TEHRAN Last Friday, the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera TV carried a round-table discussion on the Khobar bombing and the U.S. allegations against Iran.

The participants in this televised debate were, Messrs. Mohammad al-Awam (deputy editor of the daily **** Asharq al-Awsat****), Saleh al-Mokhtar (head of the Arab Attorneys Association and a member of the Royal Institute for International Research) and Mohammad-Sadeq Hosseini (an Iranian political analyst on the phone from Tehran).

In order to understand the timing of this program and the strong anti-Iranian tone of the presenter, two recent regional developments should be taken into account:

First, the rapidly deteriorating situation of the Zionist regime, which is worsening by the second. It is fair to say that Israel is at its most vulnerable state in recent years. The coming to power of radical Zionists headed by Sharon, the successful resistance of Lebanese freedom fighters against the occupiers, the change of government in the U.S., and the increasing international outrage about the hideous atrocities of the Zionist forces have all contributed to the Israel's worsening situation.

The second factor which needs to be mentioned is the fact that important regional players, especially Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran are strengthening their ties. It is only natural that Israel is very apprehensive about this process.

It is under these circumstances that the Zionists are resorting to a famous -- and outdated -- Machiavellian tactic which is aimed at implying make-believe rifts among their foes. This explains the ridiculously blunt anti-Iranian tone of the program presenter.

Fortunately, despite the intention of the producers, the firm arguments raised by the interviewees completely foiled this plot. In fact, the discussions effectively vindicated any foreign involvement in the Khobar bombing and rejected the FBI allegations as politically motivated and baseless.

This program serves as a good example of a failed propaganda conspiracy. It is also a serious blow to the notorious London-based Israeli agent who has been advocating and preaching this allegation in vain.