Dialogue With Iran

Your Dec. 17 editorial on Iran suggests cautious dialogue with the Islamic republic. The truth of the matter is that we have short memories. Not long ago, the former president, Hashemi Rafsanjani, was hailed as the voice of moderation and harbinger of illusory change; he managed to rekindle hope in the hearts of many Iranians. However, when he was at the helm, very little changed with respect to human rights within the country and terrorism without.

Your proposal to approach Iran sounds too optimistic and premature. The clergy will bargain for a voice in regional affairs. Your proposal holds many promises for policymakers, businessmen and banks, but offers nothing for the amelioration of human rights.

A. HAZHAR

Woodland Hills