July 18th, 2008 by Amanda

The Bush Administration has attempted a near about face in its diplomatic relations with Iran, according to a New York Times editorial. While its policy has shifted away from the “dangerous fantasy of bombing away Iran’s nuclear ambitions” to engaging in talks in Tehran for the first time in 30 years, Kevin Drum at Washington Monthly wonders why more people aren’t getting as excited as he is about the historical move.

Adam Blickstein at Democracy Arsenal noticed. He discusses the latest policy actions as well as speculation over US ambitions to “establish a US interest section -a halfway house to setting up a full embassy.” Meanwhile, FP Passport discovers the positive outcomes of roundball diplomacy.

Well-timed is the release of a new book by Thomas Powers entitled Iran: The Threat. He posits that “the United States appears to have lost its capacity to think clearly” with regard to its war with Iran rhetoric.

Posted in Diplomacy, Iran, US foreign policy |