Sticks now, carrots later
Iran is back at the negotiating table. But trust in its diplomacy and in its theological utterances about nuclear weapons (see article) is fragile
OPTIMISM, in the intricate and frustrating world of international wrangling about Iran's nuclear programme, is a relative concept. But the White House did call the opening of talks between Iran and the “5+1 group” (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) in Istanbul four weeks ago a “positive first step”. After several months in which a pre-emptive military strike by Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities seemed to be becoming more likely, hopes of a diplomatic solution have now risen. Attention is switching to Baghdad where, on May 23rd, the work on a deal will begin in earnest.
This article appeared in the International section of the print edition under the headline "Sticks now, carrots later"
From the May 19th 2012 edition
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