A fascinating nugget from the post-revolutionary Iran era, as that country’s clerics dealt with the West. At one point in 1986, Rouhani was enticed by Manucher Ghorbanifar (remember him?) to talk with someone he thought was an American official in Paris. In fact, it was an Israeli, Amiram Nir. And he had a secret microphone. Here are some things Rouhani said a long time ago that might have some salience for today:
“I feel very uncomfortable over Imam Khomeini’s extremist speech yesterday,” Rouhani added, “I think it was his most hard-line speech since he seized power. He demanded to break and cut into pieces all those who don’t hold with his extremist anti-American stance, but it’s your fault: you Americans sit and watch what goes on between us and Iraq and do nothing to help us. You won’t get a thing from Iran until you start moving about and supply us what we need.”
At this point, however, Rouhani admitted: “It should be clear to you that what I said now is what Rafsanjani demands I say. If I will not do so, it will be the end of me. Of late, we’re led by extremists such as Khomeini and his son. I’m surrounded by guards. I want nothing to myself, least of all money, as I can’t spend it in my position: it would draw suspicion. I’m seeking what’s best for my country. You should know who you are dealing with.”
“If you analyze Khomeini’s character you’ll see that a strong opponent makes him go 100 feet back; while a weak one impels him to drive forward. Unfortunately, you’ve taken the wrong stance: you are too soft on him. Had you been tougher, you’d be in a position of superiority. You didn’t show power.”
All the moderates in my country are walking a thin line. We can’t meet with you every week. Not even every month. We are ready for a real cooperation with you, but first you’ll have to help us nurture the true Islam in our country, and for that we need your money and assistance to finish the war with Iraq.”
And Reagan’s envoy, Donald Rumsfeld, delivered chemical weapons to Saddam in response. More here.
(Photo: Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images)
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