Iranian People Cheer U.S. Warming After Bam Quake

January 04, 2004
Reuters
Erik Kirschbaum

TEHRAN -- Ordinary Iranians are cheering a warming of diplomatic ties between Tehran and the United States brought on by the Bam quake, and hope an end is in sight to a quarter century of isolation from a country many openly admire.

Even though conservative Tehran newspapers may rail at "earthquake diplomacy" by George W. Bush, many average Iranians on the capital's streets Sunday said they welcomed the American president's overtures that may rebuild severed ties. "I was overjoyed when I first heard America planes were going to fly in to help Bam," said Hassan Tayebi, 51, a retired civil servant, referring to the Dec. 26 earthquake that destroyed the southeastern city.

"I really like Americans. They are really kind people and I hope the aid offer leads to better relations."

Many Iranians show a more favorable attitude to the United States than their own government does.

Bush relaxed U.S. banking restrictions on the Islamic Republic -- which he accuses of being part of an "axis of evil" backing terrorists -- to help speed relief efforts.

Iran rebuffed one particular U.S. offer of a senior humanitarian mission, but appreciative Iranian leaders have hinted the friendly U.S. steps may prompt reciprocal gestures.

Washington cut ties with Iran in 1980 after the 1979 Islamic revolution ushered in an anti-American government, which let radical students storm the U.S. embassy and hold 52 Americans hostage for 444 days until 1981.

The embassy was confiscated by Iran and houses a museum critical of the United States.

"I hope the earthquake policy can serve as a starting point for Iran and the United States," said Anita, 27.

"I don't think Iranians harbour bad feelings toward Americans. On the contrary. And I don't think Americans hold grudges against us. The problem is, Iran closed its door to America years ago and Americans wrongly think we hate them."

TUNED INTO UNITED STATES

Many Iranians are well tuned into the United States, which is now home to about two million of their kin, most of whom left in waves after the pro-Western shah was ousted.

It sometimes seems almost everyone in Tehran has at least one relative or friend living there.

"I really hope the two countries forget the past conflicts and concentrate on how much we have in common," said Kianoush Mirrezai, 34, a doctor. "I'm so grateful for the support from America at our moment of grief and despair."

Moderate President Mohammad Khatami's government has been trying to promote democracy in Iran and improve relations with the West, but his efforts have been largely stymied by religious hard-liners who control the army, courts and other levers of power.

American flags are burned at official protests against what hard-line clerics call the "Great Satan."

Though Iran and the United States deny political overtones to the aid effort, there has been an unmistakable thaw since the earthquake that killed at least 30,000 people.

Many Iranians said they were surprised the government accepted U.S. help and delighted by the astonishing sight of elite Revolutionary Guards protecting tents in Bam where American medics were saving Iranian lives.

"I was really touched by such humanity," said Ahmad Gholami, 45, a grocer. "It is unbelievable Americans offered aid. I will never forget their support."