We know that Barack Obama has, in the past, declared his willingness to meet with the leaders of Iran without precondition.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A world without America

Under the circumstances, however, Mr. Bush had no choice but to eschew Secretary Powell's campaign to euchre Sharon into abandoning his precondition that there be at least seven days without violence before committing to a renewed cease-fire with the Palestinians.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A Moment for Truth