmadinejad cannot even drink a glass of water on his own (Persian expression).

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the final arbiter of political, military and religious decisions in Iran's government. He could not have been so unmistakeably clear about his intentions and his consistent policies than he was this last Saturday. He has an unambiguous and a well-prepared foreign policy plan that he's been implementing all along in relation to every single issue we're facing in the ME and in regards to the nuclear standoff with the West; specifically, the "hated arrogant powers":

Khamenei rejected Bush administration accusations that Iran was meddling in Iraq and Afghanistan. "There is no doubt about the hatred of the Iranian nation and government for the U.S. administration, but the root cause of the United States' present problems is placed somewhere else," he said. "Instead of paying attention to the root cause of the issue — that is, the Muslim nations' lack of cooperation and hatred for the U.S. — Americans are accusing the Islamic Republic of Iran," Khamenei said.

Khamenie has spoken and he is quite articulate and lucid on the path his government will continue to take. I find it remarkable that Mr. Bush has not responded to any of this so far. What is going on with effective political leadership of this country? Who is in charge?

Most Americans suspect that something is fundamentally wrong with the President’s management of the conflict in Iraq and lack of coherent foreign policy toward Iran. And they are right.

The challenge we face today is not how to win in Iraq; it is how to recover from an ill-timed strategic mistake: invading Iraq in the first place. And a significant part of that is how we will deal with Iran. The war in Iraq so far has not served American interests. Instead, it has served Iran’s interest by toppling Saddam and enhancing Iran’s influence within Iraq.

It has given Iran a substantial leverage to act as a regional power who is bent on a delusional power trip of "defeating Imperialism" and arrogant powers". The Islamic republic has its tentacles all across the Middle East, creating chaos and destabilizing other nations. Iran has weaseled its way into a position of strength where almost everything we need to accomplish in the middle east depends on whether we surrender to Iran's will or be bribed by offering them the "protection money", so to speak.

How can we ‘win’ a war that serves our enemies interests and not our own. Thus continuing to pursue the illusion of victory in Iraq makes no sense without addressing the problem of Iran and not just the nuclear standoff. We can now see that it never did.

How we revises our objectives and change our strategy toward Iran, not just marginally, but radically, will define our future presence in the Middle East. Are we ready to leave the ME to the Chinese, Russians, and their stooge, Iran?

Photo: Young Khamanie in his Palestinain Commando get up