Nice enemy: Armenian slant of Tehran

Sometimes seeming good intentions lead to a negative effect for the whole world. Armenian-Iranian cooperation is a bright example of it. Tehran faithfully believes that it is doing a good thing supporting Armenia in the context of isolation. The point is not only that the isolation is a logic consequence of the dangerous and tough policy provided by Yerevan toward its neighbors. Support of the aggressor, when reasonable forces demand adequateness and predictability from the occupant, means help for the invader. That’s the support of Armenia by Iran.

Armenia has no access to the sea. The only crossing point is Upper Lars in Georgia. However, Iran has been burdening all difficulties of providing Armenian economy for several years. Everyday cargos sent to Armenia from abroad come to the Iranian port Bender-Abbas in the Persian Gulf and are carried to the Iranian-Armenian border in the north of the country. Iran plays a unique role for Armenia in the situation, when the country-aggressor is tried to call to order by Azerbaijan, Turkey and other members of the international society.

The most significant help to Armenia from Iran is energy. Yerevan fully depends on its southern partner in this sphere. Iran is not only an oxygen bag for Armenia, but an alternative economic body, which enables the aggressor to survive in the context of natural and geopolitical problems. The Iranian political circles can’t help but know it. Tehran approaches to Yerevan considering two reasons. On the one hand, this approach is forced, as the IRI is surrounded by enemies. On the other hand, Iran made friends with Armenia against Azerbaijan.

Protest tendencies against Baku were so tough that the Iranians closed their eyes on duplicity of Yerevan, which actively cooperates with the West. In this situation everything is seem logic except one thing. Why does Tehran count on vague Armenia, while it has a reliable alternative in the form of beneficial relations with Azerbaijan? It is understood that there are problems with Azerbaijan in the sphere of the legal status of the Caspian Sea. But Iran needs Azerbaijan much more than Armenia. European countries are glad to cooperate with Baku; partnership with Russia, Kazakhstan and other neighboring states is extending; but the gap in Azerbaijani-Iranian trade-economic relations causes bewilderment only.

Baku has always wanted to have good relations with Tehran. Azerbaijan, which economy is more than 80% of the regional industry, achieved success due to drive for results with its partners. If Iran hasn’t used its opportunities for approaching to Azerbaijan, reasons for this failure lie in the complex of priorities of Tehran. Baku has never closed doors for equal and promising relations with any country, including Iran. At the same time, Armenia proves that it is a problem in the system of international affairs. Its relations with Georgia are worsening.

Armenia seems to be an instrument available for anyone. The regional players understood that the material is useless for strategic plans. It is useful only in tactical constructions. This is not a gaudy lot of Armenian “statehood,” which doesn’t exist in reality. However, Armenia sales what it got, i.e. its vote in the international organizations. But who can guarantee that Yerevan won’t betray Iran under pressure of its new Western friends? Armenian political culture got used to say neither “yes” nor “no,” when the issue is serious and demands certainty.

The course to the Iranian economy and support by the north neighbor puts Armenia in the awkward situation. Space for maneuvers becomes narrower. It always happens when geopolitical priorities are distorted.

http://news.day.az/politics/310881.html