"Interpreting Iran's domestic debates is always a humbling business, but there are some interesting commentaries beginning to emerge after Solana's visit. In one newspaper column, the former deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization wrote that "spinning three or four thousand centrifuges at semi-industrial levels is useful for political maneuvering in talks, but if it means the imposition of technological, economic and welfare hardship, then it raises the question of what other vital interests are being harmed by immovable, stubborn [Iranian] officials." It's hard to say where any of this will lead, but it at least suggests that it is well worth the effort to explain and publicize what we are putting on the table.

Modified by MSchu at 6:31 AM 7/10/2008