The Persian Complex

Nation-states exist in the context of collective memory. In the case of Iran, this includes a history of “at least two centuries of military aggression, domestic meddling, skullduggery, and, not least, technological denial by the West.” Such a milieu colors all relations between Iran and the rest of the world, and must be kept in mind if countries such as the US and UK hope to deter that country from seeking nuclear technology. Economic sanctions or a military response would have, at best, transient impact, and, at worst, could push Iran farther down the path towards self-righteous nuclear development. – YaleGlobal