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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-test-of-talking-to-iran/2012/02/21/gIQAPah4RR_story.html
The Test of Talking to Iran
(Washington Post) Editorial - A Feb. 14 letter from Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili says that "talks for cooperation...on Iran's nuclear issue could be commenced," in contrast to its previous position when Iran refused even to discuss its nuclear program. The immediate question is whether Iran is using diplomacy - as it has several times before - as a way of buying time, even as it presses ahead with steps toward a bomb. A test of Iran's seriousness was underway this week as a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency visited the country. Yet on Tuesday, the IAEA reported another Iranian failure to cooperate. In fact, it appears likely that Tehran perceives talks as an opportunity to undermine sanctions. A bipartisan group of a dozen senators dispatched a letter to President Obama last Friday opposing "any proposal that caps or limits sanctions" in exchange for "anything less than full, verifiable and sustained suspension of all enrichment activities." If Iran is serious about a deal, it will meet the senators' terms.