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Source: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4349780,00.html
Three Rules to Understanding Iran
(Ynet News) Amb. Matthew Gould - Ten years ago I was living in Iran, as Britain's deputy ambassador. I dealt daily with the Iranian regime, traveled the country, and learned Persian history and culture. Iran is complicated and hard to understand, but I took away three lessons that are important now. First, in every decision the regime takes, they are focused on one overarching goal: To stay in power. One key reason they want nuclear capability is that they believe it will guarantee them their continuity in power. Second, the regime knows its economy is a huge vulnerability. That is why I believe that sanctions can work. We know that they are having a significant impact. They also know that there is a simple way to bring sanctions to an end. Third, some people say that sanctions have failed. But it is more correct to say the sanctions have not yet succeeded. You don't know when they are going to change direction, until it happens. In 2003, when Iran last suspended its nuclear enrichment program, no one saw it coming. The fact that Iran has not changed course in the face of sanctions so far does not mean it will not do so. A nuclear armed Iran is a threat to Israel, and a threat to the world, and the UK will work unwaveringly to prevent that from happening. The writer is Britain's ambassador to Israel.