As each day passes, it seems that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continually distances himself from Western allies.
After his recent speech at the United Nations, Netanyahu insisted that Iran should end its uranium enrichment program without compromise, according to the New York Times.
According to the World Nuclear Association, Iran’s nuclear program began in the early 1970s when it was used for generating energy.
Iran’s use of nuclear power for energy purposes has attracted prominent critics like Netanyahu who are upset over the country’s additional nuclear enrichment program.
While his position on the tough subject may be understandable, it’s important that Netanyahu not let his hatred of Iran cloud his judgment.
In order to understand the significance of the upcoming nuclear talks, one must understand the political landscape currently in place with Iran.
Recently elected Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke to NBC News last month regarding Iran’s alleged desire to produce nuclear weapons.
“We have never pursued or sought a nuclear bomb, and we are not going to do so,” Rouhani told NBC. “We solely are looking for peaceful nuclear technology.”
According to The Guardian, Western leaders are willing to negotiate with Iran if it decides to relinquish its medium-enriched uranium cache.
If there is the possibility of a long-lasting diplomatic solution between Iran and the West, Netanyahu should hold his tongue and realize compromise is necessary.
“We’re here for a purpose — I’m here for a purpose,” Netanyahu told the New York Times. “Which is to defend the future of the Jewish people, which means to defend the Jewish state. Defending it from a nuclear Iran.”
If a compromise is to be reached between Iran and the West, Netanyahu should not fight for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program.
Yes, a partially nuclear Iran would not be desirable. To punish a country, however, without giving it fair opportunities to change is not fair.
In the past, Netanyahu has threatened military strikes against Iran, according to the New York Times.
According to Reuters, Israel is most likely the only nation in the Middle East to hold nuclear weapons.
Who is the victim here?
Whether all of what Netanyahu or Rouhani say is true cannot be fully verified.
When both leaders exchange politically charged barbs, it’s impossible to determine if they mean what they say.
Instead of taking everything Netanyahu says as truth, the world should re-examine its view on Iran.
Yes, Iran is not one of the most well-behaved countries in the world.
But to judge Iran solely on its past actions and not its future ability to reform is both unfair and unwarranted in the modern age.
Shane Newell is a junior journalism major and the opinions editor at the Daily 49er.