U.S. Academics Tour Iran

Presidents Of 6 U.S. Universities Visit Iran Amid Complex And Shifting Political Agenda

(CBS)  By CBS News field producer Leily Lankarani and CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer in London

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The presidents of six leading U.S. universities are touring Iran, the latest in a series of exchange visits involving senior academics and scientists. The American academics include the presidents of Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and Rice Universities.

"We believe it is important to maintain and renew academic ties between our two countries as a means of laying the groundwork for greater understanding and rebuilding what was once a very healthy collaboration in science and higher education,” said Robert Berdahl, the president of the Association of American Universities which organized the tour.

"I think Iranian universities are interested in increased cooperation with U.S. institutions,” said David Leebron of Rice University. “Although we shouldn’t underestimate the contact that already exists. Don’t forget a lot of Iranian academics - especially senior ones - received some of their education in the U.S.”

Officially, the academics are guests of Iran’s most prestigious science and technology college, Sharif University, where they will take part in an open question and answer session with Iranian students.

Unofficially, though, they are part of Iran’s complex and shifting political agenda.

Their visit comes at a time of renewed hope for increased cooperation between Iran and the United States, which has not had an embassy in Tehran since the seizing of 52 hostages in 1979.

President-elect Barack Obama has advocated “direct, tough presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions.”

But his apparent willingness to engage has been met with mixed signals by Iranian officials.

On the anniversary of the taking of the hostages, Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the U.S. had not apologized for numerous conspiracies against Iran over the past 50 years.

“They have continued their arrogant actions,” he added.

Also, earlier this month, Iran test-fired a missile with a range long enough to reach Israel and U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East.

On the other hand, the head of Iran’s judiciary has praised the new security agreement that allows U.S. troops to stay in Iraq until 2011.

But Dr. Saadeq Zibakalam, a political scientist from Tehran University, cautioned against reading too much into the American visit.

“If they were political scholars who might engage in discussions of policy, that could make this visit significant, and signal a thaw in diplomatic relations,” Zibakalam said. “But they are largely scientists. That’s more neutral ground.”

“In fact, even if Barack Obama offers an olive branch to the Iranians when he gets to the White House, I don’t think they will reciprocate. Basically the Iranian regime thinks the U.S. is encroaching in the Middle East and is not brokering a real solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. This is not the right time for them to seek détente.”

Why does Obama have to offer an olive branch to Iran? Why can''t he just say what he has said he would say? You want to talk. Here I am. Let''s talk. Or not. As you will. But I don''t have all day. So make up your mind. Deal or No Deal? Of ocurse, being from Harvard, he will say it better than that.

[impeach___w]

There Will be an attack NOV 26-28.

Isreal may be attacking Iran.

Someone will be attacked. This is not an Obama Idea.

Just Circle those dates.

[closethippy1]

Finally, Americans are relaxing about our "enemies". I truly don''t see why Iran is viewed with such distrust in the US. It''s true they have many shortcomings and human rights issues but what country outside Europe doesn''t have those issues? Hardly any.
If the USA can have relations with countries such as Saudi Arabia and China it sure can get along with the rest of the world.
No need to pick on anyone just to get people to vote for you.

[mbievtea]

Perhaps while they are there, they can ask about some of the prisoners that Iran has taken because of the academic intolerance that they like to accuse as spying.

[andrew_693]

well at least the iranian nut won''t be getting missiles and military help from oliver north and his antiamerican anti freedom christian traitor squad.

[ginger20051]

I guess we should probably encourage Iran to send it''s best and brightest over to the US to get an education SO THEY CAN DESTROY US EASIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[greeneyes222]

Now, why would six university presidents even want to do this?

This has to be one of the dumbest ideas I''ve ever heard. Send these guys back to their ivy-covered walls and academic infighting.

[downsteamjim]

I do not mind these naive people going to Iran. I just fear that they will return.

[babooph]

Lucky for us ,no matter the winner,the new president would be able to speak with other leaders-[not to imply our existing one is a "leader".]

[chipashry]

If the acadamia are travelling to Iran to try to obtain intelligence on the true status of Iran''s nuclear program to assist the US national security, I say great!! If they are going for any other purpose they should be tried for treason and dealt with appropriately.

[desertrat200]

To DeckardBR:
Even with extra effort, I couldn''t have said it better. Thank you.
At a speech given in the last few days at one of our august east coast universities, the student body cheered excitedly as a speaker said "it''s time to eliminate capitalism." And replace it with what? Ahmadinejad? The most incompetant people I have met in my 70 years have always been PHD''s, Aside from their precise area of expoundment, they know little.