It is really surprising to see a small militant group representing a minority community staging a coup in Yemen. This action will only add to the problems of the highly volatile region because of its sectarian overtones. There is no room for doubt left to believe that Iran is pulling the strings in Yemen to promote its sectarian agenda in the region. The dirty sectarian game started by Tehran has put the region on a powder keg. Earlier, Iraq fell victim to Tehran’s sectarian politics followed by Syria and now it is Yemen.

Iran should realize that such policies would not help it realize its dream of gaining control of the Middle East. On the contrary, it will deepen the sectarian divide in the region and hamper the growth of all the regional countries. In the era of cooperation and interdependence, it is sad to see a country pursuing such policies. It is spending millions of dollars to support the brutal regime of Bashar Assad. The same funds could have been channeled into various development projects in Iran for the welfare of Iranians. This mindset clearly indicates that the Iranian leadership is not sincere with its people. What does Iran want to prove by fomenting unrest in neighboring countries?

It should fear the day when world media will run headlines about an Iranian Spring. The people of Iran want to see their standard of living to be on a par with their regional counterparts. Various reports and documentaries on the Internet suggest that there is great resentment among the Iranian population, which has been held hostage to the whims and wishes of a handful of religious extremists. I am sure that very soon protests will erupt in Iran and then these same leaders will find themselves looking for a safe haven.

Bilal Ahmed

Jeddah