The Rumi Forum presented "Dealing with Iran: The Uses and Misuses of History" with Amb. John Limbert, Distinguished Professor of International Affairs at the U.S. Naval Academy

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On March 19, 2009, during the Rumi Forum Luncheon Series, Ambassador John Limbert gave a fascinating discussion on the history of Iran and how that history translates into modern day interactions with the US and the rest of the world. Two events that have “cast long shadows” upon relations between the US and Iran are the 1953 CIA coup of Prime Minister Mossadeq in Iran, and the 1979-1980 US hostage crisis in Tehran.

Ambassador Limbert spoke of four traditions that have endured throughout Iranian history which help to illustrate Iran’s position and relations in the world today. The first is the multi-ethnic and multi-religious traditions of the empire. Religion as the center of life is the second tradition that has endured Iranian history. Throughout this history, Iran has persevered through many foreign conquests of their land, thus relinquishing sovereignty and territory. Despite numerous foreign conquests, Iran has managed to survive, and perhaps even flourish, by taking foreign influences and making them their own. Lastly, the concept of justice has always been linked closely to religion, culture, and politics. The Ambassador ended his discussion by looking to the future of relations between the US and Iran. In order for these relations to prosper he emphasized that the future diplomatic core of both countries must push aside preconceptions of one another and work towards a common goal or agreement.

John Limbert was appointed Distinguished Professor of International Affairs at the U.S. Naval Academy in August 2006 after retiring from the Foreign Service with 33 years of service and the rank of Minister-Counselor.  His last postings before retirement were as Dean of the Foreign Service Institute’s School of Language Studies and, on temporary assignment, as Chief of Mission in Khartoum, Sudan.

Ambassador Limbert was president of the American Foreign Service Association (2003-2005) and Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (2000-2003).  While serving as Ambassador, he was one of the first civilian officials to enter Baghdad in April 2003, with the Organization for Recon¬struction and Humanitarian Assistance.  There he was responsible for cultural affairs, including restoring the looted Iraqi Museum.  In March-May of 2004 he returned to Iraq, leading a team in support of the U.S. mission there.

Ambassador Limbert joined the Foreign Service in 1973, and his overseas experience also included tours in Algeria, Djibouti, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.  From 1981 to 1984 he taught Political Science at the U.S. Naval Academy, and in 1991-92 he was a Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for International Affairs.

Moderator :

Barry Jacobs is the American Jewish Committee’s Director of Strategic Studies in the Office of Government and International Affairs. He follows political affairs and offers counsel on Asia, particularly China, Japan and the two Koreas, the Subcontinent, Central Asia and the Caucasus and the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean (Greece, Turkey and Cyprus).  He is also a specialist in multilateral issues, particularly international trade, energy and weapons systems with an emphasis on nuclear weapons and proliferation.  He was a Senior Foreign Service Officer with the United States Information Agency from 1968-94, receiving its highest commendations on two occasions, and served in seven countries on four continents.  In 1994, he joined the Discovery Channel as its first Director, later Vice President, for International Media for its new networks in Latin America and Asia.  He has degrees from the University of Michigan, the National War College and The George Washington University, was a Salzburg Fellow and did graduate study as a Monroe Scholar at the London School of Economics.