Iran situation is not Trumps creation.

IRAN CRISIS, 75 YEARS IN THE MAKING

TRUMP COULD HAVE JUST IGNORED THE ISSUE

The history of Iranian and U.S. relations is long and complicated. There have been policy mistakes by many U.S. administrations. The Iranian people have generally been friendly to the the United States. It seems that Trump is unwilling to ignore any potential threat to the country.

The Iranian nuclear freeze deal engaged in by the Obama administration was imperfect from day one, both for the U.S. and Iran. Iran should have realized that any deal that is not voted on and passed by the U.S. congress is not a binding deal. 

While the nuclear deal was possibly a step in the right direction, it allowed Iran to become a nuclear power in 10 years. 

We could say that the deal was a trial run for Iran and they failed to pass the test. They may have lived up to their agreement to limit nuclear bomb material enrichment, but they continued to sponsor unrest and terrorism in the middle east. The have refused to exit from Syria, they have aided the civil war in Yemen, they have funded Hezbollah, that is in effect in control of Lebanon. They have provided rockets and arms to be used against both Israel and Saudi Arabia.

They have continued to engage in their form of Islamic jihad around the middle east. They could have used the Nuclear deal to prove to the world that they want to be a member of the world community and not look to spread their will and ideology in the middle east. They could have ended their favorite refrain of " Death to America", and Death to Israel". They did not, Instead they seemed to believe that they had pulled off a win in diplomacy and were now free to continue on their path to power.

While their rival Saudi Arabia has implemented a serious effort to cut off funds to terrorist groups around the world. Saudi Arabia, possibly not the government but many wealthy individuals, has been the biggest source of funds for international terrorism. The change of leadership has severely cracked down on these sources of funding. They have agreed to engage in talks with Israel for a long term peace initiative. 

While Saudi Arabia, the gulf countries, Egypt, Russia and even Syria are open to a broad peace plan for the middle East, Iran is not.

While it is true that the U.S. has in the past not always treated Iran fairly, it is time for them to come to the table and agree to a plan that could be endorsed by the U.S. congress. One that would guarantee their sovereignty in exchange for withdrawal from their meddling the affairs of their neighbors.

There are many in the U.S. government who have encouraged war with Iran, The second Bush administration was set up and encouraged in taking such action. He resisted that plan. It seems that Trump also has been pressured to use force against Iran, He has honestly stated that he does not want to go down that road.

The next move will have to be made by Iran. The Trump administration have increased sanctions to remove Iran's economic ability to support their proxies in the middle east. The plan is working. They are also offering to engage in talks to end the confrontation that has been going on for 40 years.

Most of the players in the Middle East are interested in a large plan that would bring economic development to the west bank and the Palestinian areas. It seems that much of the plan is possible, except for Iran.

Iran is now at a crossroads, they have stated that they have restarted their nuclear bomb activity. Israel is of course taking notice. Israel has been in talks with the U.S. and Russia. It is unlikely that Israel will allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. They believe Iran really wants "Death to Israel". 

It is no secret that some in the Iranian government believe their role in the world is to bring about the ultimate confrontation in the Middle East. It is unlikely that Israel could prevail against a serious attack by Iran without the use of nuclear weapons. It seems that many in this country are so obsessed with petty partisan politics they choose to ignore the real possibility that we are on the verge of nuclear war.

Originally published 7/3/2019