Sanctions
Tagged as: Iran: Sanctions
“So, Esther, what do you think the EU and America will do about sanctions now?”
“Nothing,” I answer. “I don’t understand why the EU and America were stupid enough to threaten the regime with exactly what it wants: to be isolated and left alone. They should have threatened the regime with engagement. They should have threatened more embassy and consulate openings, increased tourism, Hollywood movies flooding into the country, and MacDonald’s. That would have scared the regime.”
I can’t be that eloquent in Persian, so Keivan translates for our fellow traveller who says, “We’re used to being left alone. It’s nothing new.”
We then continue in Persian.
“It’s not that they are stupid exactly, it’s that they cannot make an effective argument for engagement.”
“People will say that the EU and America are caving into Iran by engaging them. It’s hard to convince people that engagement is the correct response.”
Over and over again I read that the AN regime is apocalyptic. That said, this apocalyptic regime is building like crazy: highways, apartments, offices, infrastructure. It is being question internally Is that apocalyptic? Doesn’t feel that way from this end of the telescope.
In addition, we are supposed to be convinced that the apocalyptic regime can only be stopped with a more apocalyptic response: say nuking Tehran or bombing nuclear sites. So, who exactly is apocalyptic? Iran or the countries threatening Iran? I don’t get it. Once you live in the Middle East, Western logic seems a bit, well, illogical. (Not that this region is any better: logic, in general, seems to be up for grabs in this new emotive world.) Bomb to prevent the possibility of bombing — hmmm. Treat the region as though it were WW II era Europe waiting to happen. Now, how does that work exactly?
The long-time readers of my blog know how I feel about sanctions against Iran. For those of you new to the blog here are some links:
Waiting for Sanctions
Isolation
Eid is Tomorrow
Our allies in Iran: New York Times
Isolating Iran is what Fundamentalists Want
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I couldn’t agree more! There are many people in Tehran who are educated and long for freedom from the repressive regieme. If outside threats do not encite a wave of nationalism, the people will be able to focus on their discontent at home and change will come!