ARAB NEWS
Published Wednesday 21 October 2015
This is with reference to the report “Saudi Arabia envisions no Iran role in ending crisis” (Oct. 20). Any country, which thinks of Iran otherwise is sadly mistaken and does not understand the current political dynamics of the Middle East. Iran may not have created this chaos in the region but undeniably it has fully exploited the situation to its advantage and to foment unrest in the Arab world.
Unfortunately, the international community particularly the West apparently believes that it knows the Middle East better than its actual inhabitants. Saudi Arabia, known for refraining from unnecessary interference in the internal matters of neighboring countries, has been very vocal about Iranian regime role in the region and the removal of Assad regime from Syria since day one. Had the world heeded Saudi advice at the very beginning, the situation of the region would have not deteriorated to this extent. Iranian regime is being driven by its hunger for regional hegemony. The Iranian press is filled with statements issued by various hard-liners calling for the resurrection of the Persian Empire.
Despite all the evidences pointing toward Iran, the West appears to be cozying up with this rogue regime. All the latest developments including the imminent nuclear deal with Iran and the consequent lifting of economic sanctions indicate that the western policymakers have a different plan for the Middle East.
It would be too early to predict the outcome of the ongoing western attempts to please Iranian regime. However, one thing is certain that this regime can never be trusted to play any role for peace in the region. Iranian plans for hegemony will only cause further friction and chaos in the Middle East.
Daesh also appears to be Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Team-B. All its actions are only helping Iran promote its interests in the region. The Arab countries need to take a joint stand against Iranian regime and devise a solid strategy to counter Iranian tactics.
Tahir Qureshi, Jeddah