Rohani Can Break the Ice of Relations
The view towards foreign policy must not be black and white. The path of policy is a gray path and perhaps this is the most important reason that, even in a war, the channel of diplomacy of countries is never blocked. Moving in rough patches is among the complications of the political scene. Hearing one voice in the area of politics is a cause for concern and if different factions become united with regard to having relations with any country, then the concern can become more serious. If the developments on the ground in the Middle East and ideological competitions which attempt to change geopolitical equations move in the present path, no clear perspective and future could be imagined for relations between Tehran and Riyadh. In an atmosphere which is assumed to be closed and improper, efforts should be made to find a solution. We must start from one point and prepare the ground. Usually small conflicts are measures aimed at creating big conflicts, thus, one must resolve the crisis with wisdom. Crisis is an opportunity where the art of the politicians and politics must be crystallized. During days when the finger of blame is pointed at Saudi Arabia in the unrests in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, perhaps one could reach better results in Riyadh instead of fighting against the Salafis in al-Anbar, Homs and Aleppo.
Although the war between al-Nusra and Daesh might seem, at a first glance, as an opportunity for those groups that fight against the Salafis, it could be a common concern, from the general Islamic perspective, to prepare the ground for dialogue between Riyadh and Tehran. Today Saudi Arabia is managing crises outside its borders which might entangle itself as well. More than being afraid of its ideological opponents, Riyadh must be afraid of its friends. The conflict between al-Nusra and Daesh could be the reason behind this concern. What guarantee is there that those who are fed by Riyadh and are fighting against each other today will not fight against Saudi Arabia tomorrow? It has, many times, been proven that ideological groups that have gotten used to anarchist behaviors will no longer listen to their orders once they gain money and possibilities.
The geography of countries cannot be changed but the mindsets are changeable. Iran and Saudi Arabia are two powerful neighbors which could not be ignored in regional equations separate from their bilateral relations. The issue of neighborhood and its numerous obligations and the current issues of the region necessitate the improvement of relations between Tehran and Riyadh and both sides must have foreign policy concerns. There is always a starting point. The seed of ending the Cold War between Moscow and Washington was spread in the climax of the Cold War and its literature.
Rohani’s first regional visit to Saudi Arabia could be a starting point in ending the cold atmosphere between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Today’s situation is not worse than when Imam Khomeini had stated that if we forgive Saddam, we will not forgive al-Saud and then managing the crisis resulted in the creation of two wings in Iran and Saudi Arabia. The status of Tehran and Riyadh could be impacted by different conditions, but none of them could change the structure of this equation. Iran and Saudi Arabia are and will be the two geopolitical and influential realities of the region and the world of Islam. Of course one could take advantage of the power of one side to weaken the other and in a broader look the world of Islam. If both sides feel this common pain and reach the conclusion that these issues could be resolved only through dialogue, then they can help in the establishment of peace and security in the region instead of a destructive war. This would be a realistic step in increasing the credibility of the world of Islam from inside and especially from outside.
The literature of the political scene is based on mutual respect. Literature of combat has no place in the political scene. All efforts should be made in this area to transform the enemy into a rival and a rival into an ally. Destruction is an easy and inexpensive measure. Construction needs patience and prudence. The coming to power of the new administration in Iran is an opportunity and Rohani’s literature based on interacting with the world strengthens this opportunity. The presidential election in Iran created basic changes. The area of actions of the government of prudence and hope is not limited to the domestic policies and the nuclear issue in its foreign policy.
Iran has the most serious problems with Saudi Arabia among its neighboring countries. This is a problem which has the capacity to spread inside and outside the borders. If we can negotiate with the US in Geneva, we can talk with Saudi Arabia to complete it in the region. It is said that Saudi Arabia is concerned about the nuclear talks. This is while these talks must not be a matter of concern for the Saudis but rather a reason to have peace of mind. If the result of these talks is the spread of peace and security, which could be the case, this would be a good result for Saudi Arabia.
Opportunities do not last long. The art of politicians is to understand these opportunities and better use them at the proper time. Iran’s election has created an opportunity for Iran in the area of foreign policy in the world and the region. The visit made by Iran’s President to participate in the UN General Assembly and the positive image which was shown of Iran were the top news of the last UN General Assembly and extended the peaceful call of the people of Iran to the world. Although Rohani’s visit to Riyadh may not have global reactions, it can undoubtedly be the most important news of the recent months of the region and prepare the ground for future actions. Rohani’s first Middle East visit to Saudi Arabia can be considered as the most important practical step in the path of détente in this crisis-stricken region.