A turn-about in Iran?  I honestly think it’s coming.  Look, say what you like about certain crazy Iranian leaders of the past 40 years.  The Iranian people have been through a lot, and I think they’ve made as many encouraging democractic choices as disheartening ones.  Not to mention that there is widespread support for democracy smack dab in the Middle East.  Sure, it’s a complicated democracy that might not win a lot of medals.  But it’s actually more democracy than we’ve been historically accustomed to encourage.  A great article that’s the second of two at the Christian Science Monitor:

While Iran boasts the most pro-American population in the region, any substantive talks with the US are a big step for a regime that still chants “Death to America” at rallies.

“Some people think this is the time to solve the problem with the US in a balanced way,” says Mr. Mohebian. “But others think the hostility against the US after 30 years is a main element of our identity, and if we solve it we will dissolve ourselves.”