Appeasement or engagement

The World

Obama, who is the frontrunner to become the Democrats’ presidential nominee, has argued in favor of negotiating with the Iranian regime. But he has ruled out talking to militant organizations like Hamas.

"Some seem to believe that we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals," said Mr. Bush in his speech on Thursday. "We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: ‘Lord, if I could only have talked to Hitler, all this might have been avoided.’ We have an obligation to call this what it is – the false comfort of appeasement."

Senator Obama responded in a statement: "It is sad that President Bush would use a speech to the Knesset on the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence to launch a false political attack. George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists."

"The World’s" Carol Hills examines what separates appeasement from engagement.

PRI’s "The World" is a one-hour, weekday radio news magazine offering a mix of news, features, interviews, and music from around the globe. "The World" is a co-production of the BBC World Service, PRI and WGBH Boston. More "The World."

Support independent news and 3x your impact!

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. If you’ve been thinking about making a donation, this is the best time to do it. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. All donations between now and June 30 will be matched 2:1. Will you help keep our newsroom on strong footing by giving to The World?