Sanity seems to prevail at the moment with regard to Iran. Condi-Gates seem to have managed to shut down the Cheney & co hawks and look eager to implement Obama's foreign policy even before he's elected president. No complaints here, but let's see how this works out.

Condi's coup: how the neo-cons lost the argument over Iran - Americas, World - The Independent

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Exposing the dark side.

It looks like this will be the first administration in three decades to come close to normalizing diplomatic relations with Iran.

Matt

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It drives me mad that it took this long.

The OP said that Condi-Gates adopted "Obama's" plan, but having diplomatic relations with every country should be the norm. Should be common sense. I don't see it as a left/right issue.

I'm glad that the White House is doing it, but like other moves they've had to make, it's like they need to be pinned into a corner and even then they don't come around until things are nearly falling apart.

Maybe Bush learned the word "legacy" in his remedial english class recently?

I was about to say that . He finally found himself one!

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Exposing the dark side.

On this issue, I don't really want to bash Bush, because this is kind of historic, even though Iran sort of forced us to the table instead of the other way around. But America can make this thing work.

If it's for real indeed it's historic. Does this get much airplay in the US? But then again, I want to see first how this plays out. I'd hate to see this turn into some sort of PR stunt.

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Exposing the dark side.

We'll see what happens, we'll see. This could just as easily be a setup to give an invasion crediblity. After a manufactured "incident" Bush could say "...see, we tried, but they wanted war.."

Again, I so hope I'm wrong about this, but it looks too good to be true. Although Condi's struggle against the Cheney hawks with regard to Iran is well documented.

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Exposing the dark side.

well if he doesnt he gets bashed

if he does he gets bashed

catch 22

the messiah's plan is direct talks pres to pres without pre-conditions.

this is sitting in on multiparty talks with a diplomat. which I believe we've done in the past til it proved fruitless and we left it for some euros.

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Hope is the opposite of audacity. It's passive, an excuse for inaction.

Socialism doesn't create a rising tide that lifts all boats. It drains the lake and teaches the boat riders not to help themselves by rowing.

“What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?”

“One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy.

“The other kills her own food.”

It's a step, but:

ABC News: U.S. Set for Rare Iran Diplomatic Meeting

Doesn't sound like a "U-turn" IMO.

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No man is an island...
Each man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in Mankind.
And therefore, never send to know
For whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
—John Donne

Its not even a step, its just an easy way to spy on them.

excellent way to pull it into focus, thanks !

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Hope is the opposite of audacity. It's passive, an excuse for inaction.

Socialism doesn't create a rising tide that lifts all boats. It drains the lake and teaches the boat riders not to help themselves by rowing.

“What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?”

“One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy.

“The other kills her own food.”

I likewise don't see a u-turn. The US is still not willing to negotiate until Iran gives up its only card - enrichment. These mixed messages are not helping at all. One minute you read they are negotiating, the next minute you read that Condi is repeating the same old pre-conditions for real negotiations.

I was hopeful for about 12 hours.

The Bush admin seems as confused and bumbling as ever.

Andrew

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Ethanol is a fabulous solution to our energy dilemma because it will provide more fuel for us to drive around and look for food.

-- Unknown

I dont see how this is a Condi Vs Hawks move..... Condi does not have power,...if she came up with this move, it is not her independent decision, but any move has to be agreed by whose in control. She is just a messenger.

Secondly, they are beginning to think that another war will not benefit them.......not financially, not any other way they looked at it. They have an objective reg Iraq and M/E and they have to play the Iran ball intelligently. If they want to maintain any sort of control over Iraq's oil, security of their troops in the region, security if Israel, influence and control over M/E politics etc.... then they cant mess things up with Iran. Iran is a big player in the region so the US must rethink its relationship with Iran. They will loose everythin if they dont do that. Its not in their interest.

Hmmm did they realise they cant do much about Iran's nuclear programme? The thing is, if they could use War, they would have, I have no doubt about that. But these recent developments show that they are moving away from the option of war. They dont have a choice.

WS.

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"You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom"- Malcom X