by M. K. BHADRAKUMAR
The tussle between the brain and the brawn is a constant feature of international politics. The “Turkic” and “Persian” streams of consciousness on the Central Asian landscape provide a fine example. The tussle between Israel and Iran has been no less acute – or between the late Saddam Hussein in Iraq and the Iranian leadership.
Bahrain developments bring to light all over again the Iranian trust in “brain” – how to optimally deploy intellectual resources in situations where fools rush in with might and armor, full of passionate intensity. If someone in Washington cares to watch, Tehran’s moves since March 15 offer a case study for reaching some major conclusions about how Iran lives and works.
But that is going too fast, too far. At the moment, what matters is Iran’s stakes in Bahrain. Bahrain’s population comprises a majority of Shi’ites – as much as 70% – and although they are drawn more toward Najaf in Iraq than to Qom in Iran for spiritual guidance, almost one-third of them are Arabs of Persian origin whose welfare is a matter of legitimate concern to Tehran.
Second, the United States Fifth Fleet is berthed in Bahrain and among its vital tasks, it “spies” on Iran. Indeed, a key vector of US-Bahrain strategic ties is also their intelligence tie-up over Iran. Naturally, the “liberation” of Bahrain from the clutches of US domination is a matter of national security priority for Tehran.
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