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(WJD) The Israeli daily Maariv reported on Sunday that, early in his term, U.S. President Barack Obama made a major attempt to reestablish diplomatic ties with Iran.
According to the Times of Israel, the attempt took place in 2009, and was initiated by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, undoubtedly with presidential approval.
Obama offered "the opening of interest sections in Washington and Tehran, with the possibility subsequently of expanding to full diplomatic ties." He was also prepared
to hold senior level diplomatic contacts, to agree to reciprocal visits, to approve security cooperation between the countries, direct flights between the US and Iran, and the granting of visas to Iranians wishing to visit the US.
Without question, this revelation seriously undermines Obama's pledge to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Though the offer was rebuffed, Obama was nonetheless willing to offer astonishingly far-reaching concessions to the Iranians. In particular, the offer of "security cooperation" is shocking, given Iran's role in fomenting and facilitating Islamist terrorism.
The Israeli government has stated that it knew of the offer and did not oppose it. It is unclear, however, whether the Israelis were informed in detail.
