A Strategy for Iran
Abstract
Although the United States continues to focus on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recent developments in Iran have thrust the Islamic republic into the international spotlight. At the center of the debate are the major strides that Iran's nuclear program has made recently. Currently, Iran is developing three nuclear facilities, each of which may be able to produce nuclear weapons in the next few years. In addition, the Iranian government is still split between the moderates led by President Khatemi and the radical clerics led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamene'i. As a result, it is difficult to determine who has the upper hand and what effect that struggle is having on national policy. Finally, Iran remains the most active state sponsor of terrorism according to the State Department. This continues to disrupt the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and negatively impacts U.S. policy in the region. What then should be the strategy for Iran? The Bush administration continues with most of the containment policies begun by the Clinton administration. But does this strategy take the correct approach? Some argue that current policy toward Iran is largely ineffective. Recent events support this claim. Instead of a hard line stance, perhaps a more nuanced approach might produce better results. Therefore, the United States' strategy for Iran should be to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons, promote regime change, and deter support for terrorism. This can best be accomplished through a series of carrots as well as sticks in order to achieve the desired outcome. The means of this smart engagement will be primarily the diplomatic, economic, and informational instruments of power. In order to understand why this is the correct approach for Iran, it is helpful to look at the strategic environment. The United States has recently toppled two governments in the Persian Gulf region and has a large number of troops on the ground there.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA441919
Entities
People
- Gary Thomas
Organizations
- National War College