Is Russia the Culprit?
A new phenomenon: besides ’death to America’ and ’death to Israel’ slogans, we are hearing ’death to Russia’ in streets these days
Russia’s role in Iran’s post-election developments has been a hot topic among Iranians during the last month. Mahmoud Shouri, Russian affairs expert in Center for Strategic Research in Iran’s Council of Expediency Discernment believes anti-Russia sentiments are not deliberate.
What is the root of antipathy towards Russia’s role in Iran’s internal affairs?
The negative feelings on Russia were widespread in the Iranian society even before the recent events. These feelings became stronger particularly after Soviet Union’s dissolution, when Russia turned into Iran’s ally.
Of course there is more history behind these feelings. However, if we look objectively, such speculations are not well-grounded. What Russians have done to us throughout the history has been repeated by many other major powers. Plus, Russians may have declined to help us in some cases, but in many others their cooperation has led to our progress. Naturally Russians are following their own interests via these partnerships, but we can not deny our gains. Our cooperation with Russia goes back to pre-revolution era and ther partnerships in missile projects, economics, industrial technologies etc.
So what has led to anti-Russian sentiments after the elections?
It’s a sort of reaction and it does not have a solid base. Society observes that the establishment is trying to link the demonstrations to West, so it reacts by chanting against Russia and China. But such responses are just defensive and devoid of correct understanding.
Could these negative attitudes be the result of the increasing cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in military, defensive and security fields?
Apparently some believe that countries cooperating with the regime are enemies of the Iranian nation. Ahmadinejad’s visit to Moscow shortly after the elections reinforced this belief, though it was a pre-arranged trip to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference. Medvedev’s prompt congratulation also encouraged this belief and gave an impression that Tehran and Moscow have special bonds.
Is there any evidence to verify Russia’s negative role?
There is nothing that proves Moscow and Tehran have had security cooperation in post-election developments. And there is no reason that Tehran should ask Russia for help to control the situation.
How do you see the joint naval exercise between Iran and Russia planed to be launched on July 28-29?
That is within the framework of regional cooperation between Caspian Sea littoral states and intends to exercise the enforcement of international conventions such as those on the prevention of sea, oil and environmental pollution etc. Such joint efforts serve national interests of both countries, reinforce regional cooperation and improve security.
What is the root of antipathy towards Russia’s role in Iran’s internal affairs?
The negative feelings on Russia were widespread in the Iranian society even before the recent events. These feelings became stronger particularly after Soviet Union’s dissolution, when Russia turned into Iran’s ally.
Of course there is more history behind these feelings. However, if we look objectively, such speculations are not well-grounded. What Russians have done to us throughout the history has been repeated by many other major powers. Plus, Russians may have declined to help us in some cases, but in many others their cooperation has led to our progress. Naturally Russians are following their own interests via these partnerships, but we can not deny our gains. Our cooperation with Russia goes back to pre-revolution era and ther partnerships in missile projects, economics, industrial technologies etc.
So what has led to anti-Russian sentiments after the elections?
It’s a sort of reaction and it does not have a solid base. Society observes that the establishment is trying to link the demonstrations to West, so it reacts by chanting against Russia and China. But such responses are just defensive and devoid of correct understanding.
Could these negative attitudes be the result of the increasing cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in military, defensive and security fields?
Apparently some believe that countries cooperating with the regime are enemies of the Iranian nation. Ahmadinejad’s visit to Moscow shortly after the elections reinforced this belief, though it was a pre-arranged trip to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference. Medvedev’s prompt congratulation also encouraged this belief and gave an impression that Tehran and Moscow have special bonds.
Is there any evidence to verify Russia’s negative role?
There is nothing that proves Moscow and Tehran have had security cooperation in post-election developments. And there is no reason that Tehran should ask Russia for help to control the situation.
How do you see the joint naval exercise between Iran and Russia planed to be launched on July 28-29?
That is within the framework of regional cooperation between Caspian Sea littoral states and intends to exercise the enforcement of international conventions such as those on the prevention of sea, oil and environmental pollution etc. Such joint efforts serve national interests of both countries, reinforce regional cooperation and improve security.