However, while the US is optimistic about these talks, this new development is making other countries, like Israel, quite nervous. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is flying to the US this week to meet with President Obama and also to give a speech at the United Nations. Netanyahu says he would like to
"...tell the truth in the face of the sweet talk".
This signals considerable concern from Israel about these new-found American-Iranian relations. Israel and the United States have historically been very close allies, while Israel and Iran have always had a historically contentious relationship. It appears that the Israeli delegation is weary and at least suspicious about Iran's new willingness to socialize with one of its closest allies. Another Times article published on the 29th of September analyzes this development more closely. With the question of whether diplomacy can resolve the Iranian nuclear development problem, Israel and other countries,
"...worry about Iran's sincerity".
It seems time will tell how serious Iran is about maintaining diplomatic talks with the United States. In the meanwhile, this new relationship is quite enough to make countries like Israel nervous.
Sources:
BBC News
New York Times 9/27/13
New York Times 9/29/13
I honestly hope that Iran is being genuine, and that their new leader has a new outlook and new goals that will better the relations between the US and Iran. I can see how countries like Israel are skeptical, especially because they are located so close to Iran and any insincerity or backfire from our trust of Iran could make life for them more difficult. However, I can't deny the fact that I prefer to look at the positive and really do hope that this newly established contact between the US and Iran is a good thing. After all, some kind of communication has to be better than none what so ever. Whether the reason for talking is purely do to economics or not, bettering our relations within the middle east would definitely be to the advantage of the US, and it seems like now, more than ever, would be a good time to have allies in that part of the world. So, whether Israel or people of our own nation remain skeptical, I am hopeful that our new communication will benefit the US and that the new Iranian president really does have good intentions and is able to shed new light onto US/Iran relations.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't necessarily be nervous if I was Israel. Clearly we have a stronger and more trustworthy relationship with them than Iran. If anything, it puts the United States in a little bit of a sticky situation. If we don't proceed carefully, we could possibly disrupt the integrity of our great relationship with Israel. Look at it through a societal analogy; the United States and Israel have been best friends for awhile and have a solid relationship. Iran, a guy Israel dislikes very much, is now slowly hanging out with the United States. Will this new relationship with Iran make Israel upset and cause the United States and them to no longer be friends? (As silly as that was) Before 1979 ties between Iran and Israel weren't too bad. After that however in the years following the Iranian Revolution, the two countries hated each other. Iran doesn't even refer to Israel as a 'state' nowadays. They refer to Israel's government as the "Zionist Entity". When it comes to the United States in the whole situation, I believe we should let the relationship with Iran just be. It's great that we're on a direct communicating basis now don't get me wrong, but if it's something that bothers our friends in Israel then we should stop.
ReplyDeleteOverall, one must question Iran's intentions. After so many years of silence, its either some sort of hidden malice pretense or maybe a genuine call for cooperation. Only time will show.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. This is irrefutably monumental progress in the two nations' relations and is demonstrative of the power that soft power can have. Our economic sanctions, while not necessarily the quickest solution, have clearly had an effect on Iran. The new Iranian leadership clearly realizes the damaged being caused to its infrastructure. Israel is justly hesitant about the sincerity of Iran, but they should also hold some optimism; improved relations with Iran would strengthen stability in a region that desperately needs it. This cooperation would not weaken the Israel-American alliance, as the US would surely still maintain a close watch over Iran. While this potential cooperation is a huge step forward, it does not signify a decreased American concern in the region.
ReplyDeleteWhile Iran may certainly have ulterior motives, such as being able to resume their nuclear program, it must be acknowledged that this is the end result the US desired. At least partially, the economic sanctions placed on Iran have contributed to this minor concession. If the US refuses to lift the sanctions until assurance is gained regarding the nuclear program, then it seems that Iran may be willing to cooperate. At the moment, it would seem this is a victory for institutionalists who believe in the power of such actions.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the generation gap between those who witnessed the 1970's revolution and actually participated for a pro-Khomeini regime has lost its flavor. This new generation seems a bit more stable and responsive to peace talks and negotiations between the two countries. Sadly the true intentions are very hard to acknowledge and what motives Iran posses are unclear to the international word but such talks make it less isolated and open for the world to see.
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