[From the "Viewpoint" column by Amir Hoseyn Khan-Davar: "America in the Shadow of Russia"]
The signing of the contract between Iran and Russia on nuclear fuel reveals some facts in the nuclear relations between Moscow and Tehran, as well as Iran's nuclear foreign policy toward the Russians, the Europeans, and, finally, the Americans.
Despite its well-known relations with Russians -- especially with regard to the Bushehr nuclear plant -- Iran has proved that, under the current circumstances, without assistance from Moscow, it is able to handle many of its nuclear technology management issues in peaceful fields. Based on nuclear studies and research, Iran is even capable of preparing and providing whatever it needs from its own underground resources and mines. Russia resorted to relatively disappointing turns about Tehran with regard to Iran's America-Europe affairs. Apparently, based on the United States' suggestion, the issue of delivering nuclear fuel to Iran was said to be dependent upon Iran returning the [spent] fuel. This subject led to financial discussions between Russia and Iran about the costs of returning the fuel, and it was totally obvious that, under intense pressure from America, Moscow was obliged to accompany Europe and America along part of the psychological path against Tehran that was being formed. Russia's obligations are mainly economic, commercial, and even political. Over the last 12 years, these obligations have led the Kremlin to demonstrate shameful flexibility toward the West and abandon many of its previous sensitive domains, such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, parts of Central Asia, and recently Ukraine, losing its traditional positions.
Now, the game between Europe and America over Iran has entered a new phase, and it seems that Putin's talks with Bush have had an effect on the signing of this contract and that Moscow has given America some kind of psychological and technical guarantees in this regard.
Iran's having the nuclear fuel cycle technology has now been accepted by the nuclear powers and others in the world. This issue greatly strengthens and stabilizes Tehran's position in the arena of international relations. In fact, one could even say that Iran being tolerated by Europe and America, the numerous trips by high-ranking European authorities to Tehran, and inviting Iranian authorities to visit high-ranking leaders of the European countries and the European Union are the consequences of this new position and power. The more interesting point is that the Iranian authorities who are participating in the nuclear talks are mostly visiting and talking to high-ranking European officials, who enjoy more senior official positions compared with the Iranian authorities. Iran's nuclear technology and the Iranians' active diplomacy could be the reasons for this.
It might be said that Moscow's new activity in Bushehr and its promise to send Russian experts to the nuclear plant in this city can be interpreted as America possibly not attacking Iran. And the fact that, from the Russian point of view, the situation is now suitable for more active measures and cooperation might be more understandable from this angle.
This new development -- which should have happened in the course of its natural procedure, but which took place during the last few months under sensitive and fragile circumstances, when it was less likely to happen -- will strengthen Russia's position in the nuclear talks between Iran and Europe.
It can be said that the possibility of a gradual and unremarked exit by Europe from the domain of the talks and America's emergence in the talks with Iran in the shadow of Russia can be a new and interesting phenomenon. Still, the Europeans can maintain a presence in the talks. This presence is basically necessary for stronger security and guarantees for Iran. However, if it enters these talks, Russia will have a better chance than the three favorite governments of the European Union. And of course, if the interests of Iran's national security are taken into consideration, Iran will more easily accept Moscow's opinions, and the possibility of the talks coming to a successful end will increase. At the present time, all efforts are focused on putting Tehran under the direct control of the powers in order to prevent the possible formation of a new nuclear power in the international order. This is the reason why ElBaradei, as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has strictly warned America and Europe that in the event of an attack on Iran, the Iranians will be able to produce atomic bombs in two years. In fact, America and Europe's policy and behavior can have an effect on this matter and future developments. In case of any physical mistake with regard to Iran, a heavy shadow will be spread by them over many "international expectations."
Nu, zayats, pogodi!
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com