Think Progress ^[1]
Thursday, Aug 7, 2008

Continuing his long-running advocacy for a war against Iran, John Bolton said on Fox News today, “Diplomacy is finished.” Bolton said there are only two options: targeted military strikes or full-scale regime change. He added:

I think regime change would be preferable because I think that would lead to greater stability in the region as a whole.

Watch it:

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Justin Logan comments, “I have an eerie feeling that I’ve heard this somewhere before, but I just can’t place it…” How about just a few reminders:

President Bush, 2/26/03:

Acting against the danger will also contribute greatly to the long-term safety and stability of our world.

Vice President Cheney, 8/26/02:

Regime change in Iraq would bring about a number of benefits to the region. When the gravest of threats are eliminated, the freedom-loving peoples of the region will have a chance to promote the values that can bring lasting peace.

John McCain, 2/14/03:

[O]nly a change of regime will make Iraq a state that does not threaten us and others, and where a liberated people assume the rights and responsibilities of freedom. … Not only would deterrence condemn the Iraqi people to more unspeakable tyranny, it would condemn Saddam’s neighbors to perpetual instability.

Despite his unceasing advocacy for war, Bolton is always quick to remind his audience that he finds war detestable and “deeply unattractive.”