Strawman..I'm not saying that's Obama's policy and you know it.I'm saying we should be "consistent" with policy..either conduct discussions with terrorists or don't.I'm sick and tired of administrations trying to have it "both" ways.Republicans can play with policy towards terrorists but Democrats cannot be trusted? American voters are tired of right wing bullshit..

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"Destiny must be shaped and not left to mere chance."..Spencer Collins

And that is folly, we deal with them as we see fit and as to what is in our best national interest.

Obama is already trying to backtrack from his statements and is now even trying to sound like Bush and putting pre-conditions of talks.

I guess he read your post and got worried.

I think he got questioned and countered by Hillary and Mccain and the press and finally someone told him his position was untenable and pretty nieve.

It must be nice to have your own reality.

And does "WE" include Obama if he gets elected? Partisanship is indeed folly when one cannot think outside of the partisan box.Policy against dealing with terrorists should be "consistent" when it comes to deciding whether to hold discussions with people who "refuse" to change.I just don't buy the idea that we should meet with "some" terorists but not others.You either conduct discussions with terorists or you don't..you don't play politics by saying it depends on what party happens to be in power.When and if Obama is elected, he will do just as you said..WE will DEAL with THEM as WE see FIT.

The real folly is when one refuses to even meet with one's adversary.

Discussion does not = Appeasement

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"Destiny must be shaped and not left to mere chance."..Spencer Collins

I'm wondering who listens to Bush anymore on domestic issues. Not a thing he proposes has any good effect for us.

What's the point of a meeting if one side believes there's nothing to discuss?

Personally, I don't think having the POTUS sit down regularly to meet with all the other heads of state in the world is a very productive use of his time. Iran knows how to contact us. Let them send e-mails until we feel they actually have a reason for us to meet.

I'm sure Iran already knows why there are sanctions and knows the conditions for their removal. If they are willing to meet some of those conditions we would certainly listen.

Talking also can lead to negatives. Obama trumpets Kennedy having met with Khrushchev, but the Soviet leader got the best of him. Someone whose running for President might need to brush up on his history, lest he repeat it.

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The "point" is remaining open to dialog with one's adversary.For "example"..I don't believe there will ever be true peace in the middle east but we must remain "open" to that possibility and willing to discuss what divides us and what changes can bring us together.I would leave the door open to discussion but the rules of engagement would still apply.

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"Destiny must be shaped and not left to mere chance."..Spencer Collins

Lebanon factions reach deal to end crisis - CNN.com

Let's see how this agreement (backed by the US government) works out, maybe there is something to be learned.