by Dariush Mirzai

As happened with the nuclear question, different factions of the regime are making their voice heard in a debate which is largely domestic. Meanwhile the head of the Pasdaran has threatened Iraqi Kurds: we could neutralize them even beyond our borders.

Teheran (AsiaNews) – Iran is the only state that has not yet responded explicitly and formally to the invitation to participate in the Baghdad conference about stabilizing Iraq. Surely it will take part but who will represent the regime of the mullahs? As happened with its nuclear dossier, many have spoken up and expect to represent the Islamic Republic, namely Larijani, Ahmadinejad and the head of the Revolutionary Guard, Safavi. And the man invited by Baghdad, the Foreign Affairs Minister Mottaki, is keeping quiet.

Is the Islamic Republic being a “prima donna”? It would seem so. In fact, when it comes to strategic decisions, the different centres of power must usually coordinate first, either behind closed doors or in clamorous manner before the press. And this takes a bit of time. Meanwhile, the head of the National Security Council Ali Larijani, said Iran is “studying the Iraqi proposal”. As for the most interesting, if not fascinating, fact for the Iranian regime, that of sitting at the same table as the United States, he merely said “it would not be a problem”! Not losing face, keeping up national pride: an essential factor when it comes to Iran... that has often cost the Persians dearly.

Iran has not laid down conditions to participate in discussions about Iraq. Larijani said “Iran will participate if it is in the interests of Iraq” and that “security in Iraq regards all neighouring countries and they should contribute to stabilizing the situation”. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad critcizes US policy on Iraq and insists on the importance of supporting the “legal government of Iraq” as well as its sovereignty and national unity. He is worried about relations between Shiites and Sunnis. Thus, the president of the Republic is thinking of stopping over in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

So far, US operations in Iraq have been very useful to Iranian interests in the Middle East. However, things are changing. The incidents against Iranian “diplomats” in Iraq, although they are not mentioned much in Teheran, in these days, are humiliating for Iran. After the execution of Saddam Hussein, good news for Iran, the popularity of the Shiites Ahmadinejad and Nasrallah has drastically diminished in “Sunni” countries. The indirect influence of Iran on governments of the region has thus lost clout, an element that further contributes to Iran’s growing isolation.

The neighbours of Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, have also been accused of allowing armed groups pass through Iranian territory, groups coming from unstable zones inhabited by ethnic and sectarian minorities. The recent statements by the head of the Pasdaran (Revolutionary Guards) are also worrying. Yayha Rahim Safavi said: “I warn Kurdish movements in Iraq and Iranian anti-revolutionary rebels, who are linked with foreigners, that the Iraqi government must expel them from the region. Otherwise, the Revolutionary Guards may consider their right to chase away and neutralize these [people] beyond the border to defend their security and that of the Iranian people.” He added that, according to him, “the United States and the Zionists are seeking to provoke insecurity in Iran with millions of dollars through materials and the financing of satellite TVs and acquisition of arms for these groups.”

• iran
• iraq
• usa
• conference
• baghdad
• stabilization
• security
• factions
• pasdaran
• kurds