Diplomacy has always been our first line of defense, the civilized way to resolve disputes between dissimilar ideologies. Not talking with diplomats of sovereign nations is not diplomacy. Withdrawing diplomats from sovereign nations is not diplomacy. It is arrogance.This Administration does not recognize the value of cultural understanding and art-of-the-deal diplomacy. Practiced effectively, which preferably is quietly, diplomacy preempts costly wars. Refusal to recognize a sovereign nation that values saving face is insulting to them. Instead of opening an office on Iran’s doorstep in Dubai, which we have done, why not work behind the scenes to open even a one-room office in Tehran. Put a diplomat there with a desk and a phone and start listening.Secondly, behind closed doors diplomacy has always proved more successful than saber rattling. The Europeans understand the wisdom of having their representatives in countries with opposing ideologies. Why don’t we? We have many talented Americans no longer in office, that are up to the task of opening doors, experienced former public servants who know something about diplomacy-former Secretary of State James Baker, former Senator George Mitchell, former President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen. Madeleine Albright went to North Korea on invitation of…