Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Speaking of Iran | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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It appears that some did not grasp that what King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz proposed at the Kuwait Economic Summit was an initiative for inter-Arab reconciliation, not reconciliation with Tehran.

Perhaps they were paying attention but wanted to modify [King Abdullah’s] statement to what they themselves endorse. It is natural that some – from here and there – breathe a sigh of relief at the thawing of inter-Arab relations; and so Syria’s ally avoids criticism in the same way that Qatar’s allies finds a way out following the dissolving of the points of contention between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

But the strange thing is that some are attempting to take statements out of context in order to present them in Iran’s favor, as when one wrote a false and distorted [statement] in order to convince us that it is only differences that are between the Arabs and Iran and not hostility. Saying that certain Arab media should stop talking about Iran.

As if it is that easy! What about the Kingdom of Morocco severing ties with Iran; is this differences or hostility? What about the statements from Tehran – and not for the first time – stating that Bahrain is an Iranian province; is this differences or hostility?

What about [Saudi Foreign Minister] Saud Al Faisal calling for Iran to support Arab causes through legitimate Arab [entities]; what is the meaning behind this? Does this mean that Iran was [previously] taking action in the interests of our nations and stability [or its own]?

Here should we not remind ourselves of what Iran is doing in Lebanon via Hezbollah, whose leader only a few weeks ago accused Egypt of betrayal? Have those who wish to improve Iran’s image in our Arab world forgotten that Hezbollah carried out an armed coup in Beirut?

Should we not remind those who are concerned with improving Iran’s image that Hamas – who have been strengthened by Tehran – also carried out an armed coup in Gaza against the Palestinian Authority?

Is all of this not enough to remind those [who are attempting to improve Iran’s image] about what Iran is doing in our region?

Of course not, for some of those who want to improve Iran’s image today were the same ones who yesterday were defending Saddam Hussein in the name of Arab nationalism. My God, how can they then turn a blind eye so quickly and easily to what Tehran is doing in Iraq, and to the Iraqi people?

So long as we project our anger, alliances, and hostility in the Arab world at those that threaten our security and occupy our land, so how can those [that want to improve Iran’s image] have forgotten that Iran is occupying three Emirati island, not to mention [sheltering] members of Al Qaeda on their soil, which has caused terrorism in our countries?

Have we forgotten the Houthi [rebels] in Yemen and those that stand behind them? What about those that promote sectarian strife in our countries; yet after all of this those [that wish to improve Iran’s image] come and say that Iran is not terrifying, and does not possess magical properties!

Iran is undoubtedly terrifying, especially since it desires nuclear weapons.

Destruction, interference, and wreaking havoc, does not require magical properties, as the defenders of Tehran espouse; rather all that is needed for those who wish to sabotage our countries are people to confuse the issue and bewilder the people until an enemy is seen as a friend, and there are many such people among us.

We must speak about Iran, and about those who are trying to improve its image, so that the relationship with Tehran is built upon mutual respect, and not interference in our [Arab] affairs, and not undermining our stability!