Obama: 'Death to America' Does Not Bring Security to Iran

Barack Obama, the President of the United States, emphasized in his speech at the 70th United Nations General Assembly that we must understand that America cannot solve the world's problems alone, while adding that the U.S. collaborates with any country, including Iran and Russia, regarding the Syrian crisis. In remarks made on Monday morning, October 6, local New York time, he added that after all the bloodshed and the displacement of people in Syria, one cannot expect to return to the past and for Bashar al-Assad to remain in power. The U.S. President pointed out the history of the Syrian civil war, stating that it was Bashar al-Assad who did not listen to the voices of his protesting people, leading to the current situation in Syria. His comments seem to be a response to Russia and Iran, who insist that Bashar al-Assad should still have a role in Syria's future. He also stated that his country would continue its attacks on the Islamic State group until it is eradicated, but added that he is willing to cooperate with other countries, including Russia and Iran. A part of Obama's speech on Monday addressed Iran, a country that has engaged in close negotiations with the U.S. over its nuclear crisis after years of severed relations. Obama referred to his first year in office as a clear example where he stated that Iran's nuclear ambitions must be controlled and limited, including through sanctions. He continued by mentioning the 'two years of cooperation' among the P5+1 countries that negotiated with Iran and eventually reached an agreement. Obama emphasized that returning to the past would yield 'no fruit for us' and that we must 'look to the future.' He also stated that chanting 'Death to America' in Iran does not create jobs and will not bring security to Iran. In previous sessions of the UN General Assembly, it has not been customary for Iranian and American leaders to be present during each other's speeches, and news agencies did not report the presence of any Iranian delegation members during Obama's speech. Meanwhile, Obama's remarks came as John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, Samantha Power, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, and Susan Rice, the President's National Security Advisor, were seated in the front row listening to Obama's address. A part of Obama's remarks regarding Iran had a critical tone, as he pointed out the Islamic Republic's support for various groups in the region, explicitly stating that this has fueled sectarian and religious confrontations. The U.S. President also mentioned that one can imprison activists, but cannot imprison their ideals and opinions. He added that powerful countries 'especially due to their power and credibility have a duty to change their course and pursue a different policy where their policies yield no results.' He referenced the U.S. policy towards Cuba over the past half-century, which he claimed 'has yielded no results.' Obama also referred to the Crimea issue and Russia's actions, stating that the U.S. has no significant interests in Ukraine, but 'cannot sit idly by' and watch a country's territorial integrity be threatened. He added that if Russia had engaged in dialogue with the international community and come to the negotiating table, 'both Ukraine's and Russia's interests would have been served.' He emphasized that his country does not intend to isolate Russia.