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CNN Saturday Morning News
Middle East Expert Discusses the War on Terrorism
Aired October 06, 2001 - 10:27 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Dr. Rob Sobhani of Georgetown University in Washington specializes in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, Islamic fundamentalism as well as terrorism.
Dr. Sobhani, good to see you again. Good morning on this Saturday.
ROB SOBHANI, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: First things first, you're getting word out, at Iran, about protests there. What are you being told?
SOBHANI: The protests, Bill, last night were basically anti- government demonstrations by the people of Iran. The two most important chance for death to terrorism and referendum. This is -- this is enormous significance because the people of Iran have heard President Bush. They want to join the coalition against their own government because their government is a sponsor of terrorism.
And referendum refers to the fact that the dynamic in Saudi-Iran is not between conservatives and moderates. It goes beyond Mr. Khatami. The people of Iran want a new system of government that gives them the ability to live in peace with their neighbors and in the international community.
HEMMER: An interesting report, how many in the streets, do you know?
SOBHANI: The reports are sketchy but anywhere from a 100,000 to 150,000 people...
HEMMER: Wow!
SOBHANI: And in other parts of the country, there were gunshots. I, myself, heard some tapes and it was -- the call was very clear, the United States should now engage the people of Iran. Any engagement with the government of Iran could really take us back. It's time for the United States to send a clear message that we are with the people of Iran.
HEMMER: Now, if that's the case and there are religious differences between the people in Iran and in neighboring Afghanistan, Shiites to Sunnis. Is there an estimation at this point or can you even draw a conclusion as to, you know, these protests that continue in favor of the coalition to report? Is there bigger significance than that?
SOBHANI: Absolutely, Bill. I think what we're finding here is the following. There's a dynamic in Afghanistan where the people of Afghanistan want to get rid of the Taliban or an oppressive regime. That is now spreading, it seems, to Iran where the people of Iran even though they are Muslim, they are not Arab. Afghans are not Arab. These two countries are now asking -- the people of their countries are asking to get rid of their governments. This is very, very significant for the United States and our war against terrorism.
HEMMER: Yes, we heard the president just about 30 minutes ago repeat that theme that we've heard so often -- our war is not against Islam; it's not against the Arab people. How well do you think that message is being transmitted to places like Iran and Iraq and Afghanistan?
SOBHANI: I think, Bill, as it concerns Iran, we need to have more broadcasts by the voice of America, by radio liberty into Iran, by the president, translated into Farsi. I think it would be enormously successful in our fight against terrorism.
HEMMER: Dr. Rob Sobhani from Georgetown University, many thanks. Always appreciate talking to you and we will again, OK?
SOBHANI: Thank you, Bill.
HEMMER: Thank you.
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