0610 GMT: The diversion of foreign affairs continues in the Islamic Republic. Press TV continues its focus on Gaza, with declarations such as “Thanks to the developments in the region, the political equations have drastically turned to the loss of Israel," and assurances like, "Resistance shows Iron Dome [Israel's anti-missile system] is weak." State news agency IRNA features the proclamation of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, "With the support of Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah, the Gazan people will never be alone."
Yet in all the posturing, not all was diversion. There was a notable signal on Monday, and it came from the highest level of the Islamic Republic. In a speech to officials, the Supreme Leader made his ritual condemnation of outside intervention, notably the arming of the opposition. However, he then said that if insurgents laid down their arms, they can then demand that the government hear their views.
That is not only an acknowledgement of the political opposition, it is a message that the Assad regime must enter into discussions with them --- provided, of course, that the armed challenge stops. Previously, the regime assurance has been that President Assad has already been pursuing "reform" to address the concerns of the Syrian people.
The Supreme Leader's statement followed Iran's weekend pose of a Tehran-hosted "national dialogue" between representatives of the regime and of the opposition. It was never clear, however, who these Syrians were --- beyond a lesser Minister who made the trip --- and the meeting ended with rhetoric from Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi about the need for continuing discussions including all Syrians.
An EA correspondent got to the point yesterday in a staff discussion. The Islamic Republic's position on Syria has shifted from its unflinching support of President Assad.
The problem, he continued, was that the shift had come far too late. Tehran's postures have been overtaken by insurgent advances on the ground re-shaping the political battlefield, with most countries --- including past Iranian partners such as Turkey --- backing the new National Coalition, and with the prospect of a "protected zone" inside Syria for the opposition.
In other words, he summarised, Iran's room for manoeuvre is disappearing.
Posted via email from lissping
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