Obama makes overture to Iranian people in video message

President Obama made an unprecedented gesture to the people of Iran and their leaders. In a brief videotaped message on the first day of spring, which marks the start of the major holiday Nowruz in Iran, the president made a direct appeal for better relations between the two countries, who have not had diplomatic relations since 1979.

Trita Parsi, an expert on U.S.-Iranian relations with the National Iranian American Council, discusses the significance of President Obamas gesture toward Iran and how it is being received by the people and the government there.

[DerafsheKavian]

If Mr. Obama's message was for Iranians, it should have been broadcast on the Iranian TV, not on VOA, which is viewed as a propaganda tool. I think most folk will come across it on the internet. It is not a serious gesture. It is intended mostly for the American audience just to make a point that US is reaching out.

[boundaryzero]

Spare you what, the chore of reading?

Just because his background is Iranian, doesent make him evil.

[DerafsheKavian]

Unfortunately it looks like that is the direction where things are moving. US is gradually and steadily escallating the situation on the ground. At this point only two of Iran neighbors have managed to avoid US military presence. And that canchange.

[MrPeoplepower]

Obama last week extended sanctions against the Iranian people for another year. Sanctions started during Clinton era. Sanctions against a country do not affect the elite such as leaders or senior government officials but the ordinary people. (I.e. Cuba, Syria, Pakistan, China, etc.). Extending sanctions will only negate his beautiful words!? Actions should match words!? Open doors, communication, interact, and dialogue to learn from one another works better than taking food away from the needy!?

[MaziarGER]

Trita Tazi, padaashe be jib zadane poule khoune mellate IRAN, tannaabe koloft DAAR be dore gardane nazokat khahad Mousade Israel, shoma khaenin ra dar harkojaye donya ke hastid, peyda khahim kard va entegham khahim gereft...you have to pay for it !!!