Biden’s Middle East Tour: Iranophobia Refreshed?
The US Vice President Joseph Biden is taking a Middle East tour and expectedly, Iran’s nuclear program will be one of his serious concerns in negotiations. How could his visit possibly influence decisions on Iran’s nuclear program?
Biden had of course planned to visit the region before Hillary Clinton. His visit at this time to discuss the Middle East peace process and Iran’s nuclear program may have been prompted by [Iranian Parliamentary Spokesman] Ali Larijani’s visit to Japan and the outcome of his talks with Japanese leaders. Meanwhile, we know about private meetings between Iranian officials and their regional and international counterparts.
From another standpoint, Biden’s visit can be seen as United States’ last words with regional leaders. His talks with key figures of Middle East such as Bashar Assad is to persuade Arabs follow US policies. Washington’s primary focus is on detaching Syria from Iran. That goal achieved, Iran’s access to Hamas and Hezbollah will become strictly limited.
Meanwhile, the closer Arab states get to each other and the more they distance themselves from Tehran, the happier Israel will become. In fact, Arab’s anti-Iranism, or better say, their Western-instilled Iranophobia, will absolutely benefit Israel. In this plan, Arabs will incline towards Israel and Iran will become increasingly isolated. That way Washington will find the chance to redirect regional states’ policies in its own favorite orientation and use military bases in Middle East in case of a likely war.
Inside the United States, there are some analysts who encourage White House to abstain sanction and pressure against Iran and return to the negotiation policy. How ready is the current atmosphere for Iran and US to return to diplomacy?
Obama has not yet ratified the Refined Petroleum Sanction. This was a clear signal for Iran to understand Washington is showing more tolerance. But there is also another factor which shouldn’t be forgotten. The United States is trapped inside Iraq and Afghanistan, while struggling with economic crisis and unemployment inside. It is fettered and can’t decide easily on Iran.
On the other hand, pressures from Israel and sheikhdoms of the region on Washington to contain Iran’s nuclear program have made decision-making difficult for the United States. In the current circumstances, a military attack could have fatal consequences and would be the biggest mistake Americans have ever made. So at this point, they are following the reconciliation line. That explains negotiations Iran and the United States have done with regional leaders.
Do you think Barack Obama would send another Happy New Year letter for Iranians at the current circumstances?
It is possible, but there more cordiality is needed. The conditions for another Nowruz letter may be met in near future, but they also depend on the outcome of Biden’s visit to Middle East. Biden and his team may even meet Iranian diplomats, but it is too early to judge. We should wait.