1月21日BBC聽力：對伊朗和美外洋交希望的感觸
Over recent days we have witnessed some of the most intricate diplomacy. Theannouncement that Iran had met its initial obligations under the nuclear agreement signedlast July, is a triumph. It’s all a far cry from the usual blows traded between Iran and the US.Neither side mentioned the ‘axis of evil’ or the big Satan over recent days.
Under the nuclear deal Iran agreed to dismantle substantial elements of its nuclear programmeand in the final days of 2015 it shipped 98% of its enriched uranium to Russia. And just lastweek it deactivated the hard-water reactor at Arak. In return the international community willlift most of the economic sanctions imposed on Iran.
But even the most carefully planned diplomacy must deal with the unexpected. Iran’sdetention of the US sailors could have caused difficulties. But their subsequent release, and thepublic gratitude from the US pointed to changed times. Then the exchange of prisonersbetween the US and Iran occurred. One by one stumbling blocks were removed.
Most will ask why an agreement has come now and how? It is part of the subtle interplaybetween diplomacy, defence and development which underpins international policy. Butdiplomacy is the key part. US Secretary of State John Kerry said, “we are really reminded onceagain this evening of diplomacy’s power to tackle significant challenges”.
Ultimately diplomacy relies on people and the election in Iran of President Rouhani was acritical element. He welcomed the lifting of the sanctions by saying it was a “glorious victory”and thanked God for the blessing.
Diplomacy takes at least two sides to be engaged and involved. It asks for trust which can betough when hearts have been hardened over years of mistrust and misperception. Ultimately itinvolves taking a risk and leaving oneself or others exposed to ridicule or embarrassment(most probably at home) if it doesn’t work. It’s a high risk with a high probability of gettingstung along the way. All too often diplomacy’s failures are remembered as weaknesses when inactual fact they are most likely strengths.
Faith can provide that strength for many because it often asks us to do the most difficulthuman things; to be humble when the ego demands arrogance; to be vulnerable whenothers call for strength; to trust when we fear; to believe that the other can change even whenthat might seem impossible.
Diplomacy, like faith, believes in that possibility. Not as a naive view of human nature, but as anaccurate read of humanity, its strengths and weaknesses.
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