Coffee Talk

" President Obama in Riyadh today meeting in the Saudi king the -- sat in gilded chairs they -- Coffee from Arabia while discussing the US relationship with Saudi Arabia. President Obama remarking on the king's quote wisdom and gracious nest the king intern called. President Obama quote distinguished man who deserves to be president. Later he is off to Egypt for they had anticipated speech to the Muslim world so what was accomplished over coffee and Arabia let's bring in my panel. We have a great group with us today -- nor is a senior fellow at council on Foreign Relations he was the chief spokesman for the coalition forces in Iraq and was a senior adviser to former ambassador Paul Bremer. Doug -- of course as you know as a former adviser to President Bill Clinton and a Fox News contributor. Alleyway with us with me here in the studio she is the senior editor and special diplomatic correspondent. For news week so rally you know of all president seemed to sort of -- Enjoy a good time with King Abdullah is a very gracious and wise man as. President Obama put it. But what do you think you know in terms of -- perhaps Iran or or what the most important issue do you think on -- was that he wanted to convey the the president. Well."

" I think that most of the leaders in the Middle East are very very concerned in about Iran. And I think that Tom Friedman's column in the times that is correct in the sense that they will talk about an awful record as President Obama noted today. More than they we'll talk about and ultimately that ultimately they'll talk about the need to get an Israeli Palestinian settlement but I think they could be. In danger of Iran is high on the line from King Abdullah and I'm sure -- talking about with -- fashion on the part of some is that is that those leaders feel the President Obama hasn't been toughen up on Iraq. Well I think that's quite possible that is after all he sent a video. And up the answer from Iran was negative and now I think he's saying that he's waiting for the uranium election. And then we'll have to wait and see but all this time of course Iran is proceeding to build nuclear weapons. And dot that he basically Obama has been beating up on Israel hand knotted on Iran."

" I should DNC nor he had talked to me about that and also if you want to squeeze something about the fact that this has been. Sort of put forward as a speech to the Muslim world. And that and that itself is getting a little bit of criticism but first give me your take on the Iran issue and how tough Abdullah and others may be on our president with regard to that I."

" Think it is the single most important issue right now on the region's single most important issue in terms of what you know unifies. What historically been adversaries the Sunni moderate Sunni Muslim Muslim world and the and the Israelis. I think at the end of the day. The capitals that -- Obama is visiting Cairo and Andrea are going to do what they believe is in their interest they aren't Lally said very concerned about and potentially nuclear Iran. So they won't work with the US and potentially Israel and isolating Iran if they think it's in their interest and they won't if they don't think it's in the interest and all that present Obama does that this speech to the Muslim world. And his public pressure Israel on settlements and some of these other issues. Which are framed by the administration as necessary in order to build an anti Iran coalition with the Arab world I think. Is actually not entirely accurate the Arab world will get on board with the United States and isolating Iran if they think they have reason to fear Iran. And and dealing with settlements in dealing in the Arab speeches and whatnot because Muslim world aren't going to happy a major factor in the decision."

" Standing in the -- the president and I don't I don't I mean this in in the most respectful way but GT think that he. You know is. Gaining a clear understanding of what you're saying and that is that countries operate -- best interest. Perhaps regardless of you know your vision for how they're going to perceive the US and high going to. You know opened new bridges to them."

" I -- I think that this minute administration has the view that that I don't agree -- That's. With pleasantries. And diplomatic niceties. And flowery rhetoric. We can induce. People who would be generally not a -- necessarily -- our interest to to work with -- I think they -- put too much -- in the potential of a charm offensive. In bringing some of these countries on board and into a coalition that yet to be necessary."

" Everything about setting we have seen a lot of charm and a lot of extending hands and discussion and videos as -- was pointing out. From President Obama and an all I -- sort of fallen under that umbrella of you know laying the groundwork which we understand -- in you know it. Aren't policy you have Elaine grammar is very important. At what point do you think we're going to hear some tough talk in any form from the president well."

" I think Martha sooner rather than later I think that. What Dan allow lawyers suggesting is that the time for the pleasantries is now ending the Obama administration. Has reversed I think substantially the isolation that the Bush Administration. Left us and certainly in the Middle East and around the world. And now with the policy in Afghanistan. And Pakistan the video from Osama bin Laden today. It's absolutely clear that we have to make it. Crystal clear as a country what our policies are. Not only on Iran but also to stop the column bond. And -- Kate in Afghanistan and Pakistan and make it clear to the moderate Arab leadership that we stand with them against Iran. And for a mideast peace settlement -- against the expansion. Terrorist activities around the world now's the time to get started."

" Yet you know it's interesting how you going to Egypt make this needs. I think Cairo a place that has you know human rights issues of -- on electoral bases of the sun has written a story today about. Prior candidate who two weeks ago -- had his yes man who has faced in his hair burns covered trying to run against Mubarak. And he lost. Since then there's very serious human rights issues going on of the gravity ships and he goes to Egypt make this speech how strong is he need to be with the Egyptian government about that the the values of our country that he talks about significantly here but will he do that when he's standing there face at this Egyptian audience tonight. Well -- I."

" Think -- that you have to understand the middle east of the Middle East to different places not the United States I think of the egyptians have been. Long standing allies of the United States and I think that Obama recognized that. And they -- at the Arab country that has made peace thirty years ago with Israel and I presume that that entered into the administration's thinking when he chose Cairo to make the speech. And you know I and of course like you and everybody else. I -- very respectful of human rights but I think that in the Middle East if you start. Doing what actually Condoleezza Rice did when she held an election in or promoting election in Gaza. Without having any any foundations without having civic organizations about having banks without having any flat foundations but just saying let's have a collection. Extremists usually win and I kind of ridiculous to expire at. Well I think you have to build build a foundation from the ground up personally very interesting there's a lot going on I hope not come -- talk about it as we go to this -- dancing I thank you it's great having you with us today. How -- women as always a pleasure and that's not always good to have you with us thanks everybody --"