White House press secretary, James Carney, has indicated the newest sanctions imposed on Iran target the rial. (Nichols, 2013) As the US looks to create peanuts from the rial currency, there are a few ideas to be taken from Charles Schultz and his creation of peanuts. When Iran is willing to negotiate, the sanctions must be as easy to remove as the football Lucy held in place for Charlie Brown. Sanctions are meant to encourage Iran to negotiate. If the sanctions placed are too hard to reverse, the sanctions could cause the opposite response, driving Iran to pursue nuclear weapons. (Sherman, 2013)
“Ten seconds, indication of fear. Thirty seconds, symptoms of panic. Forty two seconds, subject began to perspire. Eyes appear glazed, fifty seconds. Subject passed out.” (Brad Gibson, 2008) As we want our opposition to be as nervous as possible about the pressure we’re placing, we also want to give them the option of having their blanket returned. Financial security can be a great bargaining tool. Iran has returned to negotiate more than once during previous times of sanctions.
With Carter as president, sanctions were imposed upon Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. The hostages were released in January of ’81, after a deal was reached between the US and Iran. The US had to return Iran to the financial state the nation held prior to the hostage crisis, and all sanctions had to be revoked. The hostages were released within 2 days after an agreement was reached. This proves the subject recovers upon return of their security blanket.
Time limits are in effect in order for the pressure we place to be taken seriously. No waiting for the “Great Pumpkin” to prove himself. However, there is enough time for a new president to be elected prior to the new sanctions taking effect.
As luck has it, three consecutive terms in office is not an option for Iran’s current leader. Accusations flew of the 2009 election being rigged, and their economy has suffered under president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Although the sanctions are not said to be timed against Iran’s presidential race, the elections are scheduled for June 14, 13. The US may weigh out better, if the new president is not one of the original captors of the 79-81 hostage crises. (Shoup, 2009)
Works Cited
Charles M. Schulz Qoutes. (2013). Retrieved 06 05, 2013, from goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/57389-in-the-book-of-life-the-answers-aren-t-in-the
Brad Gibson, J. T. (Director). (2008). Peanuts Motion Comics: Science Project [Motion Picture].
Nichols, H. (2013, 06 03). Obama Authorizes New Iran Sanctions Targeting Currency. Retrieved 06 05, 2013, from Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-03/obama-authorizes-new-iran-sanctions-targeting-currency.html
Sherman, W. (2013, 06 04). Senate Banking Committee - Iran Sanctions. (E. Warren, Interviewer)
Shoup, A. (2009, 07 01). Governing Iran. Retrieved 06 05, 2013, from PBS Newshour: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/middle_east/iran/leader_ahmadinejad.html