Iran agrees to one-on-one nuclear talks

[Blue_In_AK]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49489591/ns/world_news-the_new_york_times/t/iran-agrees-one-on-one-nuclear-talks-us-sources-say/

The United States and Iran have agreed for the first time to one-on-one negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, according to Obama administration officials, setting the stage for what could be a last-ditch diplomatic effort to avert a military strike on Iran.

Iranian officials have insisted that the talks wait until after the presidential election, a senior administration official said, telling their American counterparts that they want to know which American president they would be negotiating with.

News of the agreement — a result of intense, secret exchanges between American and Iranian officials that date almost to the beginning of President Obama’s term — comes at a critical moment in the presidential contest, just two weeks before Election Day and a day before the final debate, which is to focus on national security and foreign policy.

It has the potential to help Mr. Obama make a case that he is nearing a diplomatic breakthrough in the decade-long effort by the world’s major powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, but it could pose a risk if Iran is seen as using the prospect of the direct talks to buy time.

<snip>

This is excellent news coming right before the foreign affairs debate.

[mzmolly]

1. This is excellent news. I can't help but think the impact on this election

will be big. I hope so!

[underoath]

2. Great news!

I just hope the President doesn't trust him too much... It's not like he is a very trustworthy guy..

[janx]

4. He knows what he's dealing with. n/t

[janx]

3. The right wing is going to react predictably:

"Negotiating with terrorists," etc., but it will flop drastically if we make headway.

[Hippo_Tron]

5. It's good news, but it would help if they would suspend enrichment in the meantime...

In exchange for suspension of some of the sanctions in the meantime. Romney would have an impossible time arguing that they're "buying time", which is what he's going to argue on Monday evening.

[Blue_In_AK]

6. Of course.

As usual, it's good news with a caveat.

[Hippo_Tron]

9. It's something the President should be able to deal with no problem

Just simply say...

"I am always willing to sit down and negotiate with the Iranians at any time. But so long as they continue to work on constructing a nuclear weapon, all options remain on the table, regardless of any talks that are scheduled to occur."

Bush was not a fan of diplomacy so he was insistent that the other side put down their weapons first before talking to them. Obviously that's ideal, but often unrealistic in the real world. In the real world, if you both have guns pointed toward each other, it's still a better outcome for both sides to put their guns down at the same time, than for any shooting to occur.

[reformist2]

7. Good news.... but Obama has to play this carefully on Monday. Say that Iran is cagey, that he's wary

[upi402]

8. romney is a lunatic

even i'madinnerjacket knows it

[Blue_In_AK]

10. Lol

[janx]

11. kick

This needs more recs!