Lots of whispers around Washington this morning that today’s the day that State will announce that the US is willing to come to the table with the Iranians. And sure enough, at 11:00 this morning, Secretary Rice announced that the United States will join the EU‑3 nations (Britain, France, and Germany) in negotiations with Iran, provided that Iran is willing to suspend uranium enrichment.

This is a step in the right direction for the administration. Now, though, it’s important that we keep the talks focused and cut to the chase, preventing the talks from turning into torturous and largely pointless name-calling matches like the Six Party talks in North Korea. Those of us who are advocates of diplomacy will be watching the negotiations closely.

Expect loud bellows of outrage from the few remaining Bush doctrine supporters any time now.