When formulating a practical and forward looking policy towards Iran, which marks the 30th anniversary of its Islamic revolution this February, the Obama administration would do well to heed certain realities. Thirty years of muscular posturing by five successive administrations have not afforded the White House a handle on the Islamic Republic. Neither have they ushered in a new dawn of Middle Eastern stability or, for that matter, Israeli security. Instead, the United States must lead the way in establishing a strategic partnership with the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the context of a more engaged foreign policy. Iran is the common thread running through the new administration's stated foreign policy priorities of establishing stability in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Any movement in the Middle East peace process can only benefit from a working relationship with Iran. And if the recent flare up in Georgia is any indication, Iran's role in the potentially tumultuous future of energy rich Central Asia as well as in hedging against Russia's grand designs can be of great value.
Engaging the Next Generation of Iranians
