The recent storming of the British embassy by Iranian students is yet another example of the unrest that is gripping hold of an already volatile region of the world. Recently, Egypt and Libya have had revolutions, and the success of each in securing a free government for their people still hangs in the balance. Much unrest has been occurring in Syria as of late as well. All this unrest and revolution could easily spiral out of control and throw that part of the world into chaos, with severe consequences for the United States and much of the rest of the world as well.
Oil prices will certainly continue on their upward spiral. Any unrest in the oil-producing region of the world leads to higher oil prices. A major war or severe unrest, which seems to be looming just around the corner, could force the price of oil to skyrocket, further damaging an already weak United States economy. Further unrest and higher oil prices will only make it that much more difficult for the United States to recover from the current economic crisis. Oil is crucial to the American economy, and any increase in its price could spell disaster.
So what can be done to stem the tide of unrest? Perhaps many that have been under oppressive rule for so long are simply fed up. The United States, as well as the world community, should facilitate this, but by the most peaceful and least disruptive means as possible. I am not sure what those means are, but certainly something must be done to protect global interests while helping to secure peaceful and stable governments in the revolting nations. This still does not solve the problem with Iran, who only seems to be interested in damaging any nation with interests adverse to their own. What could the world community do to protect the interests of the people in the revolting nations while at the same time looking out for foreign interests? Also, what should be done in Iran to prevent that situation from spiraling out of control?
For more see:
http://news.yahoo.com/iranian-students-storm-british-embassy-tehran-123229726.html
Personally, I am amazed by the level of solidarity displayed by the European Union in agreeing to apply such strict sanctions on Iran for furthering their nuclear ambitions. I am confident that this move is appropriate given Iran’s seemingly dogmatic desire to obtain a nuclear weapon, though I do not think the full impact of this measure will be felt until the all the current oil contracts have phased out, or July 1st. Due to the unprecedented nature of these sanctions, I do not think anyone knows exactly what kind of impact they will have on Iran and its nuclear ambitions. However, I am optimistic that this move is the most likely of all proposed measures to result in a peaceful solution to the Iran nuclear controversy. I am also optimistic that strict sanctions such as these have the dual benefit of influencing Iranian policy with respect to the Arab Spring so that it is more in accord with the policies of the international community.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16674660
In this particular instance I think it is best if the US stays out of it. The issues between Iran and Britain go back to the 19th century when the Persian monarchy gave huge industrial concessions to London which later included significant control over Iran’s oil industry. Then there are things from the past 10 years that have caused issues between the two countries such as the West accusing Iran or trying to develop nuclear weapons, which they deny and Britain’s honoring of author Salmon Rushdie with knighthood after the Ayatollah issued a religious edict ordering Muslim’s to kill the author because one of his novels insults Islam.
(see http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57332717/iran-students-storm-u.k-embassy-in-tehran/?pageNum=2&tag=contentMain;contentBody)
While the US should be concerned about the price of oil and therefore also care about the stability in these nations, I do not think that the US needs to assert its presence in every international situation. It might just be the environmentalist in me but I think that this is a perfect opportunity to foster the development of technology that will continue to lessen our dependence on the oil of those nations.