The administration has mysteriously avoided engaging the Iranian government in a comprehensive fashion, instead employing a single-track, nuclear-obsessed and inevitably punitive approach, sans sufficiently credible evidence to bolster their argument, and likely at the behest of a certain lobby. This after an initially half-hearted attempt at rapprochement, in too narrow a context, that could never have had the slightest chance of success, unless it were a juicy and tempting deal, and it obviously wasn't, or was prevented from being.
DETRIMENTAL
This instance of abulia at worst, or most optimistically, lacuna, in the
studied understanding of the admittedly recondite Iranian psyche, has
led to a dangerous situation: One that needlessly imperils the futures
of both countries and is internecine to their economic and long-term
security interests. If moneyed interests are orchestrating such reckless
endangerment, and President Obama has been forestalled from acting
prudentially and to the best of his ability on Iran, it's detrimental to
the interests of the United States. America would be abundantly served
by a strategically driven, multi-faceted approach. Containment and
sanctions aren't productive: They unnecessarily prolong the stalemate
and serve no party.
Thankfully, as evinced by recent statements from Iran's government,
there's still hope, but only if we shed the burdensome yoke of those
with a vested interest in the subjugation of U.S. policy in the Middle
East. Some in foreign policy circles suggest Israel is unwilling to
implement policies leading to peace and long-term security. Obama has
sincere intentions of making progress on peace, and upon election 71
percent of Obama voters wanted him to get "tough" with Israel;
presumably enough to benefit all players but not to the extent of
compromising Israel's security. Israel's time is running out. They're
subject to a demographic time bomb, which raises the question: Do they
intend to permanently relegate Palestinians to second class status,
creating a de facto apartheid state? This would seem illogical for a
professed democracy and would draw harsh criticism while increasing
militancy in the region. The alternative is to acquiesce to Palestinian
statehood.
Hamas and Hezbollah, factions that can only be handled multi-laterally
because they're subordinate to Iran, won't draw back until it's in their
interests, making Israel's security impossible without Iran's
cooperation. It's unattainable presently, due to the West's
unproductive, inimical policy of isolation, hauteur and obloquy vis a
vis the Islamic Republic. By including all players in expansive
discussions, peace can be realized, provided Iran receives security
guarantees. Hamas and Hezbollah both have legitimately elected political
wings and can de-emphasize their military roles. Some say a deal would
be appeasement.
This is a jerry-built argument. A strategic accord wouldn't compromise
principles or grant concessions without gainful returns. What would be
received would be priceless and lasting, with American values being the
vehicle. If the U.S. is to be perceived as an even-handed arbiter,
President Obama must be free to use his manifold skills and engage
unencumbered by solipsistic Washington interests.
Our Middle East policies should align with the American values expressed
in President Obama's Cairo address, and not undermine its message. We
aren't extending equality, opportunity or justice to the Iranian people,
but rather, threats of genocide via nuclear weapons, as per the New
START Treaty. How can we support their opposition while implicitly
threatening nuclear holocaust? We aren't inspiring the Palestinians to
believe in an ameliorated future, or adequately reassuring Israel. It's
attributable to the detestable, self-serving special interests, who
won't afford our president the political space to maneuver a tenuous
diplomatic tightrope. It seems they'd prefer an Iranian pogrom and death
of the reform movement, threatened U.S. interests and an uncertain
Israeli future, rather than to avert catastrophe and rescue the peace
process, via free unfettered diplomacy.
"UNFETTERED" APPROACH
The "unfettered" approach should be accompanied by a free exchange of
ideas and truth in the public discourse. We could dispel the myths about
Iran and finally form the components for an accord. The latest National
Intelligence Estimate states Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, and
the IAEA confirms there's no evidence of diversion of nuclear materials
towards weaponization. The rational is exiguous, if non-existent in
justifying the protracted, pugnacious puerilism towards the Islamic
Republic. There are no excuses to engage in lies for political purposes.
We must find a diplomatic solution to the impasse, without
interference, and be patient and persistent. Perpetual antagonism is no
solution. The only solution is the "Grand Bargain." There are no
in-betweens.
It's obligatory to communicate the truth, based on the evidence, to
serve the American interest and foster peace and productivity wherever
possible. We could forge economic, military and cultural ties with Iran
while becoming allies within the comprehensive framework, inherently
assuaging the nuclear dispute, securing the Jewish state, and forming a
bulwark against Sunni terrorism. The Afghanistan and Iraq theaters would
improve, given Iran's influence. Iran may sign the communiqué barring
non-state actors from obtaining nuclear materials within this context.
The Israelis, among other nations, remain in violation of international
law because they possess illegal nuclear stockpiles and must sign the
NPT and comply with its obligations. Israel's current position
concerning nuclear weapons only serves Iran's argument. Israeli
political and military hegemony in the region hasn't succeeded in
securing its future.
There's confusion in our policy and apprehension about the future
regarding Iran. A pre-emptive strike on the Islamic Republic would be
predicated on conjecture, with far worse consequences than Iraq. Iran
would participate and cooperate in a respectful multi-faceted context.
Should future war arise, we'll have foregone peaceful coexistence and
initiated conflict, making it a premeditated and conspiratorial act. The
American people and our troops deserve better, having suffered under a
failed administration for eight years; one that drove up the deficit
after inheriting a surplus, presided over the Katrina debacle, and lied
to justify the Iraq war. Let's get it right this time on the crucial
issue of Iran.
Schloss lives in Warren.
