February 6, 2005
Neo-cons from both sides
I have a strange feeling that Iranians and Americans will finally sit down around table and will directly start to solve their mutual problems. Many may know that Iran is already working with the U.S. in a wide range of topics especially about Iraq and Afghanistan.
I sense that Iranians are ready to give up on their uranium enrichment if they are accepted in the WTO and probably some other economic incentives that Europe can offer -- or has already offered -- but without the agreement of the U.S. is impossible.
The latest evidence for me was Ali Larijani's remarks yesterday. "In order to increase the country's revenue," he said to Fars news, "we have to reach the global market."
Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I think these Iranian neo-conservatives can break a lot of old taboos because Khamenei deeply trusts them. The taboo to directly talk to the U.S. could be on top of them.
Posted by hoder at February 6, 2005 10:42 AM
I don't think one can call the rulers of Iran "neo-cons" since they do not subscribe to the same ideology. At present, the neo-conservative ideology is limited to the US, and it forms just a small segment of the American political landscape. As for the rest of your post, I think you have a point there. There is a good possibility that the Mullahs for the sake of self-preservation, decide to enter to some form of discussion with Americans. It has happened before in at least two other occasions: at the time of Reagan's election and the Iran-Contra affairs. After all the revered leader might decide that it's time to drink from the poison cup and jump in bed with the great Satan.
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I would be glad to see a peaceful solution to the looming crisis.
Perhaps you will contribute an article over at Winds of Change on all this? If you want to, just let one of the team know.
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To me, what you mentioned seems more like an unfulfillable desire than a realistic analysis of political situation in Iran. If you really think these Iranian "neo-conservatives" are able and willing to "break a lot of old taboos", how do you distinguish reformists from them? I believe these guys neither are willing to do so, nor are able to. There is a big contradiction between having the willingness for breaking taboos and being a conservative.
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