Wow - strict orders not to engage in one-on-one discussions aside - this seems to be a HUGE deal. Should something positive develop here, in addition to hopefully avoiding another military conflict, it would likely send oil prices significantly lower.

Curious what kind of implications this will have on the election. My first thought is that it helps Obama because he's been such an advocate of dialog, but my gut tells me i must be missing something there because it's highly unlikely that the Bush administration would do something so seemingly helpful to Obama.

Hi E.
I would love to believe that Iran was giving in to join a 'peace movement' of sorts, but I have to agree with McCain when he was quoted saying.... "To sit down without any preconditions with a state sponsor of terror would be a mistake."

Playing devil's advocate.... what if .... this meeting was nothing more than Iran warning us!? I agree that something 'big' had to have changed the mind of the Pres to engage his peeps in a meeting.

"McCormack brushed aside criticism that the United States is giving up too much to Iran."

Imagine going to this meeting and not being able to 'engage in conversation.' I can't wait to hear what the message is that Burns will be bringing home.