George Perkovich

Ahmadinejad's two open letters to President Bush and the American people should be taken as a bid for dialogue. Refusal to respond cedes the high ground to Iran without any benefit to Washington.

Iran is staying on the offensive, and why not? Strangely, political leaders act as if it is riskier to wage bold diplomacy than war; do any have the courage to try bold diplomacy toward Iran and Syria?

Good leaders build partnerships; foolish leaders blunder into isolation. Iranians must see that the world is unusually united. A non-punitive UNSC resolution will carry this message better than a sanctions-heavy resolution.

Jan 30, 2006

How can the USA treat Taliban-infected Pakistan as an ally, and indulge its careless possession of nuclear weapons, but regard Iran as the world's worst menace? "Pakistan – is that a country?" an influential Iranian conservative asked me...

Given the depth of mutual distrust, the US and Europe must work hard with Iran to prevent a nuclear breakout...

The Iran-EU deal last week could be the beginning of a process of reciprocal reassurance that could address the larger issues affecting Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Pressure alone will not deter Iran from its nuclear path. The US needs to address Iran's fears and aspirations. Iran worries that even if it begins to meet Washington's demands, the Bush Administration will try to overthrow it eventually anyway. So,

Many outsiders believe India overvalues nuclear weapons to the neglect of more important foundations of national greatness.