political scientist and author
Former Professor of Political Science at Tehran University, former advisor to Iran's nuclear negotiating team (2004-2005) and author of Iran's Nuclear Program: Debating Facts versus Fiction
PROFILE
Kaveh Afrasiabi
Guest
FROM Kaveh Afrasiabi
Which Way, L.A.?
Hopeful Signs Ahead of Talks with Iran The five members of the UN Security Council members and Germany will be in Baghdad tomorrow for talks with Iran. Just yesterday, the new director general (seen at right) of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency told reporters of a possible breakthrough after his first visit to Iran. After sanctions, a threatened oil boycott and possible outright war, Tehran may be ready to make concessions about its nuclear program. We update what diplomats call the "atmospherics" as long-delayed negotiations are about to begin in Baghdad.
To the Point
Is Iran Ready to Make a Deal? As UN Security Council members plus Germany head for Baghdad to talk with Iran about its nuclear program, is a breakthrough at hand? Just yesterday, Yukiya Amano, Director-General of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency , told reporters that Iran is about to allow inspection of a military site where nuclear triggers might have been tested. The US is doubtful and Israel's talking as tough as ever, but its hawkish defense minister has put a potential concession in writing. Is Iran caving in because of economic sanctions and a threatened embargo of its oil? Is this another example of creating false expectations?
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