There’s an old saying that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Obviously, that’s what President Obama believes, as his historic deal with Iran so clearly demonstrates.
Is it true? Is it true all the time? Or only sometimes? And, if only sometimes, is it true this time?
Only time will tell.
If Iran abides by the terms of the deal and refrains from trying to develop a nuclear bomb, the pact will go down in history as one of President Obama’s finest achievements.
If Iran justifies Benjamin Netanyahu’s mistrust and cheats on the treaty, America’s first black President will be remembered as a naive dupe.
I’m betting on the former.
I’m old enough to recall how bitterly the US waged war in Vietnam. And now, the two old enemies are enthusiastic trading and development partners. Indeed, I’m old enough to remember the hatred that raged between the Americans and the Japanese. And look at Japan today. It’s probably the most pro-American country in the world.
What bombs and bullets failed to do the Yankee dollar has done.
With all its faults, American-style capitalism can produce prosperity. So far it has created a better life for people than any other economic system that I know of.
Even China, once a rigidly Communist state, has moved inexorably toward a free-market economy.
So, I am guessing that with the oppressive sanctions removed, with its oil back on the world market, with its foreign bank deposits free to return home, Iran will flourish as it hasn’t done since the Persian empire.
And you know once people taste prosperity, they become hooked.
Of course nothing in this life is a sure bet. Especially in the Mideast with its mystifying maze of fanatical religious rivalries.
Bellicose Benjamin could turn out to be right. And we might all rue the day Iran’s sanctions were lifted.
But I don’t think so. In my gut, I feel this is going to be remembered as President Obama’s finest hour.
