As the clock ticks, Iran now has less than 24 hours to evacuate its diplomatic staff from London. The British – Iranian tumultuous relationship has hit a new low in light of the Wests crippling sanctions aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
But beyond this latest diplomatic stand-off one must understand that from a domestic point of view the theocracy in Iran is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The regime knows full-well that the slightest behavior change and a move towards rapprochement with the West will weaken its legitimacy from within specifically because of its 32 years anti-Western rhetoric. Those hardliners who for over 3 decades have towed this line, will inevitably put themselves at great risk of prosecution in the court of public opinion in Iran if they shift from this position. Behavior change in their view is political suicide as it will inevitably lead to regime change and regime sympathizers such as the Supreme leader will not accept this political discourse.
So, now realizing that the regime in Tehran is incapacitated to change because of its innate nature and therefore unwilling to budge, is the West ready to push for regime change by supporting the people of Iran who are ready to start a new chapter of better relationships between their country and the West. It’s time for a new beginning.
By Shakir Husain - Qatar will no longer grant visas on arrival to citizens of several countries, including Britain and the U.S., from May 1, in a major policy change by the Gulf state, diplomatic missions said.
