Kayvan Kaboli

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, the next Secretary of State, in testimony to the Senate exposed the next U.S. administration’s views on Iran. Mrs. Clinton testified in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday to express the new administration outlook on foreign policy. Mrs. Clinton’s speech, as well as that of Senator John Carry, the Committee’s chairman, made it clear that the issue of Iran is the most important and challenging issue for the upcoming administration.

Despite Senator Clinton’s diplomatic tone for landscaping the possible confrontation with Tehran’s regime, it was obvious that there is no illusion in the minds of the next U.S. leaders on how to deal with Iran. In fact, Mrs. Clinton emphasized that an atomic Iran is not acceptable under any circumstances. She also mentioned that there is no misapprehension about a rapid change in the Iranian regime’s chaotic policies. On the other hand, Mrs. Clinton emphasized the different approach toward Iran compared to the current administration’s. The difference, according to Mrs. Clinton, will come in the form of cooperation with other players who have influence on Iran for the purpose of containment.

On a different note, the media reported that Dennis Ross, an envoy and the chief negotiator under both Republican and Democratic presidents, is likely to be appointed as a special adviser for Iran under the incoming secretary of state. This news brought a wave of uneasiness amongst Iranian lobbies in Washington.

If Mr. Ross’ appointment comes true, the Iranian regime’s dream of buying more time will turn into a nightmare. His knowledge and stance on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Iran’s negative role in the region can make difference against Tehran’s efforts to lessen pressures.

There is no doubt that Obama’s administration and his secretary of state will launch a diplomatic effort to show their different approach from the current administration toward America’s number one foreign issue. A new carrot-and-stick plan will be offered by new foreign policy makers. These carrots and sticks are more defined with a definite timetable and therefore will enervate Mullahs power to maneuver. With the new administration in place, the Iranian regime has already lost its labeling propaganda to name America as a war monger. The new state department’s ability to lead a multilateral effort to put pressure on Tehran’s regime will be an obstacle for Mullahs to create a gap amongst members of the Security Council and the free world.

On the other hand, the overwhelming majority of Iranians both inside of Iran and in the U.S. are against the Islamic regime. Therefore, expect Obama’s administration to offer less carrot and more pressure. Iranian people know with their flesh and bones that pressures will work to enforce the Iranian regime to retreat. Experience has shown in the past that Tehran’s regime reacts to the pressure and a firm position. Unfortunately, despite many gesture and slogans, mixed messages replaced a firm position against Iranian regime and instead, the Iraq war opened a new field for Mullahs to do better maneuvering in the past. Now, the time is ripe for a real deal with Tehran by sending a strong signal toward the rulers of Iran that uranium enrichment is not acceptable, terrorist activities in the Middle East must stop, and the human rights in Iran must be respected.

January 14, 2009