On November 22, the US, Britain and Europe tried to cut Iran off from the international financial system by aiming at its central and commercial banks. In retaliation, protestors stormed The British embassy chanting “Death to England” and diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed. Sanctions on companies involved in Iran’s nuclear industry, petrochemical and oil industries were also introduced and Iran must surely be suffering.
Although the middle-class businessman In Iran is doing it tough, the Revolutionary Guards’ power seems to have grown. When Western oil companies were forced to leave Iran, the guards moved in, partnering up with China and other countries who had not imposed sanctions. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad still insists their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only and its goal is to develop a nuclear program to generate electricity without dipping into the oil supply it prefers to sell abroad and to provide fuel for medical reactors.
This week, Iranian officials again threatened to close oil shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. Oh really? Today the US announced they will sell 84 new fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The Boeing F-15 Eagle has advanced radar equipment and digital electronic warfare systems. America and the Saudis both see Iran as a significant potential threat.
The arms deal will cost the Saudis around $30 billion. A Whitehouse spokesman said “This agreement reinforces the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability as a key component to regional security.”
Things are looking good for Obama at the moment.
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