Iran has largely stood alone against Europe and America in its fight for the right to nuclear weapons. No nation of any real influence has completely thrown its weight behind Tehran. Though Russia, China and India all have a soft spot for Iran, even they have been fairly non-committal—until recently.In April, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (sco) announced that it was inviting Iran to become a full member.
Last year, the United States lobbied for observer status in the sco—a request which was denied. Now, Asia Times has reported, “Mongolia, Iran, India and Pakistan, which previously had observer status, will become full members” (April 18).
Formed in 2001, the sco has until this point been a security organization comprised of the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Russia and China. Although it certainly hasnÂ’t been a central organization in global affairs, the membership of Russia and China definitely means the sco canÂ’t be marginalized. Now, with additions like firebrand Iran and economic powerhouse India, watch for the sco to begin to throw its weight around on the world scene.
The “sco’s decision to welcome Iran into its fold constitutes a political statement” (ibid., emphasis ours throughout). This invitation to Iran was essentially Russia and China’s announcement that in the standoff between Iran and the West, they have decided to come down on Iran’s side.
Asia Times reported that the “sco would now proceed to adopt a common position on the Iran nuclear issue at its summit meeting June 15.” If sco members take Tehran’s side, Europe and America’s task of halting Iran’s nuclear program will grow much more difficult.
Asia Times continued, “The sco’s change of heart appears set to involve the organization in Iran’s nuclear battle and other ongoing regional issues with the United States.” By embracing Iran, Russia and China are essentially making the sco a primary means to coordinate their efforts to challenge Western power and influence.