U.S. seizes chance for dialogue with Iran

Dr. Mohammed Ayoob says other opportunities for improved relations with Iran have been missed in recent years.

Credit Michigan State University

Yesterday, in front of the UN General Assembly, President Obama gave a wide-ranging speech in which he sought to clarify the United States’ role and intentions in the conflict-ridden Middle East.  By far the most noteworthy revelation in his speech was his embrace of a diplomatic opening from Iran, America’s long time adversary.

Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, addressed the General Assembly with similar notions of opening diplomatic negotiations.

Mohammed Ayoob, an MSU distinguished professor emeritus of international relations and the author upcoming book “Will the Middle East Implode?” coming out February, says Rouhani differs from his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He describes Rouhani as a "moderate, diplomatic person," and explains what has to happen for the two adversaries to make diplomatic inroads.