Iran: From Khomeni to Martin Indyk
Abstract
Iran is well endowed with a strategic location, human and material resources, cohesive society, distinct culture, and glorious history. But to assume a central role in the region, Iran first has to come to peace with itself. Since the 1979 hostage crisis, Iran has become a hostage to its own fault lines of thinking. This paper addresses the geostrategic factors that have shaped Iran's current policies. Special attention is given to Iranian-U.S. relations with a view toward exploring a possible shift in the strategies of both countries. The author's ultimate purpose is to examine the prospects for a new security model in the Middle East region with Iran performing a cooperative and constructive role. This paper is structured to address three basic themes. First, Iran's internal dynamics are significant factors in determining its future geopolitical functions in the Persian Gulf region, Central Asia, and the Southern Caucasus. To perform such functions, the Iranian leadership has to clearly define Iran's strategic direction and national interests, Iran's internal forces must come to a consensus on future policies, and the Iranian sociopolitical system has to establish itself as a modern state rather than a revolutionary system. Second, despite the strategic location of Iran and its recent military buildup, it lacks a meaningful power projection capability and is not, therefore, in a position to pose a threat of a strategic nature either to the region or to U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf. Third, "Dual Containment Policy," designed by the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Martin Indyk, represents a substantial departure from the authentic "Philosophy of Containment," pioneered by George F. Kennan. The Iranian half of Dual Containment is a politically driven policy. It has no strategic grounds and is not consistent with U.S. interests. Therefore, to advance U.S. interests in the region, the Dual Containment Policy has to be review7
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA436958
Entities
People
- Mohammed Al-allaf
Organizations
- National War College