Epstein Secrets

retary general, Ban Ki-moon, issued a last-minute invitation for Iran to attend, then rescinded it after strong objections from America; from Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival; and from the Syrian opposition. The United States has said that Iran could not participate without publicly accepting a 201

TA00651249 as Russia, which is fighting extremists in the Caucasus and worrying about attacks during the Winter Olympics in Sochi next month. Mr. Zarif acknowledged this problem generally, asserting that "the continuation of this tragedy in Syria can only provide the best breeding ground for extrem

He has to deliver results reasonably soon, or he will be ousted. His first step was to appoint Iran's most talented diplomat as foreign minister. Javad Zarif impressed the world in his years as Iran's representative to the UN; after living for many years in the US, he understands its politics well. With

U.S. will be unable to leverage substantial ties with Iran into a win-win regional security strategy. Although the strategic rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran for dominance in the Islamic world and accusations about alleged Iranian interference in the domestic affairs of the Gulf States are likel

en putting on a brass-neck display this week in Switzerland -- and Rouhani's speech today at the World Economic Forum was no exception. Rouhani and Zarif are busy trying, with intermittent success, to beguile the West into submission. (They've left the executions of Kurdish activists, the suppression

their fellow Sunni rebels. They believe that the Sunni defeat at this point in Syria would directly endanger Sunni rulers EFTA00678376 throughout Arabia. Remember, the largest oil province in Saudi Arabia has a huge Shiite majority. Neither the Saudis nor other Arab states (nor, in fact, Israel) und

, and even an American administration that has all but committed itself to expedited talks. Indeed, the minute Rouhani and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif talked to the U.S. president and Kerry in late September, this process wasn't on mullah time anymore. Ticking clocks can be good if they build urge

he peace talks can be even convened, let alone produce results, without an implicit understanding between the two warring Gulf powers. While Saudi Arabia exercises considerable influence on Islamist rebels, Iran is crucial to Assad's survival. Both have much to gain from preventing Syria's implosion.

l agreement. But he voiced tough positions on key issues and said "it's going to be a bumpy road," with difficult bargaining ahead. EFTA00706398 Zarif, who is Iran's top chief negotiator, outlined his views in an hour-long interview at the foreign ministry here Sunday. He said that his country wou

Prince Turki: `American policy has been wrong' Lally Weymouth EFTA00707195 Nov. 4, 2013 -- The Post's Lally Weymouth spoke this week with Saudi Arabia's Prince Turki, former chief of intelligence and brother of the foreign minister. Excerpts: Q. Who made the decision to turn down the U.N. Security

the ensuing press statements by White House aides promoted the disturbing theme that, just as Secretary Kerry had met with Iranian foreign minister Zarif in New York, President Obama had made a connection with his own "counterpart," talking `president to president' with Hassan Rouhani. President Obam