It’s alarming to read about the rising death toll, looting, and “overwhelming” damage in Louisiana, but look who’s offering us kind words. Via Stratfor.com:

Iran: A Gesture of Sympathy and a Test of Political Waters

Iran expressed sympathy for the U.S. victims of Hurricane Katrina in an Aug. 31 statement from its Foreign Ministry. Through this rare gesture toward the “Great Satan” of the West, Tehran likely is testing the waters with Washington before facing the U.N. judgment panel over its controversial nuclear program.

This is the first time Iran has made such a gesture to the US since 9/11. Tehran rejected a high-level U.S. humanitarian delegation in the wake of the Bam earthquake, which killed more than 3,000 people. At that time, the clerics felt it was not the right time to start dealing with the Washington because they did not have full control over the executive branch under former President Mohammed Khatami. Now that they have control, they’re willing to talk.

Hard-rightist President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could end up as Iran’s Nixon after all.

• BROWSE / IN TIMELINE
• « Gotta Love Google Earth
• » Anarchy in New Orleans