There has been outrage by some that support Israel over possible diplomatic diologue might develop between Iran and the United States. There are even planned protests over it. I find this to be most strange. With diplomatic relations the issue of Israel could be discussed with Iran that could lead to reduced conflict between the two nations. I would certainly think that Israel would be for any measures that could reduce the tensions between the two nations and certainly open-minded discussions between the US and Iran would go a long way towards reducing the tensions between Iran and the West.

Of course we, the US, can't go to such meeting with simple demands upon Iran. As with all positive diplomacy you start by addressing issues of common interest and all countries have many common interests. Then you move to minor issues of dispute to find common ground and evolve to issues of greater contention over time. It is not a fast process but one that progresses incrimentally over time.

So why do pro-Israeli factions oppose these proposed meetings between the US and Iran?

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Soldiers swear to protect and defend the Constitution with their lives.

Politicians swear to protect and defend the Constitution with someone else's life.

Are you talking about the Obama stuff? Give links for that sort of stuff.

At any rate talks between the US and Iran could be dangerous for Israel if the US is in appeasment mode.

Iran overtly supports Hezbollah, which attacks Israel directly. And Iran could get away with a lot more if they had nukes. If the negotiations grease the wheels for either of those things than Israel will suffer.

Actually I am referring to the 5 former Secretatries of State that have come out endorsing talks with Iran. Yes, Obama has also said he is willing to talk with Iran but then so did Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich, and Bob Barr and only John McCain has said that he is unwilling to enter into unconditional dialogue with Iran.

One point of diplomatic dialogue it to enter into it in good faith without preconceived positions that are inflexible. As you note Iran has alledgedly assisted Hezbollah but Hezbollah is much, much more than just a militia organization. Certainly we want Hezbollah to cease it's attacks against Israeli forces. That is a ligitimate position. I'm sure that on the other side Hezbollah wants Israel to stop military operations against Lebannon. There are two sides to the story and it is the goal of a diplomatic mission to review both sides and to work towards a mutually acceptable resolution.

Certainly the issue of nukes is an important issue. We don't want Iraq developing nukes and Iran doesn't like Israel having nukes. What is the solution? I'm not sure but the only way to find out is to sit down and talk about it and see if common ground can be found. I do know that Iran has promised full and unrestricted IAEA access if Israel were willing to allow the same inspections. Is Iran telling the truth and would Israel submit to inspections? I don't know but I know it is better to discuss it than it is to ignore the whole issue until Iran has nukes. Would you agree with this?

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Soldiers swear to protect and defend the Constitution with their lives.

Politicians swear to protect and defend the Constitution with someone else's life.

I also believe that the better way to promote peace in the ME and to protect Israel from potential harm is dialog rather than military attack. McCain and the neo-cons are pretty much alone - worldwide - in believing otherwise.

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He who angers you, controls you!

It sounds like McCain may have too many preconditions. But preconditions are standard for this sort of thing. In principle a presidents time is valuable, and so before jaunting off to some country it's customary to have intermediaries take care of setting up some foundation.

For example finding out if what you're planning to negotiate for is even on the table.

Plus preconditions or no any deal could be bad for Israel. I'm guessing if Israelies are protesting they don't have much faith in the indaviduals in question.