by CKR
There is a faint glimmering of hope in today's news. Steven Weisman in the New York Times announces that the Bush administration is allowing a discussion of the possibility of talks with Iran on nuclear matters.
It could be that the administration is responding to the retired generals who have been criticizing its militaristic stance, or possibly that Republican members of Congress are pressing for something less than nuking Iran.
It could even be that when those who should be grateful for the blessings of democracy being showered upon them say that the NPT allows Iran a nuclear energy program, the administration listens.
Before we get too hopeful, though, we need to remember that this administration is proud of maintaining its policies through good times and bad. We also need to recall the New York Times's track record. And Iran has rejected talks with the US on Iraq, citing the US's raising of "other issues."
Security assurances have obviously been a big part of Iran's desires, despite its protestations to the contrary, and the Times article says that even such things, good heavens, limiting its power, are being considered by the administration. We can hope that Iran's latest rejection is part of its attempt to make the subject of the talks more inclusive. Or perhaps that latest rejection was the inspiration for the White House to come up with something it hopes will be rejected.
Stay tuned.