Part 7 of 7 in a series continuing The Asymmetry — Seen From Their Side, which asks whether the rules we demand from an adversary are rules we are willing to apply to ourselves and our allies.
Begin with one sequence. On 8 May 2018 the United States withdrew from the nuclear agreement, with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s public support. On 9 May 2018 the IAEA confirmed that Iran was implementing its nuclear-related commitments. [22][23][25] If we had accepted limits and inspections, and kept them, what would that day teach us about the value of keeping a bargain?
The Golden Rule asks us to place ourselves on the other side. Not to excuse the conduct we see there. Not to make everyone equally right. To examine what our demands sound like to someone who fears our power.
Our five Golden Threads ask something similar. Wisdom examines danger. Truth separates evidence from fear. Reverence honors lives beyond our own border. Unity considers what happens to all of us. Equality asks whether the protection we claim is one we would grant to another.
We are living with the consequences of believing that our weapons are defensive, our history grants special rights, and our rules need not bind our friends as firmly as our adversaries.
A rule that binds only the weak is no foundation for peace. If we were sitting on the other side of the table, which rule could we agree to live under together?
Continue the inquiry: The Golden Rule — Andreae.com/Goldenrule
Sources
[22] IAEA, Director General Yukiya Amano statement confirming Iranian JCPOA implementation, 9 May 2018 — https://www.iranwatch.org/library/multilateral-organizations/international-atomic-energy-agency/statement-iaea-director-general-yukiya-amano-following-president-trumps
[23] GovInfo, National Security Presidential Memorandum ceasing U.S. participation in the JCPOA, 8 May 2018 — govinfo.gov
[25] Iran Watch, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement following the U.S. withdrawal, 8 May 2018 — iranwatch.org
Full exhibits and source trail: The Asymmetry — Seen From Their Side.
AI collaboration: Andreae.com/aiwork — working method.