For decades Iran has tried to be an Islamic world leader. With Turkey stealing its thunder, is a clash looming between them?
If you ask an Iranian the first thing that springs to mind on hearing the name Farid Al Din Hadad Adel, he’ll likely reply (if he’s heard of him) that he’s the son of former parliament speaker Gholam Ali Hadad Adel. And if you ask what else, then that he’s the grandson of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. There’s a good chance no one will describe him as one of Iran’s best-known journalists, because, in reality, he’s not.
So when Hadad Adel junior decided to write an op-ed for the Jahan News website (affiliated with Iran’s main Intelligence agency, VAVAK) in February, in which he predicted that another war may be about to be launched against Iran, not many people took notice. Nor did they pay much attention to his view on which country is most likely to be the perpetrator:
‘If we view the option of war as a possibility, we have to pay attention to the conduit for the imposition of such a war. Where is the country which has the suitable human resources? Which country can hope for the entry of its European and American friends into the arena of war, if it enters into war against us? Will NATO be considered as the supporter of our future enemy or the Arab league? The answer is clear. Turkey is the only option for the advancement of the West’s ambitions.’
Iran’s relations with Turkey were in fact improving greatly at that time the piece was published. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had visited Tehran on October 28 the previous year, in what was a very successful visit during which he met Iran’s Supreme Leader as well as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. These factors, plus Hadad Adel’s reputation as someone who received his post as head of the political council of the popular Hamshahri Javan magazine (Hamshahri for Youth) because of his family connections and not his skill set, led many to dismiss Hadad Adel’s controversial prognosis.
But actually, he may have a point.
While some in the West are worried about a new Iran–Turkey alliance being formed, they should also be aware that despite the seemingly close relations between the two, there are people in Iran who view Turkey with suspicion. Turkey may be a friend of today, but to the Islamic Republic, it’s the rival of tomorrow.
The evidence is there for all to see. The Iranian government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on support to Hamas. However, these days, the most popular foreign flag in Gaza is that of Turkey, not Iran. There are people who are calling their children Erdogan (and no one seems to be calling their child Ahmadinejad).
Photo Credit: Flickr / Axiepix
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Tufan
Wishful thinking for USA and EU (collectively called Israel).
Charlie
The twenty-first century has and will witness the unification of all Muslims. Despite all ramifications, Muslims (shia or sunni), will cooperate because each distinct group has experienced American, English, French tutelage in the region. People are aware, leaders are aware and no interest-driven group will offer an incentive for corrupt governance. Let us not be fooled of nominal clash between Iran and Turkey. Both parties must cooperate with one another because of a common enemy. This is what will unify as opposed to disintegrate them.
ElamBend
Anatolia and Persian have always clashed, particularly over the influence in Mesopotamia and the Levant. For all the support they’ve given Hamas, the Iranian regime must of been a bit chagrined to see Turkish flags waived recently have the most recent political crisis there.
In the context of the US/Israel, both regimes seem to be on the same side, but it is an illusion of aligned by conflicting interests. Both regimes are trying to set their countries as the leader among Muslims at large and in the Middle East locally. It is an old game and at some point one will wish to dominate the other. Given the economic differences, I would Turkey is the dominant of the two.
@Dave123, you’re right, but so too would Azeri separatist in Iran (or even Kurds for that matter).
ElamBend
I should have also noted that the same factors that made the US a natural ally/sponsor for Turkey (and at one time Iran), still apply toward Iran. A powerful ally from far away can make relations with neighbors much more genial.
Crissy
This forum needed shinakg up and youve just done that. Great post!
Tolga
Turkey is not rival for İran. Turkey is İsrail’s and US’s rival. İran is Friend for Turkey. Thank you.
Iranian
The author of this article has an Anti-Iranian agenda, he is an Iranian Jew and has long been taking digs at Iran. The first thing he wrote about after the Flotilla attack is how Turkey is becoming the leader of the Islamic world at the expense of Iran. He is trying to create divisions in the Islamic world to distract the attention from Israels crimes.
It’s all nonsense of course. Iran’s economy is larger than Turkey according to the CIA factbook, Iran and Turkey have great relations and Iran has been spending $3 million dollars in Aid to Hamas each year, not the hundreds he is talking about.
John Brocklehurst
Iranian,
Iran’s economy is just over half the size of Turkey’s according to the CIA factbook. This is approximately the same as the estimates of the IMF. So not only are you lying outright, but you aren’t addressing anything in the article itself, you are just insulting the author.
I don’t think I’m the only one who doesn’t find this very convincing.
Alan
That’s a very eye opening perspective that hadn’t occurred to me. Perhaps then Turkey emerges as a useful foil. As of this point, I don’t see Turkey offering material assistance to terrorist organizations, even as it has definitely, if not permanently, turned anti-western.
Dave123
I expect If Turkey becomes a real threat to Iranian influence that the PKK will have a new sponsor