Egypt: Tehran's leaders should learn from Saddam
State newspaper's editorial slams Iranian President Ahmadinejad, Islamic republic's conduct regarding nuclear program. 'Iran interested in getting Arab states mixed up in conflict for own agenda,' al-Ahram says
Days after Egyptian officials slammed Hizbullah, state newspaper al-Arham on Monday also lashed out against Iran and its conduct regarding its nuclear program.
Al-Ahram's editorial Monday criticized Iran's president and its nuclear program, saying, "Since (Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad rose to power, Iran has taken a loud and provocative tone to realize its rights to hold nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
"Instead of acting quietly and responsibly in the regional and international arena, and easing the concerns of its neighboring countries, the West and United States, Iran has chosen to do the exact opposite."
The paper also accused Iran of undermining its neighbors' stability: "It has even refused to hold talks on the United Arab Emirates' three islands (that are disputed between the two nations) and has refused to take this matter to international arbitration.
"Instead of reassuring its neighbors of its intentions, it has decided to address Bahrain as if it belongs to the Iranian state, while Bahrain, Yemen and Morocco have begun to complain about its interference in their territories. Iran has also begun to make threats and talk about its desire to run the world's matters."
The paper further addressed reports of Iran's plans to attack countries in the Persian Gulf, if Israel strikes its nuclear facilities: "Right now winds of escalation in the region are blowing, with more and more serious talk of an Israeli military strike against the Iranian nuclear facilities.
"The strange thing is the talk of preparing the Gulf nations for what seems to be an act of revenge for such an attack on Iran's part. The question is, why should Iran retaliate against Gulf countries, if Israel or even the US launch a military attack?"
In closing, the editorial said Ahmadinejad should learn from another regional leader, who was deposed and executed: "Iran is walking on broken glass in its war against the West.
"It is interested in getting the Arab countries and Gulf countries mixed up in the conflict for its own special agenda and imposing the reality it finds convenient.
"But, Tehran's leaders must learn their lesson from the experience of Saddam Hussein, who reached his end alone, after losing the support of his brothers and neighbors."
