After September 11, when the United States took action to overthrow the Taliban, our interests and Iran's aligned, and we were able to coordinate quietly but effectively.

While the United States has largely been missing in action from the diplomatic game, the European Union and Iran have been making progress at developing a formula that would lead to the suspension of Iran's nuclear enrichment program and the start of serious negotiations.

To be able to live and work in the United States is a privilege.

After installing friendly leaders in Iran and Guatemala, the United States lost interest in promoting democracy in either country.

What the United States wanted in Guatemala - and in Iran, where the C.I.A. also deposed a government in the early 1950s - was pro-American stability.

During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet.