Ransom And Concessions To The Mullahs’ Terrorist Regime: The Main Incentive For Hostage-Taking – OpEd
For the past 46 years, hostage-taking has been a key tool for the mullahs’ regime. This approach has not only served as a means to suppress domestic opposition but has also been used internationally to extort Western governments and advance terrorist objectives. In response, the appeasement and concessions granted by some Western governments have made this policy even more profitable and appealing for the Iranian regime.
Systematic Hostage-Taking Policy
The Iranian regime has turned hostage-taking into a political business by leveraging its diplomatic institutions. This policy is evident in cases like Assadollah Assadi, the Iranian terrorist diplomat, and Hamid Nouri. The release of these individuals in exchange for Western concessions highlights the fact that hostage-taking is not just a temporary tactic for the regime but a long-term strategy.
This policy is not limited to taking hostages; it also includes terrorist attacks. Examples include the transfer of explosives from Tehran to Paris to target a gathering of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the assassination attempt on Alejo Vidal-Quadras, former Vice President of the European Parliament, and placing American officials on the regime’s assassination list.
Western Governments’ Collaboration with Hostage-Taking Policy
Unfortunately, some Western governments, particularly France, have repeatedly surrendered to Tehran’s pressure instead of firmly opposing its policy. A clear example of this was the large-scale police raid in France on June 17, 2003, targeting the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) headquarters and arresting 180 people, including Maryam Rajavi. These actions were not taken in the pursuit of justice but rather as part of covert deals with Tehran for the release of Western hostages.
The statement issued by French public figures following the release of Olivier Grandjean, a French hostage, once again highlighted this flawed approach. They stressed that negotiating with hostage-takers does not ensure the freedom of other captives; rather, it encourages the regime to take more hostages. They also warned about coordinated efforts to undermine the Iranian opposition and the dissemination of fake news about the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi.
The Role of the Media in Advancing the Regime’s Agenda
One of the tools used by the regime to push its objectives is exploiting foreign media. Recently, some French media outlets have published suspicious reports against Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI, effectively playing into the hands of the Iranian regime.
This aligns with what Dominique Attias, former President of the Federation of European Bar Associations, pointed out:
“A frog will never turn into a dove, but the accusation will always remain. This is precisely what the criminal mullahs aim for. Their manoeuvres reflect their deep fear of the NCRI and the MEK because their time to answer for their crimes is running out.”
The Consequences of Surrendering to Hostage-Taking
Paying ransom to the Iranian regime only leads to more hostage-taking and the expansion of its terrorist activities. Instead of appeasement, Western countries must adopt a firm and principled stance against hostage-taking and terrorism.
The NCRI has announced that it is prepared to bring the issue of these concessions and the false accusations against the Iranian opposition before the European Court of Human Rights.
Ultimately, the only way to counter this policy is to completely halt concessions to the Iranian regime and confront its hostage diplomacy with decisive action. Giving in to Tehran’s blackmail does not guarantee the safety of Western citizens; instead, it emboldens the regime to continue its terrorist policies with greater confidence.
