RUSSIA LOWERS THE BOOM. This is very good news; Russia is taking a hard line on Iranian uranium enrichment. Combine this with evident increasing popular and elite disenchantment with Ahmadinejad, and I'm almost starting to get optimistic that Iran can be convinced not to develop a nuclear capability. A really, really good move right now would be a signal from the United States that we're willing to engage in some talks; such would alleviate Iran's fears and almost certainly strengthen moderate elements in the country. Of course, we know how likely that is to happen... --Robert Farley
