One good speech is not going to undo six decades of stupidities and blunders in U.S. policy towards Iran. Obama's remarks display a diplomatic competency light years away from the arrogant myopic crookedness of Cheney and Rumsfeld, but this is one small positive step on a very long road. The best thing any Israeli could do, in this respect among many others, would be to keep his or her mouth shut, but Peres' remarks are far from the worst imaginable and will probably make little difference one way or the other.

That said, thanks for following and reporting on this, MJ. If nothing else, it is indeed a refreshing contrast to the never-ending stenching hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of the neo-con windbags.

MJ thanks for pointing out the obvious question. Why did the NY Times juxtapose Obama's statement along side Perez's? Perez used his oppotunity to try to destabilize the Iranian government, Obama used his to try to move forward towards an accomodation.

I really liked Obama's message. I think it was respectively delivered, it recognizes the government in Tehran for the first time since the revolution, pays homage to their long and storied culture, while making clear we expect Iran behave like they belong with the world of civilized nations...and probably well played strategically. Possibly affecting the next round of elections in Iran, possibly benefiting of the 'moderate' candidate(s). To me a very welcome development that possibly portend more future welcome developments.

As far as why The Times included coverage of the Peres statement in the same story as the Obama story a reasonable question. Peres is a former leader, emphasis on former, of Israel and his opinion is of importance but as being neither American or Iranian I don't know he should be given a place in an article which is about the direct relations between the US and Iran. Israel, and their relations with the US, Iran, and all other countries in the region, will be a central part in any talks between the US and Iran. While I do feel the Peres statement should receive prominent coverage I also think it should have been kept separate from the main coverage of Obama's historic message...

And I think the neocons probably gave birth to multiple and large litters of kittens with the corresponding conniption fits . All I have to say is...poor babies, deal with it, thankfully you're out of power.

MJ.

this is the part of the address I didn't like.

"You, too, have a choice. The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right -- but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms..."

This sounds too much like a subtle accusation and threat and a repetition of past speeches (Not by Obama)concerning Iran. Some people in Iran will jump on this.