A new small step to Gulf stability
Iran held its 19th annual Death to America demonstration near the old U.S. embassy in Teheran. The chanting was lackluster, the small crowds went through the motions. Instead of an American flag, the protesters burned an effigy of American imperialism -- as a courtesy to the American people. As the rally was ending, the leaders of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. embassy made it clear that the harsh rhetoric of the revolutionary days is over. They invited the former U.S. hostages to visit Iran, as their guests.
The Iranian offer is the latest in a series of small but significant steps in restoring Iran-U.S. relations. There is much work to be done, particularly by the two governments. But it is becoming clear that most of the people in both countries would welcome a restoration of correct diplomatic relations. From the tour of Teheran by the U.S. wrestling team last year, faltering but steady advances have been made toward that end.
The importance of U.S.-Iran relations is clear. Iran maintains the undoubted ability to significantly influence events in the Middle East. Last weekend's threat by the shadowy but powerful Hezbollah organization to fight Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is the latest proof of Iran's strength. Iran has largely created and exclusively backed Hezbollah as a militant, violent group. Its leaders are calling on members to kill Israelis and to "cut off Yasser Arafat's hands" for signing a peace agreement with Israel.
In a better world, Iran would drop its strong support for Hezbollah while urging the group to stop its terrorism. This is a vision which can be achieved if Iran can make the adjustments necessary to play its proper role in the world. Such a role will necessarily include resumption of diplomatic relations with Washington. This must occur on conditions which both countries can accept, of course. But Iran certainly must drop its overt support for its most violent citizens and overseas admirers. The revolution in Iran was achieved years ago. Iran has a role to play as a large and strong nation in the Gulf region. It can only play such a role by adopting realistic policies, so that it can live side by side with the rest of the world.
-- The Bangkok Post