After 34 years it is a remarkable diplomatic opening for the
presidents of Iran and the United States to have a 15 minute telephone
conversation. Even more remarkable for the President of Iran, Mr. Hassan
Rouhani, to say he wanted to talk to the President of the United States, and
for Mr. Obama to quickly place the call. The road ahead for relations between
the two countries is long and will have some potholes in it, but it can be successfully
navigated for the benefit of all.
Two things to watch out for: One, the inclination to think it
is sanctions against Iran that alone are responsible for this breakthrough. Iran
has survived for 34 years and to deny or ignore good will on the part of
President Rouhani does a disservice to him and the people of Iran. Two, Israel
and Iran are at loggerheads over realistic fears about nuclear weapons. The
United States is not going to leave Israel’s side but we cannot let this chance
to improve relations in the area evaporate because of Israeli intransigence.
It is to be hoped the 15 minute telephone conversation on September 27, 2013, will
come to be recognized as a milestone in improved relations.
Comments to: arch@archibald99.com.
