Dear Editor,
Two recent developments at the global level have underscored the importance of flexible approaches in the conduct of international affairs. One has to do with the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after over five decades of strained relations, and the other has to do with a deal reached with Iran and the United States on nuclear energy policies in particular uranium enrichment for military purposes.
Both of these developments could potentially result in the lifting of economic and trade embargoes by the United States and other Western powers on two countries that were once considered as ‘rogue’ states. These are significant developments and could lead to a reduction in global tension, particularly with respect to Iran and the Middle East where the United States at one time was regarded as an ‘evil empire’ by Iran and other Muslim states in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is understandably upset by the agreement reached with Iran, calling it a “historic mistake” but the agreement was broadly welcomed by several countries including a number of close allies of the Jewish state.
The agreements reached by the concerned parties is a victory for President Obama who will go down in history as one of the more successful US presidents in terms of changing the global narrative in favour of peace and reconciliation with those who were once seen as arch enemies of the United States and the Western world.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
