Team O's Pre-election Overtures

Breaking News: 
The Washington Times: "EXCLUSIVE - US Contacted Iran's Ayatollah Before Elections - Administration overture to Khamenei ridiculed in sermon"


Read it all! And then come back, hear John McCain and learn why ...



"Diplomatic Neutrality is Not an Option"

As we've explained in these pages over the last couple of days, neutrality in the presence of evil is a myth. It doesn't exist. A neutral stance translates into siding with it. Too bad for postmodern society, but a moral choice is on the cards. In Bush terms: you're either for us, or against us. You either support the people of Iran, or you end up on the scrapheap of history with the evil ayatollahs and other apologists of oppressing regimes.

The Washington Times today tells of Neda - the iconic martyr created by the mullahs. A video of her killing has been posted here on the specific request of our contact in Tehran. Please pass it on. A single girl might bring down an entire regime of angry old men  - who knows, save the world from nuclear terrorism.

The TWT editorial confronts the American administration with its stark choices (who could have thought!):

"As recently as a month ago, many Americans doubted that the Iranian people wanted democratic change. That debate is over. No one can credibly claim that the West is foisting the ideals of freedom on Iran's millions. They are telling us through their actions that these truths are self evident and not limited to any culture, time or place. To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, they are placing before mankind the common sense of the subject in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent."

Afshin Ellian is further clarifying his and Geert Wilders' demand  earlier this week for the Dutch Embassador to Iran be recalled and diplomatic ties severed between the countries.

In debates with opponents Ahmadinejad maintained that his foreign policies are very successful. He needed to do that because his rivals identified him as a dangerous adventurer. Ahmadinejad countered by pointing out that because of his policies, 

the Americans no longer pushed for regime change. And the Europeans would be willing to strengthen ties with Iran as evidenced by the fact that Europe is Iran's largest trading partner. In other words, foreign policy is the central theme in the discourse.

The regime is pointing the finger at the West for stoking social unrest. A ludicrous accusation: it is rather disingenuous to tell Iranian mothers that their children are acting on the behest of the CIA, Mosad, AIVD and MI5.

At the same time the regime presents itself as a stable, internationally recognized state. Important in that respect are North America and Europe, because of young Iranian protesters' affinities with these continents. The business world of Tehran is standing before a stark choice: participate with the people, or remain neutral.

If the policies of Europe change, they cannot maintain an attitude of neutrality. Even more so, because another rally has started around 4 PM [ed. yesterday June 23rd]. This means that the business sector is no longer able to function as of noon. And they are profoundly anxious what might happen to their own children en grandchildren participating in the rallies.

What do we win in severing diplomatic ties?

- It is a strong signal to Tehran. Angela Merkel has affirmed Germany's support of the protesters. In so doing she undercut the legitimacy of the Iranian Government. Simultaneously the Iranian people will take it as a firm endorsement.

- A clearer and sharper European policy will cause the regime's elite to split. It is already

devided and they are facing a people who won't stop mass demonstrations. There are also a number of international interests at stake: peace, security and democracy in the Middle East.

- And the humanitarian situation? We must not forget the Iranian state is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the people. There is not a civil war going on yet that might warrant humanitarian assistence.

The Italian Embassy offering emergency assistence to a number of the injured, is just symbolism. The absolute majority of  wounded cannot be helped by Western embassies. The wounded are usually treated at home by doctors and nurses. The moment the Netherlands or any other EU countries start assisting injured protesters in any significant way, the Iranian Government will start blocking the roads to these embassies.

And finally in the coming days we can expect more casualties, some will be fatal. But after thirty years of state terrorism there's a real chance to influence the government of Iran in a positive way. That should be the main focus now, also of European nations.

The price for change is high. But if the regime doesn't change, the price will be even higher. If Khamenei stays on, the killings will go on on a greater scale and the European embassies will be powerless to act.

So sever ties and send a clear message to the Government and to the people of Iran. Neda Salehi was remembered yesterday on a square in Iranian style: after a few minutes the rally was violently broken up. Neda was probably killed by a professional sniper of the Revolutionary Guard. Civilians are usually bludgeoned to death by their leaders. 

To instill fear some demonstrators have been shot from rooftops. The same tactic was used in Sarajevo. The people's answer is: Natarsid, natarsid ma hame ba ham hastim, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, we are together. Wouldn't that be a beautiful motto for EU foreign policy?

P.S.

Many ask me in the Netherlands and abroad why I do not include more messages in my blog. It's simply not wise to do so. I only disclose matters if I can do so without endangering people's lives.