Next week, Iran says it will reply to European and American offers of economic and technological assistance in exchange for halting progress toward building a nuclear bomb. In an open letter, 21 former military officials, diplomats and Pentagon civilians have urged President Bush to resolve the crisis "through diplomacy, not military action," warning of "disastrous consequences" that will damage America's interests. The President has insisted that the military option remain on the table, saying that negotiating with "evil" regimes just rewards bad behavior. Will America be more secure by relying on force--and the threat of force--or negotiating with adversaries? In addition to Iran, what about Syria, Hamas, Hezbollah and North Korea? Making News: Ford Will Cut Production to Speed RestructuringAfter meeting with economic advisors today at Camp David, President Bush pronounced the economy "solid and strong," with growth at 4% and unemployment at 4.8%. Despite his optimism, the Ford Motor Company says it will close plants to cut production by 21%. Jeffrey McCracken, who covers the automotive industry for the Wall Street Journal, assesses the ripple effect of Ford's restructuring on consumers and industry.Reporter's Notebook: US Hopes to Rival Hezbollah with Rebuilding EffortThe Lebanese Army has moved into the southern part of the country, all the way to the Israeli border. Meantime, President Bush has promised to help repair the damage done by Israel in the past month, saying that Hezbollah will be the ultimate loser in southern Lebanon. Can the US rebuild its image by rebuilding Lebanon? Jon Alterman, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs during Bush's first term, is at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.