Confrontation over accommodation : U.S. foreign policy toward Iran 2001-2016 -

Abstract

Since 1979, U.S. foreign policy toward Iran has been defined by confrontation, containment and isolation. This thesis presents a collection of arguments made by selected scholars that called for an alternative policy option, referred to here as accommodation. There are various degrees of positive relations, but the body of scholars largely recommends accommodation policy as being the foundation for further relations. In summation, the arguments find that a greater accommodation of Iran’s interests in the region might better serve America’s interests in the region than its policies of confrontation. The thesis offers a survey of arguments for greater accommodation made by selected policy makers, analysts, and scholars from both the United States and Iran during the period from 2001 through the end of the Obama administration in 2016. The timing of the arguments occurred during three key phases, when U.S. policy makers considered possible shifts in American regional policy toward the Middle East. The first phase was the immediate post-September 11th era, the second between 2005- 2007 at the height of the sectarian civil war in Iraq when calls were frequent for a rethinking of U.S. regional policy and the third period was during the Obama presidency, which promoted shifting away from excessive military engagement in the Middle East. This thesis outlines the arguments made for greater accommodation toward Iran during each time period and assesses the counter-factual case for the opportunities missed. In general the logic for greater accommodation is based on the idea that normalized relations with Iran would serve American security interests as Iran, with its own recognized regional role, would be more willing to act as a stabilizing regional power by managing conflicts and states under its sphere of influence rather than directing its efforts to destabilize forces allied to the United States and seek leverage by any means to roll back America’s influence in the region.