Free Republic

Iranian officials couched their proposal in maximalist terms - not the language of a party intent on genuine breakthrough agreements but one of a regime intent on extracting breathing room. For months now, Western capitals have clung to the hope that Iran’s return to the negotiating table represents a genuine opportunity for a durable nuclear agreement. Yet, as the latest round of talks in Geneva concludes, it is increasingly clear that Tehran’s priority is not a deal but delay. The regime in Tehran has mastered the art of diplomacy as a stalling tactic, using negotiations not to reach closure but...

The National Security Agency has acknowledged in a new classified briefing that it does not need court authorization to listen to domestic phone calls. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, disclosed this week that during a secret briefing to members of Congress, he was told that the contents of a phone call could be accessed "simply based on an analyst deciding that." If the NSA wants "to listen to the phone," an analyst's decision is sufficient, without any other legal authorization required, Nadler said he learned. "I was rather startled," said Nadler, an attorney who serves on the House...