US Flexing Its Muscles in Multipolar World: SA Expert on Middle East Conflict
US Flexing Its Muscles in Multipolar World: SA Expert on Middle East Conflict
Why the West Targets Iran
Washington’s approach is rooted in protecting Israel’s dominance in the region, Zwelethu Jolobe, Head of Political Studies at the University of Cape Town, told Sputnik Africa.
“The way that the US perceives Iran is that they see them as an important threat to those interests.”
From nuclear talks to military pressure, the goal, he suggested, is a weakened Iran rather than a strengthened sovereign rival.
Escalation Was Predictable
“I think that the international community should not be surprised that things are unfolding the way that they do,” Jolobe said.
He noted that regional mediators are not impartial and that the balance of power consistently leaves Iran facing consequences that Israel does not.
The Global South’s Predicament
While Global South solidarity has focused on economics, it has rarely extended to political or security coordination, the expert noted. At the same time, Jolobe warned that international law has weakened, limiting its force.
He framed the conflict as part of a broader global transition:
“I think that we've got to also at the same time think of the situation in Iran as a function of this transition towards multipolarity.”
In this uncertain order, he argued, the US is asserting itself forcefully.
“They want to stake their claim by calling it flexing their muscle by saying that they can determine the path trajectory of a region unilaterally using their allies to pursue very narrow foreign policy interests.”
Unclear Endgame
On whether European powers would deploy troops, Jolobe said everything hinges on Washington’s strategy, adding that regime change cannot be achieved through assassinations or airstrikes alone — only overwhelming force with “boots on the ground.”
What is the problem with the current geopolitical dynamics in the region? Watch the video to hear Jolobe's opinion.
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