Why Bush Shuns Talks with Syria, Iran, Etc

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- There is an old saying in diplomatic circles: You don't make peace with your friends, you make peace with your enemies.

The United States, which doesn't lack for enemies these days, is not talking to North Korea, Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas, all of which are contributing to the Bush administration's chief overseas problems these days.

While each situation is different, the administration's underlying position is that Iran, North Korea and Syria must change their policies and that Hezbollah and Hamas are terrorist groups, legally off-limits to diplomatic discourse.

Critics say this absence of communication restricts US diplomacy and makes US allies anxious because they believe there is no …