Decoding Iran

On Thursday night, a somewhat unusual incident occurred at the regional conference in Sharm el-Sheikh. At the conference, which was convened to discuss stabilization efforts in Iraq, much of the international focus has centered on whether or not Condoleezza Rice would speak with her Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki. Reportedly, they had exchanged “pleasantries” earlier that evening and Rice was planning on speaking with him in more detail at the end of a diplomatic dinner. But Mottaki, claiming that he had been offended by the revealing cut of the dress of an entertainer, slipped out a back door and failed to meet with Rice.

The Wall Street Journal, of course, touted this incident as a clear sign that the Iranians aren’t willing to talk, and that we shouldn’t even try to engage with them. But the actual picture is probably a lot more nuanced.

Continued at Foreign Policy Watch.

3 Responses to “Decoding Iran”

1. Rudi says:

   May 5, 2007 at 9:30 am

   Jeb – Interesting post at your site(will read the FF article later), I wonder how many will go over from TMV.
   The US also has a problem with the Realist and Hardline power grab. Condo has flip-flopped between her mentors(Scowcroft) camp and the Cheny/Bolton wing. I marvel at how my Republican friends ignore the weakness of Condo’s performance at NSA and DoS. Maybe Condo could have swapped clothes like the British sailors and the bad Iranian suits.
2. Jeb Koogler says:

   May 5, 2007 at 10:38 am

   Thanks for the comment, Rudi. Good point, by the way, about Condi switching back and forth between camps. This has been interesting to follow…
3. domajot says:

   May 5, 2007 at 2:13 pm

   I’m not in a position to judge the behind-the-scenes politics in Iran. On the face of it, though, it seemed Iran was just taking the opportunity to show the world who is more powerful in the region.
   The US administration humiliates Iran at every turn of phrase, so I’m not surprised they want to turn the tables on the US.
   Dangerous games by both sides.