White House Press Secretary Dana Perino answers at her daily briefing with reporters, Oct. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
by Mark Silva
Helen Thomas, the syndicated columnist and former wire service reporter who also served as a pioneer of White House reporting for women long excluded from the ranks, asks some pretty pointed questions. Today, Thomas' query of the White House press secretary, also a woman these days, extracted a fairly firm (short-term?) promise.
"Is the president aware that there is widespread fear and speculation around the country that he's going to attack Iran?'' Thomas asked this morning.
"Of course he doesn't want people to fear that, because what he is doing is pursuing a diplomatic track,'' Press Secretary Dana Perino replied. "He believes it's important for him to pursue every possible diplomatic means in order to persuade Iran to stop its pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
"The president has been working with his allies around the world, through the U.N. Security Council,'' Perino said. "And just think, next week President Sarkozy (of France) and Chancellor Merkel (of Germany) will be here for visits with the president -- President Sarkozy will be here at the White House and Chancellor Merkel will be down at Crawford, visiting the president, where he will talk to them about this issue, as well. But certainly the president believes it's very important to pursue every possible diplomatic means.
"But how can people be convinced that he's not going to attack Iran?'' Thomas asked.
"There's no reason for people to think that the president is about to attack Iran,'' Perino said. "I think that we need to make that clear.''
" Are you sure of that?'' Thomas continued.
" I'm positive of that, and we're pursuing the diplomatic track,'' Perino said. "Look, Helen, the problem regarding a nuclear weapon in Iran -- it's not the fault of the United States that we're in this position. It's the recalcitrance of Iran.
"They were provided a means to have a civil nuclear program with the cooperation of the international community, and they walked away from the table.
"We would like to have them reverse that course,'' Perino said, "and Secretary Rice said we would meet with her Iranian counterpart anytime, anywhere, but they've yet to take us up on that offer, and that's why we pursued the sanctions last week and we are pushing for a third resolution in the U.N. Security Council -- probably take place next month.''
• 
• 
• 
Comments
Merky is going to Crawford!?
No, Chan. Merkel! Don't go! Run for your life! It's the back rub from hell! Save yourself!
Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 12:29 PM
I do not believe anything this President says nor this congress, most are liars, incompetant and self centered they should not be trusted.
Posted by: Gary Hansen | October 30, 2007 12:45 PM
When the White House says there is "no reason" to fear an attack on Iran, THERE IS CLEARLY GOOD REASON TO FEAR AN ATTACK ON IRAN!!
The craven Democrats refuse to get in the way of this freight train. Unreal!
I mean, we were so spot on with our Iraq intelligence, how could we go wrong in Iran, a nation we haven't had diplomatic ties to in 30 years, one that is 3 times larger and far more sophisticated than Iraq, and one with a culture (Persian) that dates back thousands of years?
I'm sure we have an equivalent to "Curveball" and Chalabi whispering in Cheney's ear right now: you will be greeted as liberators. No American lives will be lost. We KNOW where the nuclear sites are and how to hit them while minimizing collateral damage. You will be HEROES! Saviors! The greatest men to ever walk the Earth!! Future generations will build statues and monuments to your foresight. This will duplicate, no, MULTIPLY the success you had in Iraq! The time is now to attack attack attack!!!!
Posted by: Jones | October 30, 2007 12:52 PM
Sooo... W's definition of "diplomacy on Iran" is to have the two world leaders that agree with his "bomb Iran, ask questions later" position to Crawford for a circle-jerk?
Great.
Somebody please tell this guy that that is NOT diplomacy.
It's the same echo-chamber, hand-picked input approach to decision making that brought us the Iraq war.
Posted by: crafty b | October 30, 2007 1:00 PM
"No Reason' To Fear Attack On Iran, White House says"
Yeah, I believe that just like I believed the Criminal in Chief when he said that he didn't believe in "nation building".
The GOoPers are going to lay the ground work for an attack on Iran in hopes that they can get their boy Rudy Gigoliani in the White House in 08 to implement their "plan".
From the NY Times:
Rudy Giuliani is taking foreign policy advice from Norman Podhoretz, who wants us to start bombing Iran “as soon as it is logistically possible.”
Mr. Podhoretz, the editor of Commentary and a founding neoconservative, tells us that Iran is the “main center of the Islamofascist ideology against which we have been fighting since 9/11.” The Islamofascists, he tells us, are well on their way toward creating a world “shaped by their will and tailored to their wishes.” Indeed, “Already, some observers are warning that by the end of the 21st century the whole of Europe will be transformed into a place to which they give the name Eurabia.”
Do I have to point out that none of this makes a bit of sense?
For one thing, there isn’t actually any such thing as Islamofascism — it’s not an ideology; it’s a figment of the neocon imagination. The term came into vogue only because it was a way for Iraq hawks to gloss over the awkward transition from pursuing Osama bin Laden, who attacked America, to Saddam Hussein, who didn’t. And Iran had nothing whatsoever to do with 9/11 — in fact, the Iranian regime was quite helpful to the United States when it went after Al Qaeda and its Taliban allies in Afghanistan.
Beyond that, the claim that Iran is on the path to global domination is beyond ludicrous. Yes, the Iranian regime is a nasty piece of work in many ways, and it would be a bad thing if that regime acquired nuclear weapons. But let’s have some perspective, please: we’re talking about a country with roughly the G.D.P. of Connecticut, and a government whose military budget is roughly the same as Sweden’s
Posted by: John E | October 30, 2007 1:06 PM
There may be no 'reason' to fear an attack on Iran, just plenty of unreason.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 1:09 PM
If you want to invade Iran and start WW3 vote for Creepy, Sleepy or Freepy in 08 and you'll get your wish:
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k88/Duke_S/Republican_Field_400.jpg
Posted by: The Big Orange Satan | October 30, 2007 1:20 PM
"BUSH SPEAKS" GIVE ME A DIME FEAR SPEECH, GIVE ME YOUR LIBERTY FEAR SPEECH, HE ALMIGHTY IS NOT CONSIDERING CIRCUMVENTING THE CONSTITUTION AND THE CONGRESS FEAR SPEECH"
AT THIS TIME!
At this time we are getting lined up for a BIOMETRIC STRIP to determine who you are, what country are you from, what nationality are you, are you sure you are white american and not foreign canadian, Are you sure you black american and not from Nigeria.
THE AL MIGHTY HEARS THE VOICES, NOT THIS WEEK, WE ARE UNDER TOO MUCH FIRE. RETREAT, RETREAT.
IT'S SAD THAT ON MONDAY YOU HAVE TO FEAR THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, THE BUSH PRESIDENCY, AND CHENEYS LAW ON TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. THEN SATURDAY, IT'S TAT FOR TAT AND THE GOP BEAT GOES ON!
FEAR FOR SALE, FEAR FOR SALE. GET YOUR IRAN FEAR FOR SALE!
Posted by: Roger Morris | October 30, 2007 1:31 PM
Unfortunately the corporate media, in cooperation with strong lobbies, has generated a lot of fear among the average American about Iran. 99% is misinformation. Only yesterday the head of IAEA said that after pervasive inspections they have found no evidence of a nuclear arm program in Iran. According to NPT agreement Iran is entitled to enrichment technology for civilian use. However US has strong-armed the security council members to pass a few resolutions against Iran, threatening that if they don't go along it will choose a military route. Israel and AIPAC are the driving force here and were on the front seat to lure the US into Iraq.
Posted by: Johan Bolder | October 30, 2007 1:38 PM
Don't! I repeat, Don't! Don't believe anything that comes out of the Bush administration.
In fact assume the exact opposite from what they say!
Write your congressmen/women. Tell them that we, the American people, do not want to go to war in Iran. It is up to them to stop the Bush administration from starting another war.
Iran has not attacked the United States of America and has no intention of doing so. There is no justification for our attacking them.
Posted by: San Miguel | October 30, 2007 1:42 PM
I find it amusing that this administration still thinks that its assurances on any topic actually matters. The nation as a whole no longer believes anything they say.
Posted by: Tom | October 30, 2007 1:49 PM
Ahhh, more maniacal meanderings from the Kook Fringe, the Loony Left.
And, I love this bit of "adult" commentary from crafty b:
Sooo... W's definition of "diplomacy on Iran" is to have the two world leaders that agree with his "bomb Iran, ask questions later" position to Crawford for a circle-jerk?
craftyb, please explain how a woman can take part in a "circle jerk"?
And then Johan Bolder tells us Iran is a nice, quiet, friendly country, with nothing but good intentions for its nuclear program. I suppose Johan felt the same way about North Korea's "innocent" nuclear power program too?
But that's OK, Loons. A recent Zogby poll found that a MAJORITY of Americans would support a military attack on Iran to stop and precent it from having a nuclear weapons program.
Anyway, for years now the Bush administration has been pushing for and enacting a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian problem. But if diplomacy doesn't work, then military means must be enacted. Seems even most of the Democratic presidential candidates feel the same.
Posted by: John D | October 30, 2007 2:19 PM
I think the president is doing a good job and Iam looking forward to the next republician president.I really don't care if we bomb Iran's neuclear project.The sooner the better.We need to stay in the middle east until all the countries have freedom even if it takes 100 years.The way the Dems are running congress nothing will ever get done If you add a Dem preisdent that's nothing times 2.
Posted by: ding | October 30, 2007 2:23 PM
We will attack Iran..And I believe that a Democratic President will authorize it. If you believe the IAEA, please move to Iran. Iran through Hezbollah has attacked US interests abroad and is possibly even more dangerous than Al-Quaeda.
Posted by: Stewart | October 30, 2007 2:25 PM
craftyb, please explain how a woman can take part in a "circle jerk"?
Posted by: John D | October 30, 2007 2:19 PM
It's rhetorical, you idiot.
Posted by: crafty b | October 30, 2007 2:36 PM
Anyway, for years now the Bush administration has been pushing for and enacting a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian problem. But if diplomacy doesn't work, then military means must be enacted. Seems even most of the Democratic presidential candidates feel the same.
Posted by: John D | October 30, 2007 2:19 PM
Lil Johnny Dumbledore,
You're lying again...
Most of the Dems don't agree with Prez Nitwit and Shooter Cheney on Iran.
Posted by: John E | October 30, 2007 2:39 PM
We will attack Iran..And I believe that a Democratic President will authorize it. If you believe the IAEA, please move to Iran. Iran through Hezbollah has attacked US interests abroad and is possibly even more dangerous than Al-Quaeda.
Posted by: Stewart | October 30, 2007 2:25 PM
Stewart?
Nice work, RNC BRUCE!
Posted by: John E | October 30, 2007 2:41 PM
I just love the Beach Boys "bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran". And isn't it great I can joke around about war and get a free pass from the 'liberal' media?
Posted by: John McCain | October 30, 2007 2:51 PM
Top Ten Reasons Why We Needn't Fear Bush Attacking Iran:
10. Bush looked Mahmoud Anmanutjob in the eye and saw he had a good soul
9. Swampers? Your entries...
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 2:56 PM
Hey John D-
Did you see in that Same Zogby poll that 21% of the people polled felt Hillary was leader they'd most like to deal with Iran, as opposed to Rudy's 15%?
The people are wising up to the fact that you just can't trust Republicans to deal with terror or Iran.
Posted by: AJF | October 30, 2007 3:02 PM
9.Bush's therapist consoling Dub'ya over two failed wars: "Take baby steps George, Qatar perhaps". "That's where those pesky Al Jazeera folks call home".
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:04 PM
8. House Republicans don't like the ring of "Freedom Khoresht"
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:08 PM
Conservatives won't bomb Iran until they show us their cure for homosexuality.
Posted by: crafty b | October 30, 2007 3:09 PM
7. Cheney's afraid the the bombs would damage the facilities at Bandar-e Anzali and cut off his supply of Beluga caviar.
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:17 PM
7. Cheney's afraid the the bombs would damage the facilities at Bandar-e Anzali and cut off his supply of Beluga caviar.
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:17 PM
6.Iranian cab drivers could bring U.S. metro areas to their knees.
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:25 PM
...and the Fox "News" junkies were all singin'
BOMB, BOMB, BOMB, BOMB BOMB IRAN
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/44421/detail/
Posted by: John E | October 30, 2007 3:30 PM
5.McCain threatened to sue Bush over copyright infringement of "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran"
crafty b...good one
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:38 PM
#6- Bush doesn't see any need to attack Iran, since we already control their capital, Baghdad.
Posted by: AJF | October 30, 2007 3:39 PM
6. It will help him to figure out how to rid this country of homosexuals just as Iran has.
Posted by: Distrust and Verify | October 30, 2007 3:41 PM
4. Jeb, "the smart one" made Dub'ya promise to save some countries for him to bomb when he's inherited the throne.
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:45 PM
3.There's a "Pottery Barn" in Tehran.
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:50 PM
2."Fool me once, shame on--shame on you. Fool me--you can't get fooled again."
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:53 PM
1.Cheney threatened a tantrum if we didn't go "nucular".
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 4:05 PM
6. He can't find it on a map.
5. He's scared if we reinstate the draft he and Cheney couldn't dodge it again.
4. He's leaving it for Hillary to do in 09.
3. It might create more war heros who come home and run to President, and how many of those can the GOP smear?
Posted by: Paul | October 30, 2007 4:33 PM
Johnny D,
Bad intentions? North Korea, Iran, the United States of America.
Which country has invaded another sovereign nation within the last 10 years?
Posted by: poor peasant pete | October 30, 2007 4:48 PM
"Cheney has second thoughts about going NUCULAR on Iran. Fears of giant, mutant-Muslim, man-eating quail cited as reason."
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 6:14 PM
"craftyb, please explain how a woman can take part in a "circle jerk"?"
Dyslin, you lack EVER so much imagination! It explains a lot about why you hang out mostly with your dogs and cats.
Oh, yeah -- "I get plenty of action." I loved that story! It made me laugh!
Posted by: Op109 | October 30, 2007 6:28 PM
Bush says "If we bomb Iran back to the stone age, we won't have the resources to NOT fund SCHIPS". "Besides", said the president, "Bremer still owes me for the $9 Billion that fell off the truck".
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 6:44 PM
ah yes, the devil wears Prada.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 6:49 PM
John D,
Depends on the lady.
**************
"2."Fool me once, shame on--shame on you. Fool me--you can't get fooled again."
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 3:53 PM"
dt,
I might add re. Rudy;
Meet the new boss, same as the,,,,etc.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 7:04 PM
Bush:Chancellor Merkel, we've instituted sanctions against Iran, and they just laugh in our face.
Mercel: Call me Angela, Georgie. Well, you have to understand, George, the dollar is worthless, Iran has willing suitors in China and Russia...George, get your hand off my knee! I didn't say I was a willing suitor.
Bush:Sorry Angie, I'm under a lot of pressure. Liberal Democrats say I have to choose between "No Child Left Behind" and no Nukes left behind. Prince Abdullah won't see me. Dad's cut off my allowance. Being the leader of the free world is hard!
Merkel:George, please tell me that's a gun in your pocket.
Posted by: dt | October 30, 2007 7:26 PM
"Of course he doesn't want people to fear that,"
He wants them to embrace the idea.
Posted by: Alberto G | October 30, 2007 8:37 PM
We are in a World War because of Iran, with no thanks to Carter. A couple of cruise missles in the right places would take care of their president and their nuclear program.
Posted by: Darkwater | October 31, 2007 2:48 PM
Darkwater.."shock and awe" redux?
Posted by: dt | October 31, 2007 5:20 PM