"We Need to Talk to Iran!"

Gary Sick says of Limbert: "John Limbert was one of the American hostages held by Iran for 444 days. He speaks elegant Persian and probably knows more about Iran than any living American diplomat. In this short piece, he offers some distilled wisdom that is worlds removed from the foolishness being spewed on all sides..."

"... Whenever negotiations occur, there will be no quick breakthroughs. If there is any progress, it will be slow, and it will measured in small achievements -- something not said, a handshake, an agreement to meet again, a small change in tone. Above all, what is needed is patience and forbearance. The Americans cannot simply throw up their hands and say, "Well, we tried, but they are just too irrational (or devious, or suspicious). Let's return to what we have always done." One thing is clear: Three decades of demonization and hostility have accomplished nothing..."