Saudi- Wrong moves

(MENAFN- Arab News) I read with interest the article 'But $100 billion for Iran Mr. Obama?' (July 8) by Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi. I agree with the writer that the West particularly the United States is making a huge mistake by reaching out to Iran and trying to pull this rogue state back to the comity of nations. Some may object to the use of the word 'rogue' but it is justified keeping in view Iran's ugly role in the Middle East. The western powers appear to be under the impression that by supporting Iran and allowing it to assert itself in the region they might be able to contain the so-called Islamic State which has gained popularity by its Arabic acronym Daesh.

This is a serious miscalculation impacts of which will be felt all across the world. Iran however is playing its cards very tactfully. How could the West be so assured that Tehran would abandon its nuclear ambitions? Or should we assume that the West wants another nuclear power in the region (Israel being the first though undeclared). By reaching a nuclear deal with Iran the West is about to trigger a nuclear race in the region.

For a second if we assume that Iran will abandon its controversial nuclear program what is the guarantee that it will also abandon its expansionist designs?

At a time when Iran is faced with immense economic difficulties due to the current economic sanctions it is continuously supporting militias across the Arab world and spending huge funds in this regard. One could easily imagine Iran's posture once the sanctions are lifted. It is not such a difficult scenario to understand for anybody with the basic knowledge of the region and its political dynamics. Unfortunately the western think tanks appear to be divorced from reality. Or maybe that is the plan! Azlan Shah Riyadh