It's déjà vu all over again. Has not the Iranian handling of the hikers -- holding them hostage on trumped-up charges, indicating an imminent release and then revoking the offer -- been similar to the Iranian hostage crisis of more than 30 years ago?
The Iranian leaders are smart. They know how to manipulate both our media and a recalcitrant Washington.
Then-President Carter and current President Obama are into appeasement polices; the history of appeasement is abominable ("Obamanable?"): It does not work. Have our leaders learned nothing from history? Has the media not learned to avoid manipulation? Recall that neither President Reagan nor President George H. W. Bush, criticized for their "cowboy" world outlook, were similarly manipulated by foreign adversaries. Note also they had plenty of internal political opposition.
Both our current U.S. leaders and our media underestimate Iran. Iranians are not camel-riding desert dwellers; Iranian leaders are shrewd and purposeful.
Does anyone truly believe their nuclear buildup is peaceful? The U.S. must respond, albeit lead accordingly, from a proper historical perspective or we are doomed to repeat the past.
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A side note: It is not only Iranian leaders who are smart and resourceful; U.S. Iranian immigrants are likewise capable. Many have relatives desirous of immigrating here to the land of opportunity and true freedoms. They cannot (even with relatives here), and yet illegal immigrants continue over our porous borders. Should not law-abiding, brilliant minds be equally welcome?
Tom Wheeler
Duluth
