By Brian Wagner
Miami
28 May 2008
Senator Barack Obama has tried to stand out from other U.S. presidential candidates by saying, as president, he would be open to meeting with some of the most hostile foreign leaders, including those in Cuba and Iran. The policy has drawn criticism from his opponents, but it is beginning to win support among Cuban-Americans, who see a need for change in U.S. policy toward the island. VOA's Brian Wagner has this report.
Senator Obama has said his willingness to meet with America's foes is intended to overcome years of stagnation on crucial security and human rights issues. In recent speeches, he has pointed out that past U.S. presidents met with the leaders of China and the Soviet Union at periods of heightened tension. And he says now is the time to engage the governments in Syria and Iran, for example, because he says the Bush administration's policy against direct talks is hurting American efforts in Iraq.
In a speech in Miami last week, Obama told Cuban-American leaders that he would also engage Communist leaders in Havana, to demand the release of political prisoners and the start of democratic reforms in Cuba.
"As president I would be willing to lead that diplomacy at the time and place of my choosing. But only when we have an opportunity to advance the interests of the United States, but more importantly to advance the cause of freedom for the Cuban people," he said.
Critics reject the senator's position as a naive proposal, or even a danger to U.S. interests.
His rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Senator Hillary Clinton said it would be a mistake to hold presidential talks before Cuba begins to implement long-awaited changes.
Senator John McCain also expressed criticism in a speech before Cuban-Americans and other Miami residents last week. He said direct talks would only hurt the cause of Cuban democracy.
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