Hagel's letter to Bush

Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) will not run for reelection in 2008.  Before his term expires, he plans to do everything to prevent a war with Iran.  In a private letter (.pdf) to President Bush, secretly obtained by the Washington Note blog, Hagel begs the President to engage in direct, unconditional talks with Iran to prevent the neocons' biggest fantasy from coming true:

The President

The White House

Washington, DC  20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write to urge you to consider pursuing direct, unconditional and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran.

In the last two years, the United States has worked closely with thepermanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, Japan, and otherkey states as well as the UN Secretary General and the Director Generalof the International Atomic Energy Agency to pursue a diplomaticstrategy regarding Iran's nuclear program. I have supported yourefforts. Maintaining a cohesive and united international front remainsone of our most effective levers on Iran.

In the last year, you have also authorized our Ambassador in Iraq,Ryan Crocker, to hold bilateral talks with Iranian officials regardingthe situation in Iraq. I have also supported this effort. Although Iranhas continued dangerous actions in Iraq, this channel for dialogue isimportant.

I am increasingly concerned, however, that this diplomatic strategyis stalling. There are growing differences with our internationalpartners. Concerns remain that the United States' actual objectives isregime change in Iran, not a change in Iran's behavior. Prospects forfurther action in the UN Security Council have grown dim, and we appearincreasingly reliant on a single-track effort to expand financialpressure on Iran outside of the UN Security Council. Iran's actions,both on its nuclear program and in Iraq, are unchanged. Iran's leadersappear increasingly confident in their positions vis-a-vis the UnitedStates.

Unless there is a strategic shift, I believe we will find ourselvesin a dangerous and increasingly isolated position in the coming months.I do not see how the collective actions that we are now taking willproduce the results that we seek. If this continues, our ability tosustain a united international front will weaken as countries growuncertain over our motives and unwilling to risk open confrontationwith Iran, and we are left with fewer and fewer policy options.

Now is the time for the United States to active consider when andhow to offer direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with Iran.The offer should be made even as we continue to work with our allies onfinancial pressure, in the UN Security Council on a third sanctionsresolution, and in the region to support those Middle East countrieswho share our concerns with Iran. The November report by IAEA DirectorGeneral ElBaradei to the IAEA Board of Governors could provide anopportunity to advance the offer of bilateral talks.

An approach such as this would strengthen our ability across theboard to deal with Iran. Our friends and allies would be more confidentto stand with us if we seek to increase pressure, including toughersanctions on Iran. It could create a historic new dynamic in US-Iranrelations, in part forcing the Iranians to react to the possibility ofbetter relations with the West. We should be prepared that any dialogueprocess with Iran will take time, and we should continue all efforts,as you have, to engage Iran from a position of strength.

We should not wait to consider the option of bilateral talks untilall other diplomatic options are exhausted. At that point, it couldwell be too late.

I urge you to consider pursing direct, unconditional and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran.

Thank you for considering my views.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Chuck H.

Chuck Hagel
United States Senator

cc:   Condoleezza Rice

Robert M. Gates

Stephen J. Hadley

At least he is ending his career with this aggressive attitude.  Remember, the Republicans used to be the party of isolation.  Ron Paul is trying to fill that vacuum.  Speaking of whom, Ron Paul appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno earlier this week.

Comments

[Hugh]

I thought that the letter by Hagel was well written and indicated he has given the subject much thought. I hope the president reads it, as it seems he has tunnel vision and sees things only his way. In my opinion, there is no way the USA can get involved in a face off with Iran without the support of other countries, we need the backing of the UN (who I have little respect for) in order to be unified. Our military is spread very thin, we have never depended on the Reserves as we have in the past few years. Either more individuals will have to sign up or a draft will be a must real soon. Russia's goal is to become a superpower again and that we can't have happen.

[Chief Editor: Todd]

Very good point about Russia. Bush's missile system will only encourage Russia to pursue a military technology race with the US, and spend more of its money developing ways around the missile shield. And then when they do, we will have to build something else. More and more and more spending. More for military contractors, and less money for what we need here at home.

[RJ]

Hugh, if you have little respect for the UN, why do you insist on their backing. I usually don't care about someone's perspective if I don't respect them. Do you want the backing of China or Russia? Maybe a better road would be to have our more mature allies in agreement with us -- Great Brittain, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, etc....