This state of affairs is probably unique in history. Hence, we have no precedents offering clues as
to how it could turn out otherwise. Nor does the past provide much guidance for either the United
States or those leaders who live in its shadow. Interestingly, the one exception may be Iran.
Teheran's leadership is disparate. That is evidentin its tactics and rhetoric. At the strategic plane,
however, there is a discernible logic and coherence.

Iran's goals are clear:

1. Establish and maintain a strong position in the Persian Gulf while aiming to acquire an effective veto over what other powers do;

2. Keep open the nuclear option:

3. As an adjunct, maximize influence farther afield in the Islamic world via reputation, sustenance to Shi'ite movements and a well modulated , existential threat;

4. Use an active diplomacy to bring into play others powers whose own self-interests somehow converge with yours, e.g. the European Union, Russia,China, India, Pakistan;

5. Accumulate an array of cards that can be played to forestall an American/Israeli military
campaign against you, e.g. oil, links to all Shi'ite factions in Iraq, inspiring yet cautious
godfather to Shi'ites in the Gulf, capacity for being a spoiler in Afghanistan; and

6. Stay patient, a new administration in Washington could change the complexion of the game markedly.

It is an elaborate strategy that Iran has pursued skillfully despite the liability represented by the vituperative, disreputable President Ahmedi-nejad. Teheran has been ruthless: sacrificing Moqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi movement so as to deny the Americans an excuse to attack, and so as to keep leverage with the Maliki/Hakim government at a time when the truly critical issue is the terms of a U.S.-Iraqi security treaty. Teheran has been ingenious: in its prolonged dance of the seven veils that keeps the IAEA and the Europeans hopeful while assiduously avoiding any concession that could cripple its nuclear program. Teheran has been pragmatic: in cultivating Sunni regimes in an attempt to forestall their becoming implacable enemies and proponents of air strikes. Teheran, above all, has kept its nerve rather than yield to fear and dread.

Iran's impressive tightrope act has lessons for others. This praise is for Teheran's deft and steadfast diplomacy, not for its clerical regime and ambitions.