Don't Box Iran In "The U.S. Administration's policy toward the Caspian region is strongly affected by its Middle East policy, specifically the 'dual containment' of Iraq and Iran. Some observers would point out that the unintended result of this policy toward Iran is to give Russia more leverage over the independent states of Central Asia and the Caucasus by blocking export routes towards the south. Thus, our policy toward Iran contradicts our policy toward encourging independence for the states in the Caspian region." Dick Cheney, in his keynote address at the U.S. - in Washington, D.C., on February 18, 1997. Cheney was formerly U.S. Secretary of Defense (1989-1993) and now presides over the Halliburton Company.   From Azerbaijan International (5.2) Summer 1997. © Azerbaijan International 1997. All rights reserved. AI Home Quotes