The Islamic Republic Should Not Be Too Happy About the Words of the U.S. Secretary of State

For those who were surprised by the recent remarks of Mr. Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State regarding the Islamic Republic, it may be useful to recall a few points. Powell stated that the United States should not interfere in Iran's affairs and that President Khatami came to power in a free election. The U.S. Secretary of State also referred to the events in Iran as a 'family dispute' between reformist supporters and conservative clerics. The implication of these remarks, which were welcomed by the Islamic Republic, is that there is no independent protest movement in Iran outside of these so-called reformists, and if there was something in the past weeks that took to the streets and still has some remnants in prisons and torture chambers, it no longer exists, and once again, America's chances of aligning with the reformists remain. Such statements, which have been the basis of the confused and sometimes destructive policies of the U.S. State Department toward Iranian rulers for many years, should not come as a surprise. It is unfortunate for the people and movements that pin their hopes on bureaucrats for fundamental changes. Although the American people and perhaps the majority of Congress members and many politicians and leaders in the U.S., like President Bush, sincerely wish for the victory of Iranians over the religious fascism ruling Iran, Iranian political forces know that while utilizing any support, they should never fall into the delusion regarding either America or particularly many of its bureaucratic institutions run by ignorant managers. The leaders of the Islamic Republic are free to breathe a sigh of relief after a long period of anxiety upon hearing Mr. Powell's words and to say in a thick accent, 'Thank God, it was a danger that passed!' However, they are just as mistaken as those who naively believe that America will come and solve their problems. It should be reminded to Mr. Kamal Kharrazi, who said, 'Mr. Powell's statements are signs of acceptance of reality by America,' that U.S. State Department officials were also very optimistic about the Taliban regime in 1996. However, their efforts to maintain the Taliban regime did not prevent the fall of that medieval regime. (For details on the U.S. State Department's actions regarding the Taliban, refer to Joel Mowbray's article in NRO dated May 9, 2003, titled 'Friend of the Ba'athists'). The shocking point regarding the policies of the U.S. State Department is not that they are not aligned with the long-term interests of the Iranian people. Every government is primarily responsible for safeguarding its own people's interests. America's main concern regarding Iran is its equipping with weapons of mass destruction. What applies to all factions of the Islamic Republic and even to the bankrupt 'national' and leftist elements in Iran is a complete consensus on Iran's 'right' to possess nuclear weapons and the necessity of it for self-defense. From this perspective, Mr. Powell's remarks are not even in line with America's interests.