Well it is now clear the the Democrats have taken control of the lower house and have their noses very slightly in front to regain control of the Senate. The latter depends on a couple of very tight contests which will very likely be recounted so final results may not be known for weeks for the Senate.
The implications are clear for Bush, particularly in respect to his foreign policy approach and the war in Iraq. I personally expect that they will now be almost certain to push to find a way to get out of Iraq earlier and will hopefully, finally, become less blinkered in their view of the world.
In terms of foreign policy, constitutionally the US president has control so the Congress can't dictate what he chooses to do. However they can be difficult eg restrict money, investigate etc.
Logically it would be appropriate for the US to engage with Iran in helping bring about peace in Iraq. One of the side effects of the Iraq invasion is that it has dramatically increased Iran's power as a regional player with main representation in Iraq being Shiite and with close ties with Iran, also Shiite. It will be a very difficult step for Bush to have such discussions but they are necessary.
In respect of Iran itself I also expect this decisions minimises chances of a military intervention. Bush could do it if he wanted but he is increasingly losing Republican favour and the next two years will see many Republicans thinking in terms of the US 2008 elections. With the pendulum swinging away from them they will not want to see the blame being sheeted to them for more war.
Pressure will still be brought to bear on Iran in the UN re nuclear energy issues but will be even more limited in respect of issues with teeth.
The political picture has changed dramatically today. Having an investment in Iran I hope soon the market will too but above all hopefully this will lead to more sensible work in the middle East delivering better lives to all there.
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