Internal cohesion to help secure interests in foreign policy
By Mohammadreza Bahonar
Member of Iran’s Expediency Council
As a religious democracy, the Islamic Republic of Iran has seen diverse political viewpoints since the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The changing of the guard in governments and parliaments over the past 45 years, with their varying political leanings, bears witness to this claim. However, to overcome certain challenges and make key national decisions, a consensus among political groups and prominent national figures is a must. In fact, forging such a consensus is a prerequisite for taking strides in development, ensuring that major decisions are both nationally backed and publicly acceptable.
It appears that the current state of the nation calls for an alliance or consensus among political groups who are devoted to the Establishment and the people, allowing national convergence and cooperation to take center stage, rather than petty squabbles and factional bickering. This does not mean that all political entities must be on the same page, but rather, while acknowledging differences in opinion, focus on commonalities in key areas. Perhaps, this requires political groups to put national interests above their own minor concerns, for the greater good.
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