The US to Talk to Iran and Syria

If I was asked which word best describes the Bush Administration, I would have to say stubborn. Whether or not you agree with the policies of the Administration, I think no-one would accuse Bush of being inconsistent. He invaded Iraq and has vilified both Syria and Iran, two of Iraq's neighbours, accusing them of meddling in the war and frustrating US effort to subdue the violence in the country. He has also refused to hold talks with either country to explore ways to control the sectarian violence.......until now.

In a diplomatic turnabout, the Bush administration will join an Iraq-sponsored "neighbors meeting" with Iran and Syria, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said

The meeting, which will be scheduled for mid-March, is an Iraqi initiative and they plan to invite Syria, Iran, members of the Arab League as well as Britain, France, Russia, China and the US. A second meeting involving the countries' foreign ministers — which administration officials said Rice would attend — would also be held, perhaps as soon as early April.

"We hope that all governments will seize this opportunity to improve their relations with Iraq and to work for peace and stability in the region," Rice said.

Her announcement was welcomed by Democrats and Republicans alike:

"Today's announcement is a first step, but it is not enough on its own," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. "Our national security requires a robust diplomatic effort in the Middle East, and the Bush administration cannot again settle for mere half measures."