Militaristic McDonalds?

Iranian Delegate Discusses the Unfairness of WTO negotiations

Syntyche Smith

While the US concedes that it wishes to pursue free trade it also wishes to protect its economy at the same time. Russia is clearly committed to reducing tariffs, except in situations of crisis. Is it possible for a country to embrace free trade and protectionism at once? Can a country have its proverbial cake and eat it too with regards to free trade agreements?

Above the calls from various delegates including those representing Malaysia and Brazil for a return to focus on free trade negotiations, Iran insists on being heard but not necessarily in a way that is seen as coherent by all. Iran continues to block any form of progression of negotiations. According to Iranian delagate, it is its goal here today is to “Stall and make sure that nothing gets passed.”

According to the representative for Iran, free trade is nothing more than “imperialism at its best.” In a highly negative, even cynical tone, Iran compared Starbucks and McDonalds to the militaristic operations in Iraq taken upon by the United States. He further stated that Iran will not support any terms of free trade until the rest of the world acts fairly. When asked “What is Iran’s understanding of the reason for the sanctions?”, the Iranian delegate immediately began defending the innocence of Iran in its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.

“No one has proven that we have nefarious uses for nuclear weapons. We have never anyone! So what if we’re building a nuclear plant? The US has nuclear weapons….Why is Russia still helping us with our nuclear program?”

As Iran continues to attempt to delay the procession of negotiations, Brazil and the US and Malaysia continue to aim towards a more focused debate.