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Journalism of Courage
Contrary to the concerns expressed by Pervez Musharraf that his country would be the next US target after Iraq, Washington has instead rapidly ratcheted up its rhetoric against Iran. President George Bush identified Iran two years ago as one of the three constituents8212;the others being Iraq and North Korea8212;of the 8220;axis of evil8221;. All three 8220;reasons8221; for the war on Iraq are being invoked. There is talk in Washington of the need for a regime change in Teheran. Iran is being accused of pursuing a nuclear weapon programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency had given a clean chit to Iran after a series of inspections; but this has apparently not satisfied the US. Iran is also being accused of involvement in international terrorism, especially after the May 12 Al Qaeda suicide bombing in Riyadh.
The logical way for Washington to deal with its concerns on these issues would be to enter into a serious dialogue with Iran. It is ironic that Washington has persistently asked New Delhi to talk to Pakistan, which has actually been guilty of the actions that Washington accuses Iran of, but seems unwilling to adopt that same path when it comes to Teheran. Yet Iran has a moderate elected government in power and has consistently denied pursuing a nuclear weapon programme. It had supported the US war on the Taliban, and remained neutral in the Iraq war welcoming the removal of Saddam Hussein. In fact, Washington8217;s tactics would only lead to strengthening the hardliners in Iran. Washington had agreed to talk to North Korea, despite the fact that it has withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, reportedly claims to possess a few nuclear bombs8212;and could make more, according to the US secretary of defence.
