The evolution of society is a continued conflict of good versus evil. The protection of Human rights is the good and power and greed are the evil. Sanctions are the attempt at a more civilized approach to international coexistence. They provide a choice between bad and worse options when faced with the dangers of a world that is filled with the threat of total destruction. Sanctions that focus on ending human rights infractions and the threat to international security can provide a peaceful alternative to war and prevent nuclear weapons disaster.
Sanctions in conjunction with tough diplomacy, intrusive inspections and the threat of military action can put on the defensive, countries that abuse citizens in hostile pursuit of power. Negotiations around trade interests along with a moral stance of diplomacy work by creating a negative image of target countries. This “name and shape” tactic reveals the despots and influences international relationships of target countries.
Thirty three countries are now involved with crippling energy and financial sanctions against the Iranian regime. By focusing on the energy sector, which is the lifeline of a country like Iran, creating nuclear weapons no longer becomes an additional source of power, but essentially the catalyst of its demise. Nuclear non-proliferation sanctions become effective when the negative consequence of creating nuclear weapons becomes greater than the potential power of having the weapon.
In a more and more globalized world the focus on human rights infractions can cripple hostile regimes. Countries like Iran that want to see themselves as a world power understand the importance of global relations and therefore are concerned with their image and how the world sees them.
Sanctions have worked in Libya and Iraq. They have helped to reveal human rights infractions and have slowed down and in some cases terminated the nuclear programs. Mark Dubowitz, Executive Director and founder for Defense in Democracies, believes that, “commitment to sanctions, multilateral, strict enforcement with international unanimity I think can bring down down not only the Iranian Regime but at least can stop the Iranian regime’s march to a nuclear bomb.”
The work of the Obama administration that involves creating an international coalition against the threats of international hardship is having an impact globally. The commitment to creating united world powers that have a strict obedience to enforcing international law makes sense. It is time the US stops acting as the big dog that makes independent decisions. Maybe this is the good that has come of the recession and our current budget crisis. Having less, forces cooperation.
When international energy companies, banks and insurance companies stop doing business with tyrants, it makes a huge economic impact. A government that is concerned with the economic prosperity of the nation will make choices to grow. It is a tough job to communicate with world leaders and find common interests and weigh out the positive and negatives of actions when each countries objective are not the same. I believe that international dialogue that focuses on human rights, social justice and the importance of education is essential to global harmony. The more we demonstrate domestic behavior that backs up what we claim to value, the more these concerns for a healthy world will grow.
Although I see much violence and an increase in natural disasters, I also see improvements. I see a world reaching out for international support and I see the US taking a more humble approach to international relations. I see improvement in leadership. Certainly China has transformed dramatically since the days of Mao Zedong and I have faith that Egypt is transforming in a positive direction. I see a world that is recognizing the impact of our behaviors and I think that people are becoming aware of the need for cooperative efforts in the face of such global crisis. Clearly we have a long way to go. I think what is most important when we choose our leaders is that we select the person who’s character reveals priority to the higher good. Leadership is most freighting when selfish interests overpower the lives of citizens and people worldwide. I believe our current leader is the closest we have come to electing someone working toward a peaceful world and a prosperous country; not a peaceful country and a prosperous company. Building a team of good guys is a difficult challenge. I support the commitment to improve global communications, support human rights and maintain the privileges of a strong economy. I am also willing to go without some luxuries in effort to support others and ensure a better world for generations that follow.
I work at home to model love and kindness. I work at improving education and building the character of tomorrow’s leaders. I "imagine all the people living life in peace...and [hope] the world will live as one."
