Iranian narrative

Submitted by myth (Germany), Jun 26, 2012 at 07:32

I recall Ahmadinejad's presentation of the Iranian narrative during a recent interview with German tv. It stands on three legs:

1. Thousands of years of Persian civilization promotes Iran to a level equal to Western UN security council members.
2. As a consequence of equal treatment Iran reserves the right to acquire nuclear arms. On the other hand Iran does not pursue a nuclear arms program at present time.
3. Public opinion in Western countries tolerates the Iranian nuclear program. Public opinion in the West is critical of Israel while Western governments are not.

I believe Iran wants to stick with that narrative in the event of an Israeli strike.

1. demands a moderate Iranian response that would motivate Western major powers to enter talks as equals.
2. the nature of an Iranian retaliation reflects on the admitted intent of the Iranian nuclear program. A harsh retaliation would prove the military intent. Iran would react in a restricted way appropriate to a nuclear program advertised as civilian. I agree with the article that in the same way a moderate response is necessary to continue business relations with the suppliers of nuclear technology. This follows from their goal to be one step short of having nuclear weapons.
3. An Israeli attack serves the Iranian narrative to have Western public opinion go pro-Iran and contra-Israel. Iran would retaliate well-aimed , but small, in order to provoke a disproportionate reaction of the West. Iran would further gain public opinion support in the West.

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