February 26th, 2009 by Cecile

In today’s Washington Post, David Ignatius discusses a recent conversation with Lee Hamilton, former congressman, co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, and unofficial adviser to Obama on Iran. Hamilton argues for a low-key, calculated approach to engaging Iran over a long period of time. Some initial steps should include:

- a stated respect for Iran and its people
- taking regime change off the table
- creating avenues for comprehensive, wide-ranging dialogue
- acknowledging Iran’s security concerns
- acknowledging its right to a peaceful, civilian nuclear program

Additionally, Hamilton argues that U.S.-Iranian dialogue should begin through back channels on the lower level, gradually working its way up to high level officials.

Meanwhile, Kristen Silverberg at FP stresses that Obama missed an opportunity to pressure Iran and the EU during his non-State of the Union address the other night. She urges the president to couple his rhetoric on U.S. engagement with equally public statements urging the EU to tighten financial pressure on Iran.

Posted in Diplomacy, Iran, US foreign policy, US politics |