Persian Hokm, Obama -- J Street Hokum

Clarice Feldman * American Thinker

It’s my understanding that Hokm is the most popular game in Iran. Among other things the Hokm (commander or leader) of each hand gets dealt the first card and has the privilege of deciding which suit will be the trump cards. While it looks like the English word “hokum”, something untrue, false, designed to elicit a certain response from the viewer, it is pronounced otherwise. Still it rather well describes the diplomatic and domestic game being played by Rouhani and Obama: Persian-American applesauce in which Obama is giving Iran the right to call the trump card and make the first move.

As Tom Maguire put it succinctly:

With the Syria imbroglio Obama demonstrated that he has no plan, no resolve, no domestic support, no international support, and is desperate for something he can spin as a win. Of course people want to negotiate with him now.

He’s referring to reports that Rouhani, Iran’s leader, and Obama have agreed to speed up talks. The Times, long a prime member of the appease the Islamists and dump Israel school, reports excitedly:

In a hurriedly arranged telephone call, Mr. Obama reached Mr. Rouhani as the Iranian leader was headed to the airport to leave New York after a whirlwind news media and diplomatic blitz. The two agreed to accelerate talks aimed at defusing the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program and afterward expressed optimism at the prospect of a rapprochement that would transform the Middle East.

“Resolving this issue, obviously, could also serve as a major step forward in a new relationship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, one based on mutual interests and mutual respect,” Mr. Obama, referring to Tehran’s nuclear program, told reporters at the White House after the 15-minute phone call. “It would also help facilitate a better relationship between Iran and the international community, as well as others in the region.”

NBC revealed what purports to be Rouhani’s tweeted recollection of the discussion, an account far less sunny that the Times’ version. Like me, the folks at Lucianne found in the exchange less to be optimistic about than the Times:

● “Obama’s call to departing Iranian big the
diplomatic equal of running after his limo
screaming, “But, I didn’t kiss you goodbye.”