Instead of relying on sanctions, the Obama administration should seek a strategic realignment with Iran, as President Nixon did with China. Full Story »
Posted by Kaizar Campwala - via Opinion Source, New York Times (Most Emailed), New York Times (Opinion), Real Clear Politics
Awfully wordy for a relatively simple and not-so-novel point -- sanctions will backfire; careful rapprochement is the most effective long-term solution. The case is well made and reasonable, but I question the analogy to Nixon and China in the 70s. Iran is comparatively small potatoes.
The Obama administration’s lack of diplomatic seriousness goes beyond clumsy tactics; it reflects an inadequate understanding of the strategic necessity of constructive American-Iranian relations. If an American president believed that such a relationship was profoundly in our national interests — as President Richard Nixon judged a diplomatic opening to China — he would demonstrate acceptance of the Islamic Republic, even as problematic Iranian behavior continued in the near term.
INSTEAD of pushing the falsehood that sanctions will give America leverage in Iranian decision-making — a strategy that will end either in frustration or war — the administration should seek a strategic realignment with Iran as thoroughgoing as that effected by Nixon with China. This would require Washington to take steps, up front, to assure Tehran that rapprochement would serve Iran’s strategic needs.
