The Efforts of Bringing about Peace and Amity between the US and Iran - Research Proposal Example

RESEARCH PROPOSAL By Name Course Instructor Institution City/State Date Abstract Over the recent years, tensions have continued to escalate between Iran and United States over the initiative undertaken by Iran to develop nuclear weapons. These tensions have affected the relationship that existed between the two parties with United States imposing various sanctions to Iran. Additionally, these tensions have also affected other parts of the world especially in relation to oil prices. In an attempt to quash these tensions Oman has instigated peace talks between the two countries. However, these peace talks have undergone numerous challenges which is witnessed with the parties opting out of the peace talks. This paper looks at the importance of fostering good and effective communication in resolution of conflicts. It also looks at the various ways in which Oman could improve their communication channels in an effort to ensure that a resolution is reached at between Iran and United States Section one 1. Research objective This research will be guided upon by various objectives in realizing and transmission of the main information upon which the research is based on. 1.2 General objective The research tries to demonstrate the impact communication as a tool has when mediating between two conflicting parties 1.2 Specific objective I. To determine the importance as to why communication should be given priority in any given conflict II. To demonstrate the various benefits that come with good communication between different conflicting parties III. To analyze some of the factors that could inhibit or break up already established communication channels between conflicting parties. IV. To analyze some of the ways in which communication between conflicting parties can be salvaged where it has broken. Additionally, the research will also look at some of the ways in which communication could be improved to accommodate conflicting parties that do not wish to see eye to eye. Communication is considered as one of the main tools in determining whether there is a possibility of quashing a conflict or not. This is because if there exists a good communication channel between the conflicting parties then it is possible to address the concerns of each of the conflicting parties (Obisakin 2010, p.95). However, if communication system adopted only favors one party, then there is a likelihood that talks between the two parties will be halted. This is because one of the parties will feel misplaced and that there issues are not addressed on equal grounds (Ellis 2006, p. 140). Therefore, with the assistance of the above research objectives, the research will be able to demonstrate the importance of good communication especially when dealing with countries that have two distinct interests. The research focuses on the conflict between Iran and US, with Oman being tasked with the responsibility of establishing good communications system between the two countries. 2. Section Two 2.1 Topic of study The research investigates how Oman could establish better communication system in an attempt to cool the tensions that exist between the US and Iran. In establishing a good communication system or improving the existing communication system, Oman is capable of bringing into conclusion the existing conflict between the US and Iran. Therefore, this research tries to demonstrate some of the methods that Oman could integrate into its communication systems to make it better, and also to resolve the existing conflict between the two countries. 2.2 Research scope The research will focus on Oman and the ways in which it could improve its communication systems in trying to resolve the tensions that exist between Iran and Unite States. Oman is a country in Middle East which has been hailed for its attempt to foster peace in the region. The main reason as to why Oman was opted to conduct peace talks between Iran and United States is due to its religion stand. Emphasis will be on the individuals involved in the organization of peace talks as they are more likely to provide relevant information regarding communication system adopted by Oman. Additionally, they are able to provide information on the hurdles experienced in conducting peace talks between the two conflicting countries. 2.3 Background information In recent years there have been growing concerns as to the tensions that exist between the United States and Iran. As a result of these tensions talks have been initiated to try and resolve the conflict that exist between the two countries. Oman has taken the step to oversee the talks that exist between the two conflicting countries. These tensions have been brought about by the recent steps undertaken by Iran in creating nuclear weapons, something that has not gone well with west countries especially the United States. The United States raised concerns that the new venture undertaken by Iran could lead to the outbreak of war, thereby calling for Iran to stop further production of nuclear weapons. However, Iran, on the other hand, has continued to ignore the plight of the United States and has gone even further to carry out tests of their weapons. This led to numerous exchange of the word between the two countries with the United States imposing sanctions on goods from Iran. The international community expressed its concern over the existing tensions prompting talks to be conducted between the two countries. Oman being nonpartisan to any of the two countries was selected to conduct the talks as a neutral party. The objectives of Oman are to oversee the talks and assist the two countries to come to a conclusion that benefits each of the party. However, since the inception of the first talks between the two countries little progress has been made in an attempt to resolve the ongoing tensions. This has been attributed to the stiff positions that each country has adopted, with neither of the two countries willing to relinquish their positions. This is evident with numerous situations whereby talks have been halted with each party raising complaints that some of their plights have not been well addressed. Also, in other instances governments in particular Iran, have issued statements suggesting that there are no ongoing talks with the US in Oman. Such statements do not in any way assist in the resolution of the conflict existing between the two countries, but rather they propel the already existing tensions (Livableworld 2013). Therefore, to ensure that the outcome of the talks will be successful in quashing the tensions existing between the two countries, Oman has to establish a good and efficient communication systems. Tidwell (2001, p.86) states that communication can be used to play a significant role in the resolution of conflicts. This is because communication acts as a utilitarian device meaning that it brings together conflicting parties into a consensus as to how a conflict will be resolved. However, it should be noted that communication does not merely entail verbal exchanges but also the actions of the parties. Therefore, this shows that a lot has to be done to foster effective communication between conflicting parties at all times. In addition to these, an efficient communication would lead to ensuring that good relationship is maintained between the two conflicting parties. This shows that communication does not only play a role in resolving present conflict but also aims at ensuring that there are no recurrent conflicts emanating from the two parties. Therefore, it is of great significance that Oman establishes an efficient communication system that would not only resolve the tensions that exist between Iran and US but also ensures that this peace is retained. This research looks at the various ways that Oman could integrate in the peace talks to enhance the communication systems it has adopted in resolving the conflict between the US and Iran. 2.4 Research questions and objectives As earlier stated this research is based on addressing various objectives, which for guidance in addressing the main concerns of the research. Additionally, these objectives will be of great significance in addressing the research questions. 2.4.1 General objective The research tries to demonstrate the impact communication as a tool has when mediating between two conflicting parties 2.4.2 Specific objective I. To determine the importance as to why communication should be given priority in any given conflict II. To demonstrate the various benefits that come with good communication between different conflicting parties III. To analyze some of the factors that could inhibit or break up already established communication channels between conflicting parties. IV. To analyze some of the ways in which communication between conflicting parties can be salvaged where it has broken. Additionally, the research will also look at some of the ways in which communication could be improved to accommodate conflicting parties that do not wish to see eye to eye. 2.4.3 Research questions In order to ensure that relevant information and data was collected in addressing the main concern of the research various questions have been formulated. These questions will also be used to address some of the objectives of the research. I. What contribution has communication brought in addressing the peace talks II. What are some of the challenges experienced in the selection of the best communication channels to address the ongoing conflict III. What are some of the ways that the Oman government has undertaken to improve its mode of communication in the peace talks between Iran and the US? IV. What are the consequences of improving their communication channels in relation to the conflict between Iran and the US? 2.5 Research methodologies The study will make use of primary sources of information to meet the various research objectives and question. For this research questionnaire will be used significantly and a comprehensive questionnaire will be designed to meet the needs of the research. However, the questionnaires will feature both unstructured questions and structure question in the collection of information. Patton 2002, p 550). This is to facilitate collection of more information, which would have been impossible if only one set of questions was adopted. In addition to questionnaires, interviews will also be conducted on the parties to the conflict. These interviews will feature both structured interviews and unstructured interviews. The reason behind this is to allow flexibility for both the interviewer and the interviewee. Interviews will also give an insight on the some of the issues that are discussed in the peace talks thereby providing adequate and reliable information (Creswell 2009, p.185). This will, therefore, warranty the need to make appointments with the government of Oman in order to facilitate the conduction of interviews. Additionally, the research will make good use of secondary sources of information. These secondary sources will be used to deduce some of the research questions and objectives that cannot be obtained from individuals. Therefore, for such information journals, books and any other published documents will be used. After the completion of collection of information, there will be a need to review some of the information collected to determine whether the data bears any relation to the scope of the study. Additionally, analysis of the data shall be conducted to indicate the results obtained after the collection of information. Analysis of the data will also be used to prove some of the research objectives and research questions. In conducting data analysis both mathematical and statistical methods will be used to demonstrate the relationship that exists among the various variables in the research. Additionally, graphs will be used to illustrate the results obtained from conduction of questionnaires (Flick 2009. P. 300) 2.6 Literature review In any conflict, there are various factors that are considered to be of great significance if the said conflict is to be resolved. One of the factors is communication since communication is used to demonstrate the stance taken by the various parties to the conflict. Communication is also helpful as it is what forms the core of the resolution of any conflict (Bercovitch & Jackson 2009, p.30). Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that in any conflict resolution process good and effective communication channels have to be integrated. Oman being a neutral party to the existing conflict between the US and Iran should ensure that its communication channels are effective. With effective communication channels then Oman has the ability to ensure that the conflict between the US and Iran is quashed. This is based on the fact that some of the talks between the two parties have not developed any significant developments as long as resolution of the dispute is concerned. This has been blamed on the lack of good and effective communication between the two conflicting parties. Therefore, for Oman to end the existing tensions between the two conflicts it has to ensure that its communication channels are effective and accepted by the two parties (Longaretti & Jackson 2005, p.30). There are various ways in which Oman could integrate to ensure that its communication channels are effective in the resolution of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US. One of the ways that Oman could improve its communication channels is to ensure that there is equity among the two conflicting parties. If the two parties are on equal terms, then it becomes easy to meet the demands of each of the parties. This is because each of the parties has the opportunity to air their issues of concern. This is important since neither of the party will feel neglected in the peace talks. Additionally this would ensure equal participation among the parties meaning that the decisions reached at are likely to meet the demands of either party to the conflict. According to the cognitive dissonance theory parties to a conflict are likely to oppose the stance taken by the other party to the conflict. Therefore, this makes it further difficult to resolve the existing conflict, and it is for the neutral party to try and show the importance of the stance taken by each of the conflicting party. The theory further state that for any party to relinquish its stance it has to feel reassured. This means that if Iran was to stop the production of nuclear weapons it has to feel reassured that there will be no unfavorable outcomes. This is mainly because a party is forced to make tough decisions such as adopting the view and demands of the other party to the conflict (Cooper 2007, p. 120). Oman should also demonstrate a sense of ownership to the peace talks, meaning that Iran should be capable of viewing the peace talks as their own creation the same with the US. This is because if a party views that it is being forced to engage in any conflict resolution talks it might lead to difficulty in resolving the conflict at hand. This is because such parties are usually unwilling to relinquish their stance in favor of the other party. Additionally, any party to a conflict perceive themselves as unique to the conflict and will always try to assert a sense of superiority over the other party in the conflict. According to Nielsen (2008, p.80), parties in every conflict should be capable of passing their views without difficulties, and this is only attainable if the parties to the conflict have a sense of ownership onto the talks. In addition to these the communication accommodation theory state that individuals in any discussion have a tendency of feeling superior to the other party to the conflict. With this superiority, such parties develop strong stance in relation to their demands (Bull 2002, p. 80) Oman could also ensure that the amount of noise is filtered whereby Noise in this case relates to the transmission of messages from other parties who are not part of the conflict. This could be detrimental to the communication that has already been established since such messages could send mixed messages to either parties in the conflict thus making it impossible to reach a desirable outcome of the peace talks (Deustch et al 2011, p. 500). The Information theory dictates that noise bears technical meaning, which may lead to parties to the conflict adapting various different meanings as a result of the information passed by other parties. Therefore, it is the responsibility of Oman to ensure that such messages are not transmitted and where they are transmitted they do not pose negative impact to the already established communication channels (Goldman 2005, p. 100) Another factor that has to be considered is the existing language barriers that exists between the two countries. Therefore, during interpretation Iran should ensure that it passes the intended meaning of either party to the conflict. This is because failure to do so could lead to stalemate due to the inability to address the intentions of each of the party. The communication theory stipulates that for any form of communication to be construed effective parties to the discussion must have the ability to understand the needs of each other. This shows that for the peace talks between Iran and US to be successful each of the parties must be capable of understanding the plights of the other (Chitode 2012, p. 300). This can be enhanced by providing effective interpretation, resulting from the existing language barrier. Additionally as much as Oman is non-partisan to the conflict it should, however, try to set a clear path to be followed in resolution of the existing conflict. This means that Oman being a link to the two conflicting parties it should try and establish some of the common grounds arising from the views raised by the two conflicting parties. In doing so becomes easier for the parties to try and resolve some of the issues that hare great significance to the peace talks Therefore, it should be the responsibility of Oman to ensure that only issues that could prove decisive to the conclusion of the peace talks are discussed thus facilitating the existing communication links between Iran and the US. Conclusion In conclusion, communication plays a great role in the resolution of any given conflict since it is used to pass the intended message of the parties to the conflict. Therefore Oman should ensure that it establishes conducive and effective means of communication if it is oversee the existing conflict between Iran and the US. The research tries to look at some of the ways in which Oman could improve its existing communication to foster peace between Iran and United States. 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