Iranian Engangemnt

To whom it may concern,

The President recently released a tape to the Iranian nation. While this tape tried to essentially wipe the slate clean with Iran and jump-start a new round of diplomacy, it means little without any real follow through and implementation. On the same day of this video, the Israeli President released an audio tape to Iran with a more stern, but equally engaging message. While this side note from the Israelis acted as a counterpoint to the administration's message, it did serve to show the world that regarding Iran, we are not necessarily on the same page as the Israelis. The Israelis have not ruled out using force to shut down Iran's nuclear ambitions, and I fear that this may be an acceptable outcome to this potential stand-off. It appears right from the onset, any dialogue with Iran will be subject to distortions, counter-intelligence, and even subterfuge. Moving forward, how does this administration plan to negotiate with Iran? And what is the end-goal of this diplomacy? Are we trying to ensure that they do not have nuclear weapons, support their development as a constructive role in stabilizing the Middle East, or contain their rapidly growing influence as a home-grown counter to America?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP