Representatives from the P5+1 and Iran announce framework for future nuclear deal
Photo- CNN
Last thursday, the P5+1 announced the framework for the nuclear deal Iran will sign in June. The deal, lasting fifteen years, will require Iran to cut its number of operating centrifuges by two thirds and its stockpile of low-enriched uranium from 10,000 kilograms to 300. In return, oil and financial sanctions will be lifted, allowing Iran to more freely trade with other nations.
Regardless of one’s political stance on the framework of the deal (the actual deal will hopefully be signed on June 30th), understanding the relationships Iran has historically had with the United States and Israel is imperative.
Prior to the revolution of 1979, Iran was an ally of the West and a staunch supporter of the United States and Israel. The Shah first took power in the 1930’s and began “Aryanizing” the Persian country. For example, he changed the name from Persia to Iran to demonstrate the country’s connection with Aryan Europe. The end of World War II brought a democratic election which eventually led to the election of Mohammed Mossadeq, a Nationalist who sought to nationalize oil. In the context of the Cold War (and because Iran’s nationalization of oil would cause BP to lose its nearly 50% share of Iranian oil), the CIA and MI6 led a coup to overthrow perceived leftist Mossadeq and re-install the pro-West Shah. The Shah, a brutal dictator, used a secret police (SAVAK) to put down any rival political leaders, though he did lead an effort to Westernize the country.
Mizrahi Israelis, Jews who emigrated from the Middle East to Israel, maintained their connections with Iranian Jews after leaving the country. Because of this connection between nations and the countries’ shared place in the Cold War, Israel and Iran worked closely together on several projects. The Tehran airport was constructed by Israeli engineers and the two countries had joint military operations. Ironically, Project Flower (1977-1979) was a joint plan to reproduce American made missiles with Israeli parts to fit a nuclear war head.
In 1979, the Ayatollah ran his popular revolution with the basis on purging Iran from all remnants of the Shah and the “colonial West”. Unfortunately, Israel’s close relations with the brutal Shaw of Iran led to the deteriorating relatins between Israel and Iran post revolution.
Though many people have differing opinions on the deal, it will be historic. Supporters of the deal believe it may lead to better relations between the West and Iran, and thus help stabilize the Middle East. Detractors believe it is a deal similar to the Munich agreement Prime Minister Chamberlain signed with Hitler in which Iran will ignore the deal and continue with its plans of developing a nuclear weapon. Additionally, detractors comment that the deal ignores Iran’s position on global terrorism.
This framework will serve as the basis for an agreement that Iran and the P5+1 will sign by June 30th. Research the deal and pay attention to current events related to it because it has the potential to change the entire geopolitics of not just the Middle East, but also and the world. If successful, the deal could bring stability to the most unstable region in the world as well as improved relations between Iran and the West. If unsuccessful, it could allow for an arms race in that tumultuous region. Either way, the date on which this agreement will be signed will forever be an important date in human history.
For more information, check out-
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14542438
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-talks.html
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/11/29/127842.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Flower
http://books.google.com/books?id=NkxZcHL1xdYC&pg=PA6#v=onepage&q&f=false
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