The Long War - Iran - Israel - USA (2/2) | ARTE.tv Documentary (Reupload)

Summary

The transcript outlines the complex historical relationship between the United States, Iran, and Israel, focusing on key events from the early 1990s to the present. It discusses the aftermath of the Gulf War, the Oslo Accords, the rise of the Taliban, and the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. The narrative highlights the strategic interests, political shifts, and the role of influential leaders in shaping the Middle East's landscape. It also touches on the impact of 9/11 and the subsequent War on Terror, leading to a reevaluation of alliances and the pursuit of diplomacy to prevent regional instability.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The script outlines the complex historical relationship between the United States, Iran, and Israel, focusing on major geopolitical events and shifts in the Middle East since the 1990s.
• 💥 The 1991 Gulf War and the subsequent liberation of Kuwait by the US set the stage for broader ambitions by President George H.W. Bush to shape a new, moderate Middle East.
• 🕊️ The Madrid Conference was initiated to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aiming to impose an American policy on the Gulf region, but excluded Iran, causing resentment.
• 🇮🇷 Post-revolutionary Iran, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Rafsanjani, sought to overcome isolation through engagement with other nations, despite internal divisions on how to approach the US.
• 🔥 The script describes Iran's opposition to the Madrid Conference and its efforts to establish itself as a regional power, including support for Islamist movements like Hamas and Hezbollah.
• 🚨 The rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the US-led invasion post-9/11 forced the US to seek unlikely allies, including Iran, to combat this common threat.
• 🤝 The cooperation between the US and Iran during the Afghanistan conflict led to a temporary alliance, but this relationship was not sustained due to ideological differences and US policy.
• 📢 President George W. Bush's 'Axis of Evil' speech further strained relations with Iran, categorizing it alongside North Korea and Iraq as threats to global peace.
• 💣 The script highlights Iran's nuclear program as a central point of contention, with the country accelerating its uranium enrichment activities in response to international pressure and sanctions.
• 🕊️ President Barack Obama's approach to Iran was marked by diplomacy and the pursuit of a multilateral agreement to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, culminating in the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal.
• 🔄 The script concludes with the withdrawal of the US from the Iran Nuclear Deal by President Trump, marking a return to confrontation and the continuation of a long-standing enmity between Iran and the US/Israel.

Q & A

What significant event took place on February 27, 1991?

On February 27, 1991, the American army inflicted a bloody defeat on Iraq, which had invaded Kuwait 7 months earlier.

What was President George Bush's policy towards the Middle East after the liberation of Kuwait?

President George Bush aimed to build a new, moderate republican Middle East after the liberation of Kuwait. He sought to make the Persian Gulf region, which is rich in oil, safer for American interests.

How did the United States attempt to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The United States initiated the Madrid Peace Conference to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to impose an American policy on the Gulf.

What was the stance of the new Iranian leaders towards the United States during the Gulf War?

The new Iranian leaders, who were figures from the Islamic Revolution, opted for a benevolent neutrality towards the Americans during the Gulf War.

What was the goal of the conference held by the Supreme Leader of Iran?

The Supreme Leader of Iran aimed to unite representatives from various ideological and religious backgrounds to oppose American dominance in the Middle East, the occupation of Palestine, and the State of Israel.

What was the significance of the alliance formed during the Tehran conference?

The alliance formed during the Tehran conference led to the creation of what would later be known as the 'axis of resistance,' which quickly became a target for the United States and Israel.

How did Israel respond to the elimination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Abbas Musawi?

Israel had never eliminated a leader of such a high level within Hezbollah, marking a significant event in the conflict.

What was the impact of the 1992 Israeli embassy bombing in Argentina?

The bombing resulted in 28 deaths and 250 injuries, with Islamic Jihad claiming responsibility for the attack.

What strategic shift did Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin make in response to the threat of Iranian nuclear development?

Rabin made a strategic shift by seeking peace with the Palestinians, thereby freeing up resources for Israel to protect itself from Iran.

What was the outcome of the negotiations between Iran and the United States in 2015?

The outcome was the signing of the nuclear deal, where Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions that had been suffocating its economy.

How did the election of President Trump affect the relationship between Iran, the United States, and Israel?

President Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal marked a new phase in the relations among Iran, the United States, and Israel, with the potential for increased tensions and conflict.