A shift in foreign policy

It appears that Barack Obama's already making a difference.

Since 2006, Iran's leaders have called for direct, unconditional talks with the United States to resolve international concerns over their nuclear program. But as an American administration open to such negotiations prepares to take power, Iran's political and military leaders are sounding suddenly wary of President-elect Barack Obama.

And now?

In recent interviews, advisers to Ahmadinejad said the new U.S. administration would have to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq, show respect for Iran's system of rule by a supreme religious leader, and withdraw its objections to Iran's nuclear program before it can enter into negotiations with the Iranian government.

Obviously, Iran's not going anywhere, but the fact that promised changes under an Obama foreign policy is already making them uncomfortable is a good start.

A Gates Scowcroft connection

Could Brent Scowcroft play a role in shaping the Obama administration's foreign policy?




Obama could do worse than listen to one of the architects behind a pretty successful H.W. Bush foreign policy. Especially if today's Iran has something in common with the Soviet Union, as Thomas P.M. Barnett suggests.

Obama vs. the Taliban

Changes are brewing in Afghanistan. The Obama foreign policy team is looking at new strategies in the fight against the Taliban.