THE UNITED States and Iran have had a troubled relationship over the past 60 years, to say the least. From a CIA coup to overthrow Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq in 1953 to an Islamic Revolution in 1979 that involved taking American diplomats hostage, the two countries have had plenty of trouble getting along. But with the recent election of President Barack Obama and shifting opinion amongst the Iranian people, the time seems ripe for negotiations and renewed diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In recent weeks, President Obama has spoken of treating Iran with “mutual respect” and “extend[ing] a hand” to the Islamic Republic. This break from Bush administration policy of not communicating with the Iranian government is a praiseworthy decision. Obama recognizes the need to relax tensions with Iran, which is an influential player in the Middle East, and perhaps reach consensus on issues which will have a long-term impact on the Middle East. Obama should continue to confront Iran about its nuclear ambitions, but there are many other areas in which progress is to be made. Professor Jeffrey Legro, Compton Professor of World Politics and Chair at the University, has stated that people are looking toward “...cutting a deal in Iran that encompasses broader issues in the Middle East.” The stability of Iraq, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Hezbollah’s terrorist activities are all areas in which Iran will play a crucial role in the future. And it would be best to come to terms with Iran’s role as a major power in the region and work with them as best we can, rather than block them out of a view for the future of the Middle East.
The attempt to reach out is not a one-sided endeavor. Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made an attempt be more conciliatory toward the United States after four years of dogmatic opposition to American interests. Ahmadinejad is quoted as saying, “Our nation is ready to hold talks based on mutual respect and in a fair atmosphere.” Whether statements like this indicate a change of heart for the President or are reflective of aspirations to retain the presidency upon reformist leader Mohammed Khatami’s recent decision run in the June election is up for debate. But it’s clear that Iran is ready to speak with the U.S. now that the rhetoric of the Bush administration has been brushed aside.
Congress and the American people should support Obama’s efforts to reach out to Iran to the extent that diplomatic relations benefit the United States and the stability of the Middle East. To say that Obama should reach out to Iran is not to say that he should take a soft stance with them. He must continue to press them on their nuclear ambitions, as the start of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East would spell disaster for the region. Iran’s ties to the radical Islamic group Hezbollah makes one concerned about the possibility of nuclear devices falling into the hands of people with no reservations about their use. But there are areas in which the United States and Iran can work together. Iran is sandwiched between Iraq and Afghanistan, two countries which the U.S. currently occupies and has been working to stabilize. Iran has been accused of fueling the insurgency in Iraq to some extent, by giving arms to Shi’a insurgency groups. But as much as Iran is able to destabilize the region, they are equally able to bring stability to countries which are going through painful transitions and building new governments.
Iran’s economy is currently in the dumps, and their increasingly dire economic situation may be an opportunity for the West to press them to concede on issues such as nuclear proliferation and support for transnational terrorist organizations. Some estimates place unemployment in Iran at 20 percent, and the sudden drop in oil prices has placed a burden on Iran’s oil-exporting economy. Closer ties with the West are a way for Iran to dig itself out of economic troubles. The U.S. and its Western allies could offer reduction of economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic and more openness between Western and Middle Eastern markets in return for efforts on Iran’s part to stabilize conditions in the Middle East.
All of this, of course, depends on the willingness of Islamic hard-liners to cooperate with the West. All of Iran’s political power lies in the person of Ayatollah Ali Khameini, the Supreme Leader of Iran. Whether or not Ahmadinejad wants to deliberate with the West, Khameini will get the final word on Iran’s foreign policy. Khameini is not the an easy person to get along with, but one could assume that he is interested in strengthening his nation and that through careful diplomacy and respect, the United States and Iran can reach a consensus on a future vision for the Middle East where Iran plays a strong role based on a solid economic relationship with the U.S.
Diplomatic outreach is a serious endeavor that must be undertaken by the United States with care and attention, and genuine goals of cooperation with the government of Iran. It is time to turn to a new page of American foreign policy, and the first step is a genuine out reach to the Islamic Republic.
Michael Khavari is a Viewpoint Writer for The Cavalier Daily.
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