American Diplomacy and problems in Pakistan

Some links from my surfing today. First, one of America's most senior diplomats argues that it is imperative to meet and negotiate with leaders like Hugo Chavez or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. A snippet:

Are McCain and Palin correct that America should stonewall its foes? I lived this issue for 27 years as a career diplomat, serving both Republican and Democratic administrations. Maybe that's why I've been struggling to find the real wisdom and logic in this Republican assault against Obama. I'll bet that a poll of senior diplomats who have served presidents from Carter to Bush would reveal an overwhelming majority who agree with the following position: of course we should talk to difficult adversaries—when it is in our interest and at a time of our choosing.

The rest of the article is here: http://www.newsweek.com/id/165650/output/print

Also, we spoke this morning of the difficulties in the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region. Here is an article about the tension between the government in Pakistan and their Taliban guests in Swat. This, to me, is the most difficult and important parts of the world, and I think any diplomat going to either state is going to have a big job to do. Of course, with anything, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it.