The need for a strong response to Iran is underscored in a recent London
Sunday Times editorial, which calls for Britain to return to the United
Nations to ask for tougher sanctions. In addition, the paper says, "We know
(Iran's) people are divided. If Germany and France will not end the valuable
export credits for Iran, perhaps Britain and America can give them a helping
nudge. Those companies that trade so profitably with Iran might suddenly
find a chill breeze in their relations with London and Washington."
British ministers are said to be preparing a compromise offer this week to
allow Iran to "save face" by promising it will never "knowingly" enter
Iranian waters without permission. But why should Iran stop there if its
intention is the continued humiliation of the West? Why should Iran, which
extracted maximum propaganda value from holding Americans hostage for 444
days, give up British hostages after less than two weeks?
The Iranian leadership understands the power of coercion and military might.
It is prepared for people to die en masse for its apocalyptic beliefs,
concluding the West is not. Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons in hopes of
increasing its ability to withstand pressure from other countries when it
engages in outrageous acts, such as kidnapping.
Britain and the United States had better get the support of all of Europe,
or Iran will conclude it can get away with anything. It also would help if
the United States and Europe united in an effort to become energy
independent, which we can do if we are willing to make the commitment.
Starving the Iranian regime of oil and gas profits would be the fastest way
to sink it. Anything less will prove, in Iranian eyes, that today's Britain
is nothing like the Britain of 1982 and will encourage Iran to pursue
strength while Britain and much of the West embrace weakness.