QUESTION:  Last time we discussed the new calls for negotiating with the Iranian ayatollahs. You talked about the fact that negotiating with the Iranian government is really not new and it has been going on for the last three decades to no avail. So if we should not negotiate with the Mullahs and if as […]

The last and probably the most catastrophic chapter of secret dealings with Iran happened under President Bush and with respect to Iraq. US was involved in secrete dialogues with Iran prior to invading Iraq. The US was well aware that the Iraq’s future, at least for several years, would be under the Iranian influence. Prior to May 3rd, 2003, when the last meeting was held between the two countries in Geneva, US had bent backwards to appease Tehran’s rulers, hopping that in return, Iran will be less intrusive in Iraq’s affairs. We now know that it was a futile wish

There are two distinct but related groups of people and organizations that are active in manipulating US policy toward Iran. The first is what I call the “Iranian regime’s lobby” in the U.S. They are present in US media, think-tanks and a potpourri of various organizations. Their lobby activities are also focused on the US Congress. These groups have various degrees of connections to Tehran. The second group operates in conjunction with US business interests, and in particular with the oil industry.