So, it's the all Iran boogie man confirmation hearing

[cali]

great. just fucking great.

[leveymg]

1. Listen carefully to the questions. They say way more than the answers.

The Senators are talking about expanding relations and reappointing Ambassadors, and such. That's the signals they're sending out.

[cali]

2. yeah, I noted Kerry's push for reinstalling an Ambassador in Syria

and talks with Iran, but I still note all the tough talk on Iran.

[leveymg]

3. Tough talk is fine and appropriate. What other starting-point could there be?

What the Obama Administration has set out to do is a Grand Comprise - everybody puts skin in the game - and that includes Iran (and Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, China, etc., etc.)

So, firm lines on some issues are to be expected. The important thing is progress, and prevention of the next World War.

So far, I'm not surprised or alarmed. If they want to threaten bombing Sudan's air fields, that wouldn't be too upsetting. But, Pakistan worries me, a lot, as does digging ourselves into a real swamp in Afghanistan.