In the late 1970s, the shah of Iran, a staunch ally of the West, found himself subject to frequent criticism from Western journalists.
His significant efforts to modernize Iran, including substantial investments in education and healthcare through oil revenues, were often overshadowed by this disproportionate and critical media focus. This emphasis on perceived shortcomings may have contributed to a global underestimation of the potential consequences of the shah’s fall.
Western media, perhaps inclined to highlight negatives over positives, may have inadvertently downplayed the shah’s accomplishments while amplifying his missteps. The subsequent rise of a repressive theocracy in Iran underscored the gravity of the situation. While initial media reports portrayed a more open atmosphere under the ayatollah, it has become tragically clear that the Iranian revolution ultimately facilitated the rise of a regime far more hostile to both its own people and the international community.
A lesson in history
A pertinent example can be traced back to the British withdrawal from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971. This decision, taken during a period of domestic economic and political fragility in Britain following the Suez Crisis, transpired despite the clear preference of the Emiratis for the continuation of British presence until the newly formed nation could fortify its position. In the immediate aftermath of this withdrawal, Iran seized islands of strategic significance in the Arabian Gulf. This event is frequently viewed as a precursor to the Islamic Republic’s ongoing endeavors to augment its influence throughout the Middle East. READ MORE
While Saudi Arabia publicly aligned itself with the coalition, recently declassified documents suggest a more nuanced perspective. Through discreet diplomatic channels, Saudi authorities reportedly expressed grave reservations regarding the complete removal of Saddam Hussein from power. Their primary concern centered on the potential for regional instability and the emergence of a power vacuum that could be exploited by actors like Iran. Their unheeded warnings ultimately proved prescient.
