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Waving
Iran flag above skyline of Tehran at sunset. © Borna_Mirahmadian /
shutterstock.com
Iran
is not a backward, violent dictatorship. Under the guidance of its religious
leaders, it has developed into a progressive and vibrant Islamic democracy. The
US needs to rethink its policy of sanctions and threats toward this
increasingly important nation.
Americans believe that Iran is a
rogue state run by murderous mullahs, demonizing the Shi’a clerics that oversee
the state. This perception is a result of the country’s propaganda, partly
influenced by Iranian diaspora there. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, many
wealthy members of the Iranian elite left the country; most of them ended up in
the US. They never came to terms with the regime. Although they had serious
differences amongst themselves, they were united in their opposition to the
mullahs. They used their large financial resources to actively influence the
politics of the US and other western countries to follow a hardline anti-Iran
policy. Thanks to their efforts, combined with those of the Israel lobby and
others, the US has been extremely hostile to Iran.
The US has consistently
brandished its “all
options open” policy as a formidable weapon against Iran. Under the Obama
administration, it unleashed some of the most stringent and extensive sanctions
witnessed since 1980. Continuing its relentless pursuit of regime change, the
US has unveiled this April a fresh
wave of sanctions against the Islamic Republic. While clamor
for threats of a military nature has failed to resonate, the repercussions of
sanctions on Iran’s economy have been profoundly debilitating. The insidious
grip of poverty has tightened unabated across the nation, with countless
Iranians succumbing to illness and anguish amidst a dire scarcity of vital
medications.
Amidst a relentless barrage of
western propaganda advocating for a regime change in Iran, the Iranian populace
remains resolutely unfazed, displaying a conspicuous choice not to heed these
efforts. There are reasons for this optimism. This is not the first time Iran has
faced stern international opposition to its regime, and survived. During the
1980 invasion by Iraq, a conflict that saw the involvement of over 80 nations
and military backing from 34 countries, including both the US and the Soviet
Union, in support of Iraq, Iran found itself pitted against overwhelming odds,
with only Libya and Syria extending their sympathies. In the face of this
formidable hostile force, Iran valiantly resisted for a grueling eight years,
steadfastly preserving its territorial integrity without conceding an inch of
its land to the Iraqi aggressors. One of those killed in the pushing back of
Iraqis out of the country was my brother
Sayyid Husayn. He was then a 23-year-old seminary student. Even my over
70-year-old father and other brothers volunteered to defend their country.
Despite the barrage of American
sanctions, Iran has been able to avoid their suffocating effects, navigating a
path towards self-reliance. The Islamic Republic responded to years of
relentless US pressure by spearheading the de-dollarization
of its oil trade in 2007, setting in motion an international wave of dissent
against the American-dominated financial framework. Consequently, the
once-dominant petrodollar rapidly ceded its hegemony, with BRICS nations, Venezuela,
and other states eagerly following suit. There are some hints that even Saudi
Arabia, a staunch ally of the US, may
be succumbing to this paradigm shift. Recent
discussions between China and Malaysia in early April concerning the
establishment of an “Asian Fund” aimed at diminishing reliance on the US dollar
further underscore the momentum of this trend.
Alas, the response from the US
to this trend has been disconcerting. Instead of absorbing the lessons and
altering its course, the US harbors animosity towards Iran for catalyzing the
decline of the almighty dollar. In times to come, impartial historians will
undoubtedly highlight Washington’s susceptibility to manipulation by Iran’s
diaspora, Israel’s influential lobby, and other anti-Iran factions as
contributing factors to the gradual erosion of American hegemony.
What
You Probably Need to Know About Iran Under the Mullahs
Despite the persistent hostility
spearheaded by the US and its western allies, Iran’s mullahs have propelled it
forward on several fronts.
Contrary to the portrayal of
Iran as a dictatorial regime, the Islamic Republic operates as a theo-democracy, as
affirmed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini, who stated, “Islam
does not permit us to establish a dictatorship. We follow our nation’s votes
and act according to their views.”
My visits and observations have
convinced me that Iran’s leadership is committed to the democratic process. I
have witnessed heated debates in Iran’s Majlis, its parliamentary chamber. They
exemplify a passion for the vibrant exchange of ideas. Perusing the newspapers,
I have noted that some regularly support the government, while others criticize
it. In buses, parks, and other public areas, I have listened to common people
expressing their thoughts, for or against the government, without being
reprimanded or arrested.
On the other hand, I found it
perplexing to note the level of sensitivity of some security personnel to the
wearing of the hijab in numerous localities. This stringent enforcement has
continued to provoke discontent among many young Iranians, who find themselves
increasingly aggrieved by such measures.
Iran’s progress under the
leadership of the mullahs has been nothing short of remarkable, catapulting the
nation to an impressive position in global intellectual achievements. According
to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Iran
boasts the second-highest number of engineering graduates per capita on a
global scale. Iran’s engineers and scientific researchers are making great
strides in areas from autism research, to pharmaceuticals—of which 96% are now
produced locally—to cutting-edge nanotechnology.
Quality of life has surged since the revolution. Between 1976 and 2021, the literacy rate experienced a remarkable surge, soaring from a mere 36.5% to an impressive nearly 89%. Likewise, life expectancy witnessed a substantial upswing, climbing from less than 55 years in 1976 to a commendable nearly 77 years in 2021.
Today, over 90% of the
population is covered by free health insurance, ensuring access to essential
medical services. In rural areas, health houses have been established to cater
to the needs of approximately 1,200 residents per facility, bringing healthcare
closer to remote communities. Moreover, Iran’s commitment to healthcare extends
to refugees, with accessible services provided to these vulnerable populations.
The quality of healthcare in
Iran has become so reputable that many people now visit Iran to
benefit from advanced and affordable medical treatment, positioning the country
as a destination of choice. Iran has introduced impressive innovations in areas
such as addressing autism, offering valuable lessons and insights that can
benefit not only the US but also other nations grappling with similar
challenges.
Iran
is a Beneficial Regional Leader
Iran’s military leaders have
left a positive mark on the Islamic world. The revered Qassim Soleimani has
left an indelible impression on hearts and minds across the region, and also
instills a sense of awe in the hearts of Iran’s adversaries, attesting to the
nation’s capacity to nurture exceptional military leaders. Iranian officers are
not a gang of thugs, as western propagandists would like to portray them, but
competent, professional, and honorable leaders making an impact on the world
stage.
In recent memory, General
Soleimani, with the help of Russian air power, played a pivotal role in urging
Iraqis to liberate their land from the clutches of the terrorist organization
ISIS. In Syria, Soleimani’s influence extended to inspiring the local population
to push back against ISIS, bolstering the resistance against this extremist
group. In Lebanon, he inspired a robust response to Israeli aerial bombings.
Furthermore, the Iranian general motivated Yemenis to forge a united front
against the Saudi-led coalition’s aggressive actions.
Iran has demonstrated its
ability to use diplomacy just as well as warfare to build connections and
foster stability in the region. President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration has
actively sought to bolster diplomatic ties with key global players, most
notably China and Russia, among other nations. Impressively, his efforts have
yielded significant progress in normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia and
other Arab states. These constructive engagements have the potential to initiate
a much-needed environment of peace and stability in this turbulent part of the
world.
In stark contrast to the US-led
western powers, the mullahs of Iran have demonstrated a clear objective of
fostering stability and peaceful coexistence among regional countries. Their
unwavering commitment to this vision is exemplified by their endeavors to share
Iran’s resources and inspire neighboring nations. The influence of the mullahs
has been particularly notable in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen,
Venezuela, and others, where they have been instrumental in galvanizing these
nations to assert their independence and stand united against acts of
aggression.
Time
for a New US Iran Policy
Iran’s strategic maneuvers in
forging key partnerships are poised to reshape regional dynamics, inviting the
West to reevaluate its approach towards the nation.
Recently, Iran awarded India a
contract to develop the Chabahar Port, in a move that holds immense potential
for enhancing connectivity and trade. Complementing this development is the
planned construction of a railway network linking Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port on
the Persian Gulf to southern Russia. Upon completion, this ambitious
infrastructure project will revolutionize transportation between East Asia and
Russia, with far-reaching implications.
The significance of these initiatives
cannot be overstated. For India, the railway and port development will
dramatically reduce transportation time, with the current 45-day journey
reduced to a mere 14 days, a savings that will translate into substantial cost
reduction, amounting to millions of dollars for the Indian economy. Equally
consequential is the impact on Europe, as it stands to benefit from an
expeditious and cost-effective cargo route between the continent and East Asia
via Iran. This newfound advantage is bound to incentivize European nations to
reassess their stance on sanctions and explore collaborative opportunities with
Iran.
It is not just economic policy
that is giving the West reason to reevaluate. The stance
adopted by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, against weapons of mass
destruction (WMDs) has posed a formidable challenge to world powers. Khamenei’s
moral stand categorically forbidding the production of WMDs is informed Iran’s
own history during the protracted and devastating eight-year war with Iraq in
the 1980s. The repercussions of Iraq’s chemical attacks persist to this day.
Tragically, I recently received news of the passing of one of my relatives in
Iran, a victim of the chemical injuries sustained during that period, whose
years of suffering have finally come to an end. Despite the suffering that
thousands of Iranians have likewise endured, the nation’s moral conviction
stands as a rebuke to a Western global order predicated on mutually assured
nuclear destruction.
The Iranian revolution has
triggered a profound realignment that continues to shape the contemporary
global landscape. By asserting its own distinct worldview and challenging
western preeminence, Iran has engendered an ongoing dialogue on the nature and
distribution of power in the international arena, posing questions that demand
thoughtful consideration. Despite these signals, however, the US persists in
its efforts to meddle in the affairs of Iran and other nations. Instead of
embracing a more diplomatic approach, the US clings to its reliance on punitive
sanctions, invasions, and interventions, which have become all too familiar
hallmarks of its foreign policy. The recent Russo-Ukrainian War serves as a
stark and regrettable illustration of the US’s propensity for favoring military
action over constructive dialogue and negotiation. It is imperative that the US
awaken to the realities of our changing world.
Under the leadership of its
mullahs, Iran has demonstrated an exceptional ability to forge its own path and
shape its own destiny. While the hostility exhibited by the US may prove to be
transient, one aspect of Iran’s trajectory endures steadfastly: its commitment
to de-dollarization. The US must recognize the significance of this development
and disregard the influence of affluent and divisive diaspora groups and
anti-Iran factions. Instead, a fresh, astute, and equitable policy towards Iran
must be crafted—one that embraces peaceful negotiations marked with wisdom and
balance, fostering a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship.
By Mehdi Alavi
This article was originally published in Fair Observer on June 5, 2023.
