An Opportunity Which May Become a Threat
Iranian Diplomacy has interviewed Hosein Salimi, university professor and American affairs analyst on Barack Obama’s attitude towards Iran.
![An Opportunity Which May Become a Threat](/images/www/en/news/news-primary/2009/salimi_hossein_9982.jpg)
How do you see Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo? Especially the part where he pointed to United States’ relations with the Muslim world and its involvement in overthrow of Mosaddeq?
In international relations speech is itself an act. Actions are not carried out only by executive orders. Therefore, I believe that Obama’s statements showed that genuine changes are occurring in United States’ foreign diplomacy. He read the most beautiful verses of Quran and talked about his country’s mistakes in foreign policies. He also talked of a new beginning with the Muslim world and Iran. I think these are all new behaviors and we can’t think of them as simple words.
United States’ pressure on Israel to stop construction of settlements in Israel is a sign of profound change. So is its pressure for forming a Palestinian state. We also witnessed that our country was invited to G8 meeting. These are evidences that show both the international circumstances and United States’ behavior have changed.
These have come from the American side, but Iran has given no explicit response. Which approach will fulfill national interests and meanwhile mend relations?
Despite all the differences presidential candidates have, there is a common point between them. They all believe in changing Iran’s attitude towards United States. True it is that they talk of standing on principles, but they all agree that our behavioral model needs modifications. They know that nowadays nearly all Iranian and foreign experts believe that the change in United States’ policies is a golden opportunity for Iran, while a serious threat.
If Iranians don’t take a step forward with the new circumstances, and they fail to reconstruct their global image and international behavior, United States’ policy shift will turn into a threat. If after all these gestures U.S. turns back to its hostile attitude, this time it will have all countries, even Middle East countries, by its side. My personal belief is that even our strategic allies in Latin America will not accompany us if they witness a turn in U.S. policies. So we should grasp this opportunity to improve our international status.
Of course I do not agree with a u-turn in our stances. But I want our politicians to revive our image and show that Iran is a country which intends to have a constructive role in international relations. This is a step which can bring us ample opportunities. However, if this does not happen, formation of a global consensus against our country and consequent pressures which may cost us a lot is predictable.
Presidential elections will be held in a few days. Which candidate can better use this opportunity?
I can not judge their prospective foreign diplomacy, but those candidates who have chosen détente as their strategy and admit that it is important what the world thinks about us can be more helpful. The international community favors a rational group.
Look, the present government has shown a great deal of interest in negotiating with United States, much more than any other administration in Islamic Republic of Iran. But its image as a rogue government has left it devoid of any friend. The world’s impression is that this administration seeks to undermine global security or the security of some certain countries. This prevents cooperation and constructive partnership with the international community.
In international relations speech is itself an act. Actions are not carried out only by executive orders. Therefore, I believe that Obama’s statements showed that genuine changes are occurring in United States’ foreign diplomacy. He read the most beautiful verses of Quran and talked about his country’s mistakes in foreign policies. He also talked of a new beginning with the Muslim world and Iran. I think these are all new behaviors and we can’t think of them as simple words.
United States’ pressure on Israel to stop construction of settlements in Israel is a sign of profound change. So is its pressure for forming a Palestinian state. We also witnessed that our country was invited to G8 meeting. These are evidences that show both the international circumstances and United States’ behavior have changed.
These have come from the American side, but Iran has given no explicit response. Which approach will fulfill national interests and meanwhile mend relations?
Despite all the differences presidential candidates have, there is a common point between them. They all believe in changing Iran’s attitude towards United States. True it is that they talk of standing on principles, but they all agree that our behavioral model needs modifications. They know that nowadays nearly all Iranian and foreign experts believe that the change in United States’ policies is a golden opportunity for Iran, while a serious threat.
If Iranians don’t take a step forward with the new circumstances, and they fail to reconstruct their global image and international behavior, United States’ policy shift will turn into a threat. If after all these gestures U.S. turns back to its hostile attitude, this time it will have all countries, even Middle East countries, by its side. My personal belief is that even our strategic allies in Latin America will not accompany us if they witness a turn in U.S. policies. So we should grasp this opportunity to improve our international status.
Of course I do not agree with a u-turn in our stances. But I want our politicians to revive our image and show that Iran is a country which intends to have a constructive role in international relations. This is a step which can bring us ample opportunities. However, if this does not happen, formation of a global consensus against our country and consequent pressures which may cost us a lot is predictable.
Presidential elections will be held in a few days. Which candidate can better use this opportunity?
I can not judge their prospective foreign diplomacy, but those candidates who have chosen détente as their strategy and admit that it is important what the world thinks about us can be more helpful. The international community favors a rational group.
Look, the present government has shown a great deal of interest in negotiating with United States, much more than any other administration in Islamic Republic of Iran. But its image as a rogue government has left it devoid of any friend. The world’s impression is that this administration seeks to undermine global security or the security of some certain countries. This prevents cooperation and constructive partnership with the international community.