Whither Iran?
The Iranian delegates at the third German-Iranian media dialogue in Berlin unanimously agreed that Iran needs reforms. What they could not reach agreement on was what sort of reforms it needs. Peter Philipp attended the event, which was organised by the Federal German Foreign Office and ifa.
While all political camps in Iran are in favour of reforms, they cannot agree on the best and most reasonable way forward. This was the conclusion reached by Iranian participants at a German-Iranian media dialogue that lasted several days and drew to a close in Berlin on 7 December 2003.
At the invitation of the German Foreign Office, Iranian journalists, publicists and academics, and their German colleagues tried to build bridges and promote mutual understanding during this, the third round of dialogues in an exchange that has been ongoing for several years. Peter Philipp took part.
‘Imperial safeguarding of zones of wealth’
It was impossible to prevent the discussion from repeatedly focusing on recent developments in the region and delegates from repeatedly addressing the role of the USA. Political scientist Prof. Herfried Münkler from the Humboldt University in Berlin spoke in this context about the so-called asymmetry of modern armed conflicts.
The distinguishing feature of these conflicts is that unlike previous conflicts, they involve non-state players such as terrorist groups. The European answer to this development is to reinforce state institutions, as is being done in the Balkans or in Afghanistan. Münkler described the alternative, which is pursued by the USA, as the ‘imperial safeguarding of zones of wealth’.
Münkler went on to talk about ‘a sphere of American influence (…) within which the USA’s allies are granted a greater or lesser say in proceedings depending on their level of loyalty and on how they bow to American policy. In practice, we have witnessed this throughout the course of this year, whereby the rule of law and self-binding commitments of these imperial areas become increasingly diluted the closer one gets to their peripheries, and what one could refer to as ‘law-free zones’ like Guantánamo Bay are dotted within their borders.’
Europe as a counterbalance
The vision of such a return to the era before nation states came into being, naturally reinforces the resolution with which the Iranian participants rejected American policy. Europe should not just watch the USA abusing its supremacy, warned a representative of the ‘Musharekat’ reform movement. Others were of the opinion that Europe should adopt a clearer stance vis-à-vis the USA.
The majority of German participants, on the other hand, were of the opinion that a further polarisation between Europe and the USA is unlikely, even though both will continue to adopt different positions on different questions.
Elections will not stop the reform process
The Iranian participants appeared to agree that the reform process in Iran is well underway and will not slow down at all – or if so, only slightly – if the conservatives win the parliamentary elections next spring. Such a victory is likely if turnout at the election is very low. However, it is now too early to make clear predictions: numerous developments could suddenly change course at the last minute.
Amir Mohebbian from the conservative daily newspaper Resalat openly conceded that his political friends must also respect the wishes and dreams of Iran’s youth. However, he cautioned against proceeding with too much vigour.
Over-hasty reforms have little effect
To illustrate his point he drew parallels with nature: heavy rainfall flows away without the earth actually being able to absorb water. Snow, on the other hand, comes slowly and quietly and seeps into the earth as it melts. This, he explained, is why people are looking for a ‘third way’, as opposed to a purely religious or anti-religious rule.
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Do you think that Europe should serve as a kind of mediator between the US and the Middle East? Please write to us. Mohebbian was not willing to fully accept that the alternative to this is secular democracy. He explained why: the majority of Iranians are religious, and their feelings must be taken into account. This is perhaps an indication that the dialogue in Germany did not succeed in eliminating all differences of opinion. But the participants were satisfied. Next year’s meeting is scheduled to take place in Teheran.
‘Holding seminars like these helps us understand each other better than before,’ summarised Amir Mohebbian. ‘And instead of fuelling a war of the cultures, an event such as this promotes dialogue between the cultures. It was a good idea to hold this seminar.’
Peter Philipp
© DEUTSCHE WELLE/DW-WORLD.DE
Translation from German: Aingeal Flanagan