Assemblée parlementaire de l'OTAN
HomeMEDIA RESOURCES2009 Edinburgh Session17 November 2009 - “NEVER INTERRUPT YOUR OPPONENT WHEN HE’S MAKING A MISTAKE” – IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME COULD MEET EFFECTIVE OPPOSITION AT HOME, SAYS EXPERT

17 November 2009 - “NEVER INTERRUPT YOUR OPPONENT WHEN HE’S MAKING A MISTAKE” – IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME COULD MEET EFFECTIVE OPPOSITION AT HOME, SAYS EXPERT

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The international community should refrain from putting too much pressure on Iran over its contentious nuclear programme, according to Iran expert Professor Ali Ansari. Speaking to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly convened in Edinburgh over the weekend, Professor Ansari explained that Iran’s investment in its nuclear programme is being resisted by an increasing number of Iranians, who would rather see the money put into much-needed infrastructure.

“I think people need to take the democratisation movement in Iran seriously” said Prof Ansari, who teaches Iranian history at St Andrews University.  Speaking to the Assembly’s Science and Technology Committee, he explained that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s nuclear programme is attracting criticism from a growing number of Iranians, including several influential critics. 

“Many Iranians are saying ‘this is absurd, we’re going down the road of the Soviet Union :  what use will this technology be if we’re going to be bankrupt?’” said Ansari, who argued in favour of allowing this domestic pressure to build.  “Never interrupt your opponent when he’s making a mistake” said the professor, quoting Napoleon Bonaparte.  

Ansari said using terms like “Iranian nuclear aggression” was extremely unhelpful, as it strengthens the domestic appeal of the regime, and undermines the more moderate voices.   Asked whether he thought the Iranian nuclear programme actually did have military ambitions, he replied that the lack of clarification from Tehran “would lead to a persuasive case for suspicion.”

He called for a “proper, robust but clever diplomacy” with Iran, involving diplomats with relevant language and cultural skills, and a unity of purpose especially among European nations.  “At the moment it’s more of a Christmas tree approach, where each nation contributes their own bauble to the overall effort” he said. 

 
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