Why the great Obama-Rouhani handshake didn't happen

3 theories

At least he didn't blame the U.S. for 9/11.
(Image credit: (Getty Images/Spencer Platt))

It looks like the much-anticipated handshake between President Obama and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won't happen.

After weeks of diplomatic niceties between the two sides, Rouhani reportedly backed out of an opportunity to meet Obama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

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Keith Wagstaff is a staff writer at TheWeek.com covering politics and current events. He has previously written for such publications as TIME, Details, VICE, and the Village Voice.