A Chance for Arab-Iranian Reconciliation: An Opportunity in the Iran Nuclear Deal | Ramzy Baroud

[Tace]

Ramzy Baroud -- World News Trust

July 22, 2015

“The Americans have taken the Shia Muslim side in the Middle East’s sectarian war,” declared Robert Fisk in the “Independent” newspaper on July 15, a day after the United States and five major world powers reached a landmark agreement with Iran about its nuclear programs.

Fisk’s proclamation is quite cursory. Aside from the fact that he is accepting the premise that the war in the Middle East is essentially sectarian, he implies that the Americans are purposely facilitating their policies based on sectarian agendas. They are not.

The fundamentals of American foreign policy approach have not changed. In the Middle East, it is governed by two overriding variables: one, economic -- oil, gas, and strategic control and influence over countries that produce such essentials to the U.S. and global economy -- and Israel. Unlike other U.S. allies in the region, Israel has managed to break away from the role of client regime into a party that has tremendous influence over U.S. policies. Between powerful lobbies and an obedient U.S. Congress, the likes of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have made Israel a top American priority.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Although Netanyahu has angled for war against Iran, supported by numerous allies within the Republican and Democratic Party -- propelled by lobby perks and pressure, and a huge media apparatus -- his wish is yet to come true. In fact, according to the 100-page-plus agreement of July 14, that wish is, perhaps, suspended for at least another 10 years as Iran has agreed to curb its nuclear capabilities and to allow international monitoring, in exchange for the lifting of U.S.-led UN sanctions which have greatly harmed the Iranian economy.

more

http://worldnewstrust.com/a-chance-for-arab-iranian-reconciliation-an-opportunity-in-the-iran-nuclear-deal-ramzy-baroud