You would think that after decades of competition and tension between Iran and the US that an all-out military conflict is inevitable. But if I were to ask you, will the US defeat Iran with nukes or nuts, we all know what the first reaction would be.
And yet, here we are. It’s 2020, and while war has looked close at times, the diplomatic relations are still at the level of “I hate you, but I don’t want to die.”
Instead, America has been sneaky. They looked at Iran’s economy and trade deals, and matched them up with Iran’s systematic weaknesses.
Did you know that Iran’s lakes are running dry? I didn’t until I started my research, and the more I read the more it made sense. Global warming is a big issue, and Iran is already a pretty hot place. Needless to say, I was fascinated by the implications of this water shortage.
Having no water will have a lot of nasty implications, but Iran’s smart and savvy. Surely, they’ll just find a way to start importing more bottled water? But how will they pay?
Before now, one of their biggest exports was pistachio nuts. Iran was the king of pistachios, for over 1000 years. Pistachios were everything to their economy, and a major part of their lifestyle and culture. The issue is, pistachios need a lot of water.
And now the US has done the unthinkable. They have de-throned the king. Instead of invading militarily, they have done so economically by out-producing Iran on their treasured nuts. This slap to the face is pushing a very awkward question on the Iranian people. Pistachios aren’t just a source of income for the nation: they’re a staple part of the diet, and a symbol of national pride. So what will the people do when the last of the groves have died from drought? Will they succumb to Western pressure, and agree to the US’ demands?
Unfortunately for me, I can’t tell the future. But I can tell you this: Iran has turned to Central Asia in search of suitable pistachio-growing lands. Georgia, Azerbaijian, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are all prime targets. Some eager farmers have already moved in hopes of starting pistachio groves in these countries, but this just raises more issues. Would you be okay with outsiders coming into your country and buying up large amounts of land?
I doubt this problem will come to an easy end, for when pride comes into play few are ever able to concede graciously. I just hope, for the sake of a shared sense of humanity, that when the water completely dries out in Iran and other areas of the world, that the more fortunate among us will unite to aid them, and overcome the issues of the past.
Academic Research 