LOS ANGELES TIMES: U.S., IRAN OFFICIALS MEET AT CONFERENCE ON AFHGANISTAN

Yesterday at The Hague, senior U.S. official, Richard Holbrooke, met with an Iranian diplomat during an international conference here Tuesday, marking the Obama administration’s biggest overture so far to the Islamic Republic.  This gesture represented an early move in President Obama’s effort to reestablish dialogue after 30 years of hostility.  Though negotiations have not begun or been hinted at by the Iranians, the meeting shows that the Iranians are interested in what the U.S. has to offer them.  A senior State Department official, who declined to be identified, citing the sensitivity of the closed discussions, said that although Iran expressed some grievances with the U.S., its tone was warmer than it has been in the past. 
Question to the Blogosphere:  Why do you think Iranian officials are now more willing to meet with U.S. officials?  Do you think reaching common ground with the Iranians is possible and, if so, what are the benefits of a renewed relationship for Iran and the U.S.?  Do you think that we should be talking to the Iranians?