The killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist — the fourth such assassination in the past two years — shows that the West is promoting dialogue with Tehran on one hand, but also indulging in unjustified covert operations, coupled with the imposition of stiff economic sanctions in an attempt to escalate tensions.
Wednesday's assassination comes less than two months after a suspicious explosion at an Iranian missile base killed a top general and 16 other people.
The finger of blame for these covert operations points squarely at Israel as no other country would resort to such devious tactics with the blessings of the US. Tel Aviv is fanning the flames of an ‘undeclared' war. The Obama administration has, on one hand, been expressing concern for the wellbeing of the Iranian people, in the face of sanctions, as their government pursues a programme of uranium enrichment, but on the other hand is content to look the other way as Israel is bent on pushing the Iranian government to the wall thus compelling it to resort to irrational action. Such an approach cannot lead to substantial gains — only destruction and instability. No one is arguing that Iran is innocent but the world must seek a realistic way of solving the current crisis.
Israel's insecurity over Iran's nuclear programme is well-documented. In this Israel is benefiting from Washington's blind support. Its present actions could undercut future negotiations and strengthen Iran's resolve towards achieving nuclear capability.
The murky cocktail of diplomacy, sanctions and covert action can only lead to a messy outcome. There must be one sensible approach — dialogue without irrational preconditions.
Iran's pursuit of a weaponised nuclear programme must be confronted, but within the norms of the international community — collectively and transparently, instead of sneaking into the country to unleash a dirty war. Iran should be confronted with a UN resolution agreed by all, especially the Gulf states.
