Maybe
a Little Less Self-Interest Might Work
As he reflectively and thoughtfully spoke about the
tenuous relationship between the United States and his home country, Iran, Seyed
Hussein Movsavian, former ambassador and now Princeton professor and diplomat
involved in nuclear talks, reminded the overflow audience at The World Affairs
Council Meeting in Hilton Head that until 1953 Iran and the United States had for
almost 150 years a very close and cordial relationship. It was in that year that the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh
was
ousted by a coup orchestrated by Great Britain and the United States. Mosaddegh was a progressive and benevolent
leader who started a social security system, addressed issues of poverty, AND nationalized
the Iranian oil industry. The last
proved to some in the west to be a bad idea! That industry had been under
British control since 1913……Anglo-Persian Oil Company, later British Petroleum. After the coup we and the British supported
the corrupt leader, the Shah of Iran. It
was obvious from the crowd this recounting of history was an largely irrefutable fact. He also mentioned that the United States has
diplomatic ties with many Middle Eastern countries that are far more lax on
human and women’s rights issues than Iran.
In fact many are designated as our “allies.”
He made some suggestions that he felt could stabilize the Middle East.
·
Avoid U.S. boots on the ground – let the
boots be those of the Arab nations who have a big stake in defeating ISIS.
·
Support the U.N. in convening a conference
with the five major Middle Eastern Arab nations and major western
nations to discuss the political landscape of the Middle East and seek mutual
answers to the most pressing problems.
·
If Israel is to be given full credibility
in the Middle East, the Palestinian problem must be addressed.
·
Offer respect to Iran and other Arab
nations.
I could not seem to let go of the coup caused by the
nationalization of the Iranian oil industry.
It was probably carried out under the banner of protecting Britain’s national
“self-interest.” Recently I have heard
that term bantered around a lot. We will
do what it takes to protect our national “self-interest.” The meeting which I was attending was held in
a church sanctuary. “Self-interest” – it
seemed so antithetical to the message that we proclaim as we reflect upon the
servant-Savior we say we follow. “Honor
all” – give respect to friend and foe alike.
Look out for the interests and welfare of the other first. I believe that is embedded in the heart of
the Gospel. What if we spent a portion
of our “military” budget mobilizing against the poverty that is a significant root
cause of much of the hatred and warfare.
“When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to loose.” I am no “Pollyanna!” There are bad people in the world! But fewer than we often believe. There are
duplicitous people in the world! But
fewer than we imagine.
I can’t stop thinking that putting a priority on the
best interests of the other might be in our “self-interest.” I love
my country! I cherish free speech even when I don't agree with what is spoken. I celebrate the racial, cultural, ethnic diversity that is woven into the fabric of our nation. But I fear we might not be Christian enough to follow the
servant-Savior who thought of the interests of foreigners, strangers, outcasts,
and perceived enemies first!
Prayer – God of love who knows no spiritual or
geo-political boundaries, open our eyes so that we might see the common
humanity that we all share. Open our
hearts so that we might be ready to be selfless servants in the bringing of
shalom to your world. Amen.
