Dennis Ross Appointment Won’t Impact Iran’s Policies

27 January 2009 | 18:11 Code : 3801 America
It is unlikely that Tehran reorients its policies merely for an appointment by the U.S. President.Iranian Diplomacy has interviewed U.S. affairs analyst:
Dennis Ross Appointment Won’t Impact Iran’s Policies
It is unlikely that Tehran reorients its policies merely for an appointment by the U.S. President.

Naming his special envoys on Afghanistan, Middle East and Iran, the new U.S. president, Barack Obama, has clarified his Middle East approach. Meanwhile, some political observers believe that with Dennis Ross returning to office, Obama administration will adopt a tough policy towards Iran.

Iranian Diplomacy has interviewed U.S. affairs analyst:

Dennis Ross’ Middle East record is known to the public opinion. But has he ever been engaged with Iran affairs?

As far as I know he had post in U.S. National Security Council and Iran’s developments were a part of his responsibility. But he had no particular responsibility related to Iran when he served for Secretary of State.

What is the significance of designating a special envoy for Iran’s affairs when there is already an envoy for Middle East affairs?

That’s because of Obama’s attitude. He has promised to adopt a new approach towards Iran. We have to wait and see if he really moves on directions or not. Appointing a separate envoy for Iran affairs evidently shows that the United States is following the case of Iran intently, but it is not yet clear whether this determination will result in actual policy shifts or not. It is too early to judge.

How will Dennis Ross’ appointment affect Iran’s attitude?

Obama has chosen ’change’ as his key policy and he has rejected Bush’s approach towards Iran. Promising for change and designating Dennis Ross raise the expectations. But we must also see if Obama and his team are honest on this issue. It is unlikely that Tehran reorients its policies merely for an appointment by the U.S. President. Tehran’s responds will correspond to United States’.

What will Ross’ key missions be?

United States is trying to implement its policies by a politician well knowing Middle East affairs. [But] we can’t mention a particular mission. Whatever is related to Iran is carried out under Ross’ supervision.

Is his appointment a prelude to interaction between Tehran and Washington?

It is too early to reach to such a conclusion. We shouldn’t think of one single designation as a positive gesture which would result in interaction. Everything depends on real steps forward. If [U.S.] previous policies continue no change will occur.