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| Thu, 25 May 2006 16:00:00 EST A "3-basket"approach to Iran diplomacy |
| Pressure on the Bush administration for direct talks with Iran is increasing with the news that Iran itself is seeking direct contact and with Europeans pressing for the same. As the political directors from six foreign ministries gather in London to discuss incentives for Iran to halt its enrichment of uranium, a senior European diplomat called for greater Bush administration involvement. So far, the administration has refused to conduct direct, bilateral talks with Iran on the nuclear issue and refused to join a group dubbed the EU-3 (Britain, Germany, and France) in their talks with Tehran. The EU-3, with the general endorsement of the United States, Russia, and China, has been developing a package of incentives and sanctions – if Iran refuses to comply. The senior official, along with others from other countries speaking separately, say that diplomacy's best chance is for the administration to set aside its qualms and join the Europeans in dealing with Iran. The Iranians are believed to want, above all else, security guarantees that can come from the United States. |
| Thu, 25 May 2006 16:00:00 EST Trading in an ARM for the long haul may still make sense |
| There may still be time to trade in that adjustable-rate mortgage for a decent fixed-rate loan. |
| Thu, 25 May 2006 16:00:00 EST Here's a good job for Jeb Bush |
| Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas, who served as a top aide to Mack McLarty when McLarty was special envoy to the Americas during the Clinton administration, proposes in the Miami Herald that George W. Bush appoint his brother Jeb, the governor of Florida, to a position similar to McLarty's—presumably after Jeb leaves office in Florida in January 2007. I have found Farnsworth and McLarty both very knowledgeable and very sensible about Latin American issues, and I think Farnsworth's idea is excellent. There's nothing wrong with our current assistant secretary of state for the western hemisphere, Thomas Shannon, a career diplomat who seems highly competent and entirely willing, unlike some in Foggy Bottom, to carry out administration policies. But there's also something to be said for having a special envoy known to have close relations with the White House. |
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