No Ideological Merits in Iran-Latin America Cooperation
Despite their fierce rhetoric, Latin American countries will not slight their relations with the United States. Interview with Dr.Ibrahim Mottaqi
Hillary Clinton has said that George Bush’s efforts to isolate anti-US leaders in Latin America have made them more receptive to rival powers such as China and Iran. Iranian Diplomacy has discussed Iran’s influence in Latin America:
How real is Iran’s influence in Latin America?
Latin America has always been the fertile ground for revolutionary movements against foreign interventions. United States’ Monroe Doctrine was an attempt to curb European interference in the Americas. All the inspiring rhetoric, economic support and cooperation were in fact efforts to undermine Spain and Portugal’s influence in Latin America.
The Marxist discourse held sway in the post-WWII era and socialist regimes such as Cuba and Nicaragua were regarded as serious security threats for the United States. Socialistic movements have always been a symbol of protest against United States’ meddling in Latin American affairs.
The 1970s was the age of liberation theology initiated by Camilla Torres. Religion became a revolutionary tool while prior to the movement it was deemed as an instrument to preserve the status quo.
Currently we are witnessing the rise of politicians who look at United States with skepticism. However, Iran’s presence in Latin America is more of an inter-governmental nature rather than social or ideological. What we are having is the upgrading of diplomatic ties, for example in the economic field. The collaborations are not at a threatening level for the United States. Although radical countries of this part of the world are reducing their cooperation with United States, it has nothing to do with their expanding ties with Iran.
So isn’t Iran’s cooperation with Latin American states an effort to curb U.S. influence in its political backyard and a way to orchestrate anti-imperialism policies?
Iran and some of the states in Americas are trying to restrain United States’ regional influence with the successive waves of criticism, but the truth is that United States is still able to maneuver in military and economic structure of these countries. Anti-American propaganda has been the eternal slogan of political parties and statesman in South America, but their strategic weight is a matter of doubt.
How do you see the future of Obama’s interaction with Latin American states?
Obama seeks to expand ties with Americas in general, and to mend relations with radical states. His encounter with Chavez and their talk shows that political conditions of Latin America are totally different compared with Middle East.
The truth is, although Latin American countries always criticize the United States, but that doesn’t mean they would overlook America’s interests or their cooperation with this powerful country. Radical states of Latin America will improve their ties with the United States during the upcoming months. There is an organization such as OAS which includes the United States and other countries of the Americas. This regional organization is a tool in the hands of United States and they will use it to break the impasse and rebuild their relations with countries such as Cuba and Venezuela.
How real is Iran’s influence in Latin America?
Latin America has always been the fertile ground for revolutionary movements against foreign interventions. United States’ Monroe Doctrine was an attempt to curb European interference in the Americas. All the inspiring rhetoric, economic support and cooperation were in fact efforts to undermine Spain and Portugal’s influence in Latin America.
The Marxist discourse held sway in the post-WWII era and socialist regimes such as Cuba and Nicaragua were regarded as serious security threats for the United States. Socialistic movements have always been a symbol of protest against United States’ meddling in Latin American affairs.
The 1970s was the age of liberation theology initiated by Camilla Torres. Religion became a revolutionary tool while prior to the movement it was deemed as an instrument to preserve the status quo.
Currently we are witnessing the rise of politicians who look at United States with skepticism. However, Iran’s presence in Latin America is more of an inter-governmental nature rather than social or ideological. What we are having is the upgrading of diplomatic ties, for example in the economic field. The collaborations are not at a threatening level for the United States. Although radical countries of this part of the world are reducing their cooperation with United States, it has nothing to do with their expanding ties with Iran.
So isn’t Iran’s cooperation with Latin American states an effort to curb U.S. influence in its political backyard and a way to orchestrate anti-imperialism policies?
Iran and some of the states in Americas are trying to restrain United States’ regional influence with the successive waves of criticism, but the truth is that United States is still able to maneuver in military and economic structure of these countries. Anti-American propaganda has been the eternal slogan of political parties and statesman in South America, but their strategic weight is a matter of doubt.
How do you see the future of Obama’s interaction with Latin American states?
Obama seeks to expand ties with Americas in general, and to mend relations with radical states. His encounter with Chavez and their talk shows that political conditions of Latin America are totally different compared with Middle East.
The truth is, although Latin American countries always criticize the United States, but that doesn’t mean they would overlook America’s interests or their cooperation with this powerful country. Radical states of Latin America will improve their ties with the United States during the upcoming months. There is an organization such as OAS which includes the United States and other countries of the Americas. This regional organization is a tool in the hands of United States and they will use it to break the impasse and rebuild their relations with countries such as Cuba and Venezuela.