Tehran, Damascus, Hizbullah: United against Israel

28 February 2010 | 20:21 Code : 7085 Middle East.
Interview with Dr. Sabaah Zanganeh, Middle East affairs analyst
Tehran, Damascus, Hizbullah: United against Israel
What is the significance of Ahmadinejad’s visit to Syria and his negotiations with Sayyed Hassan Nasrullah?

This was Iran’s natural reaction to Israel’s intensifying threats. Israeli’s shuttle diplomacy aims to increase pressure on Palestinians, Lebanon and Syria. Tel Aviv is leaning on US to put Damascus under pressure so it would stop supporting Tehran. Iran and Syria in response have decided to strengthen their bond. The region in general is touchy to such efforts. In visit to Syria Ahmadinejad’s intended to prepare the region for any likely pressures and threats from Washington or Tel Aviv.

How could the Iran-Syria-Hizbullah axis forestall regional threats while Israel is coaxing other countries to act against Tehran?

Whether Israel will pull back after observing a coordinated regional response or not, depends on the regional atmosphere. The myth of Israel’s invincibility was buried after the 33-day war with Hizbullah and the 22-day raid on Gaza. Tel Aviv is somehow looking for a way to make up for those failures and boost its morale.

Upcoming parliamentary election has incited Israeli parties to action. That has lead to fiery rhetoric and radical slogans. The presence of Yisrael Beiteinu, the hard-right party, may also explain this situation to some extent. Israel is also trying to efface the impact of Goldstone Report by a new anti-Iran campaign. Tel Aviv’s action and regional reaction depend on the severity of Israel’s domestic problems.

What was the most important agreement between the Tehran-Damascus-Hizbullah axis in Ahmadinejad’s visit to Syria?

No details of the negotiations have been released, but naturally the three parties have discussed the appropriate response to Israel’s threat.

How will Iran’s nuclear program influence its relations and negotiations with Arab states?

Israel’s diplomatic and military measures have a far more substantial impact. That also holds true for its threats. Israel’s regional diplomacy has triggered an arms race in Middle East which only benefits Western countries. However, West has now decided to divert Arabs’ concerns from Israel towards Iran.