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Obama must now walk the talk
While acknowledging Iran's sovereignty, the new US administration must demonstrate the will to part with its policy of antagonism
- By Ali Akbar Javanfekr, Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service
- Published: 23:20 April 1, 2009
- Image Credit: Guillermo Munro/Gulf News
Former US president George W. Bush's actions during his time in office generated hatred and mistrust of the US throughout the world. But in fairness, he was also one of the most honest American presidents, because his deeds and words matched.
America's Democratic Party has historically been less honest than its rival Republican Party. I hope President Barack Obama can turn around this image and actually set a new benchmark.
Obama's recent message to Iran on the occasion of Nowrouz, the Persian New Year, contained some encouraging signs - and some negative ones.
He expressed a willingness to talk openly with Iran's leaders. This willingness is promising. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates friendly behaviour that stems from respect and courtesy toward other cultures and nations.
We support justice and humane ethics in international relations. On the other hand, we condemn arrogant, bullying and insulting behaviour.
The US has a long history of interfering in Iran's domestic affairs, starting with its backing of a coup against the lawful government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddeq in 1953. Later, it provided all-out support to the dictatorial regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Washington also nurtured counter-revolutionaries plotting against the Islamic Republic of Iran and froze assets and properties owned by Iran in the US and Europe.
There is evidence that the US also encouraged the dictatorial Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussain to attack Iran militarily in 1980. During the eight years of war that followed that action, the US interfered in favour of Saddam, downing an Iranian passenger plane and imposing widespread economic and trade sanctions.
For decades, the US has heaped insulting invective on our nation and made continuous threats of toppling its lawful government. It put obstacles in the way of Iran's progress in technological and scientific fields.
For all these reasons, Obama's claims of responsibility and honesty must ultimately be put to the test. We are, however, pleased to observe that he seems to be attempting to rehabilitate the tainted image of the United States.
Obama's efforts to replace aggressive rhetoric in official US statements with the language of peace and mutual respect is a step forward. If this change of tone is also manifested practically in the official policies of the US, it will be an important step toward remedying the impaired image of the US in the eyes of other nations.
The US has too frequently resorted to violence, war and bloodshed around the world, in part because of its leaders' desire for hegemony and in part because of the Zionist lobby's manipulation of US administrations.
Obama has talked about his commitment to creating constructive diplomatic ties between the US and Iran. He must first begin dressing the deep and old wounds inflicted on the Iranian nation and start to correct the misunderstandings created by the misconduct of previous US administrations in their actions against Iran.
In his Nowrouz message, Obama on the one hand offers an appreciation of Iran's civilisation, culture, art, music, literature and innovation. But on the other, he accuses Iran of sponsoring terrorism and pursuing weapons of mass destruction. These two antagonistic approaches are mutually exclusive. Obama needs to break with the hard-headed approach of previous administrations and promote peaceful policies toward Iran.
The Iranian nation, in keeping with true Islamic precepts, does not covet the territory of other countries and has not attacked any other country. We have always acted only in defence of our land. We wish other countries well, and we even pray for our foes. We hate death and destruction - and wish prosperity and a better life for all nations.
Our civilisation, culture, beliefs, traditions and Islamic values are incompatible with terror, war and bloodshed. Obama should take note that the era of gaining superiority through weaponry and state-sponsored terrorism has passed. The world must move forward ruled by divine values, rationality, morality and respect for culture.
Obama expressed his willingness, on behalf of his country, to see Iran take its true position in the international community. This new approach by the United States is appreciated, but we would note that Iran already occupies a distinguished position in the international community. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is one of the most beloved dignitaries in the world, and freedom-loving nations in all corners of the Earth love Iran.
The policies of previous US administrations led to a rise in hatred, anger and worries. In all corners of the world, it is worth noting, the only flags being set ablaze belong to the US and the occupying Zionist regime.
Obama has proclaimed a policy of 'change', and the American people have embraced it. But to redeem its image in the world, the US needs to truly change its past methods.
Change is mandatory for the US administration. For as history demonstrates, either you change or you are forced to change.
Ali Akbar Javanfekr is an adviser to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
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