Bizarre reading of the Vienna agreement about Iran’s atomic program in the Washington Post this morning. In a news analysis Glenn Kessler writes: For years, the Bush administration has warned of the Iranian threat, but its concerns were belittled or ignored as yet another example of American hyperbole.
For many months, at least since President George W. Bush announced that we would “stand down” in Iraq as quickly as the Iraqis “stand up”, it has been a puzzle as to why we were building permanent military bases in Iraq if “standing down” meant, as most Americans assumed, getting out–withdrawing our troops.
By now, I should know what I’m getting into when I agree to help Steve out with the blog — just like last year, he’s managed to assemble an impressive array of guest posters. No doubt we can expect some sparks again, as events seem to flare up as soon as Steve leaves for vacation….
I may occasionally check in while on vacation, but TWN readers are in for a treat this week. When I travel, I try to invite a diverse group to consider blogging about whatever moves them, in a diverse set of areas.
The flurry of hope and skepticism that proposed talks with Iran will lead anywhere are dominating the news, even here in Athens.
Condoleezza Rice just really pissed off John Bolton, whom TWN has learned is seething about Rice’s offer of direct negotiations with Iran.