I don't know what to make of Iran rejecting Libby Dole (link). Of course, it's stupid of them, but I can't help but think the plan to send a partisan delegation was part of an effort to make Iran look stupid. Wshould take the lead and ask the UN for as much help as possible for the humanitarian crisis in Bam. We should be going head over heals to help out the people there, for both political and humanitarian reasons. We NEED to demonstrate to the Middle East our intentions are good - which I think they are. We might fuck up in our application of what we think is good, which creates reasoned debate - and not holy war.

This is one of those moments when you show your true colors. If the Bushies choose spite and give minimal help to Iran citing their rejection of the help, it'll prove alot of his dissenters correct. If the Bushies insist on seeing American help in Bam, through whatever means necessary, it'll demonstrate our good intentions.

I have no doubt if something this terrible happened in the US, many in the Middle East would cheer and praise allah for punishing us. We have much fewer of those types in the US and more importantly, we have the capability of helping those in Bam.