Iraq And U.S. Invite Syria, Iran To Meet

Invitation To "Neighbors Meeting" Reflects Change Of Attitude By Bush Administration

(CBS/AP)  The United States and the Iraqi government are launching a new diplomatic initiative to invite Iran and Syria to a "neighbors meeting" on stabilizing Iraq, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Tuesday.

"We hope that all governments seize this opportunity to improve their relations with Iraq and to work for peace and stability in the region," Rice said in remarks prepared for delivery to a Senate committee. Excerpts were released in advance by the State Department.

After first rejecting much of the Baker-Hamilton Report, the White House is now embracing a key component of it — engaging directly with Syria and Iran, reports CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod.

The move reflects a change of approach by the Bush administration, which previously had resisted calls by members of Congress and by a bipartisan Iraq review group to include Iran and Syria in diplomatic talks on stabilizing Iraq.

"I am pleased to announce that we are also supporting the Iraqis in a new diplomatic offensive: to build greater support, both within the region and beyond, for peace and prosperity in Iraq," Rice said, adding that U.S. and Iraqi officials agree that success in Iraq "requires the positive support of Iraq's neighbors."

At the White House, press secretary Tony Snow told reporters the administration is "happy that the government of Iraq is taking this step and engaging its neighbors. And we also hope and expect that Iran and Syria will play constructive roles in those talks."

But Snow cautioned people to be patient, noting that "this is one where the agenda is being set up by the government of Iraq. And the conditions, especially for bilateral conversations with the Iranians, are pretty clear."

The administration in recent weeks had increased its public criticism of Iran's role in Iraq, charging it with supplying deadly weapons, including advanced technologies for the most lethal form of roadside bombs. The administration also has accused Syria of harboring anti-Iraqi government forces and allowing weapons to cross its border.

Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates testified Tuesday before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the administration's budget request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Iraqi government announced in Baghdad that it is preparing the meeting for mid-March, and that invitees include members of the Arab League and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.

The conference will focus on reconstruction issues and economic development as well as security, adds Axelrod.

Syria will be represented at the conference by Ahmed Arnous, an aide to the foreign minister, an Iraqi Foreign Ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the plans had not yet been formally announced. Other Arab countries and Iran have not confirmed their attendance or the level of delegates they would send.

Rice said the mid-March meeting will be held at the sub-ministerial level. That is to be followed, perhaps as early as the first half of April, by a full ministerial-level meeting with the same invited countries, plus members of the G-8 group of leading industrial powers.

"I would note that the Iraqi government has invited Syria and Iran to attend both of these regional meetings," Rice said. She also noted that the Iraq Study Group, headed by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Rep. Lee Hamilton, had recommended inviting Iran and Syria to such a neighbors meeting. At the time of that recommendation in December, President Bush rejected that diplomatic approach.

[agnim]

U.S. Urged to Reveal Whereabouts of Prisoners Held in Secret Jails

More information has come to light about the CIA's network of secret overseas prisons. A Palestinian man named Marwan Jabour has told Human Rights Watch that he was held in a secret US prison in Afghanistan for nearly two years. According to Jabour, his clothes were taken from him when he arrived at the prison. He was left completely naked for a month and a half. He was chained tightly to the wall of his small cell so that he could not stand up. He was placed in painful stress positions so that he had difficulty breathing. And he was told that if he did not cooperate he would be put in a suffocating %u201Cdog box.%u201D For two years Jabour spent nearly all of his time alone in a windowless cell, with little human contact besides his captors. Jabour said, %u201CIt was a grave. I felt like my life was over.%u201D Based in part on information provided by Jabour, Human Rights Watch has released the names of 38 men believed to have been held in secret CIA prisons who have since disappeared. The group is calling on President Bush to account for the disappeared %u2013 all of whom are Muslim men

ANY AMERICANS?

[us_infidel]

The group is calling on President Bush to account for the disappeared 2013 all of whom are Muslim men.

Posted by Agnim at 03:37 PM : Feb 27, 2007

Hopefully, they are all enjoying their 72 virgins and kicking back with a cold one with Allah.

[randalds]

I love the pic of Georgie and Condi. Are they posing for their engagement picture?

Still it's nice to see that they are finally accepting the fact that they HAVE to include other nations in the region in their negotiations for the region. Bush looks downright downtrodden at the prospect of having to talk to Iran and Syria. Good, it's about time that as*shole ate a little humble pie. It's always good to see an arrogant bully like him get some comeuppance.

[dallison7]

At the White House, press secretary Tony Snow told reporters the administration is "happy that the government of Iraq is taking this step and engaging its neighbors.

Incredible!! After kicking his feet and acting like a baby, saying he will not engage in talks with Iran and Syria, the Chimp is now going to try to make it his idea!!

This guy is unbelievable!!

[fascistusa]

"Our Plans for World Domination are not going as Planned," said King Cheney.

"It might be time for another 9/11. We'll teach these Sheep who their Masters are," replies Lord Bush.

"We have to put on some sort of Show. Try to make us look good in front of the World. I know, invite the next Countries we plan to Invade next over for a nice seafood dinner," said King Cheney.

"The World will be ours. The WORLD. HA HA HA HA, laughed King Cheney as he looked into Lord Bushes cold, blue eyes. The sexual tension was amazing.

"Yes, the World would be ours." Lord Bush half laughed and shouted with a zeal of Passion. You could almost feel the madness pouring out of Lord Bush like a river of Lust.

[grazinggoat]

Hopefully, they are all enjoying their 72 virgins and kicking back with a cold one with Allah.
Posted by US_Infidel

-You sound very much like the son of God who inflated your Mom with his HolySpirit. Hope you get only one day or two of what Jabbour suffered.

[scott4261]

U.S. presidents from both parties regularly exercised diplomacy before George W. Bush took office.

I hope they don't blow it. But since Condi and W are in the mix, pardon my skepticism.

[crater7]

OLD GEORGE, DON'T LOOK TO HAPPY LATELY? HE LOOKS SO SAD. I JUST FEEL SO SORRY FOR HIM. MAYBE HE CAN START ANOTHER WAR. SYRIA, HMMMM, THEY DON'T HAVE AYN NUKES, DO THEY? A LITTLE SHOCK AND AWE, WOULD CHEER HIM UP.

[stevex47]

NOW they want to try diplomacy? This is gonna throw all the stay the course folks into one huge flip-flop.

Next they'll speak out against torture, and stop chasing congressional pages around congress.

Little too little too late boys, but nice try.

[stevex47]

And it was a fast flip-flop. Just like a magicians slight of hand...

"State James Baker and former Rep. Lee Hamilton, had recommended inviting Iran and Syria to such a neighbors meeting. At the time of that recommendation in December, President Bush rejected that diplomatic approach."

Hopefully the iranian president will be there. Bush better brush up on his farci(sp?).

[musty2u]

"Shock and Awe" was drastically over-advertised and certainly pretty passive in general. Had it been done properly executed and truly contained shock and awe together for an sufficient length of time maybe we wouldn't be there today

[stevex47]

And it was a fast flip-flop. Just like a magicians slight of hand...

"State James Baker and former Rep. Lee Hamilton, had recommended inviting Iran and Syria to such a neighbors meeting. At the time of that recommendation in December, President Bush rejected that diplomatic approach."

Hopefully the iranian president will be there. Bush better brush up on his farci(sp?).

[musty2u]

"Shock and Awe" was drastically over-advertised and certainly pretty passive in general. Had it been done properly executed and truly contained shock and awe together for an sufficient length of time maybe we wouldn't be there today

[olebd]

Once he gets that smirk going and starts acting like he know best about everything, Iran and Syria will get up and leave. (Predicted duration of this meeting, about 6 minutes)

[formrusmcsgt]

Iraq is taking this step, not the US. China drove the N. Korea initiative. The EU is driving the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

This administration doesn't need a State Department...it's outsourcing all of the diplomatic effort to others......as if to say "we don't understand diplomacy, do you?"

[agnim]

"Iraq And U.S. Invite Syria, Iran To Meet"

So if/when they decided to rain bombs on Iran and Syria, they can state that at least they did MAKE A SHOW OF TRYING DIPLOMACY!

Who take these people's words?

[formrusmcsgt]

badaxmofo-

How about your mentioning some of Rice's diplomatic successes since going to State?

[clestes-2009]

Well, talk about an about face. I wonder what has happened in the Bush whitehouse that has brought about this change of tatics. Talk to Iran and Syria?? I thought that was off the table. No, we were going to invade or better still bomb suspected nuclear installations.

This piece of good sense can't possibly last. Something beneficial might come from it.

[perception5]

Bush your the man!!!!!!!! Two axis of evil gone and now we sit down with the third one, Iran......Bush you are the man........ This could be extremely important move by our President.... Iran has pumped alot of $$$ into Middle Eastern as they have been a major "exporter" of terror since 1979......

With a little luck President Bush may top Ronald Reagan's "tear down this wall" in Europe ......

All Americans, even the ones that hate Bush, should "root" for success here.....

[formrusmcsgt]

I like your 'shi'ite on the USA' attitude though, it's very Kerry'esqe.
Posted by badaxmofo at 05:00 PM : Feb 27, 2007

Spoken like a man who can't cite a single diplomatic achievement that can be attributed to Rice. Neither can I, BTW, because there are none.

Sunday, in speaking with Chris Wallace on Fox, she showed her complete ignorance about WWII and Hitler, It really was ugly......not to mention embarrasing.

[scott4261]

Ahmadinejad really has very little power after the last elections in Iran. And in case the nutjob chorus doesn't know: the majority of Iran's population is under 35 and very westernized. To start a war with Iran would be a colossal mistake.

And if you need any further convincing, look at how well the wars are going in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[formrusmcsgt]

Bush haters would rather relish in the 'I told you so' victories as their homes are vaporized by an Iranian/NK nuke!
Posted by badaxmofo at 05:11 PM : Feb 27, 2007

Considering that Bush's policy towards N. Korea and Iran has been "I ain't talking to you evil SOB's", just who do you think we have to thank for both programs being ratched up on Bush's watch, badaxmofo? Clinton?

[formrusmcsgt]

Poor lil formr - just read the interview w/Wallace and Rice - not one mention of WWII -

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,
254502,00.html


Posted by badaxmofo at 05:16 PM : Feb 27, 2007

Then you can't read. She stated that re-addressing the authorization regarding Iraq wopuld be like re-addressing the authorization for fighting Hitler.

The dumb broad didn't even know that the Germans hand delivered their declaration of war to her WWII predecessor in the same office she occupies today.

[scott4261]

badaxmofo,

Please spare me the "my President, my country, right or wrong" b u l l s h i t! You right-wing nutcases would not support Bill Clinton, right or wrong....and I certainly don't blame you, because that is your First Amendment right. Just don't call me a traitor when I call Bush an idiot, because it smacks of hypocrisy!

"Dissent is the highst form of patriotism." -Thomas Jefferson

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

[perception5]

programs being ratched up on Bush's watch, badaxmofo? Clinton?
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 05:16 PM : Feb 27, 2007

......The answer is the United Nations.....the same body that watches as thousands of people die in Sudan, Iraq, and Afghanistan at the hands of unelected terrorists........

[formrusmcsgt]

Formr - where again are those Rice comments about WWII and Hitler?
Posted by badaxmofo at 05:20 PM : Feb 27, 2007

In Sunday's interview with Chris Wallace. I saw it myself live. If they don't appear in the print version, Fox News edited them out. It was really embarrasing to see her ignorance on the subject, so I would not be surprised that they did. You now how Fox handles the truth...fast and loose.

[radiob-2009]

Iranian government executes teen age girls because they were RAPED - gotta love a government such as their's, right Bush haters?
Posted by badaxmofo

No one would approve of that kind of behavior. This statement is low coming from anyone.

[perception5]

You right-wing nutcases would not support Bill Clinton, right or wrong....and I certainly don't blame you, because that is your First Amendment right.

Hi, I'm a right-wing nutcase and I supported Bill Clinton when he did the "right thing" when we saved thousand of lives in the Balkens.... and I would have liked to party with him if I had the opportunity..... but I just don't think he was focused on his job as he should have been....

[scott4261]

badaxmofo, I didn't say I supported Iran. I just said we shouldn't be dropping bombs on them. That would be a huge error, IMO.

Perception 5, we are all entitled to our own opinions. And that's great part of being American.

[formrusmcsgt]

Quoting Jefferson doesn't make your moronic 'dissent' any more 'right'...but hey, go support an Iranian government that EXECUTES teenaged girls because they were RAPED!
Posted by badaxmofo at 05:25 PM : Feb 27, 2007

I guess you're good with the administration supporting Sunni's affiliated with al Qaeda though, aren't you badaxmofo?

Remember the Bush doctrine #1? Countries who harbor terrorists will be held accountable? So much for that hogwash! He's supporting al Qaeda affiliates in Lebanon and it's administered through Cheney's office.


If any one of us had any contact with al Qaeda, the men in black suits would be at our door with handcuffs. But the White House financially supports them and that's all good, right badaxmofo? Right perception5?

[bm6005]

Bush haters would rather relish in the 'I told you so' victories as their homes are vaporized by an Iranian/NK nuke!
Posted by badaxmofo

I'll take my chances cause I love to hate that silver spoon in his nose rich kid dipatick. That enough for you?

[formrusmcsgt]

Formr - is this another one of your 'facts'? Is Michael Moore making a 'documentary' about it? Is that where you get this 'information'?
Posted by badaxmofo at 05:36 PM : Feb 27, 2007

Were you on the planet over the weekend, badaxmofo? If so, I don't know how you could have missed the reports. Need a link do you?

[dallison7]

Bush your the man!!!!!!!! Two axis of evil gone and now we sit down with the third one, Iran
Posted by perception5

YOU PROBABLY SHOULD READ THE ARTICLE BEFORE COMMENTING.

At the White House, press secretary Tony Snow told reporters the administration is "happy that the government of Iraq is taking this step and engaging its neighbors.

[formrusmcsgt]

badaxmofo-

Here you go:

Hersh summed up his scoop in stark terms: %u201CWe are simply in a situation where this president is really taking his notion of executive privilege to the absolute limit here, running covert operations, using money that was not authorized by Congress, supporting groups indirectly that are involved with the same people that did 9/11.%u201D
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/02/25/hersh-qaeda/

[bm6005]

I 'm pretty sure that's how I became a millionaire. Working 14-16 hour days for years, not getting it handed to me from Daddy's friends. How about you? BTW both of my granfathers got here and spoke no english either.

[radiob-2009]

Radio - you just wake up? Iran's policy of executing teenaged girls who were raped is just another sign of their mentality, ties to the Koran and general backwardness that Bush haters seem to love for some reason...maybe you can tell me why?


Posted by badaxmofo

Where have you seen anybody support the positions of Iran, on any of these boards? I have only read where people want to engage them in talks over Iraq. Like the article. It is interesting to note on the side of this is that there was published reports in the British Press that our generals are threating to quit if the president orders a attack on Iran. Maybe that is why the admin, is now willing to talk with Iran.There are governments all over this world that we support through aid, trade agreements etc. that commit heinous crimes some of which us taxpayers are paying for. China, Vietnam, N. Korea all have the worst record on forced abortions in the world (last report that I read) and we support all of them through trade, tax write offs for corporations that move to China etc. None of this makes Iran's policies or the other nations acceptable. We have had a failed foreign relations policy for decades going back to Tito. It is a policy of the lesser of two evils that we have supported time and time again , the other choices are what isolationism or military or intel conquest. We seem to always back the wrong horse.

[perception5]

If any one of us had any contact with al Qaeda, the men in black suits would be at our door with handcuffs. But the White House financially supports them and that's all good, right badaxmofo? Right perception5?

Posted by formrusmcsgt at 05:34 PM : Feb 27, 2007

.....formrusmcsgt.....are you taking medicine??? I don't think I've run across a more confused and contaminated American...... your statements don't have anything factural to them.... who's your source?????

[formrusmcsgt]

Perception 5, we are all entitled to our own opinions. And that's great part of being American.
Posted by scott4261 at 05:33 PM : Feb 27, 2007

Neocons will argue that right to a differing opinion. They do it here every day. As opposed to respecting one's right to dissent, they'll call you a terrorist, traitor, or enemy agent if you don't drink the Kool-Aid....

[bm6005]

I don't suffer from class envy. I recognize a fraud when I see him. Bush, Cheney (wife's money)later on Halliburton, no bid, secret meetings, blah, blah. Need I go on?

[scott4261]

....they'll call you a terrorist, traitor, or enemy agent if you don't drink the Kool-Aid....
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 05:50 PM

------

Believe me, I know. I'm in their line of fire lot. But you know what? I don't care. And you know what else? I'm taking my country back!

[formrusmcsgt]

.....formrusmcsgt.....are you taking medicine??? I don't think I've run across a more confused and contaminated American...... your statements don't have anything factural to them.... who's your source?????
Posted by perception5 at 05:49 PM : Feb 27, 2007

As you appear to be taking meds yourselfor are reading challenged, I'll post it again:

Here you go Perception5, get ready now, here it comes, ok?:

Hersh summed up his scoop in stark terms: %u201CWe are simply in a situation where this president is really taking his notion of executive privilege to the absolute limit here, running covert operations, using money that was not authorized by Congress, supporting groups indirectly that are involved with the same people that did 9/11.%u201D

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/02/25/he
rsh-qaeda/

[bluestardad]

Bush is playing all of us for suckers! He is supporting al Qaeda in Lebanon with funds from Iraq! The recently resigned terrorist Czar ask for a demotion to deputy Secretary of State Because he did not want to be tangled up with another Iran Contra style Funding Fiasco that is going on in Lebanon. While you are at it Can the Democratic Leadership really deliver on getting America out of Iraq as America wanted November 7, 2006? We need to ask them or get new Leadership!

Here is the stream read it yourself!

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/070305fa_fact_hersh

Just copy up to the Hersh on the news stream this web site is adding a n on the end of the paste!


SO DO SOMETHING EXCEPT SIT ON THE COMPUTER AN COMPLAIN! Write Congress Now! Let them know you are aware of their dirty little Secret funding of our enemies and are not happy with the Democratic Leadership! http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

[formrusmcsgt]

Believe me, I know. I'm in their line of fire lot. But you know what? I don't care. And you know what else? I'm taking my country back!
Posted by scott4261 at 05:52 PM : Feb 27, 2007

You and me, bro. These neocons can find their own little theocracy elsewhere to operate from as far as I'm concerned. The US has always been a democracy and will be again as soon as we get the THEOCRAT out of the big house.

[scott4261]

Amen, formrusmcsgt!

[bm6005]

I don't hate Bush solely because of his money. It's mostly due to his stupidity!

[perception5]

I don't suffer from class envy. I recognize a fraud when I see him. Bush, Cheney (wife's money)later on Halliburton, no bid, secret meetings, blah, blah. Need I go on?
Posted by bm6005 at 05:50 PM : Feb 27, 2007

....bm6005 there is a concept that you and the rest of the liberal Dems need to start warming up to and that is "Bill Clinton gave Cheney a "no bid" contract with Halliburton when Clinton moved troops into the Balkens" It was during the Clinton Administration, when Cheney's salary was coming from Halliburton, that Cheney made all his money....fyi...Cheney's been on the Federal payroll since Jan 2001.
It ashame Americans don't know this as "common knowledge" but when you have a Corrupt Liberal MSM Wolfpack that has smeared and lied about this "conservative administration" you are simply going to get "their" propaganda....FYI

[formrusmcsgt]

Nonetheless, hating someone because they came from a familiy of privilige is class envy, pure and simple.
Posted by badaxmofo at 05:56 PM : Feb 27, 2007

Considering that Dubya never tires of wasting money in a doomed endeavor, it's easy to see why he was a failure as a bussinessman.

[radiob-2009]

Funding terrorism originally from the British press but now confirmed by the US press.
Funding Terrorist
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070226/pl_afp/usattacksiraniraq_070226004026;_ylt=An6ZVnUKsVNi5US0ZhpoV1LMWM0F


US funds terror groups to sow chaos in Iran
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ma
in.jhtml;jsessionid=LQ5NYX0DE1FWJQFIQMFS
FFOAVCBQ0IV0?xml=/news/2007/02/25/wiran2
5.xml

[formrusmcsgt]

It ashame Americans don't know this as "common knowledge" but when you have a Corrupt Liberal MSM Wolfpack that has smeared and lied about this "conservative administration" you are simply going to get "their" propaganda....FYI
Posted by perception5 at 05:58 PM : Feb 27, 2007

If what you say is true, why do the neocons lie down like cowards and take it instead of suing for slander and/or defamation?

[radiob-2009]

....bm6005 there is a concept that you and the rest of the liberal Dems need to start warming up to and that is "Bill Clinton gave Cheney a "no bid" contract with Halliburton when Clinton moved troops into the Balkens" It was during the Clinton Administration, when Cheney's salary was coming from Halliburton, that Cheney made all his money....fyi...Cheney's been on the Federal payroll since Jan 2001.
It ashame Americans don't know this as "common knowledge" but when you have a Corrupt Liberal MSM Wolfpack that has smeared and lied about this "conservative administration" you are simply going to get "their" propaganda....FYI
Posted by perception5


Where is your link to substatiate this ????