Organizing for America | The Large N Limit: Carrots/Sticks Phrase Invokes a Wrong Master/Slave Methaphor, Obama Should Not Use It.

Carrots/Sticks Phrase Invokes a Wrong Master/Slave Methaphor, Obama Should Not Use It.

By PDSimic - Dec 7th, 2008 at 12:50 pm EST

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Tags: Foreign policy, iran, Iraq, Iraq War, ISRAEL, Obama

Source: New York Times
Link: Obama Says Will Pursue Carrot / Stick Iran Policy

"Carrot and Stick" phrase used by US foreign policy establishment for years is deeply insulting, as the implied semantic frame is that of an absolute superiority of us over them, a master /slave relationship, and not one of a respect and possible partnership. I still trust that Obama will make changes for the better in our foreign policy, but given some of his recent appointments it is reasonable to question if this trust is based on reasonable estimates and facts, or on a wishfull thinking (change *I want to believe* in). Nevertheless, I am surprised that a person with his multicultural background, experience, and sensitivities is not more careful with choice of methaphors.

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Foreign Policy timetable initiated by change is coming house meeting | Report to Admin

By Abdullah Mayar Dec 23rd 2008 at 10:40 am EST (Updated Dec 23rd 2008 at 10:40 am EST)

If you like the ideas and timetable then please spread the word..

Our group came from very different backgrounds as Jews, Christians, Muslims.
We do not pretend to be comprehensive but wish to suggest ideas and to provide an overview of issues that we need to tackle, however to be persuasive we have to lead by example:
• Respect international laws and conventions.
• End torture
• Restore due process for all detainees.

First 3 months:
• Work towards ending the Gaza blockade by Egypt and Israel.
• Restore full diplomatic relationship with Venezuela.
• Restore full diplomatic relationship with Cuba and Syria – In return asking for a good will gesture that both countries announce the release of all political prisoners and adopt higher standard of human rights.
• Initiate dialogue with Iran to restore diplomatic relations
• Foreign secretary level meeting with North Korea and Myanmar (Burma)

First 12 months:
• Palestinian-Israeli conflict – the extreme right dominates current Middle East discussion; this has to end for the sake of peace.
- US government should empower the underrepresented voices to be heard and help them establish a visible presence in Washington. Excluded governmental organizations such as Hamas, and NGOs such as: the Peace Now movement, refusniks, Palestinian National Initiative PNI, Rabbis for Human Rights, and others.
- All political stakeholders from right to left, religious parties and respected scholars will then start direct talks in DC or at the UN.
- The meeting will last as long as it takes, continuously, with a sense of urgency.
• Encourage all Middle East leaders to free political prisoners and adopt higher standard of human rights.
• Encourage political settlement in Sudan based on a federal government structure.
• Encourage transparent elections in Zimbabwe
• In Afghanistan, a military surge would result in more bloodshed and destruction.An inter-Afghan negotiations by all parties for a peaceful resolution needs to happen.
• Encourage a resolution of the Kashmir conflict

First 24 months:
As a result of implementing our proposals, we could potentially witness:
• Israeli/Palestinian peace agreement.
• Restoration of full diplomatic relations with Iran, Cuba, Syria, North Korea, and Myanmar (Burma)

Longer-term goals:
• Reunification of North/South Korea
• Resolution of the Tibet issue.
• Independence for Chechnya

Making these small steps through diplomacy and dialogue, not unilateral military actions, will begin to earn us the respect of the world again.

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