What We Can Learn From Britain About Iran

VALI NASR and RAY TAKEYH have recently analyzed the British-Iranian standoff in an article they published in the New York Times. From the outcome of the standoff they conclude that:

"just as Iran will meet confrontation with confrontation, it will respond to what it perceives as flexibility with pragmatism"

This conclusion, in my opinion, is very well consistent with Iranians pride and prestige, inherent to their nationalistic disposition. This is something that is being ignored by most Iran analysts.

Tekyeh and Nasr even go further and provide solution to the current standoff between Iran and US, based on the conclusions they made from Iran-Britain standoff:

"After 28 years of sanctions and containment, it is time to accept that pressure has not tempered Iran’s behavior. The announced release of the British captives shows that the Islamic Republic is still willing to mitigate its ideology with pragmatism. A policy of patient engagement will change the context, and that may lead Iran to see relations with America to be in its own interest. Only then will Tehran chart a new course at home and abroad."

This is a well written article and a must-read for those interested in Iran affairs.