The President of the United States Barack Obama should be applauded for approaching Iran to bring some stability in the Middle East. Obama’s letter expressed the shared interest in combatting the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The rise of ISIS threatens the region, particularly Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Ironically, it was chiefly Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabi muftis (religious scholars) who issued fatwas (edicts) sanctioning the killings of non-Wahhabis and inspiring the existence of groups such as ISIS, which are now threatening Saudi Arabia itself. If ISIS is not brought to justice for the atrocities that it has committed in Iraq and Syria, its destructive ideology will spill over into other non-Wahhabi countries, causing immense killings and destruction in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere.
ISIS is a threat to the world security. Wahhabi extremists such as ISIS brutally kill non-Wahhabis and seize the victims’ properties. They are a threat to both Shias and Sunnis. Wahhabi hatred for Shias is well known. However, the majority of their victims in Iraq have so far been Sunnis who refused to convert to Wahhabism or submit to Wahhabi demands.
Despite posturing in Washington against Iran by some politicians who play on the voters’ emotions, the United States and its allies cannot alone bring stability into the region. If the invasion and bombing could bring peace, they would have brought peace to Afghanistan and Iraq. After years of Western intervention, both countries are still embroiled in division and conflicts. American warmongers fear peace far more than war for peace might threaten their political standing. To defeat ISIS, the United States has to work with Iran.
ISIS also threatens Iran. For that reason, Iran was the first nation that provided weapons and military advisors in the support of Iraq and its Kurdish region to combat ISIS. Iranian leaders realize that Iran by itself cannot defeat ISIS for the United States and its allies in the region could undo any Iranian victory. Unless the Iraqis rise to the occasion, Iran needs Western cooperation in defeating ISIS.
Evidently, the Iranian policies differ from those of the United States on many fronts. However, one thing is clear that ISIS threatens both countries. The mutual threat to the United States and Iran opens a door for cooperation. And, the success in Iraq might open the door to resolve the Afghan and Syrian conflicts, as well.
Meanwhile, American Arab allies in the Middle East still allow individuals and media through press, television, and internet to inspire, promote, and support organizations such as ISIS. The United States could ask these countries to pacify the provocation emanating form their territories.
Mending the relationship between the United States and Iran is necessary in improving global security. Let us support President Obama’s approach to Iran!
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