The last Friday of Ramadan was named “World Jerusalem Day” at the initiative of Ruhollah Khomeini. On this occasion, the Islamic Republic of Iran suggested that the issue of Palestine be cherished and remembered by the world. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Jerusalem Day has been celebrated in Iran and other countries with a predominance of Shiites. Iran’s policy toward Israel in particular has been criticized by both Israel’s friends and enemies. Many Muslims, and especially Arab countries, accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran of infidelity and hypocrisy over the Palestinian cause. Iran also accuses the Arab world of collaborating with Israel, claiming that its policy is the only one. The Axis of Resistance, which Iran promotes in its foreign affairs, both on the Palestinian issue and in general, has many critics. Iran also praises its regular presence in countries such as Syria, Yemen and Iraq in the framework of the “Axis of Resistance”, and those who are close to that framework are praised as enemies by various Muslim countries.
Resistance Axis or Shiite Crescent
What exactly is the Resistance Axis, which the Islamic Republic has taken and promoted against the world in general? How does Iran praise the Axis of Resistance in Syria’s civil war? What kind of policy does Lebanon pursue under this name in its internal affairs?
These are just some of the questions that are being asked in the face of the paradox of Iran’s policies in the Middle East and the world at large. Based on the ideal praised by the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel and the United States in particular are seen as irreconcilable enemies. However, these ideals reflect the wishes and ideals of the Islamic Republic, and there is no limit to interference in the internal affairs of those countries. So much so that Iran has openly created a parallel army in Lebanon and is openly considered a patron of Hezbollah. It is also deeply involved in Iraq’s internal affairs. Iran’s influence in the states established in Iraq and Tehran’s interventions there have repeatedly provoked widespread protests from the Iraqi nation. Iran’s regular intervention in Syria’s civil war is also seen as the first responsibility for the crimes committed by Bashar al-Assad’s government against the opposition. At the same time, Iran’s interventions in Afghanistan and Pakistan and in many other countries are being carried out under the name “Axis of Resistance”. The fact is that what Iran did in Palestine has led to serious protests from time to time in the Palestinian nation. That is why on Jerusalem Day, when the axis of resistance is mentioned, the main Tehran is meant and the interests of Jerusalem are not taken into account.
Khamenei’s speech in Jerusalem
This year, Jerusalem Day protests in Iran have not been the same as every year due to the Korona virus. Demonstrations were held in cars in many cities, including Tehran. However, this year Ali Khamenei had a private conversation on this day and it was broadcast on Iranian channels. In addition to his annual speeches, Khamenei also touched upon some important issues. Khamenei has been saying for years that Israel will soon be destroyed, and he reiterated that in his talks. However, the first country he targeted was not Israel, but Arab countries. The Iranian leader claimed that the Arab countries acted in accordance with the policies of Israel and the United States and supported Israel in the Palestinian issue.
Khamenei also underlined the issue of jihad in Palestine and said that the armed struggle should take place on all sides of Israel and the lands of historical Palestine. Khamenei also spoke of the “Axis of Resistance” and called for it to be used as a basis in the Palestinian cause.
He cited Khamenei, an example of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as an example of the recent death of Qasim Suleimani.
It can be said that the main issue is obvious here. The Islamic Republic’s Intention on the Axis of Resistance, and especially the Palestinian Question
should be seen as. Iran, which wants to gain legitimacy in the Islamic world over the Palestinian issue, is trying to take advantage of this opportunity again.
