|
|
 |
Iran and the Middle East
 Dr. Takeyh indicated that Islamic Republic Iran is arguably the most peculiar and the least understood country in the Middle East and Persian Gulf region. As the name implies the government of Iran derives its legitimacy both from the religious ideology of political Islam and a distinct for of republican democracy.
Although Iran's domestic politics is often divided between conservatives and reformists, there appears to be a consensus on several strategic issues-regional leadership ambitions, attitudes towards Israel, and nuclear policy.
- First, Iran aspires to be a dominant player in the Persian Gulf region. However, Tehran's desire for an assertive leadership role has been complicated by three regional neighbors-Iraq, Israel, and Saudi Arabia-and an external actor-the U.S. (replacing the British hegemony in the region). It is realistic to understand that any peace settlements in Lebanon or Iraq must require a strong participation by Iran.
- Second, Iran has historically considered the state of Israel as an illegitimate construct. As such, in the public discourse, the Iranian leaders have always made rhetorical statements describing the holocaust as a conspiracy between Zionism and Nazism, and as a legitimizing instrument for a Jewish state of Israel.
- Third, Iran asserts that it has a legitimate right to pursue civilian nuclear technology. However, in recent years, there are growing concerns over Iran's compliance with the NPT norms of nonproliferation. Despite all the western concerns, Iranian leadership appears to be rational. If they decide to pursue nuclear weapons, that would be purely on deterrence calculations, which might preclude any intention to eliminate the state of Israel.
Speaker's Bio: Dr. Ray Takeyh is author of The Guardians of the Revolution: Iran's Approach to the World. He is a senior fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was previously a professor of national security at National War College, and National Defense University.
|
 |
|
