"Engagement could encourage Iran to adopt a more clear, positive attitude toward the new governments in Afghanistan and in Iraq, and it could also create opportunities for greater interaction between Iranians and the rest of the world. In all candor, the history of the last 25 years does not offer much encouragement that any part of this will be successful. However, a serious attempt could result in greater international support, should the failure of diplomacy necessitate reliance on other means."
On the impact of the U.S. invasion of Iraq: "My personal opinion is that it has probably strengthened our position vis-a-vis Iran. After all, we've _ we now have military presence on both sides of Iran. We have 140,000 troops next door. Clearly the Iranians have to look at that and see that the strategic situation in their neighborhood has changed in a significant way."
How long will those troops be there if he is forced by the politicians to cut and run?