Politics of Persia and a Sultan of Sense

Posted bySanjeev JhaPosted inManagement, Middle East, Office, Oman, Politics, USTags:, , , , , , , , ,

I am not an Iranian. I am not an American. But I have been in positions of conflict. And found them difficult. And therefore, I am happy. Really happy with this interim arrangement crafted between Iran and the six global powers. Drop in oil price is a good enough reason to smile but there is more:

  • this is a conflict that is older than half of our world’s population (median age of the world is just short of 25 years)
  • this is about restoring ‘dignity to the nation‘ and to around 80 million Iranians
  • this is about mediation by a country that is comparatively small and a statesman who is incredibly wise – Oman was a secret venue and Sultan Qaboos the mediator

    • I have, so very often, and so very naturally, been trapped. Restricted by vision of a future that is past ensnared. It has happened with family members, it has happened with colleagues and it has happened with friends. And it nags. It pains. As I get older (not old), I find conflict a waste of human ingenuity. Therefore, I have started to unravel, negotiate and attempt solutions.

    And this has always happened by building a ‘what-if’ scenario. What if there were no wars? Often when bilateral engagement was awkward, I found mediation useful. Leaders I have worked with have had a wonderful way of intervention. Often without invitation. They assess, provide a place and time to meet. They inject empathetic prodding to keep the conversation going. They offer their personal commitment for making it work. They believe.

    I am not an Omani but I am really thrilled to be with many. After all, this was an agreement crafted by many princes of politics and the Sultan of sense.

    #theyeahway: it may be natural to get into situations of conflict and sensible to get out of them.

    Published by Sanjeev Jha

    Over the course of more than 60 years, my journey has taken me across India, the Middle East, and South Asia. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people, explore different cuisines, and experience a variety of cultures and art forms. I’m fortunate to have friends in many places, and several cities around the world feel like home. These experiences have helped shape me into a more empathetic person, always open to learning and new connections.

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