Opening a New Front against Iran

During Israel’s raid on Gaza, the ’moderate’ Arab states underwent heavy public pressure from their citizens and countries that supported the Palestinian cause. Harboring a feeling of defeat, they are using Iran as the red herring. There was no reason for such an exaggeration of the misunderstanding between Iran and Bahrain. Officially, Iran did whatever it could –even more than usually expected- to mitigate and make up for Nategh Nouri’s statements.

In a normal situation, an explanation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other officials would suffice. Even Bahraini officials did not want to overstate the remarks and make the issue regional. Unfortunately, they were intrigued by other [Arab] states who wore a mask of solidarity. There is raising another bone of contention between Iran and Arab states. This is especially true for Bahrain which has broad ties with Iran. This country shouldn’t let those revengeful Arab states to make use of it against Iran.

During the recent years Iranian officials have approached regional problems with discreetness, never avoided to demonstrate their good will and always abstained taking controversial political stances on regional issues. Bahrain should notice its situation. For Bahrain it is better not to make a mountain out of a molehill. In the first days after Nategh Nouri’s remarks Bahraini officials took no unordinary stances. However, other Arab countries meddled in this story to divert public attention from their ineptness during the war in Gaza.

After the controversial remarks, Iran made its best to assure Bahrain that nothing has changed in its attitude. Iran has never intended to question Bahrain’s sovereignty and independence and has repeatedly announced this in the recent days.

Most unfortunately, never during regional crisis such as those which happened in Gaza and Lebanon -while innocent Arab citizens are killed and injured and the world endeavors to stop violence- do the Arab states react like they did on the spat between Iran and Bahrain. No aggression or no change of policy has occurred between Iran and Bahrain and it’s a serious question that why ’moderate’ Arab states have suddenly become so active and try to create a united Arab front against Iran. One wishes that such enthusiasm was shown during the Gaza war. Those days seemed like the best time for frequent visits and declarations by Arab leaders.