Under the Bush administration America has gone from a policy of “dual containment” of Iran and Iraq to one approaching dual failure. It removed the iron rule of Saddam Hussein, but created an anarchic void in Iraq into which Iran has extended its influence. Exhausted by the insurgency in Iraq, America now struggle to deal with the more acute threat of weapons of mass destruction posed by Iran’s nuclear programme. America’s Arab allies may be terrified by the strengthening of Iran，but they are even more terrified by the prospect of American military action to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.
In Europe there is a degree of acceptance that, sooner or later, the world may have to deal with a nuclear-armed Iran. Some in the Bush administration though, regard that prospect as even more horrendous than the consequences of attacking Iran, which may include more instability in Iraq and elsewhere, more terrorism and the disruption of oil from the Persian Gulf. There is no certainly, moreover, about how far military strikes can set back the nuclear programme, if at all.
George Bush has repeatedly said that “all opinions” remain on his table, by which he means the use of military force. But the one option he has seemed less keen on is the idea, advocated by many of seeking a “grand bargain” with Iran on a whole range of disputes, from the nuclear question to peace with Israel. When America was strong, it felt it did not need to deal with Iran. Now it is worried by the prospect of looking weak.
Nevertheless, there has been a real change of policy since the days when Mr. Bush said Iran was part of the “axis of evil”. His administration has offered to join nuclear talks if Iran suspends uranium enrichment. Ray Takeyh, an expert on Iran, argues in the latest issue of Foreign Affairs says: better to deal with the pragmatists, and strengthen them, rather than give free rein to the radicals. He mayor may not be right.
1.According to the passage, America failed to( ) .
2.The phrase “that prospect” (Line 2, Para 3) refers to ( ) .
3. Ray Takeyh urged the America government to ( ) .
