|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.politico.eu/article/moderate-iran-is-a-fantasy-ayatollah-tehran/
Moderate Iran Is a Fantasy
(Politico) Giulio Maria Terzi - Unfortunately the odds are that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will neither make the Middle East safer nor fundamentally change the nature of the Iranian regime and its conduct in the region. It seems quite evident that the nuclear agreement has given the regime added motivation to crack down on Iranian civil society, become more belligerent in the region, and keep Western influence at bay. Meanwhile, European governments are willing to talk with President Rouhani about oil deals and trade partnerships even if it means ignoring Iran's worsening human rights situation, its sponsorship of terror, and its destabilizing activities in the Middle East. Italy, France and the EU should not only use Rouhani's visit to explore trading opportunities. First and foremost, Rouhani's visit should be a test of his willingness to change Iran's egregious conduct and an opportunity to hold him accountable for his actions. Until Iran can demonstrate a real commitment to moderation: releasing political prisoners, safeguarding the rights of citizens, withdrawing support for terrorist groups, retracting hateful propaganda, and ending their meddling in the affairs of other countries, the narrative of Iranian moderation will remain a fantasy. The writer is a former foreign minister of Italy and was its ambassador to the U.S. and the UN.