Flynt Leverett

Woe is the reporter on deadline, for he must miss the New America Foundation’s internal disputes over Iran. I had hoped to make it over to New America right now for a much-anticipated discussion with the think tank’s energetic and spirited advocates for all sides of the Iran-policy question, but certain journalistic obligations are preventing [...]

Yes, it’s true — Steve Hayes of The Weekly Standard is 100 percent right about a bizarre op-ed from Flynt and Hillary Mann Leverett contending that Ahmadinejad won the election fairly. For two very brief rundowns of the myriad problems with the vote, see this Juan Cole post and, more circuitously, this Jon Cohen post. [...]

Two experts say time is right for Washington to pursue normal relations with Iran and recognize its legitimate regional and international role. Other leading scholars back this call for detente.