Obama sends Nowruz message to Iran

March 20, 11:28 AMProgressive Politics ExaminerJay McDonough

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There's a sure fire way to get one's adversaries to dig in - threaten them.  Broadcast intentions to destroy or harm them in some way and, nine times out of ten, the reaction will be heightened, steely resolve to assure one's safety.  I don't know who in their right mind would imagine another reaction.

So, when President Bush announced in this 2002 State of the Union address that Iran was included in what the U.S. considered an "axis of evil", Iran's response was to hunker down and get busy working to protect it's self interests.  Iran became more assertive in their support for Hamas and Hezbollah elements in Israel and Lebanon, threatening the stability of the region and our principle ally there, and were busily working on a game changing, nuclear weapons program. 

Arguably, their counter strategy worked.  The Bush Adminstration continued throughout their tenure to talk tough about Iran and, essentially, got nowhere in terms of a modified Iranian behavior.  It became simple arithmetic; All stick plus no carrot equals predictable results.

Today is a secular holiday in Iran, the Nowruz, or "New Day".  Celebrated on the first day of spring, it represents the beginning of a new year in Iran.  President Obama sent a videotaped Nowruz greeting to Iran today, praising their contributions to world civilization and encouraging a relationship between the United States and Iran.

Mr. Obama's message is also perfectly timed in terms of upcoming national elections in Iran.  Unlike North Korea, for example, the Iranian people will see the Obama video; they have access to radio, television and internet.  As a result of massive inflation and decreasing oil revenues, Iranians are reportedly frustrated and increasingly aware Iran's isolationist tack has seriously impacted their standard of living and opportunities.  

The reaction from Iranian officials was predictably guarded. 

Ali Akbar Javanfekr, a ranking advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, told The Times in a phone conversation that if Obama "shows goodwill and goes beyond words to take practical measures, the state and nation of Iran will not turn its back" on him.

"We welcome the wish of the U.S. president to put away past differences," he said. "Our logic is peace, justice fraternity and mutual respect and love of mankind."

More simple arithmetic; Some stick plus some carrot equals some hope for change.