Any time two nations with different cultures are engaged in sensitive negotiations, it can seem that both sides are walking through a metaphorical minefield to meet in the middle. The mines, in this sense, often tend to be cultural nuances and underpinnings that either side would not be inherently aware of (hence why they are "buried" like mines). Since in the instance of the U.S. and Iran there tend to be literally explosive consequences to a mistake in negotiations, a level of understanding is paramount.
My suggestion to the negotiators would be to entirely immerse themselves in Persian culture. The region of Persia that we now know as Iran was a rich and glorious empire centuries before Islam or terrorism or oil were ever factors. Acknowledging that Persia and the West have a mutually rich and often shared history, both sides would likely be far more comfortable proceeding to the important details at hand. Additionally, it would certainly prove a meaningful gesture if the negotiators were to learn basic greetings in Farsi and familiarize themselves with the proper way that Iranian men would handle themselves in such formal and official settings (i.e, a "handshake" equivalent, standing when others enter the room). Such procedures would not necessarily solve all or any of the problems at hand, but would undoubtedly establish a common ground on which both sides could work more effectively.
-Dylan Parker
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comment by Tallia Deljou:
ReplyDeleteDylan, I like that you bring up the history of the persian culture. As we learned, history does indeed play a part in a person's identity. Specifically, Iranian's do tend to take lots of pride in their rich history and culture; therefore, knowledge of their history and showing a sense of familiarity will impress them. Also, familiarizing yourself with the common Persian greeting would also save you from an awkward confrontation: handshake, or kiss on both cheeks?