Soapbox: Talking to Iran By Abdallah El-Ashaal Arab governments view Iran with a different eye from that of their nations. Iran's audacity in its confrontation with the West, its support for Lebanese and Palestinian resistance, and its refusal to abandon its nuclear programme brought it as much popularity in Arab streets as scepticism by Arab governments. One may say that it is the weakness of Arab regimes in front of Israel that makes Iranian bravado all the more alluring to the Arab masses. In short, the Arab public wants an Iran that differs from the Iran Arab governments wish to have. The Arab public, at least outside the Gulf region, sees the prospect of an Iranian nuclear bomb as reassuring. This view is not heard in the Gulf, where both the public and governments feel that the Iranians want to throw their weight around and eventually control the region. No one in this region, neither governments nor the public, wishes to see a US-Iranian military showdown. And no one wants Iran to foment Sunni-Shia tensions in the region. The entire Arab world supports the UAE's right over the islands that Iran has occupied. Recently, tensions flared between the Arab world and Iran. Morocco recalled its ambassador. Tunisia is alarmed about ties between the local opposition and Iran. And many Arab countries feel that Iran is pushing its luck in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. It is easy, but also too risky, to demonise Iran. And it is not too late to talk. But first, the Arabs should identify their bargaining chips and come to the dialogue with workable plans. Setting up conditions before talking is not going to work. We need to remain open minded, and we must encourage the Iranians to act likewise. This week's Soapbox speaker is former assistant to the Egyptian foreign minister.
