Our next PM needs to become an Iran expert. And fast | Alistair Burt
(The Guardian Iran)

We must understand the Gulf state´s point of view instead of rushing into conflictAn incoming prime minister could be forgiven for feeling that the fates have been a touch unkind. As well as no majority in parliament, an uncertain domestic agenda and the vortex of Brexit, now a fully formed international crisis sits in the in-tray marked `Iran`. It will be an early test of diplomatic dexterity.We should not be here. As always, it helps to see the world as others see it, without compromise or acceptance of another´s perceptions. Iran has long and complex relationships all round. A Shia state surrounded by Sunni states, it sees its history as one requiring constant vigilance to survive in a world that stood by when it was attacked by Iraq and lost perhaps up to a million people, and one where economic sanctions threaten its people and government stability.Recent history suggests that no one wins a conventional war between states in the region Continue reading...