Iran’s Duplicity in Iraq & Afghanistan

I have recently read a number of articles that show a set of definite contradiction of opinions between the governments of Iraq and Afghanistan and the view of the United States concerning Iran. Both Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai have made comments applauding the assistance they attribute to the Iranian government. These comments came after personal meetings between high-level officials. Meanwhile, many political and military leaders, including President Bush, have condemned Iran’s apparent interference by supplying and training the insurgent and terrorist forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. How does one divine the truth from these apparently contradictory opinions?

Many will point to the different realities that would influence the views of each party. While, eventually, the United States will leave the confines of both Iraq and Afghanistan, the leaders of these recent allies will have to live with their somewhat powerful neighbor Iran. This is a reality that would very quickly color my decision on my official position towards a neighbor with the ability to make life and the ability to rule very difficult. Sometimes it is best not to whack the hornet’s nest with a large stick. Often discretion is the better part of valor. The United States is looking at Iran with a heavy emphasis on the near term knowing full well that Iran does not currently pose any threat to America beyond Iran’s stirring up trouble for our troops. So, what would be the most advantageous way to settle the disparity of views concerning Iran?

For now the United States should show a guarded but permissive attitude towards both Iraq and Afghanistan regarding their attempts to mold a peaceful understanding with their neighbor Iran. We must take a realistic view armed with the knowledge that where Iran currently poses many difficulties for our efforts in the Middle East, we have the two advantages of distance from and an overwhelming military advantage over Iran. Neither Iraq nor Afghanistan currently has such a comfort zone. Part of the desire to placate Iran by Iraq and Afghanistan stems directly from the overly rancorous and dividing opposition to our involvement and deployment of troops in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. These contrary and equally shrill views must leave our allies in the Middle East extremely concerned as to what changes the upcoming elections next year will have on our commitments. I mean, let’s face it, the very public and vociferous debate taking place here at home must be awfully disconcerting for those who are dependant on our protection for the immediate future. Smart people do not poke a menacing bully in the neighborhood when they are unsure if their protector is planning to move away or stick around.

I suggest that we should show some deference and understanding for the uncertainty felt by the leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan when it comes to their relations with Iran. Granted, we are apprehensive with the possibility of our efforts being for naught by Iran becoming dominant over either Iraq or Afghanistan. The best way to address this undesirable consequence would be to show more support towards our follow through on our commitment to support and defend of these two allies. I have heard people express confusion on why many countries seem to have tepid response to support America in efforts as those we have undertaken in both Iraq and Afghanistan. All one needs to consider is what would be their personal response and reaction to the conflicting dual front made so evident and public by the constant cacophony of our dueling political parties and their media supporters. I know I would be extremely hesitant to rely on, let alone base my continued survival on, the continued support past the election of the next American President. But this is a price we need to be prepared to pay, as this is the consequence of an open and free society. So, for now we should expect the leadership in both Iraq and Afghanistan to hedge their bets, especially regarding the dual threats of uncertain American resolve and a possibly belligerent Iran. Half of this situation, if not much more, are a direct consequence of our own duplicitous view being purported by our own political parties and leaders. We could modify this situation to one more desirable by committing unquestionably to fulfill our promises and obligations made to the Iraqi and Afghan governments and people. Any less is less than honorable.

Beyond the cusp