Recent news about the Iranian nuclear development program leave me wondering why there is so much discussion about the US position, what are our options and what should be our next steps. To me it’s very clear. While the Iranians obfuscate facts and pretend the nuclear program is for peaceful intent our position should be lucid and actions unambiguous
First, we should prohibit any Iranian oil from entering the US. That is no US oil company or affiliate is allowed transport any oil that originates in Iran to the US. In addition, no US oil supply company or oil development company is allowed to drill for oil in Iran or assist another company to drill for oil in Iran. Simply speaking, there should be no US oil activity, i.e. drilling, production or exploration in Iran or transportation of any Iranian oil to US.
That also means no company, foreign or domestic, is allowed to bring into the US any oil from Iran. Sure, that’s easier said than done, but to the extent possible the US should prohibit any activity in oil production or trade with Iran. The same for Venezuela, but that’s another story.
OK, so you say that hurts the US economy, but aren’t we a nation of principles? The current administration is pushing health reform and one of the claims is “it’s the right thing” to do (another subject for another post). Well, cutting off Iran is the right thing.
We don’t need the international community for support. This is a matter of principle. We can do this unilaterally. If Iran is wrong, and the world as a whole agrees this to be true, let the US take the first step and not do any business with Iran.
That’s right. The next step is to stop all trade with Iran. No travel, no food, no drugs, nothing! Yes, just like the Cuban embargo. Are we a nation of principles or not? No banking either. If we can embargo Cuba for 40 years then why can’t we stop doing business with Iran? The threat from Iran is far greater than Cuba. Where are our principles? Guantanamo?
It’s not hard. Warnings and declarations and sanctions from the UN have been completely ineffective. The USA is a laughing stock. There is nothing that Iran has done or said to make me think this time will be any different. If the USA is a nation of principles, we should simply say to Iran that we do not want to have any dealings with them until they abide the agreements they have made. Just like an irresponsible adolescent, when you behave like a grown up, we’ll treat you like one.
Now go to your room!
