The Kuwaiti Arab Times newspaper commented on the recent student demonstrations that took place in Iran recently, providing some friendly advice from a small southern neighbor. The pro-government Arab Times presented its view of Iran in a recent editorial: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is a great and important country. It enjoys a vital political position in the region, representing an integral part of the Gulf in geographical, economic, political and social aspects.”
The Kuwaiti daily went on, “Unfortunately, Iran, at the leadership and decision-making levels, does not realize its geopolitical importance. Its behavior resembles that of Saddam, as the world tries to lay down a base for stability and tranquility, establish strong economic blocs and exchange interests through globalization.” Noting this, the newspaper said, “A lesson should be learned from the ouster of Saddam Hussein, who was speaking an outdated language with world.... Iran should, therefore, re-examine its position and realize its geopolitical position. It should listen to reformists to spare itself and its people a lot of trouble.” Expressing concern, the Kuwaiti editorial added, “We truly do not wish to see Iran in a difficult position with the world due to outdated slogans, miscalculation and wrong political policies.”
In contrast, the Iran Daily News out of Teheran presented the view, expressed by Hossein Ahmadis, that “At a time when the MPs are accused of being intimidated by foreign threats, it is strange that some inside the country try to threaten and intimidate the MPs. Such an attitude is insulting and unacceptable to our law-abiding people and the society at large. Even if we assume that the signatories of the open letter to the leader [which expressed support for reform] fear foreign threats, does the solution lie in encouraging them to confront such threats or in weakening and intimidating them at the home front?”
The Kuwaiti daily went on, “Unfortunately, Iran, at the leadership and decision-making levels, does not realize its geopolitical importance. Its behavior resembles that of Saddam, as the world tries to lay down a base for stability and tranquility, establish strong economic blocs and exchange interests through globalization.” Noting this, the newspaper said, “A lesson should be learned from the ouster of Saddam Hussein, who was speaking an outdated language with world.... Iran should, therefore, re-examine its position and realize its geopolitical position. It should listen to reformists to spare itself and its people a lot of trouble.” Expressing concern, the Kuwaiti editorial added, “We truly do not wish to see Iran in a difficult position with the world due to outdated slogans, miscalculation and wrong political policies.”
In contrast, the Iran Daily News out of Teheran presented the view, expressed by Hossein Ahmadis, that “At a time when the MPs are accused of being intimidated by foreign threats, it is strange that some inside the country try to threaten and intimidate the MPs. Such an attitude is insulting and unacceptable to our law-abiding people and the society at large. Even if we assume that the signatories of the open letter to the leader [which expressed support for reform] fear foreign threats, does the solution lie in encouraging them to confront such threats or in weakening and intimidating them at the home front?”