NEWSWEEK: Do you think that Iraq’s offer to allow the return of United Nations weapons inspectors will prevent an American attack?
Abdul Sattar Alrawi: I hope so. But Mr. Bush is not acting according to modern rules of diplomacy, so we can expect anything from him. This is like a personal vendetta against us. His actions and speeches are customized to mobilize public opinion. We try to act diplomatically and don’t give any excuses to them. I don’t think that will prevent an American attack because they already have their plans and nothing will change their mind. But history has proved that no nation can rule the world. This is the beginning of the end of American empire.
Iran’s foreign ministry has said that if America attacks Iraq, Tehran will not side with the U.S. or Iraqi governments but will be on the side of the people of Iraq. What do you think Iran will do in case of war?
I hope there will not be a war in the region. Everybody wants peace in the region. We are certain about a few realities. We are sure that [Iranian] President Khatami is a wise and logical man. He looks toward the future, not the past, and promotes dialogue among civilizations. My experience has taught me to trust this man.
But President Khatami is not the commander of the armed forces. He has limited power, and the Iranian government may not be unanimous on this matter.
I am not in a position to comment on Iran’s internal affairs. The supreme leader of Iran [Ayatollah Khamenei, who is also commander in chief of the army] recently said that “we cannot accept invasion of Iraq because Iran will be the next target of America.” This is a very positive position for us. Iran’s national security will be jeopardized by an attack, and it will not be in Iran’s national interest to be America’s ally … Bush’s theory that “you are either with us or against us” does not belong to the 21st century. It is an outdated idea and a creation of his illusions. You cannot free nations by foreign intervention.
How would you describe current Iran-Iraq relations?
There’s a positive atmosphere, especially since Iran’s foreign minister [Kamal Kharrazi] visited Iraq earlier this year. We are getting close to solving the issues of exchanging POWs and bodies of the soldiers killed during the war. There are good economic relations between the two countries within the framework of United Nations sanctions. Iraqi markets are full of Iranian goods. We import food items, medicine and building material from Iran and export agricultural goods such as rice to Iran. Every week, 1,000 [Iranian] pilgrims visit holy Shiite sites [in Najaf and Karbala] in Iraq.
But President Khatami has said that Iraq is the source of adventurism in the Middle East and Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan says that Iran is as dangerous to the region as the United States and Britain. How could you call this a positive atmosphere?
The two countries’ national interests are too great to be affected by these comments. We have learned to ignore them … America’s plan is to dominate the region and its oil resources. The U.S. wants to establish governments which are on its side in the region, and this will jeopardize all countries in the region.
What unresolved issues does Iran still have with Iraq?
One of the outstanding issues between Iran and Iraq is the border issue [Iraq’s claim to parts of Iranian territory]. We have a joint commission investigating it. But there is not much of a dispute between the two countries like we had in the early ’80s.
What’s your view on last month’s visit to Washington by Iraqi opposition groups to discuss the future of Iraq?
These groups have chosen to leave their nation to join the enemy. We look down upon such acts in our Islamic and Arabic culture. We are not worried about them.
Let’s talk about the upcoming anniversary of the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq, which a prominent Iranian reformist called a war between brothers. He was later chastised by those who regard the war as fight between Muslims and infidels.
War is the worst choice you can make. And the most difficult choice you can make. And by the time war is finished you have learned a great lesson. Both countries have seen blood and tears and have gone through difficult times. Learning this lesson has made us determined to improve relations between the two countries.
But if you just drive through any city in Iran and look at the murals commemorating the war you wouldn’t say that. Have the issues that caused the war been resolved?
These “Muslims Against Infidels” and “Imposed War” slogans were created in a certain historic period to mobilize military forces. A war shouldn’t be repeated.
How do you prevent it?
Through promoting peace, brotherhood and common cultural interests. You cannot find two people more similar than Iranians and Iraqis.
Brotherhood and peace are abstract concepts. But there were concrete reasons to start the war. Do they still exist?
Those reasons certainly do not exist now. We can peacefully co-exist despite having problems. Look at Khatami’s mannerism and behavior. He symbolizes a change in attitudes.
Has Saddam Hussein become more moderate, as well?
I think so.
