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The Financial Times
Engagement with Iran is crucial


Published: March 9 2010


From Mr Fariborz S. Fatemi.
Sir, With reference to your report “Brazil rebuffs Iran sanctions” (Clinton in Lat Am, March 4): of course Brazil rebuffs sanctions. Before supporting any action, Brazil wants to see real steps taken towards engagement with Iran.
They do not understand the secretary of state and the Israeli prime minister’s fixation on sanctioning Iran.
The Brazilians and others know sanctions are the continuation of a failed policy and wrong. All the bluster, the continued threats of sanctions and force will make some feel good, but achieve nothing. Hillary Clinton has said: “The door is open for negotiations.”
The Iranians, however, do not know who speaks for the US, given her continuous contrary actions and comments, and the frivolous activities of the Likudist supporters of Israel in the US Congress.
The US in turn claims it does not know who speaks for the Iranians. This is why there is a desperate need for diplomacy and the secretary of state should stop running around the world and do her job.
Common sense dictates that there must be engagement with Iran. Otherwise those who continue to advocate intransigence on both sides win, with devastating consequences for the world.
Fariborz S. Fatemi,
McLean, VA, US
Former professional staff member,
House Foreign Affairs Committee, Senate Foreign Relations Committ