Without directly attacking Iran for its revolutionary actions the west has no other option than to use sanctions against the Islamic Republic for its integrity, terrorist activity, funding and supporting its proxies, human rights, justice system, "peaceful" nuclear activity, missile program, drone support in the illegal Ukraine conflict by its Russian ally, kidnapping and assassinating exiles abroad. To name but a few reasons why sanctions are imposed on the Tehran regime. Iran blames those who impose sanctions as being unjustly on the Iranian population and calls for all Iranians to "resist". Resistance is the crucial word for all Iranians. The key words from a recent Tasnimne news report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran were “glorious resistance" in the face of the anti-human crimes committed under the comprehensive sanction’s regime, pledging to fully protect the national interests of the country. Some examples of resisting: Iranian teachers (29 Mar 23) recently protested in several different cities around the country over wages and poor living standards as unrest over social and economic issues that has plagued Iran for almost a year continues. This is just one group who have either protested or are protesting and are ‘resisting’. Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council son was recently seen wearing a watch estimated at more than an average soldier made in four years. Shamkhani was said to respond that his office had found the children of many commanders spending some 10 billion rials per month (about $20,000 at the open market rate), well above what their fathers’ salaries alone would permit. Shamkhani has also faced corruption allegations, including some related to his wife’s real estate holdings, his sons’ shipping business, his nephew’s potential connection to a building collapse, and his son-in-law’s home construction. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf Iran’s parliament speaker whose family had a shopping spree in Turkey during Apr 22 then returned with ‘many pieces’ of excess luggage. When questioned he could not explain how his family could afford such a trip on his salary, when the fall in the value of the national currency has made monthly wages less than $200 for most Iranians. These are just two examples higher authority resisting. The whole scenario is a reminder of George Orwell’s classic book of ‘Animal Farm’. Those that overran the farmer in order to have their own way of operating the farm who later became like those they ousted. “Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad” was the motto. The animals were later seen walking on two legs. In Iran those in authority can afford meat and have no problem putting staple food on the table and say ‘Resist’. One of the reasons the Shah was overthrown was because of corruption. Revolution before population again? Who is resisting the most?
0 Comments
The signing of the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia on the 10 Mar 23 after seven years of severed relations was welcomed by many, thanks to the intervention of China and assistance of Oman and Iraq. The future could be bright should Iran play its part in the agreement. This will be not the end of the problems in the Middle East. Iran in the past has boasted that it is the greatest supporter and provider of security for the Region. Several questions have evolved.
Firstly, is the Iran-Saudi deal a way of Iran disengaging in Yemen without losing face? Due to sanctions imposed on Iran the money that it spent on ‘supporting’ the Yemeni Houthi’s has not achieved anything whereas the finances could be channelled to fund Iran’s other proxies. At the moment Iran has agreed to stop arming the Houthi’s. The signs are according to the Iranian Tasnimne news that Iran supports efforts for a peace plan. Although this has been said before only for the U.S., Saudi or the British Navy to stop a Dhow with smuggled weapons heading for Yemen. The possibility of a treaty between the factions in Yemen will be dependent on support. A member of the Houthis’ political wing Abdulwahab al-Mahbashi said on the 12 Mar 23 that the agreement has “nothing to do with them as they are not ‘subordinate’ to Tehran.” The Saudi's may have security on its side but will Iran still have the influence? Secondly, there is still Tehran’s influence, support and arming of the Palestinian enclaves, Syria and Hezbollah. Security in the region is a lot more complicated than just the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia agreeing to respect one another and exchanging ambassadors. Thirdly, the agreement does not include the Iranian 'peaceful' nuclear program which is enriching uranium at a level well above the requirement for a passive program. In order to pursue Iranian ideology of dominance it needs to make sacrifices to achieve its long game. Tehran may believe that when the British left the Region in the 1960’s and security in the Middle East was assigned to Riyadh and Tehran that they will again restart that security process. But the agreement was with Iran and Saudi Arabia, not the Islamic Republic of Iran, different ideologies. Iran is already starting to boast that it has a security deal with Iraq, is about to swap ambassadors with Bahrain who also ceased relations with Iran in 2016 and that the building of bridges with the UAE. In the long run this may be an attempt by Iran to divide the nations and support them by attempting to place a wedge between Arabian countries, the United States and Israel’s Abraham Accord. China played a significant role in assisting with the détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The final question; if it fails where would that leave China and the Islamic Republic of Iran? |
AuthorPaul Ashley served for over 28 years in the British armed forces carrying out a number of roles. After leaving the forces Paul has worked in the security industry on contracts in Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Kuwait. In Iraq and Afghanistan Paul was responsible for compiling up-to-date Security reports for various companies operating in high risk areas. Paul is the author of "The Complete Encyclopedia of Terrorist Organizations" with published outlets in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia." Archives
January 2024
Categories |