Iran and Peace

A cloud appears above your head
A beam of light comes shining down on you
Shining down on you
--A Flock of Seagulls

Little that President Obama has done has been peaceful. Like most modern presidents, Mr Obama believes in expanding government reach. And as government grows, more aggression is applied to social systems.

Welfare and warfare states are both states of violence.

However, there have been two areas were this president's actions have actually removed offensive force from the system: Cuba and, more significantly, Iran.

Primarily, these actions have served to reduce sanctions with these two countries. Sanctions usually restrict trade. Trade between countries improves well being on both sides and reduces incentive for war. To reciprocate a classic truism: "When goods cross borders, armies won't."

There are the usual complaints that Obama's agreement with Iran is too one sided, e.g., Iran can still build nukes, the president hates Israel, these actions threaten national security, etc. None of this matters. In fact, purely unilateral actions to lift all sanctions without demanding anything in return would have been the most peaceful action to take.

Good work, Mr President. If you want to continue to build a legacy of peace rather than of aggression, then there is much more you can do.