Anyone with any knowledge of Iran's history and culture will know that it will not be bribed or bullied into doing what the West wants.

It has no reason to trust Western promises, and having endured the suffering of the Iran-Iraq War, is unlikely to buckle under any pressure, military or economic, that the West would be prepared to impose.

Regarding nuclear proliferation, no self-respecting country would accept that its nuclear program is a problem because that state itself is a problem - that an Indian, Israeli or Pakistani nuclear capability is acceptable because they are the right kind of people, but an Iranian capability would be unacceptable because of the nature of Iran. The only way to establish a manageable relationship with Tehran is to understand its world view, to recognise its legitimate interests, and deal with problematic issues on a basis of equality and mutual respect. 

Iran's demonisation by the Bush Administration only serves to undermine Iranian reformers, including pragmatic conservatives who see value for Iran in a more rational relationship with the US. And the constant brandishing of military options is counterproductive - Iran has too many means of retaliation. It will be an indispensable partner in any Iraq settlement. 

Learning From Past Blunders