Iran’s drive for a nuclear program has subjected this Persian nation to a fusillade of criticism and attacks. The latest sanctions by the United States and the European Union have been withering, but at a cost. Surely, over the last three decades when one comments on the Iranian economy prosperity and envy do not come to mind. By some estimates continuous sanctions have left Iran with an annual inflation of 40-50 percent. Cuts to government subsidies have prevented many Iranians from keep up with costs of living increases. The country’s unemployment rate is a stifling 15 percent; 23 percent of Iranians are 15-24 year olds, who comprise the largest share of the population.
In light of such abysmal figures, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assertions that sanctions will strengthen Iran and make the nation self-sufficient are asinine. Currently, the U.S. Senate is taking steps to prohibit cooperation between the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) and Iran. SWIFT is a member owned network that provides a secure line of communication between banks and financial institutions. Without SWIFT, Iran will be unable to access the billions of dollars in foreign revenue that drive the economy.
Though discontented youth may lead an eventual uprising against a stifled and reckless government, the economic hardship and frustration that accompanies these sanctions may further embitter relations with western powers.
Unfortunately, the enrichment continues and the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities is a frightening–if not impending– prospect. If such an event transpires we are obligated to stand by our ally, but America could also find itself entangled in a conflict that may escalate exponentially. Of course, this is only the worst-case scenario, but given our reputation in the Middle East, the United States can ill afford another military presence in a region that does not welcome our continual involvement.
Instead, Iran must cede to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and agree to resume negotiations with the group of six (Britain, France, Russia, Germany, China, and the United States). The U.S. and its allies have yet to exhaust all diplomatic avenues and they must continue to tamp down tensions. Iranian intransigence has pitted negotiators against a brick wall, but chipping away with persistence is the only course to a breakthrough. Even last week, Iran denied high-level IAEA officials from accessing uranium enrichment sights but both sides agreed to resume discussions later this month. Though seemingly procedural, it is a step in the right direction.
Any mention of premature military action is a disaster in the making. For all the parties involved, this is the true test of leadership. It is time to save the world from another conflict rather than engender an atmosphere of needless hate and inhumanity.
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