I personally have grave doubts that the current regime will talk seriously to the U.S. I would certainly leave the way open if they want to take it, but I would also be prepared to wait years. Given the history, there’s no alternative to letting things ripen. An opportunity existed in the 1997-2005 period, but the Clinton administration was far too timid (for reasons that I won’t take the time to go into here), and the Bush administration had no interest (a short-sighted decision that may prove to have tragic consequences).

The hawks of course are pressing talks because they know failure is a certainty, after which they can plausibly (in their minds) advocate the military option.

I see no threat to the U.S. from a nuclear Iran, and thus would feel no urgency if I were running policy. I do see a U.S.-Iranian rapprochement, if achievable, as having immense positive consequences for our country. I doubt that Israel is endangered by a nuclear Iran, given its counterstrike capability (in addition to its overwhelming conventional superiority — not in numbers, but in weaponry, tactics and training). In any case, as an American, it’s American interests that I care about, not those of Israel.

Message to Ali Gharib: Consider this.

Not quite in context, but still.

Since Germany is one of the recipients of this document, I really wonder if the people in charge of the heightened controls and regulations for exports to Iran really do need this additional hint? I in fact wonder if anyone on earth still needs to be made aware of this? So what is he telling us?