February 22, 2007	Thursday	Safar 4, 1428

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21: The long drawn confrontation between the US and Iran is not because of the latter’s nuclear programme but due to the Islamic revolution as it was a huge blow to America’s Middle East policy.

This was observed by former foreign secretary Tanvir Ahmad Khan while summing up a session titled “Sanctions of Iran: emerging scenario” organised by the Institute of Policy Studies on the eve of UN Security Council resolution deadline that entails the threat of harsher sanctions.

Mr Ahmad also pointed towards the new trends in global politics and the rise of Russia and its possible new role as a key player in world affairs.

The other speakers also observed that the possible US attack on Iran would destabilise the region and could cause grave implications for Pakistan.

According to a press release, the panel of speakers included former ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Lt.Gen (retd) Talat Nasood, ex secretary of defence production; Fasihuddin, ex chief economist; Dr Nazir Hussain, assistant professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, and Barrister Sadia Abbasi, member Senate. The session was chaired by Mr Tanvir Ahmad Khan.

Mr Khalid Mehmood said the history of sanctions had mixed outcomes where in some cases it had worked and in others it did not.

He warned that if the US imposed added sanctions on Tehran it would have a negative impact. “It may further antagonise Iran which can withdraw from NPT and there would be more support of Iranian people for their nuclear programme.”

About the use of military force against Iran, Gen Talat Masood said chapter seven of the UN resolution forbade the use of military means against Iran.

He said Iran had the equal right to safeguard its energy and security concerns. About Iranian resilience in the face of the US, he said the US was in a quagmire in different conflicts which had emboldened Iran, whereas the latter also had economic prosperity due to its oil reserves.

Gen Masood also warned that the implications of an attack on Iran would be grave for Pakistan and the latter could play a constructive role in stopping an attack on Iran as it has historical, religious and cultural links with Iran while acting as an ally with the US in its war on terror.

Senator Sadia Abbasi said there was a vacuum of leadership in the Muslim world and the US was exploiting it. She urged the government of Pakistan not to be part of any plan of attack on Iran. “Our interests should be to come closer to Iran,” she suggested.

Mr Fasih said although Iran looked stable economically yet it had few vulnerable economic points which could be a problem in case of harsh sanctions.

Regarding the US strategic planning in the region, Prof Nazir Hussain said the US was planning to promote sectarian divide in the region to weaken the states in the Middle East.