| Nat'l Security Adviser Debunks Obama's Claims On Iran |
| Oct-25-2012 |
| Keywords: obama, iran, national security adviser, Gen. James Jones |
One day after proclaiming that his administration had made significant progress in isolating Iran, a former Obama national security adviser suggested the administration reset progress with the rogue nation by 3-to-4 years.
Retired Gen. James Jones, who served as the president's first security adviser, sat down with PBS' Charlie Rose Tuesday night.
He spoke about joining the administration and addressing the world actors who were "causing us difficulties," and claimed "in some cases we made some progress."
Jones cited as one success story the signing of a new arms reduction treaty with the Russians.
"On the other hand," he continued, "with the Middle East and Iran, we're probably right back where we were, you know, three or four years ago."
Jones went on to suggest that the changes in the region have forced the U.S. to change its approach. "So, it is great to be able to come in and try to think strategically, but you're really many times driven by the tactics of the moment. And you find yourself responding to the tactical impulses that face us. And that's very hard to keep that strategic focus," Jones said.
The comments reflect widespread concerns about not just Iran, but the direction of the Arab Spring. While the U.S. ultimately backed anti-Mubarak protesters in Egypt and actively helped rebels overthrow Muammar Qaddafi in Libya, the newly formed Egyptian government has a much stronger Islamist presence.
Obama rejected claims he hasn't been tough enough on Tehran, saying, "we've put in the toughest, most crippling sanctions ever."
He added: "When I came into office, the world was divided. Iran was resurgent. Iran is at its weakest point economically, strategically, militarily than since, than in many years."
Mitt Romney countered: "We're four years closer to a nuclear Iran."
During the final presidential, there was little discussed about the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
However, a newly released portion of a CBS "60 Minutes" interview is heightening scrutiny of the administration. In the previously unaired portion of the interview, President Obama admits that he suspected elements involved in the attack, were targeting Americans.
The president's remarks were made the day after the attack, and are in stark contrast to those of his spokespeople, who for more than a week, contended the attack was born out of a spontaneous protest over a YouTube video, and were not directly attacking Americans. |
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Posted by Lou Dobbs Staff at 1:00 PM Email to a friend |
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