Iran's recently nominated president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continues to cement the hardline anti—West and anti—reform nature of regime by appointing cabinet ministers known for their intractability. Mr. Ahmadinejad recently stated,

"The wave of the Islamic revolution will soon reach the entire world."

He is now working to consolidate the export of this revolution by actively courting fellow Islamic, but non Shi'a, nations with conciliatory rhetoric,

"The Islamic World's prestige, talents and capabilities are far beyond what it has today... Sympathy, understanding, solidarity, and cooperation among Muslim brothers can pave the way for the blossoming of all potentials, and restoration of the Islamic World's deserved prestigious status."

Could the upcoming December meeting  of the Gulf security conference, featuring discussion on politics between Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, offer a chance for outreach? The Tehran Times advises an oil embargo as the best way to confront Western opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Will the Saudis and eventually the fledgling Iraqi nation form a tripartite pact with Iran? They could wreck enormous havoc on oil markets.

In light of this news concerning Mr. Ahmadinejad filling his cabinet with uncompromising ministers, the export of the Islamic Revolution and a threatened oil embargo, it should be crystal clear to Western leaders what his agenda truly is.

Eric Schwappach   8 14 05