Iran Responds with Mixed Signals to Obama's Offer of a "New Beginning"

Interview with Chris Toensing, editor of the Middle East Report, conducted by Scott Harris

During his campaign for the presidency, Barack Obama pledged to conduct a new foreign policy with an emphasis on diplomacy rather than war and a willingness to talk with America's adversaries. Since taking office, President Obama has toured the world where he acknowledged America's past mistakes and expressed his intention to listen to other points of view.

Perhaps the biggest test of the president's new approach is reducing tensions with Iran. In March, Obama released a holiday television greeting to the people of Iran where he spoke of his hope for a "new beginning" in U.S.-Iranian relations. The effort was greeted with a mixed response from Iran's government and religious leaders.

The Iranian government's arrest and conviction of Roxana Saberi for spying, sentencing the journalist with dual U.S. and Iranian citizenship to eight years in prison, could derail the Obama administration attempts to restart international talks on Iran's nuclear research program. Iran denies it is working to develop atomic weapons. Even as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that he is preparing to offer the U.S. and European nations a new framework for talks about its nuclear program, newly-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to do everything necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Chris Toensing, editor of Middle East Report, who assesses the results of Obama's attempt to open a new dialogue with Iran, which will be holding its presidential election on June 12.

Chris Toensing is executive director of Middle East Research and Information Project and editor of their publication Middle East Report, contact Middle East Report by calling (202) 223-3677 or visit their website at www.merip.org

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