[this interview was made for the Unz Review]
Introduction: first, several friends recently suggested that that I should interview Professor Seyed Mohammad Marandi; then I read this most interesting text on Moon of Alabama and I decided to ask Professor Marandi to share his views of the current situation in Iran, the Persian Gulf the rest of the Middle-East who very kindly agreed to reply to my question in spite of his most hectic and busy schedule. I am most grateful to Prof. Marandi for his time and replies. Crucially, Prof. Marandi debunks the silly notion that Russia and Israel are allies or working together. He also debunks that other canard about Russia and Iran having some major differences over Syria. Prof. Marandi, who is currently in Iran, is superbly connected and informed, and I hope that with this interview some of the more outlandish rumors which were recently circulated will finally be seen for what they are: utter, total, nonsense. Enjoy the interview!
The Saker
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The Saker: It is often said that there is an “axis of resistance” which comprises Syrian, Hezbollah, Iran, Russia and China. Sometimes, Venezuela, Cuba or the DPRK are added to this list. Do you believe that there is such an “axis of resistance” and, if yes, how would you characterize the nature of this informal alliance? Do you think that this informal alliance can ever grow into a formal political or military alliance or a collective security treaty?
Professor Marandi: I definitely believe there is an Axis of Resistance that currently includes Iran, Syria, Iraq, Gaza Lebanon, parts of Afghanistan, and Yemen. I do not think that we can include the DPRK in any way or form. I believe that Russia could be considered to a certain degree as aligned or affiliated to this resistance, but that this is not something many would feel the need to acknowledge. At certain levels, there is a lot of overlap between Russian and Chinese policy and the policies of the countries and movements in this region that are affiliated to this Axis of Resistance. The same is true with countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia, and Cuba, which I do not consider to be similar to North Korea at all. Just as almost everywhere else, American policy in the Korean Peninsula is ugly, hegemonic and malevolence, but the nature of the DPRK government is fundamentally different from that of Venezuela or Cuba, whether the Americans or Europeans like to acknowledge that or not. Others can interpret the Axis of Resistance to include or exclude certain countries, but it is pretty clear that Iran and Russia have similar policy objectives when it comes to certain key issues. Nevertheless, Russia has a close relationship with the Israeli regime whereas Iran considers it to be an apartheid state, almost identical to that of apartheid South Africa. Or for example the Syrian government position regarding Israel is different from that of Iran’s. The official Syrian position is that the West Bank and Gaza Strip must be returned to the Palestinians, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, and that the occupied Golan Heights have to be handed back to the Syrian people, which are legitimate demands. But the Iranian position is different, Iran firmly believes that Israel is a colonial and apartheid regime and that it is morally unacceptable for it to exist in its present form. Therefore, at least officially, there are substantial differences. So people can interpret the Axis of Resistance in different ways. It is important to keep in mind that despite Syria, Iran, Turkey and Qatar are also moving closer together partially thanks to US, Saudi, and UAE hostility towards the Muslim Brotherhood. What is important is that there is a growing consensus about key issues in this region and what the major problems are, and I think that as time goes on this loose alliance of countries and movements is growing more influential and more powerful. I cannot say whether there will be a formal or open collective security treaty or military alliance created by any of these countries in the near or foreseeable future and I do not see such a necessity. However, I think this convergence of ideas is very important and I think that the formal and informal links that exist between these countries is in many ways more important and more significant than formal political or military alliances or security treaties.
The Saker: In recent months a number of observers have stated that Russia and Israel are working hand in hand and some have gone as far as to say that Putin is basically a pawn of Netanyahu and that Russia is loyal to Israel and Zionists interests. Do you agree with this point of view? How do Iranian officials view the Russian contacts with the Israelis, does that worry them or do they believe that these contacts can be beneficial for the future of the region?
Professor Marandi: That is nonsense. The US and Israeli regimes are culturally and ideologically bound to one another, whereas the Americans have a deep antipathy towards Russia. That is why the Russians have a very different position on Syria than do the Americans and Israelis. The Israelis alongside the US, the EU, the Saudis, and some of Syria’s neighboring countries, supported ISIS, Al Qaeda, and other extremist entities and attempted to tear Syria apart. As explained earlier, the Russian view of Israel is different from Iran. There are many Russian Jewish immigrants in Israel and they constitute a large segment of the colonists in Palestine and they are largely utilized for the further subjugation of the Palestinian people and ethnic cleansing. Generally speaking, Russian interests are in sharp conflict with those of the United States, Israel’s strongest ally. In addition, Russia’s close relationship with Syria dates back to the cold war and the relentless US pressure on China and Russia has also acted as a strong catalyst to quicken their convergence with one another as well as with Iran on key issues. The Chinese and Russians know quite well that the United States, the Europeans, and regional countries have extensively used extremists in Syria to undermine the state and that those forces could later be used to undermine security in Central Asia, Russia, and China. A large number of Russian, Chinese, and Central Asians have been trained to fight in Syria, and this is a major threat to their collective security. The United States could use these and other extremists in an attempt to impede the potential success of the Belt and Road Initiative or other plans for Asian integration. Thus, there is a sharp and growing conflict between the Russians and the Americans.
The Israeli regime constantly tells the Russians and the Chinese that they are the gateway to Washington and that if they maintain strong ties with Israel, the Israelis can help them solve their problems with the United States. I do not think there is much truth to that, because this growing conflict is about the fate of US global dominance and there is nothing the Israelis can do to change that. Nevertheless, this has been used as an incentive for the Russians and the Chinese to maintain better relations with the Israeli regime.
In any case, Russia does not have to maintain identical views with Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Lebanon, Iraq, or Yemen. Differences exist, but strong relationships exist nevertheless. All of these countries recognize that if the Americans are able to undermine any of them, whether it is Syria, Iran, Russia, or China, then that would only encourage the United States to be more aggressive towards the remaining countries that impede US foreign policy objectives or exist as potential rivals whether regionally or globally. So even though their political structures are different, even though their foreign policies are different, the similarities that exist are quite striking as well as the common threats. Again, to a large degree this coalition is a result of US and Western foreign policy, which has strong undercurrents of Eurocentricism, tribalism, and racism.
Not only has this pressure brought these countries and movements closer to one another, but it has also created a deeper understanding among them. The Russians understand Iran better today than they did 5 years ago, partially as a result of their cooperation in Syria. This greater understanding enhances the relationship, and helps to dispel many of the misunderstandings or myths that may exist about one another due to Eurocentric narratives and orientalism.
Hence, Iran is not concerned about Russian-Israeli relation. Obviously, in an ideal world Iran would like Russia to break relations with the Israeli regime for its apartheid nature. But reality is reality, and Iranian relations with Russia are very good and at times I am sure the Iranians send certain warnings to the Israelis through the Russians.
The Saker: How is Russia viewed in Iran? Are most Iranian still suspicious of Russia or do they believe that they have a viable and honest partner in Russia? What are the main reservations/concerns of patriotic Iranians when they think of Russia?
Professor Marandi: Historically, the Iranians have had serious problems with the Russians. The Russians and the Soviet Union interfered extensively in Iranian internal affairs and they undermined Iran’s sovereignty. But ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union the image of Russia has changed. Especially since Russia began fighting alongside Iran in Syria in 2015, Russia’s image has improved significantly. When we look at polls, Russia’s image is pretty good compared to Western countries.
Western governments own or fund dozens of Persian language media outlets These outlets, such as VOA and BBC Persian among others, are constantly spouting anti-Russian propaganda. Obviously they have an impact and that couples with historical Iranian concerns about Russia, but despite all that, the Russian image is relatively favorable and that says a lot.
The Saker: How about Turkey? Iran and Turkey have had a complex relationship in the past, yet in the case of the AngloZionist war against Syria, the two states have worked together (and with Russia) – does that mean that Turkey is seen as a viable and honest partner in Iran?
Professor Marandi: Iran’s relationship with the Turkish government is complicated, especially, because of the constant policy changes that have occurred in Turkey over the past few years. This has made the government seem unreliable in the eyes of many. Having said that, Turkey is very different from Wahhabi influenced regimes in the Arabian Peninsula. Turkish Islamic tradition has striking similarities with Iran’s Islamic culture and because of its strong Sufi tradition, Turkey is much closer to Iran than it is to, for example,Wahhabi Saudi Arabia.
The global Wahhabi menace has grown as a result of Saudi financial support, as well as the support of other countries in the Persian Gulf region. Turkish society has been more resistant, although ever since the military conflict in Syria and due to extensive funding from the Persian Gulf, there has been growing concern about growing sectarianism in Turkey, not unlike what happened in Pakistan in the 1980s.
Ironically, before the conflict in Syria President Erdogan had a closer personal relationship with President Assad than did the Iranians. They and their families would spend vacations together.
In any case, Turkey has a very strong economic, political, and cultural relationship with Iran, and some of the rising anti-Shia and takfiri sentiments that have been on the rise in Turkey were stunted by the Saudi and Emirati support for the attempted coup in Turkey. Subsequently, their open antagonism towards the Muslim Brotherhood and Qatar, their support for the coup in Egypt, their policies in Sudan and Libya, and of course the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, have all had a beneficial impact on Iranian-Turkish relations. As a result, Turkey has grown much more distant from Iran’s regional antagonists, while Turkish support for the Palestinian cause is another element that brings Iran and Turkey closer together. American support for PKK terrorists in Syria has also angered the Turks adding push to Turkish-Iranian convergence. Even Turkish policy towards Syria is evolving, although it is impossible for the government to make a radical change, because of years of attempts at regime change.
The Saker: Next, turning to Iraq, how would you characterize the “balance of influence” of Iran and the USA in Iraq? Should we view the Iraqi government as allied to Iran, allied to the USA or independent? If the Empire attacks Iran, what will happen in Iraq?
Professor Marandi: The relationship between Iraq and Iran is significantly more important than the relationship between Iraq and the United States. Iran and Iraq are allies, but this alliance does not contradict the notion of Iraqi independence. Iraq’s regional policy is not identical to Iran’s. But the two countries have very similar interests, a very close relationship, many Iraqi leaders have spent years in Iran, and the bulk of the Iraqi population lives close to the shared border of over 1,200 km between the two countries. So trade, pilgrimage, and tourism are key to both countries. The religious similarities and the holy sites that exist in Iran and Iraq are a huge incentive for interaction between the two countries. There are many Iraqi students studying in Iran and many Iranian’s working in Iraq. The fact that Iranians made many sacrifices when fighting ISIS in Iraq and many Iraqis were martyred in the war against ISIS and Al Qaeda in Syria is a strong indication of where things stand despite US pressure.
The Arba’een pilgrimage that takes place every year where millions of Iranians and Iraqis make the walk towards Karbala, side by side, with tens of thousands of Iraqi and Iranian volunteers helping pilgrims along the way is, I think, a further sign of the close relationship.
While the U.S presence in Iraq continues to be hegemonic, Iran has not sought to prevent Iraq from having normal relationships with other countries. However, the U.S continues to seek control over Iraq through the world’s largest embassy, its military presence, and its influence over the bureaucracy. The United States continues to have much say over how the country’s oil wealth is spent.
Still, despite the US colonial behavior, its continued theft of Iraqi oil wealth, and its thuggish behavior, the Iraqis have been able to assert a great deal of independence. In the long run, this continued US behavior is only going to create further resentment among Iraqis. The empire rarely takes these realities into account, they seek to accumulate influence and wealth through brute force, but in the long term it creates deep-rooted anger and hostility which, at some point, will create great problems for the empire, especially as this anger and unrest is growing across the region, if not across the globe.
It is highly unlikely that the regime in Washington will attack Iran, if it does it will bring about a regional war, which will drive the United States out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Syria. Saudi Arabia and the Emirates would, swiftly collapse and the price of oil and natural gas would go through the roof, leading to a global economic meltdown even as millions of people will be streaming towards Europe.
The Saker: It is often said that Russia and Iran have fundamentally different goals in Syria and that the two countries regularly have tensions flaring up between them because of these disagreements. Is that true?In your opinion, how are Russian and Iranian goals in Syria different?
Professor Marandi: The news that we sometimes hear about serious tensions existing between the Iranians and the Russians in Syria is often nonsense. There are clear reasons for people to exaggerate small incidents or to fabricate them altogether, but the relationship is quite good. Iran does not intend to have any military bases in Syria, whereas the Russians do feel the need to preserve their military presence in Syria through long-term agreements.
But ultimately, Iran would like to help enable Syria to acquire the military capability to retake the occupied Golan Heights. Iran does not intend to initiate any conflict with the Israeli regime inside Palestine. That is not an objective in Lebanon and that is not an objective in Syria. As in Lebanon, where the Iranians supported Hezbollah to restore the country’s sovereignty and to drive out the Israeli aggressors and occupiers, the Iranians have the same agenda in Syria. They want to support the Syrians so that they will be able to restore full sovereignty. I don’t believe the Golan Heights is a priority for the Russians.
The Saker: For a while, Iran let the Russian Aerospace Forces use an Iranian military airfield, then when this became public knowledge, the Russians were asked to leave. I have heard rumors that while the IRGC was in favor of allowing Russian Aerospace Forces to use an Iranian military airfield, the regular armed forces were opposed to this. Is it true that there are such differences between the IRGC and the regular armed forces and do you think that Iran will ever allow the Russian military to have a permanent presence in Iran?
Professor Marandi: That is a myth. The Russians were not asked to leave. There were no differences between the IRGC and any other part of the armed forces. This was a decision made by the Supreme National Security Council and the President and all the major commanders in the military were involved in this decision. Actually, the airbase does not belong to the guards it belongs to the air force and a part of the base was used for Russian strategic bombers that were flying to Syria to bomb the extremists. This cooperation ended when the Russians were able to station adequate numbers of aircraft in Syria, because the flights over Iran were long and expensive, whereas the air campaign launched from bases inside Syria was much less expensive and much more effective. Iran was very open about its relationship with the Russians, and openly permitted the Russians to fire missiles over Iranian airspace. There were those who were opposed to the Russian presence in the Iranian airbase. A small segment of Iranian society that is pro-Western and pro-American complained about it in their media outlets, but they had absolutely no impact on the decision-making process. According to polls, an overwhelming majority of Iranians supported Iran’s activities in Syria, and the Supreme National Security Council was under no pressure to its decision. However, Iran does not plan to allow any country to have permanent bases in the country and that is in accordance with the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The revolution in Iran was about independence, dignity, sovereignty and indigenous values, and the removal of American hegemony over Iran was very much a part of that. The Iranians will not give any basis to foreign powers in future, and neither the Russians nor the Chinese have ever made such requests. There are absolutely no differences regarding Iran’s regional policies between the IRGC and the rest of the military, both were a part of the decision-making process when the Russians were allowed to fire missiles over Iranian territory and both were part of the process in allowing Russian aircraft to use Iranian airspace. The Russian bombers were providing air support for Iranian troops and Iranian affiliated troops on the ground.
The Saker: Both Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah have made repeated statements that the days of the racist ZioApartheid regime in occupied are numbered. Do you agree with their point of view and, if yes, how do you see such a regime change actually happening? Which of the One State solution or a Two State solution do you believe to be more realistic?
Professor Marandi: 8- I do not believe the two-state solution is possible because the Israeli regime has colonized too much of the West Bank. Actually, through acts of selfishness and petty short-term gain, the regime has damaged itself enormously. As a result of the colonization of the West Bank, even the European elites and diplomats who would privately admit that the Israeli regime pursues apartheid policies and who would always speak of hope for a two-state solution, admit that the two state solution is dead. All Palestinians are treated as sub humans, whether they reside in the West Bank or not. They are a subjugated nation, whether they are Israeli citizens or not. However, there is no longer any hope that those who live in the occupied West Bank will gain freedom, even though we predicted the Israelis would never voluntarily relinquish the West bank. This is the most important challenge that the regime faces in the future. By colonizing the West Bank and despite official western media and government narratives, it is increasingly seen by the international community as the apartheid regime that it is. It is delegitimizing itself in the eyes of larger numbers of people.
In addition to that, it can no longer behave with impunity. The 2006 war in Lebanon where the Israeli armed forces were defeated by Hizbullah was a turning point. Before then, the Israelis had created an image that they were invincible. But now even in Gaza, they are unable to carry out their objectives when they periodically attack the territory and its civilians. The Israelis are now more easily contained especially since the Syrian government has been able to restore order and expel ISIS and al-Qaeda from areas neighboring Israeli forces on the occupied Golan Heights, despite the Israelis supporting the extremists. The Israelis have been contained regionally, at home they are increasingly seen as an apartheid regime. Its regional allies are also on the decline and regionally. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the only countries that can be considered as effective allies and they are facing a potential terminal decline. Therefore, regionally the regime is becoming more isolated. I do not believe that under such circumstances, the Israeli regime can last for very long. Just as the apartheid regime in South Africa collapsed under the burden of its own immoral existence, the Israeli regime will not last. There will be no two-state solution, the only realistic and moral solution is for Palestine to be united and for the indigenous population to have its rights restored, whether they are Palestinians, Jews or Christians or anyone else who is indigenous to the land.
The Saker: Iran is an Islamic Republic. It is also a majority Shia country. Some observers accuse Iran of wanting to export its political model to other countries. What do you make of that accusation? Do Iranian Islamic scholars believe that the Iranian Islamic Republic model can be exported to other countries, including Sunni countries?
Professor Marandi: 9-I do not think that there is any validity to that accusation. Iran has a very excellent relationship with Iraq, but it has not imposed its model on the country. In fact, Iran helped create the current constitution of that country. The same is true for Lebanon and Yemen. Iran is constantly accused by its antagonists, but in the most inconsistent ways. Elsewhere they claim that Iran is afraid of their model being exported because they are fearful of rivals. Iran has always been attacked from all sides often using self-contradictory arguments. On the one hand, the so-called regime is allegedly immensely unpopular, it is corrupt, it is falling apart, and it is incapable of proper governance. Yet on the other hand, Iran is a growing threat to the region and even the world. This is paradoxical, how can Iran be incompetent and collapsing on the one hand, yet a growing threat to the whole world on the other hand? This simply does not make sense. Nevertheless, I have seen no evidence that Iran has tried to impose its model on other countries or on movements that are close to it. If it was not for Iran’s support, ISIS and al-Qaeda would have overthrown Syria with its secular government and secular constitution. Iranians firmly believed that the terrorist forces supported by Western intelligence services as well as regional regimes were the worst case scenario for the Syrian people. Did they impose their model?
The Saker: thank you for all your answers!
Thank you Professor Marandi, for your clear insights and honest analysis. Your clear and concise statements demonstrate your patriotism and pride in your great nation. Your concise, logical delivery of compelling points that are withheld from American citizens ensure that you will never be a regular commenter on the twisted Western media. Oh, well. Please keep in mind that many Americans DO have their eyes open and are aware of the malicious, belligerent actions of our corrupt government.
Thank you, Saker, for conducting this important interview.
God be with you both.
Frankie P
Once again, most valuable interview to help us have a clear vision of Iran and the Middle-East.
Thanks Saker for such good, honest information.
Now, if it could only help the Western hegemony to evolve!! Israel is rogue and apartheid. When is the collapse to be? With America?
Kudos to you Saker!
TEL AVIV, August 21. /TASS/. Russian and Israeli military officials continue negotiations to improve the existing deconfliction mechanism on Syria, a Russian diplomatic source informed TASS on Wednesday.
Israeli military tells Russia Syrian air defense teams to blame for downing of Il-20
“We had and have agreements with Israel on how we should act in the event of extraordinary situations. Some time ago, we came to an understanding that it was necessary to formalize them [the agreements]. The talks between military officials continue. We hope that they will end soon yielding good results,” he said.
“These are complicated issues, as they concern security on both sides. Our interest lies in maximizing the security of Russian military servicemen in the country neighboring Israel,” the source added.
Is trump a Manchurian for Israel, that is the question? Acosta appointment to Cabinet very telling. So is mossad jewess rachelmadcow constant “Russia Russia Russia” nonsense, is it designed to keep us dumb goyim off the scent?
You won’t read anything as powerful and detailed as this important interview on a number of independent sites, let alone anywhere else.
Thank you Saker and Professor Marandi for this information. As someone who supports boycotting the brutal apartheid regime of Israel, and opposes the barbarity and continuous human rights abuses this regime dishes out, I look forward to the day the Zionist entity collapses. I’m sure many people in the World hope for that day also.
Regards Iran, its just been announced by ‘Deputy Sherriff’ Australia that it will be ‘defending our interests’ by sending a Frigate and surveillance plane to join the ‘international rules based community’ in patrolling the Straits Of Hormuz. You could not crawl any lower. Pompeo visited Australia recently, and he gave out the orders. L’il deputy sheriff Australia got on its knees and squeaked ‘how high sir’. A fully fledged vassal state of the Anglo Zionist Empire. Zero sovereignty. Unlike Iran.
The Empire is now flailing about like a beached shark.
„The revolution in Iran was about independence, dignity, sovereignty and indigenous values“. The whole interview perfectly reflects this. Iran has really obtained these achievements.
In my eyes, it is not correct to see Iran as a junior partner of Russia and China (Marandi will certainly agree). Iran is a full member of these three, so to say. Each of these three has her own advantages and merits. And this is a very positive development.
Personally, I am not very much proud of my “history of relations” with Iran. Even if I was always very distant to the anti-Iranian propaganda – which may-be culminated with the book “Not without my daughter” – it took me too long to understand how much Iran is a genuine and capital force in the struggle for the progress in the world. Hezbollah and Nasrallah helped me a lot to finally realize this.
I wish people would drop the two state bull shit when they discuss Palestine. Be open, speak with truth. There is one, and only a ‘one state’ solution. It’s the same state it always was, and should be refered to as such. It’s Palestine, please stop the condensending BS. When refrencing the Apartheid occupation, it should be refered to as such, Occupied Palestine. When supposedly intelligent, informed people, with such a wide audience prepetuate the T/S BS (or failure of) it sure does not help the Palestinians or their cause. It’s a spade, call it such.
All the other scyisms (sp) in the ME tie back to support for Palestine, all the ME countries that have supported Palestine have been attacked, are facing attack, or have been destroyed.
Not to mention the “two state solution” never even existed as a concept. What most people understand when they hear two states, is not the same thing the people talking about two states are referring to. The first state is obviously Israel, the logical conclusion people jump to is that then the second state must therefore be Palestine, but it isn’t. The US, Israel and all the rest of the rogue bunch are considering Jordan to be the Palestinian state. From this perspective, the two state solution is a resettlement of all Palestinians to their “home” state, Jordan.
Considering this, the colonization of Palestinian land suddenly makes a great deal more sense from the criminals perspective, though it doesn’t make it any less evil, on the contrary.
I get your point regards using the term Occupied Palestine rather than saying Israel, and agree with your last paragraph, which is what’s been done to these surrounding counties. I’d also add Malaysia and Venezuela who have suffered the wrath of the Zionist regime for daring to support Palestine, and calling out their brutal occupation of the indigenous people.
The sheer hypocrisy of the alleged ‘civilised’ West in loudly denouncing Iran, Venezuela, Russia, etc, yet turn a blind eye to, and are mute about the immense suffering and murders of the Palestinian people, including children. Same applies to what has been happening in Yemen, Haiti, Honduras, in fact, a whole list of unpeople. Complete moral bankruptcy reigns in the West.
Saker and Dr. Marandi, thank you for this remarkably informative interview, one of the most informative interviews that I have ever read.
Actions to ‘impede the potential success of the Belt and Road Initiative or other plans for Asian integration’ will bring Washington into direct conflict with China and Russia – thus world war.
https://www.ghostsofhistory.wordpress.com/
Thank you Saker, and Seyed Mohammad Marandi, Professor of English Literature and Orientalism, University of Tehran سید That is very good.
Excellent interview, Saker; it should be read far and wide.
Thanks and blessings to you both.
Sanity is always refreshing. Thank both The Saker and Dr Mahadi for this informative interview. Great job.
I used to watch Prof. Marandi interviews during many years, a very intelligent man with a calm character. It was a pleasure also this time to read these lines. Thank you for both Saker and mr.Marandi.
There is a world of difference between the eloquent and rational arguments of polished professionals like Mohammed Marandi or Foreign Minister Zarif (speaking in a 2nd language) to the crude threats and mendacity of two bit Mafia hoods like Bolton and Pompeo.
The drawbacks of this reliance on brute force will soon become apparent.
thanks Saker – this is a great interview and I can hear this man’s gentle reason sounding through the typed word. I would have been interested in hearing more about the internal situation in Iran. The suffering due to sanctions and whether the rumours of the government of Zarif and Rouhani being corrupt – although I don’t know if that would have been an okay question for Professor Marandi.
Great reading – and I’m so proud of Iran in every way – They are the backbone of the resistance to the evil Satan.
I want to thank the Saker for his intriguing questions, and prof. Marandi for his truely enlightening answers and insights. I feel kind of priviliged to be able to read it.
Still, there is a question that trickles my mind. Maybe someone here can help me on this.
When Iran does not strive for military strongholds in Syria (let’s include Iraq too), then what the hell are the Israelis bombing there? It must be worth the risk.
I can only come up with some possibilities:
– It is a Kabuki theatre, they are bombing empty buildings and Syria plays along with the show.
– It’s egomania for Bibi and his ilks.
– Just showing that they can fly and bomb whatever they want.
– It’s kind of Talmudic symbolism, every rifle, rocket or knapsack that smells Shia must be bombed.
– All of the above.
The risk they are taking, is that some day one or two F35’s will be downed. I can imagine that will give the same shock in the USA as their expensive high-tech drone, with the latest stealth gadgets of Raytheon onboard, got shot dryly out of the sky by Iranian forces with a relatively old system.
If that happens to a F35, some nations might reconsider their orders. Such bad luck for this great project, with an actual operational availability of just some 30%.
Am I overlooking something?
Cheers, Rob
‘ad homiem statement removed … mod‘Have you not noticed that with Iraq an independent player very friendly with Iran, and Syria in Iran’s debt for the troops and military guidance that saved their nation, there is now a road link between Iran and Hezbollah. Thank God for the Shia Crescent! The Iranians will transfer equipment, specifically guided missiles, by road to Hezbollah. They have been doing so for years. I would imagine that they are also arming the Syrians with guided missiles to facilitate the recovery of the Golan Heights, which is Syrian territory. The Israelis are trying to interdict and hamstring this transfer. I would imagine that the Iranians have aided the Syrians in setting up domestic production of guided missiles, and I would not be surprised if the same is happening in Lebanon. Iranians have certainly armed Iraqi Shia militias friendly to Iran with shorter range and perhaps longer range missiles. The Israelis and Americans are unlikely to start belligerent actions against Iran, as the result would be a conflagration in the region. Nasrallah has stated that any US attack on Iran will be viewed as originating in Israel. The missiles from Lebanon will disable Northern Israel. The US bases across the region, from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, to Syria, as well as the floating cemeteries (naval ships near/in the Persian gulf) will all be immediate targets.
You may have an interesting point. Sort of a ‘Lawrence of Arabia 2.0’.
First, some of your post seems to have been erased. That’s the blog rules. From my point, I want to say that I work in a very masculine industrial environment, so I’m used to some stuff. Actually I can laugh about it. You know what? In the end we all help each other, because what we produce is pretty toxic, so somewhere we should quit arguing in what bolts we should use, it should bloody fit. Even women work here, quite charming even in their working clothes (eat that, SJW’s).
I come on this blog to have adult discussions. So let’s have that. This is from yesterday: https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/israel-bombed-iraq-weapons-depot-report-1.65964484
How does that fit in your statements, and how would you assess the risk, just some Shia smelling militia in Iraq?
Cheers, Rob
Rob,
irrelavant statement removed … note to Frankie P if you dislike moderation then post comments at a non-moderated site …. mod
The Gulf News! What do you think, Rob? Is it a reputable, believable source? b over at Moon of Alabama reports that even US officials are saying that the attack was by the Israelis, and it looks like it may have been drones operated out of US bases in Iraq.
I’m sorry to say that I don’t understand your question about assessing risk. Risk to whom? Let me paste a comment I made to someone at the Unz Review who said she was puzzled by the fact that Israel seems to attack neighboring countries with impunity or response. I hope it will clarify my outlook and views, which are very close to those expressed so much more articulately by Professor Mirandi in the excellent interview above.
You are mistaken when you say that none of them fight back. In strategic military matters, emotional reaction to an attack that has marginal results is not wise. Israel’s recent attacks in Syria and Iraq (not sure it was actually Israel) are motivated by a desire to cause a reaction before the resistance is fully prepared. The resistance will not fall for this. The Israeli objectives, to stem or slow the delivery of guided missiles to resistance forces in Iraq, Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon, will not be realized. The Israelis are gradually reaching a higher state of panic as they realize that their small country, especially the north, is targeted by tens and hundreds of thousands of guided missiles in Lebanon and Syria. The number of missiles grows day by day. The resistance has a series of objectives, and reacting to stand-off bombing by Israeli warplanes attacking suspected Iranian missile depots in Syria will not stop them from reaching the objectives. Syria is stabilizing and the SAA is making significant progress in its efforts to dislodge the headchopping Takfiri monsters from their territory. This will leave the few US forces and their Kurdish poodles as the only uninvited military forces in Syria. The Syrian Kurds will come to an agreement with the Syrian Government. The large number of SAA forces now involved with the long and costly fight against the entrenched Takfiri terrorists will eventually be released and will turn to the south. Many will need to retain strength on the border of whatever territory Turkey and its allies control, but I believe that border will eventually become more peaceful as Turkey realizes that its interest lie in keeping good relations with Russia, Iran and China. Continuing shipments of guided missiles and eventual domestic production of these missiles in Syria and Lebanon will change the region. Ask yourself some questions. Why hasn’t Israel taken any belligerent actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon since the 2006 debacle? Hezbollah has continued to increase its missile stocks. The answer of course, is that Israel understands that any attack will be met with a disproportionate missile barrage on Israel. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? It should, because it’s exactly the message that Iran has sent to the US. Any attack on Iranian territory will be met with a disproportionate response against all US assets in the region. Additionally, the countries that host the US forces will find their infrastructure, particularly oil-producing infrastructure, in smoking ruins, a casualty of missile attacks.
This is a long game. Don’t get sucked into the western view that everything must be done NOW.
Frankie P
Again, I wish you peace and happiness.
irrelevant statement removed … mod
“You are mistaken when you say that none of them fight back.”
I grant you that it was adressed to somebody else, because I never stated anything as such. On the contrary. Please don’t indicate to putting words into my mouth that I didn’t say, ok? If you are convinced of it, then prove it, wouldn’t that be fair enough? Altogether I’m kind of puzzled in what you say, because it’s quite close to what I think. Just that my thinking might be somewhat more relaxed – I cannot influence it, just have an opinion about it. I know that Iranians will ever response, in reflection and in time when they decide. When I know this, in a probably naive thought, I think that in the multi trillion MIC they know that too. If not, they may hire me, I’m open about conversations about my hourly tariff.
In the meantime I’m looking at a trainwreck in slow motion.
We might have some differences, that’s okay. Let’s not spoil the great insights of Prof. Marandi in this topic too much.
I’m a Christian. A very New Testamical one, not by birth but by choice. I want you to know that there is always a place at my table for you. And then talk further. Peace be upon you, brother.
Cheers, Rob
No questions about Yemen?
“As of this morning, Damascus time, the Syrian Army, its allies and supporters, have established full hegemony over all Hama Province for the first time since 2013.”
Check mate! Or, as the old Persians who invented chess might have put it, Sheikh Met!
https://www.syrianperspective.com/2019/08/khan-shaykhoon-liberated-in-formidable-pincer-movement.html
The professor is a diplomat. Yes, enjoyable to read, and now am hungry to hear more!— Why is the DPRK, in no way, a cog of the resistor axis? And what about, the internal demographic struggles within Iran itself, the various struggles to resist foreign meddling in popular opinion, since it is a nation as much under the spell of neo-modernity as any other? How has the anthropocentric “climate change” of the Iraqi war effected popular opinion, especially the burden of refugees and aid? Just how severe is the hybrid-warfare of the US on daily life, what avenues of countering are being utilized?
Talking to myself?— Well, no bother.
After sleeping on it! . . . the unanswered questions that seem to really implicate most heavily on the current-events of the day: what are the vacillating Turks really up to!? Should we be expecting, inevitably, “blowback” after the latest victories of the Syrian army campaign; just how deeply do the Turks intrigue (to the point that they confuse their own selves—and strike back in a certain frustrating anger, stemming from their self-magnified inferiority complex)? Blowback is for certain; either from the left, or the right; just how dangerous are the Turks really, that both Russian and Persian figurehead figures, take, what are clearly great pains, to tiptoe and concilate, what are unavoidable and for now, necessary, Turkish relations.
Excuse my lack of clear sentence construction.
I agree those are good questions. What about the DPRK? and the state of internal Iranian politics and reponses to the sanctions regime? Perhaps the saker will do a follow up interview.
Why is putins Russia is maintaining friendly relationship with apartheid state of Israel?? It is not because of the Russian origin Jews living there in isreal, as they are anti christ basically. What could be the reason???
I will add to that above and ask: What is Putin’s Russia going to do about Poland and Romania stationing first strike America missiles on their soil?
if Putin’s Russia allows this..a clear and and instant trigger to nuclear war.. that would be evidence enough for me, that Putin is indeed a Zionist agent..he and his government…and that he is working against the interest of his people and that of the entire world.
given the gravity of that development I would expect Putin to remind the ordinary people of those 2 countries what would happen to them in the event of even the slightest miscalculation.
then I would expect the Russians of carrying the option to invade those countries and put their leadership and elite classes to bed, making sure that there could never be any first strike missiles to threaten Russia on its doorstep..that those 2 countries represent
1) Putin has been warning about consequences to missile deployments in europe for years now.
The poles and romanians (in their mission to prove their loyalties to Washington ) have ignored him.
2) These are NATO countries so decisive military actions aren’t really an option.
What Russia is faced with is a spoiled child it cannot spank in any quick way
What do you suggest be done?
Please be realistic.
be realistic? that’s an interesting request.
I am no expert and I am not holding nuclear weapons over the earth. that is what is crazy..real and unreal at the same time .
with Poland and Romania all options would be on my table depending or relative to the available options..how things go and the response that would be appropriate.
I don’t know about the principle of the recalcitrant child however, who cant be spanked. If the child can set up to kill me spanking would be the least of my responses.
I have seen what Putin has said and from that I am satisfied that he is indeed Russian first by what I understood he is doing in response to the the end of the INF….missiles in Cuba and probably Venezuela too. that’s good. with the quality of Russian missile and their speed, launched from Cuba america has no defense against Russian missiles..according to every report I have read
that’s what I wanted to see…even the intent to invade both Poland and Romania, directly regime change them to prevent the missile installation. but Russia will still have time to shoot down missiles fired from Romania and Poland, and will know the minute the missiles are being loaded for launching. this from one ‘expert’ source I read earlier today.
and as per Putin: if a country launches against Russia that country will be eliminated. that’s it right there: he has told them clearly what the consequences will be… Romania and Poland
that is what I asked for and what I have gotten. Putin does not plan to invade but to destroy then if american missiles are launched on Russia from their lands.
Putin is for real..a real Russian patriot it seems. the thought that ultimately he might be another Gorby chilled my soul. and his seeming closeness with the Zionists did not do him any favors in my estimation although I knew such a ‘friendship’ does not mean he has been bought. yet I had to hold my reservations until certainty dispelled them. the are mostly gone now
JCPOA broken, embassy transfer, baksheesh kushner annexation of the century. What will trumps handler ehud barak ask of his Manchurian next?
Great interview!
Great job Saker. Well done.
Professor Marandi is an eloquent english speaker, who whenever he gets a chance’ always does well in calmly articulating the various issues from an Iranian prespective.
He is well informed and always does a good job of countering the baseless propaganda of AngloZionist, and because of this the MSM try to limit his appearance or stay clear of him.
Last year he was scheduled to participate in a BBC run debate in Lebanon at the American University of Beirut, but at the last minute, the university had him bumped from the panel.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/en.mehrnews.com/amp/132579/
The professor is also an American by birth – supposedly born there, when his father – also a professor – taught there.
Two other promenent regional experts whom I would recommend that the Saker reach out to for interviews are :
Sharmine Narwani and Abdel Bari Atwan.
Both have excellent knowledge of the region and are in tune with developments on key topics relating to the region.
Selah
its clear mobonesaw is paying the kazar jew in israel to bomb Haashd in Iraq as adeljubeir is terrified its battle ready million strong force will overrun the Hejaz and Nejd. But sunni muzzys worldwide are all dumb and fast asleep to this pact with the devil, or just afraid of losing Hajj rights controlled by the wahhabi cult. When will the West realise the SOURCE of all extremism all over the world is the wahhabi/saud evil axis?