Sofia Says

Next week, Iranian Dictator Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be leading a 4-legged tour of Latin America. Amidst threats by the Regime to close the Strait of Hormuz, and reports of grave depreciation of the Iranian Rial, Ahmadinejad will take part in a tropical vacation – hold the booze.

Since being put in office in 2005, Ahmadinejad has cleverly sought to make Latin America a foreign policy priority – don’t mistake his moral delusion for strategic incapability. Venezuela and Cuba, both at odds with the U.S. were quick to bite the bait, and welcome the Regime’s fanatical element to the region.

Many might ask why Iran seeks such close ties with Latin American states. It’s obvious that the extreme Islamists ruling Iran don’t share Latin American culture or values; everything from bikini clad beaches, to the innovation hubs budding throughout the region are not welcome in Iran. Regardless, the Islamic Regime needs Latin America to circumvent U.S. and European sanctions which have brought an immeasurable weight to the Regime’s shoulders.

In his six years of terrorizing Iran’s people, Ahmadinejad has been able to expand Iranian diplomatic missions throughout Latin America – not only has the Regime introduced six new embassies, but the existing embassies in Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico have grown in size and scope. To the naked eye, this seems innocent. To others, this is alarming not only because the oppressive Regime is indeed dodging the isolation intended by the West, but because these offices become safe houses for Revolutionary Guards, Quds Force operatives, and other terrorist organizations linked to the Iranian Regime, including Hizbollah. This brings the impending conflict between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic of Iran out of the Middle East, and far closer to the American heartland.

These ‘diplomatic’ endeavors have also lead to a rise in trade between the Islamic Republic and Latin American economies. Last year, Brazilians exports to Iran amounted to over $2 billion; Iran become Brazil’s biggest beef importer. Trade with Argentina has similarly been on a rise, while business between Iran and Ecuador jumped over $150 million, between 2007 and 2008. Beef exports are not the concern, however – it is the more encompassing strategic benefit of Iran which sounds alarms.

This begs the question - not whether sanctions are fruitful, but whether Latin America shares the West’s concern for the oppressed Iranian People. For a continent which has worked hard to move forward from being plagued by dictators who tormented their people, why they are accessory to the torture and torment of another, I do not understand.