tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10089650.post2229190798124223006..comments2024-03-29T00:16:27.339-07:00Comments on Culture and International Affairs: William O. Beeman--9/11 Raised Unrealized Hopes in US-Iran RelationsWilliam O. Beemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410196700886326533noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10089650.post-40411166489982798252011-09-12T10:41:56.796-07:002011-09-12T10:41:56.796-07:00Our relationship with Iran has had its ups and do...Our relationship with Iran has had its ups and downs.<br />In 2003 there was a major earthquake in Iran and aid was offered by the U.S.<br />From Wikipedia:<br />"The U.S. offered direct humanitarian assistance to Iran. Iran initially declined this offer,[17] though later accepted it. On December 30 an 81-member emergency response team was deployed to Iran via U.S. military aircraft, consisting of search and rescue squads, aid coordinators, and medical support.[21] These were the first U.S. military airplanes to land in Iran for more than 20 years.[12]<br /> <br />In return, the state promised to comply with an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency which supports better monitoring of its nuclear interests. This led U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell to suggest direct talks in the future.[16] Sanctions were temporarily relieved to help the rescue effort.[20] However, he also said that the U.S. was still concerned on other Iranian issues, such as the prospect of terrorism and the country's support of Hamas.[16]<br /> <br />Reaction to U.S. involvement was mixed. It was well received by physicians and civilians at the scene. In stark contrast to this support, IRNA, the state-controlled radio in Iran, accused the United States of illegal interference in internal matters.[22] Khatami, while not criticizing U.S. aid, was upset about the politicization of it.[12] Interior Minister Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari supported U.S. assistance but not Israeli help, as he considered it an illegitimate government."<br /><br />A distinction has to be made between the government of Iran (supporters of terror) and the people of Iran.<br /><br />Iran has up to now failed to comply with its obligations re. refinement of Uranium.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com