Rouhani has also exchanged letters with President Obama, referring to their correspondence as "tiny steps towards an important future." That future begins next week at the United Nations where he might even meet with Obama, a historic meeting hinted by the White House as well. That prospect got America's so-called War Party all riled up, but signals from the White House are mixed. It announced that Iran's promises are "clearly not sufficient," and says they have no plans to meet with Rouhani.

U.S. officials have also made it clear that there will be no lifting of sanctions without any real movement from Teheran. In the face of intense Israeli lobbying and persistent pressure from the War Party, it would be unrealistic to expect Washington to overcome its long-held hostility overnight.

The rationale behind all of Rouhani's offers is clearly explained in his opinion article published in The Washington Post. He calls his platform one of "prudence and hope," as well as pledges to engage in constructive interaction with the world. The article continued to read, "The world has changed. Gone is the age of blood feuds. International politics are no longer a zero-sum game; win-win outcomes are not just favorable but also achievable." In saying that, he sounds remarkably like the Chinese position.

He says his approach to foreign policy seeks to resolve issues by addressing their underlying causes. He asks countries to work together in a bid to end unhealthy rivalries and interferences that fuel violence and drive countries apart. Iranians demand dignity, respect and their place in the world. It is obvious they are tired of their isolation and hardships caused by international sanctions.

The critics, of course, have put in their two cents too. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has called Rouhani a "wolf in sheep's clothing." He has been campaigning fiercely against any form of peace talks, insisting that anything offered by Iran must be a plot.

Lindsey Graham wants to give Obama a blank check for a war on Iran. He said on Fox Television, "I'm going to get a bipartisan coalition together. We're going to put together a use-of-force resolution, allowing our country to use military force […] to stop the Iranian nuclear program."

Following a piece by U.S. political commentator Patrick J. Buchanan regarding the idea of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham - a supporter of interventionist foreign policy - to launch a war on Iran, one reply read, "What is in the drinking water of South Carolinians that makes them continue to elect this psychopath into Office?" Indeed, one wonders.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/zhaojinglun.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.