Iran has been struggling for the nuclear power since quite
long and now it is hoping that the talk between Iran and Obama administration
will conclude this issue very soon. Iran has always been an important state in
the region. Now Iran rising in the region is influencing Gulf States and Iran as
a nuclear power is seen as more of a threat than stability.
Historically Iran had supported Iraqi government and Sunnis
in the north as well. Iran was the only country that recognizes the government
in Iraq after US invaded Iraq and destroyed the country and also Iran is interfering
in Yemen politics as well. Iran has no problem in holding general elections in Yemen,
and this is not possible without the support of Yemenis people. This shows that
people still see Iran as a moderator of stability in the region. However, Iran’s
intervening in many nations’ domestic issues has proved that Iran could be a
threat in the region. Moreover, Iran is building military capabilities as well.
Many people believe that Iran with the nuclear weapon could be very problematic
and dangerous for the regional stability. Professor Baabood (prof. at Qatar
University) said that ISIS is a product of people from many states from this
region including Iran. Nations in the region should stop blame game now and
work together against ISIS and anarchy in the region. If this is or not true, but
still people and some nation as well see this shift in balance of power in the favor
of Iran as a threat.
Analyzing this situation from realist perspective, I must
say that Iran is an offensive realist state which is trying to ensure its
security by building hard power and by showing its influence in the region as
well. However, there is another possibility as well that after a long period of
hostility with many nations especially Saudi Arabia, Iran wants to gain power
over these countries. I believe that apart from religious issues with Saudi
Arabia, Iran is concerned more about Saudi Arabia as Oil Export competitor. In the
end, whatever are the intentions, I think rise of Iran is not a threat for
everyone, as historically it has been supporting some of the countries in the
region as well.
http://video.aljazeera.com/channels/eng/videos/alarm-over-iran%E2%80%99s-rising-influence/4113321946001
I appreciate your attempt to try and unpack the rising power of Iran. However, there are a few points that need clarification.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Iran supports the Shi'ite groups in Iraq, not the Sunni. Next, Iran is getting involved in Yemen - and in other regional states such as Syria and Lebanon - because of Shi'ite groups in those countries. Iran supports Shi'ite groups in the region in order to both support groups that are favorable to Iran and to expand its own influence. Finally, make sure you keep conceptual clarity on issues when you are discussing them.
That being said, I like how you tried to apply IR theory - offensive realism in this case - to explain Iran's behavior. And I agree with your final comment that Iran is not really a threat to its neighbors, particularly since it has played some role in stabilizing the region.
Keep working on improving your writing and analytical skills - things will get better!