'Sage advice that the next occupant of the Oval Office will find hard to ignore'

Five grandees of American foreign policy, all former secretaries of state, gathered on Monday at the George Washington University to urge whoever wins November's presidential elections to talk to Iran directly because Washington's military options against the Islamic Republic are "very poor".

The five – Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, Warren Christopher, James Baker and Henry Kissinger – said they favoured engagement to curb the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme, which Washington alleges is aimed at weapons development.

Their voices carry weight not only because of experience but because they represent Republican and Democratic administrations. Each is also involved in the election campaign as adviser either to Barack Obama, the Democratic contender, or John McCain, his Republican rival.

The latter, however, will not appreciate their intervention because their view tallies with that of Mr Obama, who has pledged to engage Tehran directly if elected. Mr McCain insists his rival's stance betrays inexperience and naivete.

But there is a growing conviction in American foreign policy circles that Washington has to speak directly to Iran. The Bush administration has relied on toughening international sanctions to tame Iran's nuclear activities. Now, that also appears problematic.

Despite three sets of sanctions, Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment programme since May.

Most Iran watchers believe only Washington can give Iran the security guarantees it needs to abandon any ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. Conversely, they argue, the US needs Iran's support if it hopes to stabilise Iraq.

With US forces overstretched in Iraq and Afghanistan, commanders have warned that Washington is in no position to attack Iran. Tehran has also repeatedly made clear it would retaliate in ways that would send world oil prices soaring.

Iran and the US share common interests in Iraq and Afghanistan, but timing was never fortuitous when it came to ending their 29-year-old rift. Now, each might feel it can engage from a position of strength.

~ The Scotsman ~