Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“Two sets of peace negotiations are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva – direct talks between the United States and Ukraine, and indirect talks (mediated by Oman) between the U.S. and Iran. The parallel assemblies are likely to place strong demands on the multitasking skills of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner – and to underscore the potential pros and cons of practicing diplomacy through special envoys chosen from outside the ranks of traditional career diplomats. ‘The ability to seize a historical moment’ in international events is a critical skill, according to Stuart Eizenstat, former U.S. ambassador to the European Union. At the same time, he cautioned in an interview with Tufts University’s Fletcher School, ‘Be wary of going for home runs. Don’t try to get too much. … Instead, go for singles and doubles.’ Patience, persistence, creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to listen are some of the qualities that undergird successful diplomacy.” (02/25/26)