Are Iran, Hamas Calling Bush's Bluff

Is Iran calling Bush's bluff? I wouldn't hold my breath:

Iran said on Monday it was ready to consider any official U.S. request to hold talks after U.S. allies called on Washington to engage the Islamic Republic.

***
Is it a coincidence or are the President's enemies trying to probe his resolve? Are Iran and Hamas sophisticated enough to test Mr. Bush's weakness by forcing him to reject peace overtures? They must be aware that this neocon controllled White House would never negotiate with them. Or are they desperate for an agreement?:

Arab foreign ministers, including the Palestinian minister from Hamas, called yesterday for a new international Middle East peace conference to be attended by major UN powers, Arabs and Israelis.

***
A sign of trouble for Bush's Iraq policy:

Rep. Jack Murtha, the 74-year-old Vietnam War veteran who stepped into the spotlight last year with his criticism of the war in Iraq, has picked up a major endorsement in his quest for a powerful leadership position on Capitol Hill.

***
The likely scenario is not peace conference but an Israeli or U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities:

Iran's military will retaliate swiftly and strongly if Israel attacks any Iranian nuclear sites, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

***
Another hint that an attack on Iran is coming:

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert began a five-day trip to the United States on Sunday, to talk about the Iranian nuclear threat and Israel's relations with the Palestinians.

***
I hope its true:

The new Democratic majorities in Congress are likely to increase pressure on President George W. Bush over the record trade deficit with China, pushing the administration to take a harder line with the fastest-growing major economy.

I don't have much faith that the Democrats will stand up to the powerful corporate interests that profit greatly from cheap Chinese labor. There is not enough public outcry to stop the sell out of America by both parties.