Cedars, February 2020

February 2020 9 OFF-CAMPUS The tension between the two nations escalated through- out the first two weeks of 2020, which caused many to be - lieve that a larger scale conflict was in store. Some on social media even referred to a possible World War III in the near future. Young people especially flooded the internet with memes indicating their uncertainty and fear with a tinge of dark humor. However, today, the status of Iran and the U.S. has de-escalated from a potentially dangerous situation. Duerr suggested that this de-escalation is the result of both sides “looking for an exit ramp off the highway.” Iran’s refusal to further comply with the JCPOA is also a lesser issue than many believe, according to Duerr. “The Trump administration has left in waivers, so it’s not dead. Trump tends to make a lot of noise and then look for concessions,” Duerr said. “That might be his angle on Iran – he might circle back to them at some point.” Although the situation is currently peaceful, there are several events that have the potential to alter the equilib - rium. President Trump has recently announced his Middle East Peace Plan, which includes a Two-State Solution for Is - rael and Palestine. Although Palestine has wanted acknowl - edgment as a state, the Peace Plan is significantly restrictive of Palestinians and the land allotted to Palestine is small compared to Israel. There is a possibility for a strong nega - tive reaction from Iran, which supports Palestine. Furthermore, upcoming elections in the United States in November of this year, and also Iran in 2021, open up the potential for entirely new dynamics between the two coun - tries, with Vice President Joe Biden and Iranian candidate Parmiz Fattah both advocating for foreign policy changes in their platforms. Lydia Switzer is a sophomore Political Science student. When she is not studying, she enjoys playing the eupho- nium in Cedarville’s Wind Symphony and competing with the debate team. Photo by Mohsen Abolghasem Demonstrations in Iran over the death of Qasem Soleimani during the US attack on the Baghdad airport in Iraq. President Trump withdraws the US from the JCPOA May 8, 2018 Aug. 7, 2018 Dec. 29, 2019 The U.S. reimposes sanctions on Iran An airstrike on an Iraqi base kills a U.S. contractor and wounds U.S. military personnel. U.S. officials hold Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, responsible U.S. military carries out retaliatory airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, killing 25 Dec. 27, 2019 Attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad begin Qasem Soleimani is killed in a US airstrike Soleimani’s funeral procession begins Iran warns that it will no longer comply by the terms of the JCPOA Dec. 31, 2019 Jan. 3, 2020 Jan. 4, 2019 Jan. 5, 2019 Timeline of Events