I really think that we cannot get too intellectual with these people. Their culture is different then ours. Talk, talk, and more talk is totally useless. I know it sounds barbaric but brutal strength is something they understand. To them, alot of talking is seen more as a weakness and when they sense it, they laugh in it's face.
Leverage is what they understand and that is what you need to negotiate with them. Look, I know what I'm saying sounds simplistic, but we have been talking to them since the Carter years.
The way to have leverage is to be more independent. They have what we want (oil) and they know that we don't have our own. The liberals say that it takes too long to drill for oil. They say it takes 6-10 years for it to get to the consumer. Well, if we had stared drilling when Bush first took office, we would be enjoying the fruits of our labor and we could go over there and talk with real strength.
I know it is not the only solution...but it is the best one I can think of.