Posted on 03/16/2010 7:55:23 PM PDT by odds
Iran is closely watching the unfolding crisis between Israel and the United States over Israeli settlements – and Jerusalem clashes with Palestinians that injured more than 100 today – for ways to rejuvenate its diminished influence in the Middle East.
Iran has seen its reputation tarnished across much of the Middle East by weeks of violent street clashes after the June 2009 presidential election, which many Iranians believe was rigged.
“The Iranians are going to see an opportunity to improve their position in the region, to capitalize on Israel’s reduced standing vis-à-vis the US, to reduce the chances of an anti-Iran coalition being formed,” says Meir Javedanfar, an Israel-based Iran analyst.
Demonizing the US and Israel – sometimes referred to in Iran's ideological parlance as the "Great Satan" and "Little Satan" – has been a pillar of the regime since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
After more than 31 years, chants of “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” and flag burning remain routine at pro-regime rallies. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad often claims that Israel’s oppressive policies against Palestinians will cause the destruction of the Jewish state.
Such a result – were it ever to happen – would relieve Iran of a constant thorn in its side, but also deprive it of one of the perennial enemies it has used to maintain its “revolutionary” status.
(Excerpt) Read more at csmonitor.com ...
I did read all of it, and thanks for posting it. The article includes the recent claims by American military brass that the lack of progress on the Israel/Palestine is undermining US interests in the region. There is surprisingly little public comment on this.
Maybe most don’t expect much of a progress on Israel/Palestinian issue. If the past is any indication, then I don’t see much of a resolution now or any time in the next 3 years, if ever.
However, Iranian regime taking advantage of Israel/Palestinian conflict, US response to it, as well as US-Israel ‘public’ relations is a different story, in my view.
There will never be peace because Islam calls for Muslims to fight and kill Jews to reach judgement day.
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