Discussions for a long-term deal, definitively preventing Iran's development of a nuclear weapon and a normalization of relations with the West have begun in Vienna, with a goal for a deal set by July 20th.

Diplomatic Negotiations in Vienna 

    The welcoming of a Saudi Diplomat in Mecca is a promising sign. I am looking forward to seeing improved relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran who can work to advance an extended agreement to avoid the acquisition of nuclear weapons, collaborate in reigning in proxy militant groups, end the bloodshed in Syria, help to develop a functional Palestinian civil society capable of self-government and peaceful relations with Israel, while curtailing the flow of weapons and violence directed at Israeli civilians, with Eastern Jerusalem as the reward for competent peace. If Great Britain and Ireland were able to reconcile, so can Israel and Palestine, so can the Shi'ites of Iran and Arab Sunni's of Saudi Arabia. 

     There is a wealth of culture and tradition in both those lands along with immense opportunity for partnership and trade. The West seeks peace with Islam and wishes to put the Bush and Bin Laden drama behind us. The United States will of course, protect its interests, its citizens and its allies from terrorism, while pushing for modern and free societies that respect religious minorities and provide for the needs of its populace. America and our allies are committed to continuing to help foster development and peace in the Middle East. It is my hope that with our mutual belief and respect for God, that we can put the trivialities of doctrine and practice aside, to come together in the marketplace, engaging in mutually beneficial enterprise and trade that can bolster and improve the standard of living for us all. 

       A truly fair deal with Iran on the peaceful components of its nuclear energy program that eases anxieties over the very real risk, and known actions taken towards the acquisition of a nuclear weapon, is the vital first step towards bringing about a more prosperous and peaceful world. A reconciliatory tone may not be the most the popular tone amongst Iranian hardliners, the hawks in the Likud Party and the Neocons of America, but when you reduce your egos and bravado, consider the children of Tehran, of Jerusalem, of Mecca, of New York, of London and all the other cities in harms way of a larger confrontation and what is really at stake, perhaps we can find the common humanity necessary to push us towards a better tomorrow for all. This is no time for Taqqiya; the United States of America will be sure that every clause of the agreements made by July 20^th, will be upheld and enforced.  There are few people in the world, more competent to lead these discussions than those in Vienna as negotiations commence; and its hard to see how any two leaders, Rouhani and Obama, in this situation could have a stronger opportunity to guide this tense situation to a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution for all the various groups.

“Talk softly and carry a pick a stick.” - Theodore Roosevelt

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