In US Overtures to Foes, Signs of New Pragmatism

In what some analysts label as a complete turnaround, the Bush administration is engaging in diplomatic activity with Iran, Syria and North Korea. US officials insist the new talks do not mark a change in policy. Presidential administrations are often divided by policymakers who urge a tough, demanding approach and others who favor engagement and pragmatism. The Bush administration is no different; after six years of threatening military action and refusing to deal with nations that did not yield to US demands, the president is giving the diplomats a chance to achieve US aims through negotiation. Diplomacy requires patience and credibility – and the Bush administration will have to move fast to make up for lost time. – YaleGlobal