The Right US Strategy for Iran
Abstract
This study uses the lens of history to elucidate barriers that have confounded a successful U.S. foreign policy strategy for Iran. The authors develop a new strategy that blends pressure and engagement to overcome these barriers. The Iranian people's perceptions and patterns of behavior have historical roots in Persia's greatness and cultural pride, long-standing resentment of foreign influence, Persian-Shiite isolation, and the gradual emergence of pragmatic national interests over revolutionary ideology. Analysis further demonstrates how Iran's unique characteristics are vulnerabilities that can be taken advantage of by U.S. strategic planners. Recent U.S. policies toward Iran are evaluated to provide a better understand of U.S. perceptions of Iran and how these have contributed to an inability to deter Iran from developing nuclear weapons, supporting terrorism, and destabilizing the region. A proposed strategy for U.S. relations with Iran consists of assumptions, re-evaluated goals, centers of gravity, and some basic planning mechanics. The short-term strategy for Iran consists of the following: (1) coercive economic and political policies targeting the Iranian economy, (2) coercive graduated sanctions, (3) the stabilization of Iraq and Afghanistan, (4) bilateral and multilateral diplomacy with Iran, (5) cultural engagement with the Iranian people, and (6) coercive military pressure. The long-term strategy consists of economic incentives, increasing diplomatic and cultural engagement, and a changed U.S. military mission in the region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476956
Entities
People
- Charles A. Douglass
- Michael D. Hays
Organizations
- Air War College