Iran’s Useless Show Off

Does a country have dignity by developing sophisticated weapons?

In recent days the world is poured by a spate of news on Iran's newly launched military equipment. On Friday (20/8/2010) the Iranian military had successfully test-fired surface-to-surface missile dubbed Qiam. On Saturday (21/8/2010) Iran began with to put fuel rods into the Russian-built nuclear reactor. On Sunday (22/8/2010), Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unveiled a 1000 km-range bomber drone dubbed Karrar. On Monday (23/8/2010), again, Iran opened the production line of high speed assault boats dubbed Seraj (Lamp) and Zolfaghar (Imam Ali's sword). See, in four consecutive days Iran tried to mesmerize the world with its cutting-edge technology.

It is inarguable that Iran has got its deterrent factor. Iran is not as easy as Iraq and Afghanistan to conquer. Its archenemy – US and Israel – will think twice to wage a war against Iran. But whatever Iran show off, do not ever think that US and Israel cannot match or outdone Iran in making lethal weapon.

For the time being Iran will be safe. But what next can they do with the isolation of the US superpower? Do they have to insist not to have dialogue or play down their attitude to win the US' heart or at least US will let them play in the broader role in the world. I think Iranian leaders should think this in better perspective. Iran should learn other country's approach amid the hegemony of American-defined world.

China is the best paragon. The Chinese utterly do not bow to the Americans, but they are not deemed as an enemy by Americans. Thanks to Deng Xiaoping's vision, China embraces the western system of capitalism. China has put itself the world's economy network. The Chinese can export their production to anywhere in the world freely and the most important they can easily invite foreign company to invest, make production, and transfer their latest technology. And now China is the key player in world's economy and if China is attacked by any country then it will affect to the whole world.

The Iranians might ask, by doing this, do the Chinese have dignity facing the Americans?

Certainly the Chinese do have dignity in terms of cutting-edge weapon race. In 2007, China had successfully tested it anti-satellite missile. Previously, in 1996 it tested the first underground nuclear weapon. These are more than enough to tell the world that China is a very strong country. Imagine if the United States attacked and China would answer by shooting the America's satellite so that it can render their jet fighters' maximum capacity, guided missiles or any equipments relied on satellite useless.

Many of us, particularly if you are Moslem, dislike the arrogant Uncle Sam. However, any leaders should prioritize their people's prosperity. And for that purpose, there is no other better way except making friend with Uncle Sam. This is the Chinese recipe to address the arrogant Uncle Sam: embrace what prevails in the world system, do your best to bring the best to your country, not to make angry the temporary winner Uncle Sam, after connecting with the whole world for better and worse, sometimes you can show off you strength without any sanction at all.