WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (IPS) – A strategy of threats and “provocations” against Iran by the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama is likely to be counter-productive, according to a new report released here Friday by a group of 20 former top U.S. diplomats and regional experts.
The group, co-chaired by former U.N. Amb. Thomas Pickering and James Dobbins, a top diplomatic troubleshooter under both Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, called instead for the new administration to “open the door to direct, unconditional and comprehensive negotiations at the senior diplomatic level,” as well as unofficial contacts and exchanges. >>>
