Carter Agrees to Hold Talks With Khatami

Washington Post ^ | August 30, 2006 | Robin Wright

[ncountylee]

For an event that would turn a page in American history, former president Jimmy Carter has agreed in principle to host former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami for talks during his visit to the United States starting this week.

Carter's term as president was dominated by the rupture in relations after the 1979 Iranian revolution and the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, where 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days until the day he left office.

Iranians made the overture for the meeting, and the Carter Center in Atlanta is working on the possible timing, said Phil Wise, the former president's aide.

"President Carter, in his role since leaving the White House, has made his office and services and center available to basically anybody who wants to talk. He believes that it is much better to be talking to people who you have problems with than not to, and that's the approach he takes now," Wise said. "I can confirm that President Carter is open to a meeting if the former president of Iran would like to have one."

Despite mounting tensions between Washington and Tehran over the latter's nuclear program, the Bush administration issued a visa for Khatami yesterday, as well as for about a dozen family and staff members, for a visit lasting about two weeks, the State Department confirmed. Khatami is expected to arrive in the United States tomorrow.

[ncountylee]

Why can't they meet in Venezuela like all good Commies do?

Another mess we can thank Jimmy for. Remember he certified a fixed election that favored Hugo before the votes were even counted.

[prairiebreeze]

Frankly, I think Carter is worse than the Clintons.

And that's saying a lot.

[prairiebreeze]

Your sisters dream wasn't too far off from reality. POS is right!

Too kind, even.

[TChris]

Mr. Carter, sit down and shut up.

[GOPJ]

We're being played by the Iranians -- "for sure". What we're being play for is the question? "A fool" is the obvious answer. But it's got to be more than that.

Mohammad Khatami is one of their more brilliant strategist -- an Iranian heavy weight. He's not looking for a pointless junket to see the world. This visit is deadly serious - and we have no clue about the real motive.

Will Iran bomb Israel during this time and use Carter to stop retaliation? My first thought... Or will they be "feeling out" Carter to see the way a particular wind might blow? They're up to something and it isn't the chance to chat with a powerless ex-President.

[FARS]

Please note he is being allowed to arrive with his close family members and his personal staff.

Puts them in safety from retribution. What if he suddenly asks for political asylum? Then is used as a counterpoint to the regime?

Even a government in exile?? In exchange for what he knows

cheers

[nuconvert]

"Then is used as a counterpoint to the regime?
Even a government in exile?"

Arriving with family and the possibility of asking for asylum has been previously noted. But a gov't in exile? You've got to be kidding. Who would accept that?

[PsyOp]

Khatami will probably make him an honorary Dhimmi... in appreciation for his assistance turning Iran into a terrorist state.

[The Hound Passer]

Carter makes Chamberlain look like Churchill. I wonder if Juhhimmy can lock up a deal as good as the one he got for the US with N.Korea back in '94. The libs seemed to love that deal, and lets face it if you are a lib Juhhimmy can do no wrong because Juhhimmy has more experience of screwing over the U.S. than any other U.S. citizen in history. Why they even gave him a Nobel prize for that.

[GOPJ]

IMHO this bodes well for the Pubbies this fall!!! Old Jimmah and Iran back in the news!! I swear W has an Irish lucky streak in him somewhere!

Good point.

[Dark Skies]

What if he suddenly asks for political asylum?

Do you think the Supreme Leader would let Katami out of the country if there were such a risk?

BOTOH, would the Supreme Leader know?

[mkjessup]

C'mon now, tell me this is from Scrappleface or the Onion?

You have GOT to be sh*tting me.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Dos Exes?

[reagan_fanatic]

Good God - it isn't bad enough that this clueless moron bumbled Iran and helped usher in the era of the jihadist, but he has to spend his retirement time looking for new ways to humiliate and embarrass the United States.

I'm so ashamed that Jimmuh Carter is from America.

[layman]

The whole thing has come full circle. 'Billy Beer' Carter used to be an embarrassment to the president, and now ex-president Carter is an embarrassment to the country. Is this Jurassic Park survivor still allowed to drive a car?

[JasonC]

Heck no, give him a visa, let him come, then clap him in irons.

[MrCFdovnh]

"The things you gotta do for peace."

[nuconvert]

He wouldn't get here with his family and then ask for asylum without the regime planning it.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

We should all remember the last time the White House (under Krinton) allowed Jimmuh to conduct foreign policy (two words: North Korea).

Jimmuh shouldn't be allowed to do anything official concerning US foreign or domestic policy, and he sure shouldn't be allowed to talk to a leader of Iran, even with adult supervision.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

If GW Bush has the IQ of a carrot, he'll tell Jimmuh to take it on down the road.