Obama’s hands tied when it comes to Iran

TEHRAN,Nov.17(MNA)--Barack Obama’s reelection has been described by many in the West as an event that will usher in a new era in the U.S. government’s policy toward Iran. However, even the most optimistic political observers believe that there is actually no difference between the Republicans and Democrats in their view of Iran and its anti-hegemonistic stance. The Democrats only pretend that they favor a more moderate approach to Iran and will avoid any military standoff with the country. However, when it comes to the security of Israel and Iran’s clear record of anti-Zionist activity, the Democrats never dare to stand against the powerful Zionist lobby, and their general stance toward Iran is almost the same as the Republicans’ stance. In this view, Obama’s reelection and Mitt Romney’s defeat create almost no tangible change in the United States’ policy toward Iran. Yet, it could be said that Obama’s second term in office can provide a new opportunity for dealing with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The first Black U.S. president is expected to have a much easier time in the White House over the next four years since he will face less political pressure. This may allow Obama to make more independent decisions, especially in regard to Iran and the Middle East. Although the Zionist lobby will continue to block any decision that harms Israel or endangers its security through the Congress, Obama can at least prevent any worsening of the situation in the Middle East and convince Israel to rein in its rhetoric about war with Iran. The inspiration Iran has provided for popular uprisings in Muslim countries, and especially the Arab world, is another source of headaches for the Obama administration. Thus, many political analysts are predicting that Obama will follow a strategy of imposing more sanctions on Iran in order to contain its rising influence in the region. This is why many insist that there is no difference between the Democrats and the Republicans when it comes to red lines like Israel. In fact, the powerful Zionist lobby uses every means at its disposal to block decisions favoring Iran and encourages U.S. officials and members of Congress to adopt more hawkish stances. This ties the hands of Obama and prevents him from creating any tangible change in U.S. policy toward Iran. Majid Safataj is a political analyst and an expert on the Middle East based in Tehran. (By Majid Safataj )