The motivation for this blog is based on a basic question after 1979 from Henry Kissinger about Iran, which leads to other questions–What is happening now in Iran? Is Iran’s regime changing? Will its hostage taking ever end? Has the government decided to slow its sponsorship of terror? Are the Unites States’ sanctions having any affect? Will Iran ever lessen its pressure on Lebanon or Bahrain or Yemen? Will a change in Supreme Leader make a difference? Is it possible for Iran to withdraw any of its support for Hezbollah or the Syrian regime? These questions and others have seemingly been part of those asked of Iran for years, even decades. Other governments, regional militaries, non-profits, dedicated Iran watchers, and even Iran’s citizens wonder if and when the regime will moderate its behavior.
Famously, even Henry Kissinger has been quoted on this very issue, and this quote is the inspiration for this blog: “I ask him to outline specifically what his policy on Iran would be. He is firm in his response: “I have advocated that the United States have comprehensive negotiations with Iran … We need to have an open discussion of all differences.” This, in his mind, requires Iran to decide “whether it is a nation or a cause. If Iran thinks of itself as a nation or can be brought to do so, it can be accorded a respected place in the international system.” America’s relations with the Shah – who was Kissinger’s friend – were never simply personal, he says; they were grounded in an understanding of the strategic importance of Iran, a situation that still holds today. “Any serious effort to compromise differences between the United States must begin in bilateral negotiation, with each side seeking to understand the other’s perceptions. In the end the negotiations must become multilateral, leading to an international accord that will engage all of Iran’s neighbours.” Kissinger sums up his position: “The challenge is to find a formula for resolving the Iran nuclear issue that allows for effective supervision and control acceptable to the international community.” Henry Kissinger, quoted in “Lunch with the FT: Henry Kissinger”, Financial Times, May 24/25, 2008, Interview conducted by Stephen Graubard. Accessed at www.henryakissinger.com/interviews/lunch-with-the-ft-henry-kissinger
The methodology for this blog’s underlying data is straightforward. I have read news articles about Iran from several dozens of worldwide outlets for a number of years, and had noticed a pattern of behavior and policies by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government. Starting in May 2018, I began chronicling the pattern in this blog. I view a compilation of worldwide daily news about Iran generated mainly by Google News and post the significant stories reflective of “the day.” These news items cover a spectrum of topics from World Cup soccer to the environment to the JCPOA to OPEC. Anyone can regularly assess such information and watch the trajectory of Iran’s government, and in the process consider for themself if the Supreme Leader and those in power are acting as a responsible nation-state or in ways to spread the 1979 Revolution. Because of the import of the News, it is found on the opening page of the blog.