Iran's New Challenge

he ensuing domestic unrest in Iran, especially in the capital and other urban centers, following the controversial June 12 presidential election, is already taking its toll. This incident is likely to exacerbate the situation, and divert attention from pressing issues of realpolitik.

19 October 2009 A new terror front for Iran is in the making. The suicide attack at a meeting of the elite Revolutionary Guards in the restive Sistan-Balochistan Province, is shocking. The unprecedented terror activity, which claimed the lives of several top commanders, including General Noor Ali Shoostari, will add a new dimension to Iran's security doctrine.

Teheran has already been at odds in dealing with resurgents in its southeast, which hosts a sizeable Sunni population, and the attack will compel it to look towards bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan for fighting an enemy that threatens regional peace and stability.

Nonetheless, one fears Iran might opt for playing to the gallery, and capitalise the issue politically. Teheran has already blamed external powers for the attack - with the United States being the prime suspect. Such an approach can derail the momentum of rapprochement underway with Washington. Thus, the need of the hour for Iran is to carefully review the situation and try to put its house in order. Simmering unrest in its southern provinces, that nurse grievances against Teheran for not developing them at par with other areas of the country, is a core political issue and needs to be addressed adequately and urgently. Moreover, militant organisations such as Jundollah, critical of the Shia government and the 1979 revolutionary zeal, is not only a new security challenge, but comes 
as a divisive force in a country that faces a host of external and internal threats.

Sunday's attack reminds of the bomb blast in Teheran, in the aftermath of the revolution, which targeted its high-profile leadership, killing at least 72 parliamentarians and icons of the revolution. This time around the target has been the Revolutionary Guards who are supposed to be the eyes and ears of Iran's security apparatus - and considered more powerful than the regular army. The insurgents' intention then, and now, is to plunge the republic in chaos and uncertainty, and destabilise it.

The ensuing domestic unrest in Iran, especially in the capital and other urban centers, following the controversial June 12 presidential election, is already taking its toll. This incident is likely to exacerbate the situation, and divert attention from pressing issues of realpolitik. The cautious path that Teheran is treading in addressing the concerns of the world community, regarding its ambitious nuclear programme, should not be abandoned. Similarly, citing conspiracy theories at work on its domestic front should not undermine the entente underway with the US and the West. Teheran, however, should admit there has been a serious security lapse, and address the issue accordingly. Pakistan and Afghanistan can be involved in formulating a joint strategy for battling a common enemy.

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