The so-called negotiations between the USA and Iran are not going well. In truth the two parties, assisted by less-than-reliable intermediaries are talking past each other, but certainly not with or at each other. None of the wish list items sought by the USA and Iran are even close to being agreed upon, redlines are stepped on and quickly forgotten, and new discussion items are added randomly. In recent days, we’ve seen re-emerge a sort of low intensity warfare, indication that neither party wants the resurgence of an all-out war. Paradoxically, the USA are being perceived as weak, even considering their sizeable military successes, and Iran is being perceived as strong, resolute and dangerous, even considering the dismal state of their economy and the defeat they suffered earlier. To make things even more complicated, the US congress just passed a resolution (which probably will not come to fruition) attempting to severally limit President Trumps ability to wage war, or even to continue this war campaign against Iran. And yet, both Iran and the USA repeat day in and day out that they want to sign a long-term cease fire agreement........

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