US President Barack Obama has sent a direct video message to the people of Iran on the eve of Nowruz, an Iranian festival which celebrates arrival of spring. This message from US President to Islamic Republic of Iran is unprecedented and a total diplomatic U-turn as well. George Bush had many issues with Iran and its nuclear programme and often called it a part of ‘axis of evil’.

In his message Obama committed total diplomacy addressing the full range of issues. He also sought engagement between two nations which was more honest and grounded in mutual respect. Iranian advisors and diplomats have reacted to the speech but Supreme leader of the state, Ayatollah Khamenei refrained from mentioning it in his Nowruz message to the people. Tehran will be watchful and more than words what they seek is action and lifting of sanctions.

Obama’s initiative to press forward with dialogue and diplomacy, discussion across the table rather than confrontation is indeed a change of usual ‘big brother’ attitude of US. Polarities will exist but it is extremely important to create scope for peaceful co-existence, tolerance, mutual trust and respect among nations.

Image

Via BBC