Experts are touting this as the first moment in a decade when both sides are hopeful about a negotiated solution.
Is Tehran seeking a tactical nuclear compromise or even contemplating a fundamental strategic shift? How would a détente with America affect Iran’s internal political and societal dynamics?
With the coming to power of the new administration in Iran, there is a renewed hope for nuclear negotiations.
The emerging rapprochement between Washington and Tehran creates a potential opportunity for Russia’s Vladimir Putin to boost his country’s international standing.
The improvement in the U.S.-Iran relations was quite expected after Hassan Rowhani came to power. The main question today is that of mutual confidence and the genuineness of the intentions of the new Iranian president.
Netanyahu’s speech to the UN General Assembly was inflammatory, deeply one-sided, and hyperbolic in its assessment of Iran’s recent history.
Obama needs to follow up on the Syrian disarmament plan and be ready to augment it by a serious effort at a political settlement in Syria within the Geneva framework. If there is to be a solution on Syria, Iran should be part of it. Engaging the Iranians on Syria would be a confidence building measure which would also help in the nuclear talks.
President Obama’s historic phone call to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is the first step in what could be a very long journey between the two countries.
The Iranians have changed their tone but must go a long way to prove they are changing their intent, embracing transparency and adhering to international standards.
Handshake or no handshake, Hassan Rouhani owes Barack Obama a debt of gratitude.
















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