 Real axis of evil
European
Union's flirtation with the Axis of Evil delays democracy in
the region
By Ardavan Bahrami
November 23, 2003
The Iranian
Following the recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul,
a Turkish politician stated that "such behaviour will bring Turkey
even closer to the European Union, the United States and Israel. As
a matter of fact a team of anti-terrorist experts have arrived
from Israel."
I have always admired the Turks. They are, if
not the most, definitely one of the most patriotic people I have
ever seen. Since the foundation of the modern Turkish republic
in 1920's, Turkey has strongly attached herself to the essence
of Kemal Ataturk's doctrine.
Though at times under threat
from Kurdish separatists and Armenian terrorists as well as experiencing
interferences from religious fanatics (the latter mainly supported,
financed and trained by the Islamic regime of Tehran), Turkey has
always reiterated the principles introduced by the founder of the
republic, that is, to remain a modern, pro-Western and a totally
secular republic. By adhering to these principles Turkey
has successfully managed to separate religion from the state.
The secret to Turkey's triumph is in its uncompromising
devotion to Ataturk's vision and its uninterrupted continuation
in his
footsteps for almost eighty years. This has created a school
of thought that through generations has forged ideals for her people
to follow, value and defend. Fixed ideals, goals and principles
are the necessary ingredients for any project or campaign to succeed. This
particularly applies to politics.
Iranian nationalists and various political groups
have been redefining themselves since the beginning of our exile
in the late seventies. Though
adjustments are vital tools of any government in order to keep up
with global changes and human advancements, redefinition of one's
political campaign or lack of it will only confuse and over a period
of time exhausts its followers.
Even today our political leaders who have the Islamic
regime as their common enemy have not managed to present a clear
manifesto
for our
future goals and desires as for when and if they come to power. In
order to win people's heart we need to be honest with them. If
we believe in our unique national identity in that region and continue
our struggle to create a fully secular regime irrespective of its
form (republic or parliamentary monarchy), and desire a country
with its foundations moulded in nationalism and patriotism; we
need to
establish our relations with those with common interests in the
Middle East and commence our work and cooperation with other free
nations
to create a better and stable region.
The European Union has proved over and over in
its behaviour that its sole interests and objectives are to gain
as many lucrative
commercial deals as possible with the protectors and financiers
of international
terrorism. In this race the EU has created obstacles and delays
for the United States' fight against global terrorism.
The
EU has openly established trade relations with the Islamic regime
in order to assert its presence in the Middle East as well as with
the newly established energy-producing Central Asian countries. The
winners, at least up until now have been the European countries
and the ayatollahs. The losers in this strife are the Iranian
nation and the United States -- who are paying the highest price
in this battle against an international terrorism skilfully supported
by the EU.
In a visit to the United Kingdom the Israeli Prime
Minister, Ariel Sharon tried "to persuade Britain to do more
to cut off European
support to the three main Palestinian militant groups -- Hamas,
Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade -- responsible
for attacks in Israel." Sharon complained that money from
the EU was finding
its way into the hands of militants to buy weapons.
It is extremely interesting that on one side, the
British government in particular shows its support as a staunch
ally of the United
States and on the other hand deals with members of "Axis of
Evil"
and various terrorist organizations. On this crusade the
British, Germans and the French as the main European powers have
gained the
most lucrative business deals with the Islamic Republic of Iran
to a level that makes one wonder that their disappointment with
the
IR over nuclear developments is only due to the fact that Russians
and not British, French or German companies are the providers of
nuclear technology to the Islamic regime.
The French support for Iraq and their disagreement
with the Iraqi liberation campaign combined with long-standing
German financial
support for the mullahs in Tehran and the British appetite for
cheap oil in the past quarter of a century makes them, the "Real
Axis of Evil".
In such global mayhem, Iranian opposition to the
anti-democratic regime of Islamic rulers in Tehran must engage
in full cooperation
with the US administration and with the Israeli government. It
is crucial for the Iranian nation's sake that we establish
communication channels and create a network of collaboration with
the American government to keep them aware of our nation's
democratic aspirations.
On the Israeli front, the Iranian nation's aspirations
for peace and progress as well as security and development in
our two
countries are similar. A strong, democratic and a secular Iran
will not only obliterate the concept of Islamic fanaticism - born
out of the Islamic revolution of 1979, but also guarantee and safeguard
peace and harmony in the Middle East. This can only be achieved
if Iranians living in the diaspora work together with the Israeli
government, the Jewish lobbyists in Washington and the American
government to counter balance the European efforts to keep undemocratic
regimes
in power.
I have always said that we, secular, pro-democracy
campaigners, have only one ally in the region and that is the
state of Israel. Arab
states and Pakistan will never be true allies or partners for Iran. If
we are serious about establishing a secular and democratic government
for the future of Iran, then we must stop this pointless policy
of trying to keep everyone happy! Hence let's ignore the
EU's financial aspirations and wit at the table with those
who really want a democratic Iran.
In an interview with Reza Pahlavi on C-SPAN a few
days ago, a caller accused him of
having met Israeli officials
and
Jewish lobbyists in Washington. As a political activist and
a pro-democracy campaigner I hope this is true. I believe
we have the right to establish our ties with governments who share
the
same interests in the region, particularly if that is the only
democracy in the Middle East.
Once the tyrants of Qom have been
vanquished; Iran, Israel and India need to create an "Axis of Angels" in
order to promote cooperation, cultural exchanges as well as safeguarding
stability
and peace in the Middle East and ultimately in the Indian Ocean. Of
course Iran's relationship with her neighbours and all democracies
in the world would be one of mutual respect and constructive engagement,
but we must recognize our friends, establish contacts, work towards
our mutual interests and strive to achieve them now.
The European
Union's flirtation with members of the Axis of Evil is a known
fact and it delays the establishment of democracies
in the region. The Islamic Republic is against peace between
Israelis and Palestinians. Its leaders have spoken of their
intention to "annihilate" Israel once they acquire nuclear
capabilities, while the European Union is collaborating with Tehran's
regime to portray a rosy picture of those allegedly reformists
as victims of a group of hard-line ayatollahs.
Today we have Axis
of Evil and European Union working hand in hand against the United
States, Israel and pro-democracy people of Iran.
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Real axis of evil