Why Contain Iran When Its Own Aims Will Do Just That?
Bloomberg / Vali Nasr
01-Nov-2011 (5 comments)

Nov. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Iran is once again in America’s cross hairs. Even before the allegations of an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington, concerns about Iran were high, with an impending U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq possibly leading to increased Iranian influence there. U.S. opinion and decision makers are expanding their estimate of Iran’s adventurousness and calling for new containment measures.

In both exercises, there is room for misjudgment. In fact, Iran has not become more ambitious of late; rather, its aspirations have been underestimated. As for attempting to rein in Iran, that could prove both counterproductive and unnecessary.

Until recently, the U.S. government regarded Iran as subdued, weakened and relatively isolated. There was considerable evidence for this view. Iran’s leadership is deeply divided. Its economy is reeling as a result of economic sanctions, which have reduced trade and therefore contact with the Arab world.

What’s more, Iran’s standing in the Middle East appeared to be declining after the Arab Spring. The “Arab street,” once enamored with Iran’s bluster, is now turned off by the country’s suppression of dissent at home and its support for the oppressive Syrian regime. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad put down a growing uprising. The possibility of a collapse of the Assad regime threatens to confound Iran’s plans for regional domin... >>>

recommended by Shifteh Ansari

Balatarin
Share/Save/Bookmark

 
Dr. Mohandes

Vali nasr!!

by Dr. Mohandes on Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:07 AM PDT

n both exercises, there is room for misjudgment. In fact, Iran has not become more ambitious of late; rather, its aspirations have been underestimated. As for attempting to rein in Iran, that could prove both counterproductive and unnecessary.

 

Nicely done, But since iran has not become more ambitious as of late... should'nt be the case that its aspirations have been OVERESTIMATEd rather than your choice of word... 

I mean who am I to Butt in here... Just thought to mention this hopefully minor oversight...

 


  •  
Anahid Hojjati

Dear Vildemose,

by Anahid Hojjati on Tue Nov 01, 2011 10:36 AM PDT

I just hope that over time, all these countries can get along. I think if it were not for religious differences, Iraq and Afghanistan could have great relationship with Iran. But that is if and when Islam is not such a big factor in the equation which now it is and for foreseeable future, it will be.


  •  
vildemose

Anahid jan: That has been

by vildemose on Tue Nov 01, 2011 10:31 AM PDT

Anahid jan: That has been always my suspicion. There will be a secterian war between shia and Sunni if the US left. 

 

"We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both." - Louis D. Brandeis


  •  
Anahid Hojjati

Thanks Shifteh for posting this article

by Anahid Hojjati on Tue Nov 01, 2011 08:34 AM PDT

 This author makes a good point that when US pulls out of Iraq and Afghanistan, how Iran might not fair so well.


  •  
vildemose

 Iran’s Revolutionary

by vildemose on Tue Nov 01, 2011 08:18 AM PDT

 Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad put down a growing uprising. The possibility of a collapse of the Assad regime threatens to confound Iran’s plans for regional domin... >>>

When Nato gets involved then they shouldn't be complaining.

"We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both." - Louis D. Brandeis


  •