How Iran's president is being undercut

Vali Nasr and Ray Takieh have co-authored an opinion piece in Christean Science Monitor today. It gives the Iranian's side approach toward the new NIE and deals with Ahmadinejad's domestic crisis and the upcoming elections. Both scholars have been encouraging the administration to pursue a peaceful approach toward Iran. Vali Nasr met President Bush last year and explained for him the differences between Shiites and Sunnis in Iraq. The author of "Revival of Shiites" and Ray repeatedly have condemned the war rhetoric and also inefficiency of the unilateral sanctions, promoted by neo-cons during the last years . You can read this article here:

"But as a result of the NIE, Iranians may conclude that there will be no war, no new sanctions, and perhaps even a relaxation of financial restrictions. And they may begin to put up with less and demand more from their government. Iranians supported Ahmadinejad when it looked like the US was gunning for war, but they will probably not support their president if it turns out he is the one looking for trouble. They want prosperity and stability and will take Ahmadinejad to task for the failures of his administration, unfulfilled expectations, inflation, unemployment, and suppression....

The US should seize the moment with an offer of comprehensive negotiations between the two countries and the prospect of rapprochement. These carrots will not just diminish the power of hardliners such as Ahmadinejad; it will also provide a mechanism to ensure that Iran complies with its nonproliferation commitments..." ( Click here to read the article...)