Is Iran a Threat, Obama?

In May, Barack Obama declared that Iran was not a threat to the U.S.

Analyzing comments that Obama made in a speech, Jim Geraghty noted:

Obama appears to drastically underestimate how much these various rogue states could harm Americans and their interests...

"Strong countries and strong Presidents talk to their adversaries. That's what Kennedy did with Khrushchev. That's what Reagan did with Gorbachev. That's what Nixon did with Mao. I mean think about it. Iran, Cuba, Venezuela – these countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union. They don't pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us. "

With Iran conducting missile tests, Obama is being forced to reconsider his position. Well, not really reconsider. Perhaps his position needs to be "refined."

"Our hands are always on the trigger and our missiles are ready for launch," the official IRNA news agency quoted Gen. Hossein Salami, the air force commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards.

The test-missiles are capable of reaching Israel and U.S. bases.

But hey, Iran's no threat to us, according to Obama's declaration.

How clueless can he be?

Obviously, Obama is dangerously clueless.

Iran's missile tests have highlighted some critical differences between Obama and John McCain.

From FOX News:

Barack Obama pointed to a new missile test Wednesday by Iran as a reason to open diplomatic relations with the country, while John McCain said the test indicates a need for a strong missile defense system based in Europe.

...Asked on morning shows about the news, Obama cautioned that the reports about the missile tests were still coming in, but said the current method of dealing with Iran appears broken.

“I would want to talk to the national security team to find out whether this indicates any new capabilities on Iran’s part. At this point, the reports aren’t clear. It’s still early,” Obama told CBS’ “Early Show.”

“But I think what this underscores is the need for us to create a kind of policy that is putting the burden on Iran to change behavior. And, frankly, we just have not been able to do that over the last several years. Partly because we’re not engaged in direct diplomacy,” he said.

His campaign released a statement saying: “These missile tests demonstrate once again that we need to change our policy to deal aggressively with the threat posed by the Iranian regime.

“Now is the time to work with our friends and allies, and to pursue direct and aggressive diplomacy with the Iranian regime backed by tougher unilateral and multilateral sanctions. It’s time to offer the Iranians a clear choice between increased costs for continuing their troubling behavior, and concrete incentives that would come if they change course.”

McCain told reporters in South Park, Pa., that the reported tests prove Iran is a threat to the surrounding region.

“Channels of communication have been open and will remain open, but the time has now come for effective sanctions on Iran,” he said. “Diplomacy plays a key role … but history shows us when nations embark on paths that can jeopardize the security of the region and the world then other action besides diplomacy has to be contemplated and taken, and that’s why meaningful and impactful sanctions are called for at this time.”

In a statement, McCain said: “Iran’s most recent missile tests demonstrate again the dangers it poses to its neighbors and to the wider region, especially Israel. Ballistic missile testing coupled with Iran’s continued refusal to cease its nuclear activities should unite the international community in efforts to counter Iran’s dangerous ambitions.”

I guess Obama now must admit that Iran is at least somewhat of a threat to our interests. The statement released by his campaign says Iran's regime poses a threat.

I wonder if the campaign informs Obama on its releases. They seem out of sync so often.

There's no question that McCain has been right on Iran and Obama has had his head in the sand.

It's a terrible mistake for Obama to use Iran's missile testing as an opportunity to slam U.S. policy as broken. He's appealing to his supporters and acting to advance his own political interests rather than acting in the best interests of the country.

Does Obama really believe that he has the power to change Iran? Does he think he'll be able to get Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to swoon and faint in his presence? Does Obama think his aura alone is enough to get Iran to abandon its ambitions?

The way the candidates have reacted to Iran's missile tests gives Americans a glimpse of how Obama and McCain would respond to aggression.

I feel so much more confident in McCain's ability to deal with a crisis.

Obama, on the other hand, has bought his into own myth.

Note to Obama: IRAN IS A THREAT.