What Is Saad Hariri Seeking in Tehran?

29 November 2010 | 03:36 Code : 9470 General category

By Mohammad Irani.

Iran-Lebanon relations are currently on a suitable track, normal but progressing, though domestic developments in Lebanon and regional affairs have always influenced Tehran-Beirut ties. Geographical proximity, cultural affinities, and trade exchanges have given weight to bilateral ties between Iran and Lebanon, but what has given them particular significance is the Islamic Republic of Iran’s preferential support for Hezbollah, which was engaged for about two decades in a battle with Israel to liberate South Lebanon. Iran’s support for Hezbollah’s national quest is of course interlinked with regional arrangements and the line-up between pro-West and pro-Resistance forces in the Middle East.

During the premiership of the late Rafik Hariri, Iran and Lebanon expanded their economic ties to a considerable extent; however, these exchanges had their ups and downs depending on domestic developments in Lebanon. The fragile, ethnicity- and religion-based political dynamics in Lebanon have made this country vulnerable to domestic strife, though the role of external forcers is not to be denied.

Saad Hariri’s visit to Iran, the first after the formation of his cabinet, can be studied from two aspects: economic and political. During Ahmadinejad’s visit to Lebanon 45 days ago, the two sides signed a set of memoranda mainly focusing on trade issues. However, in my opinion, realization of these contracts totally depends on domestic developments in Lebanon and hinges upon political stability inside the country.

Politically, Saad Hariri’s visit is part of his regional diplomacy—begun with visits to Syria and Saudi Arabia—and aims to soothe tensions inside Lebanon and create a foothold for the government. Considering that the verdict of the UN-led Rafik Hariri tribunal will be announced by the end of the year, and may accuse Hezbollah members of complicity in his assassination, the cooperation of regional forces is a must for Lebanon. Saad Hariri is trying to gain Iran’s support for his government and stability in Lebanon, even after release of the verdict of the tribunal.

Moreover, Saad Hariri tries to demonstrate that despite his differences with Iran over domestic and regional issues, there are still fields in which both countries agree. He will try to tie economic ties with Lebanese domestic politics to soothe Iran’s likely reaction to the final verdict of Rafik Hariri’s assassination tribunal.

Mohammad Irani is Iran’s former ambassador to Beirut.