Iran’s empty promises
The Daily Star/Jan. 05, 2015
Having urged an end to Iran’s international isolation, President Rouhani’s courageous words Sunday must now be followed up with genuine commitment to reform and an admission of Tehran’s foreign policy failings.
Rouhani also called for increased transparency and an end to corruption, and admitted that the government’s monopoly over the economy – coupled with the sanctions program – was crippling the country.
But while Rouhani may very well believe what he says, his will alone will not be enough to change the reality on the ground. There are clearly divisions within the country’s leadership, and it is likely Sunday’s speech – ahead of a new round of nuclear talks – was not welcomed by Supreme Leader Khamenei, or indeed the Revolutionary Guard Corps, who are far less enthusiastic about cooperation with the West.
And though Rouhani seemed to be speaking to an international audience in affirming his commitment to opening up Iran, and a desire to end the sanctions program, there was a conspicuous omission on why the sanctions were implemented in the first place.
Iran’s regional role – its increasingly rigid and militant policies – must be confronted for any tangible reform to take place at home. Until Rouhani can admit that under his watch the country has only stepped up involvement across the region – from Lebanon to Yemen, by way of Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain – then any relaxing of sanctions or opening up of the economy will be impossible, and his promises of reform are merely an exercise in semantics.
As it is, Iran is merely encouraging and supporting violence throughout the Mideast, and until this stops, even the most humble rapprochement with the West – and first the Gulf – is merely a fantasy.
