U.S. and Iran: 'A long journey begins with a single step'

March 31, 4:12 PMProgressive Politics ExaminerJay McDonough

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Richard Holbrooke, the United States envoy to Afghanistan, spoke with Iranian deputy foreign minister, Mohammad Mehdi Akhoondzadeh, spoke today while both attended a meeting in The Hague to discuss Afghanistan

"In the course of the conference today, our special representative for Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, had a brief and cordial exchange with the head of the Iranian delegation," (Secretary of State Hillary) Clinton told a news conference.

She said the meeting had been unplanned, but Mr Holbrooke and Mr Akhoondzadeh had agreed to "stay in touch".

She added that Iran's presence at Tuesday's meeting was "a promising sign that there will be future co-operation". (Link)

The one day conference was attended by representatives from some 70 countries, including Iran, included discussions on the rebuilding of Afghanistan.  The conference was organized by the United Nations amid widespread concern that not enough progress has been made in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion by United States forces. 

Noteworthy is Iran's recent interest and offers to help with U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.  In addition to attending the conference today, Afghanistan has recently expressed a willingness to help with U.S. efforts to combat drug smuggling and assist in the rebuilding of Afghanistan.

“The questions of border security and in particular the transit of narcotics across the border from Iran to Afghanistan is a worry that the Iranians have that we share,” Clinton said.

Wonkette found the wide ranging headlines interesting as newspapers around the world reported the Iranians interest in Afghanistan.  The Washington Post, for instance, headlined their story “Iran Critical of U.S. Troop Buildup in Afghanistan" while the UK's Guardian titled theirs “Iran offers to help US rebuild Afghanistan.”   What's that about?