Moderate candidate Mousavi speaks about Iran’s image

As reported by AFP, the presidential candidate Mousavi, in his first speech since his declaration to run, has stated that he will work on repairing Iran’s image in the world. AFP uses the word extremism to describe the IRI’s image. I’m not sure if this is a correct translation from Persian.

In any case the text seems suprisingly frank in admitting that the IRI’s image is extreme. Though Mousavi reaffirms right to peaceful nuclear energy, which is supported by a vast majority of the population.

It seems to me that the current US establishment loathe current president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad due to is anti-Israel rhetoric. If there is any chance of real progress for dialogue, Mousavi must win the election. Also, it appears that the Washington tactic (Ross tactic?) is too engage as early as possible, as they feel that time is short. They [Ross & co.] obviously have a roadmap to sanctions or even a blockade and need to tick the box of having done diplomacy first.

(As an aside, Google now host the news themselves – hosted news – another ominous sign for newspapers)