WP: U.S. Warms to Prospect of New Talks with Iran

[kskiska]

The United States is open to restoring a dialogue with Iran after "encouraging" moves by the Islamic republic in recent months, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said yesterday.

Iranian leaders have agreed to allow surprise inspections of the country's nuclear energy program, have made overtures to moderate Arab governments and, in the past week, have accepted direct U.S. help as the country struggles with the effects of a devastating earthquake.

"There are things happening, and therefore we should keep open the possibility of dialogue at an appropriate point in the future," Powell, who is recovering from surgery for prostate cancer, said in an interview. "All of those things taken together show, it seems to me, a new attitude in Iran in dealing with these issues -- not one of total, open generosity. But they realize that the world is watching and the world is prepared to take action."

(snip)

Iran has been one of the thorniest issues for the administration. U.S. officials have been deeply divided over whether to engage Iran, as they have attempted with North Korea, or to support regime change, as with Iraq. An original policy review on Iran drifted into an impasse and was revived twice -- before the military invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, both of which border Iran.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A39886-2003Dec29.html

[w4rma]

1. Good, I think. (n/t)

[blackcat77]

2. Anything that reduces tension is good

The only bad part is that Bush will get the credit. But I can live with that if it prevents another war.

[w4rma]

3. There is always fine print to read with BushCo. I haven't yet read

the article, so that's why I say "I think". :hi:

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Ok

with rumors of wolfowitz going away... and Feigh in trouble

And Baker back in the game

Are teh Realists taking over from the Children?

More evidence for this, Lybia... that seems to be as
real politik as you can get

[comradebillyboy]

5. another sign that neo con influence

is waining? rove has figured out that the neocons are fuck-ups. they dont have much of a popular following, even in the republican base. karl is about to throw those weenies overboard.

gee thanks paul, doug and scooter, but i can understand how you all must spend more time with your families. uncle dick will find his health concerns keep him from running.

despite being a shallow twit, bush is a cunning pol. baker will pull shrubs nuts out of the fire and send the neocons packing. after all he is more ruthless than rummy or cheney (also much more competent, not being a devotee of any particular ideology)