Speaking at a conference in Washington yesterday, sponsored by the National Iranian American Council, Senator Feinstein (D.-Calif.) said some remarkably sensible things about Iran (and Iraq):

The question is: how should we proceed with Iran? I believe we should begin to pursue a robust, diplomatic initiative with Iran on all issues and without pre-conditions. Working with our European allies, the United Nations, and the International Atomic Energy Agency, we should put together a package of carrots and sticks that will serve as the basis for discussion with Iran. ...

Offers have been made before and have gone nowhere. But these offers have been presented with pre-conditions and without the full engagement of the United States. We need a fresh approach and fresh ideas. ...

And on Iraq:

Iran recently proved helpful in brokering a ceasefire between Prime Minister al-Maliki and Muqtada al-Sadr’s JAM militias in Basra. Clearly, a more positive relationship with Iran might be helpful in stabilizing Iraq.