Dhaka, Jan. 17 -- After ratcheting up to a point where rational, calm-head decisionmaking could no longer be expected to prevail in how the U.S.A and Iran engaged with each other in the Middle East, where years and years of war and upheaval, of constant threats and insecurity, had rendered treachery almost a daily blessing. Eventually when the moment of detente did arrive, it too was notable for its absolute choreography.

The 1-2 step that completed the process was executed with perfection between the 2 parties. The 1-step was Iran's measured and limited response to the killing of Ghassem Soleimani, one of its most revered generals who really operated more like a national security adviser to the Ayatollah. Iraqi bases housing Americans s...