Everyone–literally everyone –who favors diplomacy with Iran is asking the same question right now: What do we do now that Barack Obama is President?
For the last eight years, the pro-engagement community honed its defensive skills. For the duration of the Bush regime, this rag-tag band of progressives, trade groups, security organizations, and religious groups was in the opposition, with more than a few people even making a career out of stopping war with Iran. But all that changed on November 4.
We now find ourselves in the unfamiliar position of having an ally in the White House. War is off the table, at least for the foreseeable future. US diplomats will attend face-to-face meetings with the Iranians on the nuclear issue “from now on.” Even new sanctions are on hold until talks get underway. So for those of us still working to promote diplomacy with Iran, what else is there to do?
The short answer: a lot.