No president -- no matter how reformist or conservative in orientation -- will be able to force through significant changes in Iranian foreign policy without the acquiescence of other power centers, most notably the supreme leader. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins
Outstanding analysis of recent US foreign policy toward Iran, with clear recommendations for moving toward better US-Iranian relations. Astonishing details are provided, including that Condoleezza Rice thought Khatami was not a good negotiating partner for the US to deal with. Khatami sought to restore normal US/Iranian relations, but Bush administration stupidity blew the opportunity.
Obama should study this piece carefully. I agree the US should engage immediately with Iran, and reopening the respective embassies would be a logical starting point. Iran seeks stability in Iraq, and is hostile to the Taleban and al-Qaeda. The US should be encouraging Iran, Russia and China to work together to achieve minimal stability in Afghanistan - - why should the US taxpayer spend hundreds of billions on an ill-conceived military campaign causing more instability by the week?