July 22nd, 2008 by Sarah
At National Interest Online Barbara Slavin reviews President Bush’s recent decision to send Undersecretary of State Bill Burns to participate in talks with Iran, alongside the P5+1. Either “President Bush believes diplomacy will not work but realizes he must at least go through the motions to avoid criticism that he is rushing to war,” or “with the situation in Iraq somewhat stabilized and Western economic sanctions beginning to bite in Iran, the administration believes it has sufficient leverage to negotiate and that Iran is receptive to a deal.”
Iran currently has 2 weeks to formally respond to the incentive package.
The Economist asserts its own interpretation. “Having Mr Burns in Geneva, it is hoped, will underline the seriousness of the offer to negotiate, but also Iran’s need to choose.”
Posted in Diplomacy, Iran, US foreign policy |
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