No More Time to Kill

20 December 2009 | 17:08 Code : 6329 General category
Obstructionism is an effective tactic, but a futile strategy. By Majid Tafreshi
No More Time to Kill
Commentary by Majid Tafreshi, historian and Iran-Britain affairs analyst for Iranian Diplomacy:

During the recent years, Iran has wielded obstructionism as its key strategy in international relations, particularly in negotiations over its nuclear program. Overdue responses and procrastination of the negotiations have now become Iran’s signature, apparently used to receive further incentives or to exhaust West in talks which increasingly look similar to a war of attrition.

The truth is that as a tactic, obstructionism may be applied by many countries in short-term and for specific cases. However, implemented as a strategy by the Iranian diplomatic apparatus, it will become hackneyed, receiving effective counter-tactics by West. At that point our national interests will undoubtedly fall in jeopardy. Time-killing may be effective at some certain cases, but it is definitely not a tool to rely on for long-term. If turned into a routine, it will backfire, act against Iran’s interests and in the eyes of the international community, bring our country notoriety as a reneger.

Iran should play the game smarter. By now it should have found out that obstructionism could not be applied as a routine. Time-killing just reveals our hand for West in a diplomatic gamble as sensitive as the nuclear negotiations. Yes. If applied aptly it will spice up our moves with unexpectedness, but when used over and over, it just takes away the international community’s trust.

Insisting on this strategy will actually disarm our international allies against global powers. With the added mistrust, Iran will be hamstrung and may fail to apply diverse, effective diplomatic options to advance national interests.

With obstructionism, we are in fact offering West a better opportunity to form a global united front and impose further sanctions against Iran; or prepare for tougher measures. Unlike Bush, Obama is trying to show the world that he is trying every possible means to deal with Iran and it is Iran that lacks the determination to respond to constructive measures. At that point, obstructionism will bring us nothing but regret.