Published December 1979 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Outrage in Iran Few events have so outraged Americans as the recent ugly acts of terrorism, mob rule, and lunacy in Iran. The seizure of the U.S. Embassy and its staff violates principles of diplomatic immunity, sovereignty, and asylum honored by civilized nations, even in time of war, since ancient times. It is particularly galling that the Ayatollah Khomeini, who, himself, sought asylum in the West, condones the embassy's seizure, and encourages mass hysteria with a steady outpouring of vitriolic, anti-American rhetoric. His campaign of hatred, ostensibly aimed at gaining the return of the Shah to Iran, also serves to distract Iranians' attention from severe economic problems, and helped assure passage of his hand-drawn constitution designed to turn Iran into a 7th-century theocratic state. No matter how this tragic affair ends, there are several points to be made: 1) The U.S. has proved its determination not to submit to blackmail. Paying blackmail to a government that kidnaps diplomats would only invite further humiliations, and not only in Iran. Out of concern for the hostages' safety, our response to this affront has been measured, but firm. However, the decisions to cut off Iranian oil imports, freeze Iranian assets, and deport Iranian students who are here illegally, can leave no doubt about our resolve. 2) Although embassies are not intended to be fortresses, changes may have to he made to protect our people overseas. Host governments are supposed to guarantee the security of foreign embassies. The U.S. Marine Guards at each embassy are expected to maintain the security of staff and confidential papers for a short while, until help from the host government arrives. Apart from the storming of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, the attack on our embassy in Islamabad and the delay of the Pakistani government's response, raise serious questions about accepted security arrangements. 3) The disarray in the Persian Gulf is a vivid reminder of the West's vulnerability on oil imports. No prudent nation can afford to stake its energy future on stability in the area. There is no time to lose in conserving energy, and in finding alternatives to foreign oil. December 5, 1979