I am reminded of Chapter 59, Book I of the Discourses: Leagues and Alliances with Republics are more to be trusted than those with Princes. I am also reminded of Chapter 14, Book II: Men often deceive themselves in believing that by Humility they can overcome Insolence.

So yes, I am concerned about Obama’s diplomacy. Although the Iranian government should not be trusted to be anything other than the proverbial scorpion on the frog’s back, I am more worried that the United States would betray its friends in the false hope of alliance with such a state.

Although I think Obama has gone too far in seeking to conciliate the Iranian government, it is not unwise to make pleasant noises. Although Obama’s concessions will only make the Iranian government more contemptuous, his coolness toward the Iranian opposition is not unwarranted. To quote Chapter 25, Book II, of the Discourses, ”The city of Sienna changed her government through the influence of the Florentines only when these aided her with small and unimportant favors; for had these favors been large and of importance, the Siennese would immediately have united in defense of the existing government.”

Although Reagan could be reasonably credited with hastening the fall of the Soviet empire by taking the side of the oppressed peoples of Eastern Europe, it is noteworthy that the most important revolutions during his tenure were in Haiti and the Philippines. Remember, despite Reagan’s staunch anti-Communism, David Funderburk was recalled during his administration. The actual fall of the Eastern Bloc happened during the Bush administration, after Reagan left the Oval Office. I don’t think it was a mere coincidence.

Although I agree that Barack Obama’s apparent deal to release Iranian terrorists is shameful, it is also Reaganesque. Thus, I would be hesitant to recommend to Barack Obama that he act like Ronald Reagan lest he look to the Iran-Contra Affair as a template for how relations ought to be conducted with terrorist states. Perhaps Barack Obama should read Machiavelli instead.