Declaration as the Last Option
On Sunday, 6th of June 2010, in the urgent meeting of the foreign ministers of Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki put forth a ten-article proposal regarding the plight of the Gazans. A glimpse at the proposal nonetheless shows that of all the articles, sending humanitarian aids to besieged Palestinian territory and issuing a customary declaration against Israel are the only suggestions likely to become practical.
Trying the Israeli leaders over their war crimes, full removing of the Gaza blockade, prompt sending of humanitarian aids to Gaza, demanding charitable organizations –the Red Cross and the Red Crescent- to send humanitarian aids, pressurizing Israel to make restitution for the victims, imposing stringent sanctions on Israel, suspending Israel’s membership in regional and international organizations, demanding Muslim and non-Muslim states to sever ties with the Zionist regime and asking the UN Secretary General to carry out the necessary measures were the Iranian delegation’s suggestions on behalf of the government.
Regarding the status quo of international affairs, trial of Israeli leaders, imposition of sanctions or severance of ties with Tel Aviv are no likely contingencies. Mottaki’s proposal appears rather symbolic while ‘Zionist lobbies control Western policies’ is the catchphrase of Iranian officials. As to the United States, how long does it need to underline its liability to Israel (American catchphrase: ‘Israel’s security is the United States’ security’).
To tell the truth, OIC –and its 57 Muslim members- has unfortunately gained so far so little in alleviating the Palestinians’ plight. Lack of harmony and tension between some members probably leaves little room for such ‘secondary’ concerns. Meanwhile, most member states calibrate their policies based on the West’s –or better to say, Washington’s- demands. Internally, with leaders concentrating on their personal interests many of these countries suffer a nation-state gap. Few countries have left to support the Palestinian cause –Iran the most important.
In spite of frequent meetings, the Organization of Islamic Conference has in most cases failed to solve challenges inside the Muslim World. Against this backdrop, such meetings find a mere propagandistic use. There was no need for Mottaki visiting Saudi Arabia actually. A summit held in Tehran would suffice. The Iranian diplomatic apparatus knows well that if it wants to handle such a burning issue, meetings, media coverage and release of a declaration are the last things needed.
The question is, could suggestion of such proposals in international conferences regardless of their practicality upgrade of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s diplomatic status? Are such plans in line with our foreign policy’s three pillars of, namely Dignity, Wisdom and Expediency?
Tehran could think twice about the practicality of such suggestions before setting them forth to break the Gaza blockade and punish the Israelis for their last barbarous crime. Even Turkey, which has lost a number of its citizens in this violent attack, has not yet been able to force the Israelis to compensate.
Again, focusing upon the role of the United Nations and similar international organizations poses a paradox. Hasn’t Iran fervently criticized the UN and the Security Council for their stance towards its nuclear program? Turning into a ‘proposal copy machine’ will ultimately undermine Iran’s international standing.
Unfortunately to say, most members of the international community are either unwilling to help the Palestinians or fear its consequences due to their dependence on key supporters of Israel. Syria, Lebanon (or better say, Hezbollah), Mauritania, Venezuela and Bolivia are the only ones standing by Iran and supporting the oppressed Palestinians. At the moment, launching popular campaigns to support the Palestinians and sending back-to-back peace and freedom flotilla towards Gaza to raise awareness among nations about the Palestinians’ sufferings seems to be the best option.
Afshar Soleymani is Iran’s former ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan.