It would be respectful to suggest that the primary focus in conflict resolution should be to prioritize coherent diplomatic negotiations to achieve tangible outcomes. However, this has been somewhat neglected. Instead of prioritising diplomatic negotiations to resolve disputes, we are employing a term that has been widely promoted by President Macron, 'strategic ambiguity'. The objective of this thesis is to maintain the other party in suspense. However, there are those who disagree with this premise.
Perhaps it could be influencing the current situation in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The leaders of Europe and the United States have adopted this approach in their interactions with Russia. They have expressed their commitment to Ukraine as long as necessary. The same argument is being employed by President Donald Trump in his interactions with his European counterparts and during the Iran negotiations. This has led to considerable scrutiny among the Western elites and intellectuals. It was perfectly acceptable when Russia was the focus of this thesis. However, it has become a significant issue debated or discussed on all political platforms when employed by President Trump.
We have witnessed instances where we believed the negotiations were genuine at the time. For instance, the Trump administration held nuclear talks with Iran last year. Most individuals assumed that they were approaching a compromise. However, the outcome was the 12-day war. The same scenario transpired again in this year's nuclear talks, prior to the Israeli American attack on Iran which started on February 28th. The Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi, was quoted as saying negotiations "concluded with good progress towards identifying common goals and relevant technical issues". Another example was the Minsk negotiations prior to the war. Former Chancellor Angela Markel, President Hollande of France, and Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine, never had the intention to implement the agreement they had negotiated with Russia, but rather sought to prepare Ukraine for a potential. This has come to light few years ago; all the parties mentioned made the proclamation on different platforms.
The Venezuelan President, Mr. Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Ms. Cilia Flores, were detained and extradited to the United States for prosecution without a UN mandate. It is important to note that a similar incident occurred in Panama in 1989, when the Bush administration abducted Mr. Manuel Noriega. He was subsequently charged and convicted in that country.
The international framework is undergoing a transformation we have not witnessed since the era of peace. The conflict in Iran is being conducted on a different pedestal. It has catastrophised the whole region and affected the global supply chain. The Strait of Hormuz, previously accessible prior to the conflict, has now been rendered inaccessible. President Trump is currently considering reopening it by dispatching his troops, while simultaneously seeking assistance from the Nato members, who are somewhat uncertain about his request. POTUS Trump has given few deadlines to the Iranian but to no avail. He has also discussed his renegotiations with the Iranian, which brings us back to the strategic ambiguity he's employed.
I want to respectfully express my appreciation for the United Kingdom and the rest of the Nato nations for their decision not to support this course. It will beneficial if this trend becomes a new norm; carve our own foreign policy.
Former POTUS Thomas Jefferson, 1801 to 1809, has argued that 'undeclared wars are commonplace tragically our government engages in pre-emptive war otherwise known as aggression with no complaints from the American people. Sadly, we have become accustomed to living with the illegitimate use of force by government. To develop a truly free society, the issue of initiating force must be understood and rejected'. How refreshing to read this powerful statement.
President Trump has frequently expressed that he was not anticipating Iran's response in such a severe manner. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are perceived by Iran as a collateral, initiating hundreds of missiles and drones at US-connected military and energy infrastructure throughout the region, resulting in substantial damages and fatalities.
The decision-makers should strive to reorient their policies, consider avoiding the concept of strategic ambiguity to preserve humanity. Now that Iran has established the precedent, what if Russia follows suit? We believe that President Putin will never act in this manner; that he will limit the conflict between parameters of their two nations. However, who anticipated Iran would respond in such a manner? It was not President Trump.
The traditional arrangement has been abandoned. Previously, it was the primary guideline for the efficient operation of the international system, where disputes are resolved at the United Nations.
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