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Iran Hones Asymmetric Diplomacy with Washington

Outnumbered six to one, Iran deftly maneuvered this weekend to restart negotiations that could yield formal recognition of its uranium enrichment program, and postponement of more crushing economic sanctions or a military attack. But at some point, Iran’s leaders will find it more advantageous to play ball than to play games.
Iran's chief negotiator Saeed Jalili addresses a news conference after a meeting in Istanbul April 14, 2012. Jalili said progress was made during talks with six world powers on Saturday on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme and called for confidence-building measures when negotiations resume next month. REUTERS/Osman Orsal (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS)

Outnumbered six to one, Iran deftly maneuvered this weekend (April 13-14) to restart negotiations that could yield formal recognition of its uranium enrichment program, and postponement of more crushing economic sanctions or a military attack.

The results of the meeting in Istanbul between Iran and the so-called P5+1—which both sides called “positive”—was a clear example of how Iran uses asymmetric diplomacy to surprise and unsettle much more powerful opponents. Somewhat like North Korea—which has a black belt in so-called “judo diplomacy”—Iran has learned to keep its adversaries guessing in order to shape the psychological environment to its advantage.

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