April 2, 2007

May Cool Heads Prevail As Iran Provokes the West

The recent tension between Iran and Great Britain over captured sailors has caused concern all over the world. The passive aggressive behavior on Iran’s part is especially troubliing given the intensity of brutality taking place in other sections of the geographic region.

The increasingly more frequent provocations are surely a reason for worry. Yet at the same time, it is hard not to question the underlying reasons for this behavior. While I am sure there is a sound political science explanation that could fill books, and somehow I think that it will, at first glance there is reason to suppose there may be a simpler justification.

It looks like Iran is jealous. The conflict in Iraq, its neighbor, is getting all the attention. Rightfully so, but Iran appears to disagree. In a sick way, there is a one-sided rivalry between the two countries.

It is as if the legitimacy of a conflict with the West rests on a clearly defined, proactive agenda. Take the questionable nuclear threat Iraq supposedly posed four years ago. Iran, conscious of the urgency of the issue to the West, has badgered the international community with the development of a nuclear enrichment program over the course of the past few years. Earlier this month, the UN Security Council, which includes a representative of the U.S., agreed to support tougher sanctions against Iran.

This proverbial punishment did not temper Iran’s bold defiance. If anything, it seems to have fueled the development of a new confidence in its own significance. The capture of 15 British soldiers because of an alleged trespass is yet another instance of what is likely to become a recurrent act of aggravation.

Iran wants to be the one that stands up to the West. While other Muslim countries have threatened or opposed the U.S. before, Iran wants to emerge as the leader. Yet its brash actions may prove to be a double-edged sword.

The growing resentment is not going to be limited to the West. Other Muslim countries, however disdainful of the Western paradigm, are unwilling to risk the consequences and mirror its conduct after Iran. If multiple transgressions on the part of Iran lead to a reactive intensification of the resistance to Islam overall, all predominantly Muslim countries are bound to be affected.

Iran’s determination and capability should not be underestimated. To be fair, however, looking at the bigger picture may put the situation in perspective. Iran’s antics are not especially treacherous per se. Rather, it is the conclusions we have drawn from previous experience that cause the greatest alarm.

The key to long-term relations with Iran is the understanding of the underlying political motivation, not just its ramifications. Ideally, those whom Iran picks as its adversaries will be able to realize that trying to inflict change on the thought system is counterproductive. Rather, a careful, non-reactionary strategy is most likely to finally make it clear to Iran that further provocation will have serious repercussions.

While it is necessary to question the appropriate immediate responses to possible problems Iran’s political attitude may create, the best strategy is to learn from the events of the past four years and not pursue intransigent policies.

To offer feedback on this column, click here.