Category | Op Ed

Iran: showdown or new diplomatic opportunity

Published on February 10, 2009 by Matthew Cole

America is not the only country changing presidents in 2009. The Islamic theocracy, and founding member of the “Axis-of-Evil,” Iran, is set to have elections in June. Incumbent president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the man whose name republicans seem to have a hard time pronouncing, will have to run against a familiar face. Recently announcing his candidacy is Ahamdinejad predecessor, Mohammed Khatami.

When Khatami became president in 1997, many hoped that his moderate government would bring the Iranian government out of the Dark Ages and adapt to a modernizing Iranian society. This seems like a reasonable goal for many Iranians to hope for. While cultural relativism may have its place, I believe that Iran’s government has some catching up to do in many areas, such as women’s rights. Khatami did attempt to make reforms in Iran’s government where possible. Women in Iran now have much more freedom about where they can work and who they can marry. Obviously, the application of Islamic law has come a long way since the time when the prophet Mohammed married his favorite wife, Aisha, when she was just six years of age. In the era of globalization, it isn’t always such a great idea to base all government policy on the divine revelations of a pedophile who lived over a millenium ago. Of course, Khatami had his hands tied in policy making. The real power in Iran’s theocracy lies not with elected presidents or parliament members, but with the Supreme Leader, a figure whose job it is to make sure Iran’s government stays Islamic enough for the clerics.

President Ahmadinejad’s electoral victory in 2005 has been a setback in Iran’s inevitable path toward modernization, but his unpopularity with the Iranian people may indicate that the times may be changing soon. Recent pro-Khatami demonstrations promised that modernization will be appreciated. If the moderates gain a victory in June, and the demands for modernization continue to spread throughout the Iranian populace, then not even the Supreme Leader will be able to resist the call for change.

This is a pivotal moment for U.S.-Iranian relations. Since 1979, the U.S. has had an official regime change policy toward Iran. This may have been a good policy in the early 80s, but the Iranian government is well-entrenched by now and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It is time for America to accept that reality and try a more diplomatic approach with Iran. Diplomacy with Iran was one of the promises made by Obama. Joe Biden recently told European allies that he is committed to opening dialogue with Iran over their nuclear program and support for terrorism. Could this be the perfect time for another “Grand Bargain”?

In 2003, the Khatami administration sent a fax to the White House via the Swiss embassy in Tehran. This was a proposal now known as the “Grand Bargain,” Iran put everything on the table in this bargain. They offered to end their support for terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, abandon their nuclear program and end hostility towards Israel. In return they asked that the U.S. abandon this outdated regime change policy and normalize relations. This could have been a “Nixon in China” moment for U.S.-Iran relations, but the Bush administration rejected this offer, even after Iran assisted the US in the military invasion of Afghanistan. If Khatami wins the U.S. is presented with such an offer again, and I hope Obama will make the right choice.

Matthew is president of the campus Libertarians.