the US doesn't negotiate with terrorists
that's not true, the US did and still does. just not publically.
there has been many times where the US negociated with terrorists organization under the table.
I think the US will consider this deal very carefully. it's not s easy as you think.
Everybody here is missing an important point: there are 2 seperate factions to deal with: Sunni and Shia.
The US (and Cheney more specifically) are starting to realize that it will be a lot easier for them to deal with the Sunnis, special after the failure of the Shias in Iraq.
Dealing with Sunni muslims will also allow for them to exercise more pressure on Iran.
look at the situation in the middle east as a whole:
Egypt, Jordan and KSA, all sunnis, have excellent relations with the US
in Syria, the US is working with the sunni oposition against the Baathist regime
in Lebanon, the US are closest to the pro american sunnites.
the nuclear issue in Iran isn't really going well.
Ben Laden, sunnite, is offering them a truth.
working with the sunnis in Iraq might allow for the US a smooth exit from Iraq, higher pressure on both Syria and Iran.