Promise to Talk

By Beckie Loewenstein

Important conversations are the most difficult to begin. Wishful thinking that the right moment will come along for "the talk" leads to procrastination, tighter deadlines, and last-resort decisions. Overcoming this impasse requires more than honesty and courage, but preparation. Fear brings paralysis of the heart and mind, leading to acquiescence of the status quo. Some fear initiating difficult conversations that result in compromise, especially those mutual concessions that sacrifice principles. Discussing principles instead of positions can lead to better results.

The administration of President Barack Obama has carefully defined U.S. policy goals to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and eliminate nuclear weapons. This creates the principle that nuclear weapons make the world a more dangerous, unstable place. Achieving the goal of stopping the proliferation of nuclear weaponry requires the active participation of both allies and adversaries. Demonstrating a credible commitment to this principle requires letting go of double standards. This requires that the U.S. reduce its nuclear arsenal and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. American leadership should encourage the two nuclear-armed nations outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Israel and Pakistan, to join. Anything less would be acquiescence of the status quo.
When talking with adversaries, a good first step would be to agree on the principle of mutual respect. Trust does not blossom overnight. Fortunately, holding a conversation does not require friendship. Talks require the absence of irrational tantrums and silent treatments. They require focus and resolve to avoid fanning the fire of tensions. President Obama set an example of demonstrating respect towards adversaries, especially Iran, in his inaugural address.  "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect," said President Obama. The unequivocal language of "mutual respect," long-forgotten vocabulary of the Bush administration, now buzzes in American and Iranian politics.  

Respect, and lack thereof, manifests itself in communication style. Also, actions speak louder than words. The U.S. backs up its message of respect towards Iran with action. In his inaugural address, President Obama said, "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." Symbolically extending a hand to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni, the U.S. Department of State drafted a response to the November 4th, 2008, letter from Iran's President Ahmadinejad. After all, responding to letters and returning calls definitely communicates respect in a relationship. President Obama calls for direct talks with Iran without preconditions, creating the principle to not control or manipulate discussions.  

However, Iran's actions fail to demonstrate respect towards the U.S. and its allies, especially Israel. Iran's leaders can start to unclench their fist by slowing down their development of nuclear technology and stop making threats towards Israel. Rather than a formal apology from Iran, Israel's government faces missiles on the horizon. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's ignominious threats towards Israel wreaked irrevocable damage on the character of the Tehran government. Not surprisingly, the Obama administration lacks the political will to hold direct government-to-government talks with Iran's caustic leaders.

The Obama administration plans to delay talks until after Iran's June 2009 election. The world continues to wait for the U.S. to appoint a "super envoy" to deal with Iran. The U.S. engages in wishful thinking that the Iranian people will abandon their hardline leaders in favor of more moderate, reformist ones. The U.S. avoids talks with Ahmadinejad because it might improve his re-election chances. In addition, the U.S. assumes that these leaders would be more amenable to talks. Meanwhile, the U.S. advocates for additional economic sanctions against Iran. The CIA encourages Iran's nuclear scientists to abandon their laboratories and works to sabotage the transfer of nuclear materials and equipment into these laboratories. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports how soon Iran will possess enough fuel for its first nuclear weapon. In response to all of these efforts, Iran launched a Safir-2 rocket capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on February 3rd, 2009, effectively giving the West the finger.

The mistaken belief in delaying talks boils down to procrastination. Waiting until June sends the signal that Americans are not serious about re-establishing dialogue with Iran. This ignores the fact that U.S. requires Iran's cooperation to create stability in Iraq and Afghanistan now. This underestimates American leadership. The U.S. must use its political advantage of mutual respect to normalize relations with Iran's allies. Prioritizing direct talks with Syria, for example, could prevent Iran's next proxy war against Israel. Only difficult negotiations can bring the Middle East closer to peace. The U.S. does not have a moment to lose.