President of Iran, Moody Imanutjob, has demanded that Obama apologise for past crimes against Iran.

Obama has said that ‘If countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us.’ That was also the consistent policy of the Bush administration. I have no problem with that at all.

But two things. First, please don’t apologise. I have already written (about a different matter, but the principles are the same) of the intrinsic ungoodness of convenient but dishonest apologies. They may win temporary popularity, but do no one any good in the long run.

Second, Imanutjob and his allies have already made it clear that the price of a warmer relationship with them is that the US “stop supporting the Zionists, outlaws and criminals” and “stop interfering in other people’s affairs.” If that means deserting Israel, and letting Iran have a free run in the Middle East, then thanks, but no thanks.