West’s Militaristic Policies Are Nourished on a Tense Atmosphere

Neighboring countries create a complex of opportunities and threats for each other. The more they face towards common interests, the less become the threats. Interview with Hasan Beheshtipour, political analyst.

London-based al-Quds al-Arabi, has expressed concern over Iran’s increasing influence in the region and the shaky status of Arab states. Meanwhile, according to Dennis Blair, the new chief of US intelligence, Iran and Israel are liable to engage in a major military confrontation before the end of the year. Iranian Diplomacy has interviewed Hasan Beheshtipour, political analyst:

What is the cause of Arabs’ constant concern over Iran’s regional power, expressed frequently in regional and extra-regional media?

Actually, neighboring countries create a complex of opportunities and threats for each other. The more they face towards common interests, threats decrease and the region becomes more secure. When Iran introduces itself as a global power its neighbors become concerned naturally. They may not have still developed the belief that Iran is a benevolent power, what Tehran itself claims to be.

We should convince our neighbors that we are actually seeking further cooperation and we respect their interests. We should even focus on common issues and put them on the agenda. The closer our interests, the less become tensions and threats. The ECO conference which will be held in late winter in Tehran is an opportunity to increase cooperation between Iran and Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Caucasian states.

Arab states of the Persian Gulf are mainly concerned with Iran’s increasing power for two causes. First, they are intrigued by hegemonic powers such as Britain, France and the United States which tend to sell more arms to these countries. On the other hand, unfortunately Iranian officials behave such that besides responding to enemies, they frighten friends.

According to the new chief of US intelligence, Dennis Blair Iran and Israel are liable to enter into a major military confrontation before the end of the year. What is your opinion?

This is a different issue. The relations between Iran and Israel are a determining parameter in Tehran’s ties with other countries in Middle East. Meanwhile, Israel’s threats against are used as a leverage for West to create a wartime atmosphere. In a peaceful climate gigantic budgets can’t be sponged. Israel has turned into a scarecrow to terrorize Iran and other Middle East countries. There are always rumors about Israel’s imminent attack on Iran when Israel suffers political crisis inside. The odds for Israel’s attack on Iran are poor, unless this country wants to create turbulence in order to turn the circumstances into its own advantage.

United States claims that it seeks to negotiate with Tehran on the one hand, and on the other hand it attempts to unite its allies to increase pressure against Tehran. How do you explain their game?

I believe that United States’ claim is serious and honest, since Obama will have the same destiny if he wants to resume Bush’s policies. The new administration has to change, at least in its tactics. To set off the negotiations Washington has to perform some maneuvers. One is exaggerating the possibility of Israel’s attack on Iran or talking of compromise with Moscow to corner Tehran, or pretending to converge with the European Union. These are all smoke bombs released to picture a precarious situation and give U.S. the upper hand. Otherwise Americans have no way except talking with Iran. United States is intent to negotiate with Iran and pressurize the country in face-to-face talks.

Some believe that Iran-U.S. talks will be a threat for Israel. How valid is the bases of these analyses?

This is a traditional analysis based on traditional grounds. For example, some say Iran-U.S. problems will not be solved unless Iran-Israel problems are solved. A false statement.

Such analyses are inadequate. U.S. negotiations with Iran aren’t for or against Israel’s interests per se, but depend on privileges given to Iran in these talks and their outcomes. Currently Israel is not in a position to dictate anything to Americans. Of course naturally they will try to impose their demands; however, they are unable to stop the talks.