Obama's Direct Diplomacy

hillary wouldn't mind obliterating iran. so her foreign policy sounds just like the bush-mccain brand. george bush and john mccain are spinning and distorting obama's advocacy of direct diplomacy and not advocating any other besides the usual: They're Building a Bomb!
so it's easy to get lost in the cobwebs.
direct diplomacy simply means this: obama will open up a dialogue with adversaries. that way we could know what's on their minds, we could make agreements and build alliances, we could prevent a surprise. there are nuances. the dialogue would be different depending on the leader and the country. that's it really.
joe biden in the wsj explains "preconditions."
john kerry explains why talking works.
here is a nonpartisian grass roots group that is trying to prevent war with iran through -- dialogue. ingenious. there is a lot of information there on how -- dialogue -- works.
here is an explainer on the difference between sanctions and diplomacy from the physicians for social responsibility.
here is another informative site, the middle east report.

here is an excerpt from obama's outline on foreign policy:
Talk to our Foes and Friends: Obama is willing to meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe. He will do the careful preparation necessary, but will signal that America is ready to come to the table, and that he is willing to lead. And if America is willing to come to the table, the world will be more willing to rally behind American leadership to deal with challenges like terrorism, and Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs.
on cuba and latin america from the obama campaign:

Senator Barack Obama today laid out his comprehensive Latin America policy, rejecting the Bush-McCain approach that has neglected the Americas and failed to adapt to the realities of our changing world. Speaking at the Cuban American National Foundation Luncheon, Obama outlined his plans to forge a new regional approach to combat insecurity and aggressively promote economic opportunity through new trade, aid and energy policies.

Obama also discussed his differences with McCain and Bush and stressed the need to renew the leadership of the United States in the hemisphere through direct diplomacy.

As President, Barack Obama will:

Engage in direct diplomacy throughout the hemisphere to advance democracy and promote American values and ideals Immediately allow Cuban Americans unlimited family travel and remittances to the island

Create an Energy Partnership for the Americas—a regional energy initiative to develop alternative energy and promote clean and sustainable growth

Launch a regional security initiative to develop a new approach to battling criminality and drug trafficking in the hemisphere

Target development assistance for Latin America aimed at promoting bottom-up growth

Reinstate a Special Envoy for the Americas in the White House and open more consulates and expand the Peace Corps in Latin America.

obama's full remarks
obama's latin america plan

Obama’s Advisers
Obama’s Team
Obama’s Foreign Policy Brain Trust