Hagel criticizes Bush administration on Iran

Hagel criticizes Bush administration on Iran

Sen. Chuck Hagel

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, lambasted President Bush's foreign policy on Iran and the Middle East in a speech sponsored by a Washington think-tank Thursday.

"I do not see how the collective actions that we are now taking will produce the results that we seek on Iran's nuclear program, in Iraq, on the Israel-Palestine issue, or on any issue," he said.

He added that he believes the United States should engage countries like Iran immediately, much like has been attempted with North Korea, because "each day becomes more and more dangerous."

"Now is the time for the United States to actively pursue an offer of direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with Iran. We cannot afford to refuse to consider this strategic choice any longer. We should make clear that everything is on the table, our issues and Iran's issues," he said.

Before the audience of academics and reporters gathered by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Hagel also accused the administration of using strong-arm tactics as diplomacy.

"Loose talk of World War III, intimidation, threats, bellicose speeches only heighten the dangers we face in the world. Without offering solutions and building international alliances we only strengthen the hand of those who prey upon and play to a confused, frightened and disorganized world."

more...

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/11/08/hagel-criticizes-bush-administration-on-iran/

to audio, video and text http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_events/task,view/id,1424/

A few more quotes that I think are worth mentioning

When one knows better and states outright the better way and yet votes differently from his words what should we think of that person...

He is a conservative on social and economic issues, but even on such issues he does not always vote the way the administration wants, an example being the Medicare drug bill. He has consistently voted with the dems on Iraq all this year, and was the initiator or one of the main cosponsors of several related bills and amendments. He is one of two republicans (Lugar being the other) that has voted against the Kyl-Lieberman Iran resolution, that so many democrats including Clinton voted for. On foreign policy issues he is one of the best in the Senate, in terms of vision and overall understanding of the issues. Hate him or love him or even better take him as he is, but be fair.

I would like to think he is just a concerned citizen advocating a sane foreign policy, a policy very similar to the D candidates.

But that R behind his name will always lead to doubts as to motive.

If Sen. Hagel wants credibility, it is time for him to leave the corrupt and treasonous Republican party.

It seems pretty sure though that his opinion of the current state of the republican party does not seem to be much better than yours.