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Ambassador Jeffrey Discusses U.S. Policy, Iran and Middle East

USINFO Webchat transcript February 8

Ambassador James F. Jeffrey, principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, discussed U.S. policy on Iran in a February 8 USINFO webchat.

Following is the transcript:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript

U.S. Policy Toward Iran: A Discussion with Ambassador James Jeffrey

Guest:     James F. Jeffrey
Date:      February 8, 2007
Time:      3:00 p.m. EST (2000 GMT)

IIP Moderator: Welcome to our webchat with Ambassador James Jeffrey. You are welcome to start sending in your questions now. Just enter your question in the box below.

TO CONFIRM: THIS WEBCHAT WILL BEGIN AT 20:00 GMT.

We see your questions coming in, there is no need to submit your question more than once. Thank you.

You can view Ambassador Jeffrey's transcript from his previous webchat with USINFO.

IIP Moderator: We'd like to welcome Ambassador and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs James Jeffrey to today's chat on the U.S. Iran policy.

Jeffrey has served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for Iraq from August 2005 to August 2006, Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad from June 2004 to March 2005 and as the U.S. Charge d’affairs to Iraq from March to June 2005.

Our chat is scheduled for an hour so keep those questions coming.

Question [Tanuch]: As Democrats are increasingly skeptical about the budget, do you think that will the further military operation in Iraq affect the budget, which is expected to be balanced, and the US economy?

Tanuch Larpnimitshai, CU American Study Club.

Answer [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Tanuch, as a democratic system our Congress has an equal and independent right to take decisions on all funding issues. Obviously, our military operations in Iraq and elsewhere have an impact on our budget, and it will be the job of our Congress to allocate funds as it sees fit to support our foreign policy objectives. The President recommends, but on budget matters the Congress decides.

Q [tramirez]: One of the major concerns of the Iranian people is human rights and religious freedom protections. To what extent is U.S. policy focusing on these concerns? It seems that these concerns are often overlooked while most of the attention is placed on the nuclear issue. A better policy should focus on their concerns if we want to really support the people.

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Let me assure you, Tramirez, that human rights and democracy concerns are at the very top of our agenda with your country, right along with other issues such as the nuclear question and terrorism. The US Congress has vastly increased our democracy support and related funds to enable us to work with Iranians towards a more democratic system.

Q [kawa]: Is the chat started now? It is 20:07 GMT

[Yes...the chat just began. Please send in your questions.]

IIP Moderator: The Bush administration joined international human rights groups in expressing concern over the Iranian government’s treatment of ethnic and religious minority groups, highlighted by the case of Abbas Lisani, an incarcerated advocate of Azerbaijani rights who is currently on a hunger strike and being held in solitary confinement.

Q [mehrshad]: I'm keenly interested in participating in this discussion about the US policy towards Iran. I hope we can extend our voice to the US decision makers and inform them of the Iranians' real public opinion about political crisis between two countries.

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: I would like to assure you that my government, and the operation which I head, spends a great deal of time searching out for the views of Iranians, not only those of the government, but of the Iranian people. We closely follow elections, conduct polls, and try in every way to ascertain how the Iranians view many different issues. We then try to factor these views to the maximum extent possible into our policy proposals towards Iran.

Q [Arash R]: Suppose some one wants to start a revolution in Iran, what is your suggestion for him? What kind of support can he receive from US?

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Arash, the United States is very careful about not recommending specific courses of action to other countries and other populations. We have our own challenges here in the United States. Our only two concerns with Iran are, first, to have a good relationship with the Iranian people, and, second, to see changes in the Iranian government's behavior, including more democracy and a less threatening foreign policy. We will leave it to the Iranian people to determine their own future.

Q [Arash R]: If Israel attacks Iran nuclear sites, and Iran attacks Israel, then what will be US reaction?

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: One of our rules, Arash, is never to answer hypothetical questions of this nature. To be honest, our goal is to work towards a Middle East where no one attacks, or feels the need to attack, anyone else. We are putting all of our efforts into our diplomatic strategy to just this end.

IIP Moderator: Yesterday Ambassador Gregory Schulte said that European countries should join the United States in a non-military campaign aimed at pressuring the Iranian government to turn away from its nuclear ambitions.

Q [Guest]: Hi, Dear James Jeffrey

I’m A.R.A. Nejad From IRAN.

I love United State America ..... Why I can’t live (life) or travel in USA. My Iranian people is good than GOV IR of IRAN.

this Islam (khomeinis islam) is bad vergen.

Thanks for you. I love help me

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Thank you Mr. Nejad. We appreciate your support. I hope very much that you will be able to travel in the United States. Many Iranians travel here, and we have many hundreds of thousands of Iranian origin American citizens who are among our most successful and upright neighbors and friends. They serve as ambassadors for the Iranian people, for whom we have only the greatest of respect, as well as for the 5,000 years of extraordinary Iranian civilization.

IIP Moderator: For the latest on U.S. policies in Persian visit our website http://persian.usinfo.state.gov/

Q [grumbling12]: Hi, as for the last twenty years or so, what we have seen on the US part has been war of words on Iran and no real dealing with the matter in reality. What we expect is that your government take necessary measures to teach Iranian people how to stand against this tyrants-driven nation to embrace freedom and democracy. We want things more than words; hence, some type war of words in recent months seems to show up fruitful. We want real support for the people and real urge towards overthrowing this regime.

Q [Goshtasb]: Ambassador Jeffrey, I can assure you, Goshtasb, that my government and the American people stand with the Iranian people in their quest for democracy, freedom, and a secure, prosperous way of life. We are rapidly expanding our democracy programs, our broadcasts, and our exchanges to ensure that Iranians understand the democratic options they deserve to have, and that both our peoples learn more about one another. As this develops, we are sure that the Iranian people will be in a better position to determine their sovereign political future.

Q [qarabaqi]: I belong to the glorious civilization of East. I am proud to be born in Iran, and in an Islamic region, where my ancients have offered many outstanding scientists like Khwarizmi to the world.

But I feel current policy of United States is belittling the East, Islam, and Iran. You want us to participate in world's issues, not as an independent country, but as a second-class nation, as a dominant one. Don't you think this is not the policy that expects from a country which is symbol of democracy in our era?

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Garabagi, I am afraid that I must disagree with you. The United States has friendly, productive relations with many powerful nations with whom we do not agree on every question. Think of Turkey, Egypt, India, or China. We respect those nations because, even when the two of us have differing views, neither attempts to threaten the other, or its neighbors. This is unfortunately not the case with Iran under its current government, which has threatened to annihilate other country, is killing American soldiers in Iraq, and supporting terrorism throughout the world. All we ask is that these actions be halted, and we will have a much better, more friendly relationship.

Q [kawa]: In respect of all nationalities in Iran which have got cross-border parts such as Kurds (plus 2000,000 Kurds are living in Khorasan Provinse in North East of Iran), Azaris, Baluchis, Ahwazi-Arabs, Turkomen, Taleshis, and also Bakhtiyaris and Lurs, Mazendaranis and Gilakis. I would like to say that if the west with the leadership of US with coordination of Iranian freedom lovers, implement democracy in this multi-colors State, then this democracy in short term (or long-term) would definitely emerge to all region (democratic state is not a despotic closed circuit one). And for that all future generation in the region would thank the west and US, also this peaceful co-existence would be a big step toward world security forever and mankind dignity and humanity.

I would like to ask right honorable US Ambassador James Jeffery, has the US policy toward democracy in Iran included the Iranian nationalities in the program?

(you can see Iranian nationalities on www.iranfederal.org)

with very kind regards,

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Thanks you, Kawa, for your wonderful words in support of democracy. We could not agree more. We enthusiastically agree that any democratic system must, as a fundamental element, respect the cultural identity of, and grant equal rights to, all religious and ethnic minorities. As we have seen in the Balkans, when this does not occur, it is very difficult to sustain a democratic system, or to maintain the peace. We are working directly for this end of a more democratic system throughout the Middle East, with Iran as one of our top priorities.

Q [chapter]: Iran got used to send the largest number of students to United States of America for postgraduate and doctoral studies before 1979. The Iranian students are talented and also see the States as a land of countless opportunities to flourish themselves in and contribute to its melting pot culture multiple times as much as other ethnicities. Having considered this positive picture that Iranian people have in mind regarding the United States of America, do you think that now the time has come that USA ease granting Iranian scholars access to its academic milieu, be part of it and even work for that country. Or alternatively because of hostilities going on, Iranian students should as before pay the price. I deeply appreciate if you can elaborate on this issue and let us know what is your long term approach towards prospect Iranian students if happens that the prevailing tense circumstances go un-changed as before. Thank you so much for your reply.

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Our long term goal is to expand our cultural and academic exchanges, with particular attention to your region and your country. We already welcome thousands of Iranian students, and hope to have more. While our entry procedures are sometimes complicated, I can assure you that we have many thousands of Iranians here studying, and hope for many more.

Q [Guest]: Mr./Ms. Moderator,

I don’t know if there's sth wrong with my questions (that I've asked so far), or it's a matter of numerous questions that are being asked. However, I'd be happy if I know that.

A [From the moderator:]: We're getting many questions and posting them to Ambassador Jeffrey...he's answering as fast as he can.]

Thanks for asking them and we'll try to get to as many as we can.

Q [Guest]: Thanks a lot, Moderator

A [From the moderator: Glad to help]

Q [kawa]: My second question from Ambassador James Jeffery, does the funding of US Department of State regarding of democracy in Iran, has its quota for Iranian nationalities too? Has it been calculated?

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Kawa, while we do not have any quota per se, we ensure that our broadcasts, our personnel, and our programs take into full consideration the various minorities in Iran.

Q [Arash R]: Some US officials believe that Iran is supporting Iraqi insurgents, since instability in Iraq may lead to instability in Iran specially the rise in Kurdestan matters and current Iraqi government political figures are former Iran allies during war with Saddam, Iranian government has good reasons to support current government. Why US insist that Iran wants unstable Iraq?

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Arash, our views on Iran's policy towards Iraq are based solely on what we Americans, including one during 13 months in Iraq, have seen on the ground. And that is, unfortunately, that elements of the Revolutionary Guards are providing weapons, advice, and other support to militias and terrorist groups, some of whom have targeted coalition forces. We have asked the Iranian government to cease this action, and we hope that it will do so.

Q [Michael]: One often reads in the press that the Iranian government asserts its "right" to nuclear energy. I thought that this was not particularly in doubt but that the issue instead was whether Iran had lived up to its obligations as a signatory to the nonproliferation treaty (NPT). In other words, Iran asserts the "rights" conveyed by that treaty, i.e. access to certain nuclear technologies, but refuses the inspection and other obligations that accompany those rights.

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Michael, you have it exactly right! The US and our partners, Germany, France, Britain, China and Russia have made clear that we not only can accept, but will support generously, any legitimate Iranian nuclear program for peaceful uses, such as electricity generation. Our problem is that the regime is following a covert program to develop a weapons capability, in violation of its own formal commitments. That we and the rest of the world must, and are, combating

IIP Moderator: Iran must stop arming Iraq’s Shiite insurgents, says Under Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns. “This is a very serious situation, and the message from the United States is Iran should cease and desist,” Burns said in a February 1 interview with National Public Radio.

Q [Michael]: How does the nature of the Iranian regime and the public statements of some of its leading figures affect the U.S. position toward that nation's nuclear program? I am thinking here, of course, about some of President Ahmadinijad's more... um... controversial statements, but also about how they might reflect a great consensus within Iran about the use of nuclear weapons.

An example: Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani, Ahmadinijad's opponent in the most recent presidential election and himself a former president, was quoted by BBC World Monitoring for December 15, 2001 as follows: "the use of even one nuclear bomb inside Israel will destroy everything. However, it will only harm the Islamic world. It is not irrational to contemplate such an eventuality..."

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Michael, our basic problem on the nuclear account is the violation by Iran of its obligations under the Non-proliferation Treaty, as well as the covert nature of its program, which leads us to suspect the worst. I would not be honest if I did not tell you that, as a subjective but important element, the attitude of the Iranian government, and its rhetoric, have a very pronounced effect on our deliberations over the Iranian nuclear program.

Q [Guest]: To have a good relationship with the Iranian people; that's a good point Mr. Jeffrey, but what have you done so far? Please give me an example? Let me explain more, I think you agree one the ways which can help this issue is just making it easier for people of two nations travel to the other country. However, what I've seen since 4-5 years ago is not like that. It's getting harder and harder for Iranian people. I'm not quite sure if it is hard for Americans to visit Iran easily either.

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: We are doing a great deal to expand people-to-people contact. We recently supported our national wrestling team's travel to Iran, and we hosted a group of Iranian medical specialists two months ago. Both trips were great successes, and we much appreciate the hospitality of the Iranian people to our team. I am aware that travel to America from many countries is more difficult now than in the past, but those who are patient are able to travel sooner or later.

Q [qarabaqi]: In your previous webchat you have told: "We believe that not only South Asia but the entire world is menaced by the Iranian nuclear weapons program."

But why do you believe this program is about weapons and against others? And if you really believe it, why don't you reveal any document to the world to prove it is about weapons?

You could say you have some not-answered questions, some ambiguity, or you are in doubt about this program.

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Qarabagi, first, I would like to point out that not only the United States, but all other 14 members of the UN Security Council, as well as the over thirty members of the UN's Atomic Energy Agency, share our view that the Iranian program is a danger to the region. This is why the UN IAEA Board voted overwhelmingly to turn the Iranian nuclear account over to the Security Council, and why the Council then voted unanimously. While final proof may not be present, I am sure you agree that on the issue of nuclear weapons, we cannot wait until we have overwhelming proof that a country is developing them before we take certain prudent steps.

IIP Moderator: On a lighter note:

The U.S. freestyle wrestling team has returned from the Takhti Cup, held January 18-19 in Bandar Abbas, Iran, where they competed against some of the world's best wrestlers and shared in the enthusiasm and friendship of the Iranian fans and public.

Q: [Guest]: Dear Mr. Jeffrey, I'd like to thank you first to give us a chance to talk to you. I'm currently a student in the US. It's always been my question that how (based on which facts) the US government relates Iran to terrorism. Specially, when I see 9/11, that will be more complicated to me because I see no Iranian involved in this sad happening. Instead, you'll see the students of some countries which are funding terrorism won’t have any problem to come here to study and stuff.

Thanks again.

Ambassador Jeffrey: Thank you for your well-reasoned question. We do not think that Iran had anything to do with the attack on 9/11. However, we have seen almost 30 years of Iranian Revolutionary government support of terrorist attacks. The ones in Argentina, involving the loss of life in the hundreds, are but one example of this. We determined that we could not ask others to support us in our fight against Al Qaida if we did not take other terrorist acts and organizations seriously.

Guest: Thank you Mr. Jeffrey. Just one comment on the answer I got right now. If you go to the students or businessmen, that will be a critical issue. I mean, I cannot make sure if I'll be able to be at school on time or not. I know that US government has started to make so much effort on this issue, and I hope that will go on.

Q [qarabaqi]: Do you think enrichment of uranium to a limited level which is necessary energy plant under supervision of UN means what you have called "repeatedly documented suspicious findings consistent with a nuclear weapons program" in your previous chat? What are these documents about whom we have not heard yet?

A [Ambassador Jeffrey]: Qarabagi, many countries with advanced nuclear programs, such as Germany, do not attempt to have a full nuclear supply cycle because they are aware that this could raise suspicions of nuclear activity. It was not only the program itself, but the covert nature of it, and the violations of Atomic Energy Administration requirement, and non-cooperation with that Administration, that led its board to censure Iran and pass the file to the Security Council as a threat to peace. The Council then studying all of the evidence and came to the same conclusion--Iran is not pursuing a peaceful civilian program, but quite possibly a military one.

Ambassador Jeffrey: Thanks everyone for the extraordinary questions. You all deserve to become journalists (or diplomats). Good luck to all of you. Ambassador James Jeffrey

IIP Moderator: Thanks again to everyone for their participation today and we apologize to those who didn't get their questions answered.

We'll be holding more chats like this soon so please come back again.

[Guest]: Thank you so much Mr. Jeffrey. I really enjoyed the discussion, and I hope there will be some more of this kind of talk in future.