Iran, Elections, and Engagement

Ambassador James Dobbins has an article in the Washington Post regarding engagement with Iran in which he asserts in order to start talking, “simply stop not talking to Tehran.” He’s referring to the ban on American diplomats being able to talk with their Iranian counterparts. While this level of dialogue certainly will not lead to any sort of “grand bargain,” Dobbins argues that it will pave the way for future high-level talks.

Timing is key and many debate whether Obama should wait until after the Iranian presidential election to directly engage. Some feel its best to wait, as the U.S. will risk the perception of interfering in domestic Iranian politics. Others point to the nuclear issue, saying there’s no time to waste.

Michael Allen emphasizes how the elections complicate U.S. engagement, as the “outcome is vital to determining whether U.S. overtures will be met with a clenched fist or an open hand.”