| Publication |
2009.
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| Summary/Abstract |
the headline-grabbing foreignpolicy
initiative of Obama's
election campaign was that his
administration would talk to Tehran
"without preconditions." The idea that
American diplomacy in the Middle East
needs renewal is evident, and the Obama
presidency has brought with it hopes that
a new diplomatic initiative might aid the
most intractable foreign-policy issues in
the region. Perhaps Obama's charisma,
international appeal and emphasis on
engagement will provide America with
a new and productive diplomatic infl uence
that it has so clearly lacked of late.
However, the Obama strategy has been to
pursue "tough direct diplomacy," emphasizing
the potential sticks of economic
pressure and political isolation.1
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