In a recent episode of Iran: The Untold Story Podcast, John Baird, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided an in-depth analysis of Iran’s current political landscape, human rights record, and future prospects. With an extensive career in public service, Baird offered valuable insights based on his experience and knowledge of international relations.
The former FM noted, “We had three big concerns with the government of Iran: its material support for terrorism around the world, its abysmal and deteriorating human rights record, and its nuclear program.”
Highlighting Iran’s human rights situation, Mr. Baird pointed out the regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent, referencing the massacre of political prisoners in 1988 and the ongoing repression of protests. He remarked, “If anything, Iran’s human rights record has deteriorated considerably over the last 10 years.”
On the topic of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Mr. Baird stressed the associated dangers, arguing that the regime’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities threatens regional and global security. This makes it impossible to engage in normal diplomatic relations with Iran. Reflecting on Canada’s decision to close its embassy in Iran in 2012, he cited concerns for the safety of diplomats, referencing historical incidents such as the American embassy takeover in 1979 and the burning of the Saudi embassy. “We just didn’t feel that we could count on the government of Iran to keep our diplomats safe,” he said.
Pleased to be in Paris to support the people of Iran. #IRGC_Out #freeiran #1988massacre pic.twitter.com/0OhgxyKqc1
— John Baird (@Baird) December 16, 2017
Mr. Baird criticized attempts to appease the Iranian regime, calling such policies “tremendously dangerous.” He argued that the regime cannot be trusted to honor agreements and highlighted the lack of moderate voices within Iran’s leadership. “Every time there’s a change in leadership, there’s this great excitement…but the bottom line is that we haven’t seen any moderates come out of this leadership because the mullahs simply won’t allow it,” he asserted. The former Canadian FM believes meaningful change in Iran must come from within, driven by the Iranian people rather than the current regime.
Despite his grim assessment of Iran’s current state, Mr. Baird expressed optimism about the country’s future. He praised the Iranian population’s intelligence and education, noting their desire for freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity. Baird predicted that change would come from the grassroots level, with the people of Iran eventually overthrowing the oppressive regime. “I genuinely believe better days are ahead,” he stated, emphasizing that the Iranian people will remember those who supported them during these dark times.
Mr. Baird also lauded the efforts of Maryam Rajavi and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), describing Mrs. Rajavi as a “remarkable woman” leading a significant opposition movement against the Tehran regime. He stressed the importance of offering a viable alternative for Iran’s future, pointing to the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as a promising roadmap for a democratic and free Iran. “You have to present an option, an alternative for the Iranian people,” Mr. Baird said.
Pleased to speak to freedom and democracy efforts against the Iranian dictatorship today. #FreeIran pic.twitter.com/LYfOHtoRyl
— John Baird (@Baird) July 13, 2019
He called for the international community to adopt a stance of moral clarity when dealing with Iran, urging policymakers to abandon appeasement and reject the notion that the current Iranian regime represents its people. Mr. Baird also emphasized the importance of holding the regime accountable for its atrocities, sending a strong message that the world will demand justice for human rights violations. “We’ve got to abandon the policy of appeasement. It’s failed,” he declared.
Reflecting on historical lessons, Mr. Baird emphasized the need for a future Iranian government to be founded on values such as equality, freedom, and representative governance. He expressed confidence that the Iranian people, supported by the global community, will eventually achieve a free and democratic Iran. “The Ten-Point Plan gives some hope, some aspiration that things not can be better, but things will be better,” he concluded.