Stephen Kinzer - Reset: Iran, Turkey, and America's Future

Foreign correspondent and Boston University professor Stephen Kinzer discusses his book "Reset: Iran, Turkey, and America's Future," presented by Harvard Book Store. What can the U.S. do to foster a peaceful, democratic Middle East? Kinzer argues that the logical partners for the U.S. are Turkey and Iran. More lectures at forum-network.org
This talk took place on June 8, 2010.

[@Bluebirdiran]

You want new ideas? Here is one. The sooner the Americans realize that their unwanted or unwanted presence anywhere in the world is THE problem and not part of the solution the quicker we get to world peace. And by the way Iran is not the most hated country in the world. It is the USA. You should know if you have travelled the world.

[@KeithWilliamMacHendry]

Well, that's certainly an opinion, whether it is true or not is definitely debatable in my experience. Though it's true the US certainly hasn't helped endear itself in many nations.

[@salvadorvizcarra769]

@@KeithWilliamMacHendry "US certainly hasn't helped endear itself in many nations?" Well… Now, please check out these FACTS that are on the Web: "In 250 years of existence as a nation, the US has fought against 29 sovereign countries. (In Fact, since 1785, we have been involved, for 231 years, in some kind of war. And this wars, against all varieties of nations. From going against the Sultan of Morocco, to invading the tiny island of Grenada, 1983. Well, this means that in our entire history, we have only had 17 years of peace, and even fewer, cuz here the almost 5 years of our Civil War (Union/Confed 1861‒1865), are Not counted, since this war was not with another country, but against us. And the wars against the Native Nations of America either are not counted, for the same reason). Anyway: We fought against 29 countries. We have "Grown" 711 the size of our territory from the original 13 colonies. Our Economic, Political and Military development was established thanks to the Piracy, the Slavery, the Massacres, the Opium Trade or Cocaine Traffic, and the Weakness of many abused sovereign nations. We have provoked with total impunity, 12 Genocides and 9 Massacres, ‒inside and outside our own borders‒, and Assassinations of Gov’t. Leaders, Coups d'État and Economic Blockades in 6 UN member nations. Between 1947 and 1989, the US tried to change other nations gov’ts 73 times. It includes 66 covert Ops. And 7 overt ones. In Civil Wars: The US has taken advantage of and intervened without justification in the following Civil Wars: In Marquesas Island. (Massacre. 1813). US Forces seize Nuku Hiva Island (French Polynesia 1813), and establish here «The First US Naval Base», in the Pacific. This historical fact is important, cuz in 1813, the US had NO Territorial Land nor Maritime Rights in the Pacific Ocean, until 1848, when the US seized California and other Mexican territories facing the Pacific. In Haiti. (1813 and 1901 and then 1915-1919-1934-1995-2001). In the Philippines. (1898-1902. Genocide. One Million people dead). In Hawaii. (1889 and 1890-1893 and 1901). In Cuba. (1898 and 1901-1902 and 1906 and 1913 and 1952 and again 1960). In Island Guam and Island Wake (1898-1899 and 1902-1905). In Island of Samoa. (1898-1899). In Puerto Rico. (1898-1902 to 2023 LOL). In Colombia. (1899-1902 and 1948). In Mexico. (1836 and 1847, and 1859-1861 “Cortina Wars”. And 1875 "Las Cuevas War”. And 1886 and 1904 and 1914 and again in 1916-1917 against “Pancho Villa”). In Russia. (1918-1920). In the "Republic Banana Wars" of Central America. (Massacre. 1912-1934-1943). In Dominican Republic. (1916-1924 and 1965-1966). In Honduras. (1903 and 1912 and 1919 and 1924-1925 and again 2009). In Venezuela. (1936 and 1945 and again in 1948). Military Coup in Peru. (1948 and 1967). In China. (1856-1859, and 1899-1901, and 1913 and 1933, and again in 1945-1946-1949). Military assistance to Chinese rebels in Taiwan. (1951-1952). In Korea. (1871 and 1950-1953). In Iran. (1953). Coup against Mohammad Mosaddegh. (Massacre). In Vietnam. (1959-1975. Massacre and Genocide.). In Laos. (Massacre. 1970-1974). The CIA “Bombing of Laos-Cambodia Ops” and the "Air America Op". (1971-1973). Attack on Cambodia. (Kampuchea. 1975). In Albania. (1949-1953 and 1955). In Panama. (1856, and 1903, and 1964-1968, and again 1989). In Brazil. (1950 and 1959 and 1964 and again in 2016). Coup and Intervention in Guatemala. (Massacre. 1944, and 1954, and 1966, and again 1982-1985). Coup against Patrice Lumumba and Intervention in Republic of the Congo. (Massacre. 1960- 1961). Coup and subsequent Fascist regime in Greece. (1967). The Hunting for Che Guevara, in Bolivia. (1968). US Military assistance in the Coup in Bolivia (Copper Mining Co. 1971). Terror in Uruguay. Support for the regime of Juan María Bordaberry. (Genocide. 1973). Support for the regime of Moboth, in Zaire (Genocide. 1974). Democratic Republic of the Congo “Simba Rebellion”. (Massacre. 1964-1967 and 1975). Entry of US Troops into Nicaragua. (1928-1932 against Augusto Sandino, and 1937 and 1972-1973, and 1984-1987 and again 1995). Coup in Chile against Salvador Allende. (Genocide. 1973-1976). Argentina (1976-1986). Armed conflict between the Saharawi Arab Republic and between Morocco. (1976-2002). Support for the cannibal Jean-Bédel Bokassa, in Central African Republic. (Genocide. 1979). Military assistance to the rebels of Yemen and Oman. (Massacre. 1978-1979). Military assistance in El Salvador, special operations. (Genocide. 1980-1992). Liberia. (Massacre. 1978-1980-1983). Coup in Honduras. Support General Polycarpo Paz Garcia. “Cocaine State”. (Genocide. 1979-1980-1982). Military assistance to Iraq. (1983-1990). We, the US, assistance Saddam Hussein against Iran. (More than half a million deaths in ten years. 1980-1990). Support and funding of the Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot. (Genocide 1980-1982). In Angola-Namibia. (Massacre. 1980-1981-1984). Intervention in Grenada. (1983). Here, in Grenada, the US Rangers attack lasted 6 hours, since the tiny Island has no Army, no Navy nor Air Force. The Ranges fought against 287 fearsome Police Officers. Actually, half of these Cops, cuz the other half had not yet come to work the afternoon shift. LOL. In Chad, support the Dictator and Genocide François “Ngarta” Tombalbaye. (1960-1972 and Intervention 1982-1986 and 2007). In Egypt, in the “Arab Spring”. (2010-2012). In Myanmar. (2015-2017). Coup in Equatorial Guinea. (1994-1997-2007 and 2021). In Bosnia. (1994-1995 and 2006). In Gambia. (CIA-CEDEAO. 2017). In Burkina Faso. (Massacre. 2014-2015 and 2021). Coup in Peru against Pedro Castillo. (2022-2023)… In Libya, Niger, Chad, Mozambique, Zambia, in Gabon (Gabon It is a small country at the western end of Central Africa. In just 4 years, 2019-2022, Gabon has suffered 9 Coups d'état. In 8 of these Coups, the US has intervened in one way or another). In Kenya, Oman, Palestine, Lebanon, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Jordan, in Kosovo, Kiribati, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, in Afghanistan, etc. And… Oh! Yeah: In Ukraine. In 70 years, that is, from 1950 to 2020, we, the US, have participated in 80% of all global armed conflicts. In 80%!!! What's so "Proud" about being a nation of Looters and Criminals? .

[@youtubezcy]

Then why do so many nations have treaties with the USA to police the seas?

[@Time4Peace]

Much as I respect Kinzer for his investigative journalism, the mindset is still meddling with other nations for 'openness, democracy, human rights, shared values, etc' This is accompanied by clandestine operations and funding that destabilize the nations. Would US allow other countries to intervene in one way or another on its issues like homelessness, racism, gun violence etc? Help other nations to improve on their economies so that their citizens could benefits. Then you have a better chance of better relationships with the governments and the people for their own empowerment.

[@alipeurass]

The Iranian people have always been friends with the United States and did everything possible to make the United States a little friendly, but every time Iran extended a hand of friendship to the United States, the United States rejected it and pointed the finger at Iran with a big lie.

[@PozorUkraine]

It’s as true even now in 2021

[@Time4Peace]

How right Kinzer was with his observation that EU is under-punching on the European affairs. 10 years later, it is even worse than what could be imagined. Europe acquiesces to everything US says and wants. Even with Nord Stream pipeline blown off!

[@Remolfm]

Why can't I see the video?? I can hear the music but I can't see anythng and it seems to be only this video

[@seandineen999]

How to you make Turkey a partner while they deny the genocide?

[@salvadorvizcarra769]

Well… Now, please check out these FACTS that are on the Web: "In 250 years of existence as a nation, the US has fought against 29 sovereign countries. (In Fact, since 1785, we have been involved, for 231 years, in some kind of war. And this wars, against all varieties of nations. From going against the Sultan of Morocco, to invading the tiny island of Grenada, 1983. Well, this means that in our entire history, we have only had 17 years of peace, and even fewer, cuz here the almost 5 years of our Civil War (Union/Confed 1861‒1865), are Not counted, since this war was not with another country, but against us. And the wars against the Native Nations of America either are not counted, for the same reason). Anyway: We fought against 29 countries. We have "Grown" 711 the size of our territory from the original 13 colonies. Our Economic, Political and Military development was established thanks to the Piracy, the Slavery, the Massacres, the Opium Trade or Cocaine Traffic, and the Weakness of many abused sovereign nations. We have provoked with total impunity, 12 Genocides and 9 Massacres, ‒inside and outside our own borders‒, and Assassinations of Gov’t. Leaders, Coups d'État and Economic Blockades in 6 UN member nations. Between 1947 and 1989, the US tried to change other nations gov’ts 73 times. It includes 66 covert Ops. And 7 overt ones. In Civil Wars: The US has taken advantage of and intervened without justification in the following Civil Wars: In Marquesas Island. (Massacre. 1813). US Forces seize Nuku Hiva Island (French Polynesia 1813), and establish here «The First US Naval Base», in the Pacific. This historical fact is important, cuz in 1813, the US had NO Territorial Land nor Maritime Rights in the Pacific Ocean, until 1848, when the US seized California and other Mexican territories facing the Pacific. In Haiti. (1813 and 1901 and then 1915-1919-1934-1995-2001). In the Philippines. (1898-1902. Genocide. One Million people dead). In Hawaii. (1889 and 1890-1893 and 1901). In Cuba. (1898 and 1901-1902 and 1906 and 1913 and 1952 and again 1960). In Island Guam and Island Wake (1898-1899 and 1902-1905). In Island of Samoa. (1898-1899). In Puerto Rico. (1898-1902 to 2023 LOL). In Colombia. (1899-1902 and 1948). In Mexico. (1836 and 1847, and 1859-1861 “Cortina Wars”. And 1875 "Las Cuevas War”. And 1886 and 1904 and 1914 and again in 1916-1917 against “Pancho Villa”). In Russia. (1918-1920). In the "Republic Banana Wars" of Central America. (Massacre. 1912-1934-1943). In Dominican Republic. (1916-1924 and 1965-1966). In Honduras. (1903 and 1912 and 1919 and 1924-1925 and again 2009). In Venezuela. (1936 and 1945 and again in 1948). Military Coup in Peru. (1948 and 1967). In China. (1856-1859, and 1899-1901, and 1913 and 1933, and again in 1945-1946-1949). Military assistance to Chinese rebels in Taiwan. (1951-1952). In Korea. (1871 and 1950-1953). In Iran. (1953). Coup against Mohammad Mosaddegh. (Massacre). In Vietnam. (1959-1975. Massacre and Genocide.). In Laos. (Massacre. 1970-1974). The CIA “Bombing of Laos-Cambodia Ops” and the "Air America Op". (1971-1973). Attack on Cambodia. (Kampuchea. 1975). In Albania. (1949-1953 and 1955). In Panama. (1856, and 1903, and 1964-1968, and again 1989). In Brazil. (1950 and 1959 and 1964 and again in 2016). Coup and Intervention in Guatemala. (Massacre. 1944, and 1954, and 1966, and again 1982-1985). Coup against Patrice Lumumba and Intervention in Republic of the Congo. (Massacre. 1960- 1961). Coup and subsequent Fascist regime in Greece. (1967). The Hunting for Che Guevara, in Bolivia. (1968). US Military assistance in the Coup in Bolivia (Copper Mining Co. 1971). Terror in Uruguay. Support for the regime of Juan María Bordaberry. (Genocide. 1973). Support for the regime of Moboth, in Zaire (Genocide. 1974). Democratic Republic of the Congo “Simba Rebellion”. (Massacre. 1964-1967 and 1975). Entry of US Troops into Nicaragua. (1928-1932 against Augusto Sandino, and 1937 and 1972-1973, and 1984-1987 and again 1995). Coup in Chile against Salvador Allende. (Genocide. 1973-1976). Argentina (1976-1986). Armed conflict between the Saharawi Arab Republic and between Morocco. (1976-2002). Support for the cannibal Jean-Bédel Bokassa, in Central African Republic. (Genocide. 1979). Military assistance to the rebels of Yemen and Oman. (Massacre. 1978-1979). Military assistance in El Salvador, special operations. (Genocide. 1980-1992). Liberia. (Massacre. 1978-1980-1983). Coup in Honduras. Support General Polycarpo Paz Garcia. “Cocaine State”. (Genocide. 1979-1980-1982). Military assistance to Iraq. (1983-1990). We, the US, assistance Saddam Hussein against Iran. (More than half a million deaths in ten years. 1980-1990). Support and funding of the Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot. (Genocide 1980-1982). In Angola-Namibia. (Massacre. 1980-1981-1984). Intervention in Grenada. (1983). Here, in Grenada, the US Rangers attack lasted 6 hours, since the tiny Island has no Army, no Navy nor Air Force. The Ranges fought against 287 fearsome Police Officers. Actually, half of these Cops, cuz the other half had not yet come to work the afternoon shift. LOL. In Chad, support the Dictator and Genocide François “Ngarta” Tombalbaye. (1960-1972 and Intervention 1982-1986 and 2007). In Egypt, in the “Arab Spring”. (2010-2012). In Myanmar. (2015-2017). Coup in Equatorial Guinea. (1994-1997-2007 and 2021). In Bosnia. (1994-1995 and 2006). In Gambia. (CIA-CEDEAO. 2017). In Burkina Faso. (Massacre. 2014-2015 and 2021). Coup in Peru against Pedro Castillo. (2022-2023)… In Libya, Niger, Chad, Mozambique, Zambia, in Gabon (Gabon It is a small country at the western end of Central Africa. In just 4 years, 2019-2022, Gabon has suffered 9 Coups d'état. In 8 of these Coups, the US has intervened in one way or another). In Kenya, Oman, Palestine, Lebanon, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Jordan, in Kosovo, Kiribati, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, in Afghanistan, etc. And… Oh! Yeah: In Ukraine. In 70 years, that is, from 1950 to 2020, we, the US, have participated in 80% of all global armed conflicts. In 80%!!! What's so "Proud" about being a nation of Looters and Criminals? .

[@youtubezcy]

If we discuss each one of those individually is involvement varies wildly as does global pressure to do so. So does ongoing war before America intervened. USA is made up of the world that's why we are just as dumb as every other country yet unique.

[@Bluebirdiran]

You want new ideas? Here is one. The sooner the Americans realize that their unwanted or unwanted presence anywhere in the world is THE problem and not part of the solution the quicker we get to world peace. And by the way Iran is not the most hated country in the world. It is the USA. You should know if you have travelled the world.