Iran holds key to Mideast peace

The new administration has its work cut out for it and I hope they make their first priority to change our diplomatic policy concerning Iran. Iran has many faults but we must work with them to obtain stability and a lasting peace in the Mideast. Iran has grown stronger than Iraq ever was. They are stronger than all the Arab countries. The Islamic Republic Iran is most cosmopolitan, modern and western country in the Middle East. It is a theocracy. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected President of Iran in 2005, but he is not the real leader. That title belongs to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is both the spiritual leader and controls the Revolutionary Guard. Ahmadinejad is an Islamic conservative and in 2005 replaced a more liberal president. There is a good chance he will be replaced in 2009 since the desire for reform is very much alive.

Our occupation of Iraq has helped to create a new world power in Iran. Iran is the key regional player with neighboring Arab states. Iran has a million man army that has trained and supported both Hamas and Hezbollah. Just think if Iran was to stop their support in money and weapons how long would these Iranian proxies last?

Iran has already signed major contracts with Iraq to provide energy, build plants and trade goods. Keep in mind Iraq is two thirds Shia. Iran has never supported al-Qaida. Sunni Taliban was Iran's archenemies are reviled by almost all Iranians.

A fear of our country has led them to nuclear ambitions. We must convince them that we want peace in the Mideast. We need to normalize relations with Iran. Iran has much to gain, they do not want another radical or destabilizing country on their border.

What other options do we have? Another war? If we go that way we better reinstate the draft now.

Mike Brown

Mount Prospect