That must have been awkward
Pool/Getty Images News Yesterday’s talks between U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and his Iranian counterpart, Kazemi Qomi, were certainly a step forward. But it was a baby step: In a feature of the talks that made them more awkward, Crocker and a half dozen aides, including deputy chief of mission Daniel Speckhard, addressed the ...
Pool/Getty Images News
Yesterday's talks between U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and his Iranian counterpart, Kazemi Qomi, were certainly a step forward. But it was a baby step:
In a feature of the talks that made them more awkward, Crocker and a half dozen aides, including deputy chief of mission Daniel Speckhard, addressed the Iranian ambassador directly. Kazemi Qomi and his aides, on the other hand, generally addressed the Iraqi moderator and staff, according to an Iraqi official with knowledge of the talks.
Yesterday’s talks between U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and his Iranian counterpart, Kazemi Qomi, were certainly a step forward. But it was a baby step:
In a feature of the talks that made them more awkward, Crocker and a half dozen aides, including deputy chief of mission Daniel Speckhard, addressed the Iranian ambassador directly. Kazemi Qomi and his aides, on the other hand, generally addressed the Iraqi moderator and staff, according to an Iraqi official with knowledge of the talks.
More from Foreign Policy


Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.


It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.


Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.


Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.