It still seems too good to be true, but at every point in the process in which it ought to fall apart, the international effort to confiscate and destroy Syria's chemical-weapons arsenal has instead notched another success. If that trend continues -- and it just might -- it will prove to be a spectacular if highly unlikely accomplishment.

Even more enticing, Iran has also offered to reopen talks on its suspected nuclear weapons program, suggesting that with Majmoud Ahmadinejad out of office, the Iranians are prepared to be much more reasonable and pragmatic. Increasingly tight economic sanctions appear to be having an impact.

In a speech to the United Nations today, President Obama said that he and other Western leaders are encouraged by the statements and actions of Iran's newly elected president, Hassan Rouhani, including his unexpected outreach to Israel. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also publicly endorsed a new diplomatic effort and reiterated Iran's longstanding claim that it has no interest in acquiring nuclear weapons.

"The roadblocks may prove to be too great, but I firmly believe the diplomatic path must be tested," Obama told the UN. "For while the status quo will only deepen Iran’s isolation, Iran’s genuine commitment to go down a different path will be good for the region and the world, and will help the Iranian people meet their extraordinary potential -- in commerce and culture; in science and education."

In his remarks, Obama indicated that the United States is not seeking regime change and publicly acknowledged that "Iranians have long complained of a history of U.S. interference in their affairs and of America’s role in overthrowing an Iranian government during the Cold War."

However, he also noted Iran's role in terrorism, hostage-taking and threats toward Israel, warning that "conciliatory words will have to be matched by actions that are transparent and verifiable."

Rouhani is scheduled to speak at the U.N. later today.