POL Obama Cairo Speech Undermines Ahmadinejad

[FarmerJohn]

Did anyone else catch the reference in President Obama's Cairo speech to the US overthrow of Iran's democratically-elected leader in 1953?

It wasn't an apology but as far as I know it was the first public acknowledgment by an American President of "Operation Ajax".

For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran’s leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

Just admitting that operation could help to take the wind out of Ahmadinejad's sails. We do want to see the 'liberals' gain power in Iran, don't we?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Mosaddeq

http://middleeast.about.com/od/usmideastpolicy/a/obama-cairo-speech-text.htm

FJ