No illusions on Iran

Four inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in the North Korean capital Pyongyang Thursday to begin dismantling the country's nuclear weapons program. If the IAEA mission succeeds, it will gradually bring the North Koreans out of their pariah state and allow them to join the international community.

One of the top negotiators who helped advance the six-party process that made this possible is New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. In a recent speech he gave at the Center for National Policy in Washington, Mr. Richardson drew parallels between North Korea and Iran. "This process is far from complete, and could still be derailed," said Mr. Richardson. "But our discussions with North Korea demonstrated how skillful diplomacy, grounded in bipartisan cooperation and international alliances, can strengthen our national security."

Mr. Richardson said he mentioned the example of North Korea because he believes the same peaceful approach can be applied to Iran. The governor of New Mexico realizes he is "under no illusions that achieving similar goals with Iran will be easy," but he remains convinced a concerted diplomatic effort, in conjunction with tough sanctions, and with the help of the United States' international partners, stands "an excellent chance of persuading Iran to forgo nuclear weapons." Success could come provided the initiative is grounded in bipartisan cooperation at home, he added.

Mr. Richardson stressed that one of the conditions on talking to Iran must be that the United States sets no preconditions. The Democratic presidential candidate blamed the Bush administration for lecturing Iran's leaders, telling them what they could and could not do before sitting down and talking with them. He called this policy "counterproductive."

"Talking without preconditions does not mean backing off one inch over fundamental objectives, such as ensuring that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons," said Mr. Richardson. "Preventing Iran from going nuclear will require strong diplomacy... and realism. We must remember that no nation has ever been forced to renounce nukes — but many have been persuaded to do so with a combination of carrots and sticks."

The key to successful negotiations with Iran, he says, is to convince the Iranians "they will be better off and more secure without nukes than with them." Iran also needs to be given a "face-saving" exit.