Just Ahmadinejad can do it
July 23rd, 2008by: Sadegh Zibakalam
I do firmly believe that Iran-US relations’ most significant transition which is to emerge is due to the presidency of Mr. Ahmadinejad. Truth is that having diplomatic relations with US is more of a taboo in Iran which may only get broken by a tradition-minded, conservative figure. No one may come to bring about a state of détente, negotiate with US and normalize Iran-US relations, save Ahmadinejad himself. We have not yet forgotten McFarlane event (when Imam was alive) and Mr. Hashemi’s efforts to revive Iran-US relations; however, conservatives’ powerful hands impeded those efforts and McFarlane event came to standstill. In the period of Mr. Hashemi’s presidency, Mohajerani (then advisor to Mr. Hashemi) published a column in Ettela’at daily regarding Iran-US relations, which was much more diluted compare to current expressions of Mr. Ahmadinejad; but conservatives’ reaction was so tough that he got forced to publicly apologize. Even when Mr. Khatami, in an interview with Christian Amanpour (CNN correspondent), said some relatively fine things about US, psychological pressures of conservatives forced him to utter some harsh words regarding US just few days later in Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum. I think that Ahmadinejad is the only person who may bring about a state of détente. During his presidency, this potential vision has evolved into a practical one. He easily speaks of taking photos with an American commander and his deputy in Iraq, and more easily states that ‘if we receive any formal request regarding opening US consulate in Tehran, we will consider it seriously’, and such stances do not lead to any reaction from either media or others. I believe that Mr. Ahmadinejad’s powerful proponents in the regime make him bold enough to freely speak of having relations with US and even march toward bringing about a state of détente and normalizing the relations. Other side of the coin is US. Current evidences suggest that Barack Obama may win presidential elections. However, I doubt it, for I think that ‘Silent Majority’ of US voters, who constitute 20-30 percent of voters, have not decided to vote for whom and will decide just few nights before final elections, and they are more likely to vote for McCain only to avoid an African-American finding his way to White House. I hope this is not going to happen. After all, if Obama is to become next US president, vision of normalizing relations with US will be much brighter than ever.
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Sadegh Zibakalam is a leading reformist author and professor of political sciences in Tehran University. This paper was published last week in Shahrvande Emrooz (today citizen), leading reformist weekly.
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It is often the case that it takes a “tough guy” to broker a peace. I think that it’s because only a historically “tough guy,” has the necessary credentials to thwart off criticism from both the right and the left. From the right, because he is considered one of them, so they’re not comfortable criticizing him. And from the left, because he is unexpectedly advancing the cause of peace, which they have advocated for themselves.
A case in point is Menachem Begin, of Israel. At one point, he was the head of the Irgun, a tough organization which caused the British to leave Palestine. And throughout his career, he was considered a “tough guy” who stood up for all sorts of right wing positions. However, when Sadat made the first move, shortly after the 1973 war, in which Sadat restored Egyptian pride, Begin followed suit, and the two were able to broker a peace.
I would not be surprised if Ahmadinejad acts similarly, and relatively soon. That way, he can still claim that his “tough guy” approach caused the West to cave in, while at the same time brokering a deal that would keep Iran safe from attack. And like you say, he would probably have the credibility to pull something like this off. And like you also say, Obama would probably be more receptive to this, than McCain.
Lately, I’m going to believe that Ahmadi Nejad is the only man who can do it!
Nissim:
Good point
When one negotiates from a position of strength it seems like both sides have “presence” and everyone is more comfortable. Assuredly, the deal will be more even in such a balance of power. No one really knows if Iran REALLY wants atomic weapons or just wants to supply electricity to it’s industry and people. The posture that they are maintaining “Let’s just keep everybody guessing” could be a big bluff or the real deal. Either way, it gives them a strength face. Fake or not, it is dangerous because it makes lots of people nervous. I hope Mr. Ahmadi Nejad makes the right choices at the correct time and avoids the disaster that he very well could be playing with. I think a very advantageous peace could be made at the right time. For both sides, without selling out by anyone. Wadda ya think guys?
I think the US is going to want their new Tehran consulate to be in the Airport.
Just in case…
Gentlemen:
Could you please keep me in touch with Dr. Sadegh Zibakalam or provide me with his Email.
Here is his site, and you can leave a comment for him here.
Dr. Sadegh Zibakalam concludes:
Would you be so kind as to expound upon this thought a bit more? Perhaps outline five goals or objectives that ten years from today would be considered accomplishments of normalization between Islamist Arabs and their leaders viz., the people of the West.
Perhaps I can offer one Western objective for normalization: to tamp down the desire of the leaders of the Islamist Iranian government to acquire fissile nuclear material.
Tonto, if Mr. Iran were your next door neighbor from across the street, and sometimes whenever you go outside your house to do things Mr. Iran will come out of the house and yell things such as this to you from across the street.
Recently your children were playing near the undeveloped wooded lot next to Mr. Iran’s house and your children told you they saw friends of Mr. Iran and Mr. Iran himself in the backyard and doing things like this and this.
These things are happening so close to you now, what do you think Tonto? Maybe call the cops, or call the district attorney because something illegal may be going on? Or, because they haven’t actually done anything to hurt you or your children, simply go get a beer and turn on the TV to MTV?
Sharia law all over the earth is what a true Muslim strives for. It’s written inside the Qur’an and the true Muslim will strive and put forth effort to bring Sharia Law all over the earth, someday. Without nuclear power the Iranian leaders realize that McDonalds and Levi denim jeans, iPods and Porches will usurp the minds of the people, and the next generation will turn from the Qur’an and its teachings, instead the boys of Islam will seek and desire the evil things of the world like our lovely Payton and Mercedes.
You are correct about discussing things from a position of strength. All Islamist political and religious leaders realize the Western world is corrosive to their culture. The Qur’an cannot compete with what Western culture brings as far as quality of life is concerned. And the Islamist realizes, or sadly and dangerously believes without a nuclear offensive capacity to halt Western influences, hundreds of years from now Islam the religion has been rendered similar to the Mayan and Incan religions of past.
Tonto, believe they the Iranians and others of a true Muslim persuasion want to possess an offensive nuclear capacity. Believe it, it’s true. It’s their last hope to stem the McDonald’s, etc., and all the other Western ways and convienences from conquering the world hundreds of years from now. Their dreams of Sharia Law dominating the world as written inside their Qur’an is gone.
… and so it goes.
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Mergatroidal, you seem to be very disconnected with reality.
I don’t see what that has to do with your Islamphobia and racism (referring mostly to your forum posts.)