United States is responding to the “rise of the rest” with strenuous
efforts to protect its own hegemonic role. This, coupled with
Washington’s predilection for tough talking and even (in the case of
Iran) direct threats are likely to be both ineffective and
counterproductive. In relation to both Moscow and Tehran, classical
diplomacy – supplemented by understanding (including historical
understanding) of the other – offer a far better prospect of progress.
Such a path might also prevent the August downpour becoming a November
hard rain.
