Economic Brinksmanship Provokes Irani Hostility

A UN report revealed this past November that Iran is carrying out projects related to nuclear weaponry. In response, nations have heightened counteractive measures to end Iran’s decade-long nuclear arms race.

The European Union and the United States immediately expanded economic sanctions on Iran. Despite the risks of isolating such a significant oil exporter during a period of economic fragility, the Western powers’ measures prevent Irani access to foreign assets and banks, putting enormous pressure on the nation to stop its nuclear activities.

These events would fade into the seemingly endless volley between Iran and Western powers if not for the considerable impact the sanctions have had on Iran, and more importantly, Iran’s retaliation. . Late last year, the nation threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which one fifth of the crude oil traded in the world travels. If Iran follows through on this threat, American gas prices would soar by at least 50%, precipitating economic catastrophe.

The Obama administration immediately responded with threats of immediate military action, including airstrikes, if Iran were to go through with blockading what has been dubbed the “economic chokepoint of the world.”

Most recently, Iran has made good on its warnings with a series of bombings across Asia. Additionally, two Israeli embassy staff members were attacked on February 13 in Tbilisi, Georgia and New Delhi, India, respectively. Israel blamed Iran for the blasts.

Despite Iran’s steadfast denial of involvement in the attacks, the nation lost all credibility when a residential neighborhood in Bangkok, Thailand was bombed the day after the attacks in Georgia and India. Thai officials have imprisoned two suspects, both of whom are Irani citizens linked to the Irani government-supported militant group, the Hezbollah.

With the threat of an aggressive Irani nuclear program looming large, nations are imposing any disciplinary action they feel is necessary to subdue Iran once and for all.

-Shubhankar Chhokra ’14

Posted by admin on February 25, 2012. Filed under Nation & World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry