Iran Determines Its Own Destiny
A clever regional diplomacy and reunification inside can save Iran from Israel’s threats. By Mina Ali-Eslam
Inside Israel, more than few influential political centers believe that the time has come for West to step up pressure on Iran. Along with the expiration of U.S.-set deadline, and entering 2010 –called the defining year in Iran’s nuclear case, Iran’s post-election turmoil have given foreign countries an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Aware of Iran’s volatile situation, Israeli media have heated up their demonization campaign, trying to turn 2010 into a year of tough measures against our country.
Inside Iran, the government is deteriorating the situation and undermining Iran’s regional position by standing firm on its nuclear stance and rejecting steps taken for reuniting political camps. On the other hand, Israel is hopeful to turn the tide in its own favor and unite the world in taking a unanimous measure against Iran.
Although the incumbent Israeli administration has been radical from the beginning of its term, Iran’s domestic developments after the election have provided the best chance for it to gain the consent of the international community against Iran. Recently, a report in Jerusalem Post claimed that no threat in the second decade of 21st century is more serious than a nuclear Iran. The report in the Israeli daily had added that the course of developments with Iran’s nuclear program during the recent months have proved that neither sanctions nor diplomacy can stop Iran of what it is pursuing.
The emphasis on inefficiency of sanctions and diplomacy naturally directs attention towards the alternatives: confrontation and war. However, for Tel Aviv and many other states of the region and the world, it is clear that military measures against Iran will not be fruitful and merely complicate the regional situation. Add to this the unwillingness of present U.S. administration to endorse Israel on a military attack against Iran. Regional and global economic situation also do not allow for a new war.
It seems that Israelis are once again promoting their favorite ‘worst case scenario’. To stop the alleged ‘Iran threat’, they start from ‘war as the best option’ to guarantee that the international community agrees to exert the maximum pressure on Iran. However, extremist statesmen in Israel need something more powerful, since they believe Iran is approaching its nuclear objectives despite all the pressures and it may already be late for the international community to wake up and see Iran’s threat.
This viewpoint, as usual proving the radicalism and belligerence inherent in Israel’s diplomacy, is looked upon with doubt by Americans and Europeans, let alone China, India and Russia that benefit from cooperating with Iran. Thus, much striving is needed for Israel to unite the world over military action against Iran. Certain economic and political reasons have so far stopped Five plus One from reaching an agreement on imposition of more stringent sanctions against Iran. But for Israel, what counts is its national interests and Iran’s perceived threat towards those interests.
Naturally, Iran’s behavior and its domestic developments, besides the depth and extent of Iran’s diplomatic ties with other countries, determine the maneuverability of Israel in actualizing its plans. Nevertheless, according to many analysts, never has been the situation as ripe as the past four years for Israel to take advantage of Iran’s behavior and its regional and global policies.
Undoubtedly, Israel’s propaganda and West’s measures are effective only when Iran suffers bewilderment in Iran’s in domestic and international domains. Stability, security and citizens’ satisfaction with the government besides constructive interaction with the international community will protect Iran from Israel’s aggressive policies and age-old animosity. Iran still has the destiny in its own hands. Clever play in both domestic and international fields disarms Israel. But is should be national interests, and not partisan interest or ideology, that determine its moves.
Inside Iran, the government is deteriorating the situation and undermining Iran’s regional position by standing firm on its nuclear stance and rejecting steps taken for reuniting political camps. On the other hand, Israel is hopeful to turn the tide in its own favor and unite the world in taking a unanimous measure against Iran.
Although the incumbent Israeli administration has been radical from the beginning of its term, Iran’s domestic developments after the election have provided the best chance for it to gain the consent of the international community against Iran. Recently, a report in Jerusalem Post claimed that no threat in the second decade of 21st century is more serious than a nuclear Iran. The report in the Israeli daily had added that the course of developments with Iran’s nuclear program during the recent months have proved that neither sanctions nor diplomacy can stop Iran of what it is pursuing.
The emphasis on inefficiency of sanctions and diplomacy naturally directs attention towards the alternatives: confrontation and war. However, for Tel Aviv and many other states of the region and the world, it is clear that military measures against Iran will not be fruitful and merely complicate the regional situation. Add to this the unwillingness of present U.S. administration to endorse Israel on a military attack against Iran. Regional and global economic situation also do not allow for a new war.
It seems that Israelis are once again promoting their favorite ‘worst case scenario’. To stop the alleged ‘Iran threat’, they start from ‘war as the best option’ to guarantee that the international community agrees to exert the maximum pressure on Iran. However, extremist statesmen in Israel need something more powerful, since they believe Iran is approaching its nuclear objectives despite all the pressures and it may already be late for the international community to wake up and see Iran’s threat.
This viewpoint, as usual proving the radicalism and belligerence inherent in Israel’s diplomacy, is looked upon with doubt by Americans and Europeans, let alone China, India and Russia that benefit from cooperating with Iran. Thus, much striving is needed for Israel to unite the world over military action against Iran. Certain economic and political reasons have so far stopped Five plus One from reaching an agreement on imposition of more stringent sanctions against Iran. But for Israel, what counts is its national interests and Iran’s perceived threat towards those interests.
Naturally, Iran’s behavior and its domestic developments, besides the depth and extent of Iran’s diplomatic ties with other countries, determine the maneuverability of Israel in actualizing its plans. Nevertheless, according to many analysts, never has been the situation as ripe as the past four years for Israel to take advantage of Iran’s behavior and its regional and global policies.
Undoubtedly, Israel’s propaganda and West’s measures are effective only when Iran suffers bewilderment in Iran’s in domestic and international domains. Stability, security and citizens’ satisfaction with the government besides constructive interaction with the international community will protect Iran from Israel’s aggressive policies and age-old animosity. Iran still has the destiny in its own hands. Clever play in both domestic and international fields disarms Israel. But is should be national interests, and not partisan interest or ideology, that determine its moves.