Iran and the Middle East: How to Shape a Security Regime Acceptable to All Regional Actors

Continued...

Referring back to Professor Bulliet’s opening comments, Dr. Vendley asked whether there are ways of increasing stability that do not depend on the various political entities in the region. In other words, how do religions, in addition to governments, influence the situation in the Middle East? Dr. Vendley elucidated three points in relation to this question.

First, we have to acknowledge religion as a dimension of group identity. Religious communities are parties to identity–based issues and conflicts. Religious communities, in varying degrees, have become vulnerable to hijacking by extremists, politicians, and the press, who sometimes exploit the power of group identity.

Second, religion cannot be reduced only to its contribution to group identity. Islam, Christianity, and Judaism have shared values and transnational groups of followers. There have been recent efforts at publicizing shared religious and spiritual convictions by leaders of major world religions (i.e. former President Khatami’s call for civilizational dialogue) which underscore the cross–confessional mobilizing potential of religion.

Third, authentic cooperation between major religions is a key to achieving lasting peace in the region.

Dr. Vendley concluded by stressing the need for a regional, multi–religious mechanism that is supported, but not controlled, by governments. He mentioned that religious leaders convened in Alexandria last December and initiated a regional structure to include the countries of the Arab League in addition to Turkey, Iran, and Cyprus. He welcomed this event as a possible starting point for the creation of a mechanism by which religious communities would find both representation and a forum to address issues such as regional security.

At this point, Mustapha Tlili opened the floor for questions, taking three questions at a time. Luke Bolton from the Bard Globalization and International Affairs Program began by asking how Iran can reconcile being an Islamic state and a democracy. Specifically, he asked whether reformers could be given more opportunities to run for office without compromising the Islamic character of the state.

Another audience member reminded the panel that in the 1960s, Security Council discussions were relatively public, in contrast to recent decades in which questions dealing with Israel–Palestine and Iran have been delegated to the Quartet before reaching the Security Council. Does this procedure, he asked, marginalize other countries from discussions that could lead to a potential resolution?

Finally, Gulfam Khan, a reporter from a Pakistani television channel, asked Flynt Leverett how he would advise the next President on dealing with Pakistan, especially the southern region bordering Iran.

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