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The Boston Globe

Commentary January18, 2018 Fariborz S. Fatemi At theheight of the Watergate investigation, Nixon went on television to assert thatthe American people need to know that “their president is not a crook.” Thefacts, however, indicated that he and all around him were “crooks.” Now at theheight of the investigation of Trump’s collusion with the Russians and hisfirst year in office, Trump attempts to assure the American public that he isnot a racist. Again, all the evidence from his past and present and thosearound him indicates that he and they are racist. Trump, who knows nothing, does not know he knows nothing and does notcare, who tells at least five lies a day, continues to show by his actions whyseven out of 10 people think he is unfit for the job he aspires to. Oneexample, his international policy concerning Iran. A country that Trump and hisacolytes could not find on the map. Herants and raves about Iran and has gathered around him and listens to the worstadvisors with as little knowledge as his own. Iran is that country that over 50 yearsago, the US helped the British to overthrow its constitutional, freely-electedgovernment lead by Iran’s national heroes, Dr. Hussein Fatemi and Dr.Mosaddegh. The Iranian people have never forgotten that their populardemocratic government was stolen from them. They also remember it unleashedupon them a 26 year murderous reign of terror by the hated Pahlavi regime. Irana country that for more than three centuries has never attacked anyone, todaysurrounded by Russia, Pakistan, US and Israel, all nuclear-armed countries. Howironic that Trump tries to make it the heavy in the region. And Iran thecountry victimized by terrorists as is the region and the world coming out ofSaudi Arabia and the Emirates, all Trump’s friends. Iranis the country that the Obama/Biden Administration, much to its credit, hardwork and strength, achieved the monumental nuclear accord and created anopening. Something that was missing during the Bush/Cheney years where even ourdiplomats were not allowed to speak to their Iranian counterparts. Incomes Trump and his mindless, ignorant bull-in-the-china-shop way and damageseight years of effort by the Obama/Biden administration. Instead of followingthe Obama/Biden legacy, to build upon that incipient trust between our twonations, Trump has set back any chance for a thaw 50 years. What anembarrassment. Imagine if that Iranian government overthrown with the help of the US,had flourished what Iran would be like today. A democracy to be envied andemulated by the pretend ones in the region. The question is, how does Trump’spolicy benefit the US in the region and in the world? What does it accomplish?Any student will tell you that Iran’s role is vital to our national securityinterests in the region. How very sad.