Publication

This paper argues that too many analysts in the West hold either an ideological or pragmatic interpretation of Iranian foreign policy. In other words, they see it as an expression of either religious irrationalism or Tehran's own rational political interests, which are hidden just below the religious zeal. What's missing, of course, is a third element -- i.e., the way Iran continues to see itself as the 'spearhead' of the Third World. However, given recent developments in its own neighborhood, the paper concludes that Iran now has to reconsider its self-perceived role as a leading foil against the West. (That the West needs to meet it half way goes without saying.)