Chuck Hagel: “Mr. Biden offers a realistic assessment of the challenges of dealing with a divided government in Iran, where an…”

“Mr. Biden offers a realistic assessment of the challenges of dealing with a divided government in Iran, where an unelected, ``hardcore clique'' holds the key levers of power and thwarts the democratic will of the vast majority of Iranians. More significantly, he lists five specific steps that the United States can take to increase Iran's international linkages and reach out to those in Iran who take risks to bring about change and reform. Like my colleague from Delaware, I do not believe that our many differences with the Islamic Republic of Iran should close off opportunities to influence Iranian behavior and work together constructively when we may share common interests, such as in Afghanistan; assisting with and re-locating refugees displaced by the Afghan war; controlling the international narcotics trade; and, perhaps, regarding the future of Iraq. Our policies must also assist those in Iran advocating reform and change in the Iranian government.”