Iran courts the US at Russia's expense
By Kaveh L Afrasiabi
Iran's relations with the Arab world have taken a dramatic turn for the better, in light of Iran's overtures toward the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, as well as in President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's announcement that Iran is prepared to resume full diplomatic relations with Egypt.
That announcement was made on Monday as Ahmadinejad visited the United Arab Emirates and received a rousing official welcome. Widely interpreted as Iran's timely response to US Vice President Dick Cheney's tour of the region and his warning that the United States will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons or to dominate the region, Ahmadinejad's arrival in Dubai coincided with an Iranian olive branch toward not only Egypt but also the US. This is illustrated by Tehran's announcement that it has accepted the United States' invitation for direct talks between American and Iranian ambassadors in Baghdad.
"Iran's foreign policy is moving in the direction of constructive engagement on all fronts," a member of Iran's parliament, the Majlis, announced, adding that the resumption of relations with Egypt will have "positive effects on the whole region".
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Iran sets sights on US alliances
Iran's hard-line president stepped up efforts to pry Gulf countries from their strong US alliance, urging them to push out the American military from bases in the region.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's first visit to the United Arab Emirates on Monday came just days after US Vice President Dick Cheney called on Gulf nations to blunt Iran's efforts at regional dominance.
It also came as the United States and Iran agreed to talk in Baghdad about Iraq's deteriorating security. Although seen as a political turnabout, potential for real progress is low as tensions - and sharp words - continue to escalate.
Pertinent Links:
1) Iran courts the US at Russia's expense
2) Iran sets sights on US alliances
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