Characteristics of Foreign Policy in viewpoints of
Imam Khomeini
The victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran under the leadership of
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led to a
modern transformation in the context of Iranian political issues including both
the domestic and foreign policies. This writing piece would intend intend to
examine some important and influential instances of his ideas and viewpoints in
the realm of foreign policy on different conditions and circumstances.
Imam Khomein defines politics as “Politics should guide the society,
find its way, consider all the interests of society, and guide them to that
which is for their welfare.”
“Politics means management of the
country based on the religious and spiritual welfare of the people.”
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Elements of foreign policy from Imam Khomeini's viewpoint generally, the
following elements in the context of foreign policy can be inferred from his
speeches and opinions: Non-reliance on
the global powers, which has been manifested in the Imam’s policy of “Neither
East nor West”; Preservation of the
existence and territorial integrity of the country, and observing the long-term
interests of the system; Invitation
toward the monotheistic values and fundamentals of Islam; Defense of the integrity and reputation of
Islam in the international gatherings; Expression of sympathy to the
downtrodden of the world and inviting them to unite with one another; Invitation toward the unity of Muslims; Strategic campaign against the Quds-occupying
regime; Harmonious coexistence
and forging of
equitable and friendly relations with countries of the
world and negation of isolationism; and
Introduction of Islam as a comprehensive, perfect and practical
Religion. HE stressed on complete elimination of imperialism; and framing of
the country’s foreign policy on the basis of Islamic criteria, fraternal
commitment to all Muslims of the world and unflinching support for them have
all been emphasized.
Imam Khomeini used to
emphasize peaceful and
friendly relationship,
considering it as part of the necessities of social and political life. Having
constant relationship was considered preferential than its abandonment on the
condition that this relationship is based upon mutual respect, and the
interests and welfare of both parties, not only one, are taken into account. He
said once: We want to befriend all nations of the world. On account of the
primordial nature, we want to befriend all states of the world and to have good
relationship with them;
with mutual respect,
we want to
have good relationship with all. In
the view of Imm Khomein ,
relations that cause dominance are rejected. Hence, concerning this, he says:
“If trade relations with the non-Muslims cause fear on the domain of Islam,
then abandonment of these relations is obligatory for all Muslims.”
Admonition to the governments and nations to sympathy and unity As what
we know, in the international scene and system the decision- making and
implementing units are the states. If all the downtrodden of the world are
supposed to have unity, it can be attained faster and easier through the
governments. Because of this, it is necessary for the states to sympathize and
have single voice with their own nations in order to realize unity.
If there were Islamic unity of expression, if the Muslim governments and
nations were united, over one and half billion Muslims to be under the sway
of the
superpowers would have no
more meaning. If
this power is transformed into a great divine power, no
power will be able to overcome it. The next step or stage is the realization of
unity among the downtrodden states. Through this unity as well as their efforts
they could eliminate the oppression of the arrogant in the world; in the
international gatherings and scenes, they could render helpless the oppressors
by adopting a single stance and make themselves a great power.
Concerning this, the Imam Khomeini puts
more emphasis on the unity among Muslim states, saying: The Muslim states
should be like a single state, like a single society, having one flag, one book
(the Quran), and one Prophet. They are supposed to be always united and have
love with one another in all aspects. If these aspirations come true that the
Muslim states are united in all aspects, there is hope that they could overcome
their problems, and a greater power would confront other powers.
Negation of nationalism and ethnocentrism The most
important factor that
prevents the Muslims
and the downtrodden of the world
from attaining unity of action is nationalism and ethnocentrism, which Imam
Khomeini negates and regards as elements for the discordance and hostility of
the Muslims. As what we know, now the Islamic world has suffered enormous
losses due to these imperialist weapons. So much amount of blood has been
spilled and facilities wasted for this. Having imperialist roots, the sectarian
conflicts , which unfortunately have continued and amounted to fratricide,
genocide, instability, and insecurity in the region. In this manner, the
imperialists let the Muslims be preoccupied with these affairs; they could
easily plunder their
resources and make
their weapons manufacturing companies
more flourishing. An instance of which is the war between the Arabs and
Persians initiated by Saddam, a war that has made them instruments of discord
and confusion and sacrificed the youth of both countries who could play a key
role in the reconstruction of their countries and could liberate their
countries from the state of dependency on the dominant powers. Other examples
are in Algeria, Sudan, Yemen, the sectarian wars in Lebanon, etc.
Among the problems that the plotters have designed (as the imperialist
agents do in promoting it) for the creation of discord among the Muslims
are ethnocentrism and
nationalism. Nationalism against
other Muslim nations is an issue
that Islam, the Quran and orders of the Holy Prophet oppose. The
same nationalism that
amounts to the
animosity among Muslims and rift
in the ranks of the believers is contrary to Islam and the interests of
Muslims, and is among the tricks of the foreigners who suffer from Islam and
its spread. From among the vivid experiences of this period in which
nationalism led to the weakening and defeat of Muslims, one can mention the
Arab nationalism that Egypt promoted. Through such a propaganda and irrational
feelings it was not able to win the support of many non-Arab countries during
the Arab-Israeli war. This affair has led to their defeat and the Israel’s
acquisition of more power.
“Time and again, I state that this nationalism is the root of the
Muslims’ misery. That which has made the Muslim states wretched and presently
makes them drift away from the auspices of the Holy Quran is the problem of
racism.This race is Turkish; this race is Iranian; this race is Arab. The
problem of racism is reactionary.
Imam Khomeini had always put at the top of his agenda both the interest
and honor of Islam and the nation. All the elements of foreign policy, in the view of the Imam, are cases
that are in pursuit of ensuring the national interests, honor and pride of
Iran, and the interest of Islam. One of the greatest teachings of the founder
of the Islamic Republic to the Iranian nation and the global Muslims is the
lesson of honor-seeking.Taking into account
the honor in
foreign policy means
that in the international decision-making, interest
should be assessed in such a way that the honor of the country and Islam is not
slighted and such decisions would not bring abjectness to the Muslims.
Thus, taking into account the honor of the country and Muslims,
observance of the principle, “Neither East nor West”, and maintenance of the
country’s independencenone of which should give way to the negligence of the
country’s interests. Peculiar discretion should be applied and detailed
strategic programs implemented. By considering the most vital interests, all
the objectives must be ensured.
Hajj as an important
instrument in achieving
the foreign policy objectives of Islam. During the year
1362 AH hajj pilgrimage Imm Khomein revived the Sunnah of the Prophet and
utilized this grand Islamic gathering as the most important instrument of
foreign policy, or we better say, Islamic foreign policy. During the last few
years of his blessed life, the Imm conveyed in his various messages sent to the
annual hajj gathering all the aspects that can be discussed in this congress
and be utilized, or we better say, he conveyed in those messages the charter of
the Islamic government.
Both in theory and practice, the Imam exerted his utmost effort to
remove the ambiguities and flaws that are depicted in the realm of foreign
policy of the Islamic country and forging of relationship with other countries.
He tried to illustrate an image of Islam
in which Islam was introduced as the most complete religion, most precise code
of living, most advanced culture and civilization, and as the means for the
salvation and happiness of humankind.
