Editor’s Note

As a history major it is always important to realize the importance of remembering and studying history. There are a plethora of lessons to be learned from the past. For example we are currently in dire relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is because they are developing a nuclear program. People are fearful of opening up to Iran.  They think that Iran will play us for fools and use negotiations to stall for time. There are lessons to be learned from history that could be applied here. First you could look at Neville Chamberlain. He appeased Nazi Germany by giving into their demands. He thought that appeasement could bring peace. Obviously he was wrong, and World War II followed. However, this should not discourage people from the peace process. After all, President Richard Nixon had successful negotiations with Mao Zedong in China. Many people say we cannot talk to Iran because they are too extreme and militant, yet Mao Zedong was not known for his political moderation. This is a man that bragged about killing intellectuals and at one point welcomed nuclear war. Despite his views, in his old age he realized that he had to make a deal with the United States. You could also look at Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s historic visit to Israel. These countries were mortal enemies, this visit cultivated into a peace treaty. Knowing past successes and mistakes in history can help you take on the present. We can always get an example from history to understand current events.