Criticism of Israel intensifies on Maischberger: Wadephul labels humanitarian condition in Gaza as "intolerable"
Straight-Shootin' Talk: Wadephul Hits Back at Iran's Regime While Eyeing Negotiations
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul didn't pull any punches when he bashed the Iranian regime on national television this week. However,, the fiery rhetoric didn't deter him from planning to meet with Iran's Foreign Minister for talks.
Wadephul, a five-week veteran of the CDU, has already faced criticism from within his own party, according to Bild. Some CSU politicians are said to view him as a ticking time bomb, though no names were named. It would have been bigger if these critics had spoken directly to Wadephul rather than to Bild. Undeterred, Wadephul remains unfazed and says, "You gotta take the heat."
Turning his attention to Iran, Wadephul was all smoke and fire. Displaying no diplomatic subtlety, the Minister stands firmly against the mullah regime, accusing it of suppressing its own population and executing nearly 900 people this year alone. Regarding Israel's recent attack against Iran's nuclear program, Wadephul was unequivocal: "This regime is a justice-free regime. It's a plague on the Iranian people."
However, while Wadephul's stance is clear, he isn't calling for a regime change in Iran. Instead, he urges the Iranian people to decide their own destiny. When asked about Israel's hopes for a regime change, Wadephul set the record straight: "The Israeli government has made it clear they want disarmament, not regime change."
Wadephul: America's "Preparing a Pow-Wow"
The U.S. won't intervene in the conflict yet, believes Wadephul, but the Americans are "gearing up for payback." While the German government stands by Israel in this conflict, Wadephul is confident Germany will keep backing Israel with weapons.
Despite the tough stance, Wadephul wants this conflict to end ASAP. On Friday, he'll sit down with France and England to discuss limiting Iran's nuclear program with Iran's Foreign Minister.
Israel: Fair Play for the Wild West
Wadephul also took Israel to task over its actions in Gaza. "We've got a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that's untenable," he said. "Israel, fighting Hamas terrorists with every right to self-defense, has almost completely choked off Gaza's supply of humanitarian aid."
According to Wadephul, even a tough democracy like Israel, during conflict with a terrorist organization, must be held to a higher standard. Israel must balance its security concerns with responsibility for civilian lives, he said.
Germany plays a significant role in Israel's security and existence, but Wadephul still reserves the right to criticize Israeli policies. He demands that Israel should disarm Hamas and release hostages, while acknowledging the terrible nature of these demands. It's a delicate balancing act, but one Wadephul believes is necessary: "Israel needs to measure itself according to other standards."
Wadephul's stance on Iran involves firm criticism of the mullah regime, yet he doesn't advocate for a regime change, instead urging the Iranian people to determine their own destiny. Simultaneously, he maintains a focus on diplomacy, planning to meet with Iran's Foreign Minister for negotiations. This conversation, along with similar dialogues with France and England, is aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, in a separate matter, Wadephul also addresses Israel's actions in Gaza, calling for a balance between security concerns and responsibility for civilian lives, while criticizing the almost complete blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In summary, politics, war-and-conflicts, general-news, and international diplomacy are all intertwined in Wadephul's role as Foreign Minister.
