Bumpy Diplomacy with Iran

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join Iran at an international conference on Afghanistan in The Hague, following through on a promise by President Obama to deal with Tehran on issues of mutual concern. Joe Cirincione told Reuters, “This is not a Nixon goes to China moment. You will have a series of incremental steps — small pieces that put together the mosaic of a new relationship.”

No substantive talks are planned between Clinton and the Iranian envoy at the meeting, but U.S. officials hope any encounters will set a positive tone.