Obama praises Reagan; seems more realistic on foreign policy

Published December 24, 2015

(Colleville-su-Mer, France) President Barack Obama had praise for one of his republican predecessors and used a quote of his in discussing how to deal with Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions, Saturday in Caen, France.

"One of my famous predecessors, Ronald Reagan, I think said it pretty well when he said, "Trust, but verify,'" said Mr. Obama at a press availability with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy.

Mr. Obama seemed stern, but optimistic in discussing his administration's view that direct negotiations with Iran, without preconditions, could in fact help steer Iran from threatening international security with a rogue nuclear program.

"We're not even to the point yet where we're having those conversations with the Iranians. But ultimately," he continued, "if in fact Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, then it shouldn't be that hard for us to have a series of negotiations in which the international community feels that confidence, and in which Iran then is able to enjoy a whole host of economic and political benefits and gain much greater legitimacy in all of its other endeavors."

He also made a point of stressing how his policy is so different from his more immediate republican predecessor, George W. Bush, making the Reagan comment all the more interesting. And in doing so perhaps illustrates how five months into his presidency, dealing with international crises is not as easy as he had envisioned during his campaign.

"[I]n international relations I can't just base things on hope, especially when you see actions to the contrary," admitted Mr. Obama

The President wrapped up events commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day and returned to Paris for the night before traveling back to Washington on Sunday.

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