With WikiLeaks’ release of more than 250,000 confidential diplomatic cables between the United States and its allies, politicians and Iran specialists are falling over themselves to highlight the Islamic Republic’s supposed regional isolation and the putatively unanimous dismay with which its nuclear program is viewed. Israeli Premier Benyamin Netayahu, for instance, leveraged the leaks to vindicate his official stance on Iran, declaring, “The documents show many sources backing Israel’s assessments, particularly of Iran…that Iran is the threat.”
The cables illustrate that senior officials in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, and Israel have been privately soliciting the United States to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, alleging that its nuclear program constitutes an “existential threat.” The cables also expose the duplicitous behavior of some, particularly Saudi Arabia, whose ambassador to Iran only recently described Saudi-Iranian relations as “brotherly” and urged further cooperation, citing “common viewpoints” that necessitate “the continuance of consultation between the two countries.”
As news agencies continue to scour the files, it is still too early to make sweeping conclusions. Nevertheless, a closer look at the cables released thus far coupled with recent developments in the region suggests an alternative analysis: Iran is not in fact isolated but is an emerging regional power whose rise itself proves that there is no conse… >>>
