Middle Eastern Super Power

Who will get more credit acting civilized, the attacking “West” or calm and reasonable Iran?


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Middle Eastern Super Power
by Abarmard
18-Oct-2007
 

One thing that no one can deny is the powerful international position of Iranian foreign policy makers that has made Iran an “Island of stability” in a very unstable region. While one cannot deny the role of the United States in making Iran a powerhouse in the region, yet the Iranian government has not sat quietly either. Many arguments can rise for the real reason behind the Islamic Republic actions in the world stage and the truth behind the Iranian policy makers to do what they are doing. Iranian government has been a financial supporter of Hezbollah and in times Hamas.

The Iranian regime supports the movements by the Shia groups in Iraq and helps the economy of Sunni Kurds in the north. They have developed the Herat Region of Afghanistan to a point that it has become the only politically stable and economically prosperous part of that country. Iran has helped Christian Armenians against their rival Azerbaijan Republic that is a Muslim country.

The trend shows religion not being the main criteria for the Iranian policy makers since the decisions have not been blindly made based on a belief system. The Islamic Republic of Iran has been a great chess player in regional competition, while the cards have been against them all along. To the critics of the Islamic Republic and at times the Iranian citizens regarding the economical “assistance” of the government to foreign countries, the Iranian politicians have been silent. The Islamic Republic’s reasoning behind all their help can be easily explained once one considers the position that the regime has been put in to.

Mostly International, the Iranian regime feels threatened and never has been given credit for their positions in the international political arena. I say international because one should agree that foreign countries do not consider a dictatorial regime as good or bad, citizens do. Islamic Republic of Iran has been on the right side of the equation when it comes to the western and Eastern fights against rogue nations. For example, the Islamic Republic of Iran was the direct advocate against the Taliban regime and ultimately Osama bin Laden.

The Islamic Republic of Iran was against its own arch enemy Saddam and all the Islamic fanaticism around the region. During the time of president Khatami, Iran advocated the image of a kind and compassionate site of Islam. One could not make sense of the American anger against the IRI since they have been fighting on the same side and mostly agree on the same issues when it comes to the Middle Eastern policies and its future outlook. IRI has shown historically that they are capable of reasoning and willing to work with the western powers to reach a positive result.

Reading this should not give you the idea that the IRI has been domestically without flaws and does not have a bad Human Rights records. One should not conclude that IRI is a government that the population of Iran has not been critical of but to look at the position of IRI in the eyes of the western powers and to reach a reason for the west to want to get rid of “them”. So the confusion of the IRI has been form an ideology to explain to their citizens and the rest of the world that the only reason the west is against the IRI is because of its independence (not being a puppet regime) and its true concern about the region and ultimately Islam. Many people that don’t see any other reason thus have agreed with this logic.

While the IRI tries to paint a humane, independent, cultural, Islamic and ultimately modern picture to their citizens and the world, it has to survive and divert a possible attack on the country’s soil. IRI plays the Shia Islamic for the Lebanese and brings to them social and political network along with military for their safety. The IRI plays a Muslim role for the Sunnis who are tired of the western dominance, plays a humane and anti colonization for the African nations, and finally plays socialist for the South American nations.

The hands of the IRI all around the world have cause a headache for mostly the neo-cons who thought they can use their International influence and their powerful economical cards to overthrow the IRI. But again, why? Why not work with IRI like many other countries in the Middle East or around the globe? Simply because the IRI is a source of danger for the Western governments who want to have the absolute say and dominance in the oil rich region. And thinking short term, they have fallen into the quicksand of the IRI tricks and ultimately are losing. Therefore one solution comes to their mind: Attack Iran.

IRI is looking at the political scenario in a long term basis and that is why that they have been generally far more successful than the Western countries (mostly the United States, Britain, France and Germany). The IRI has been very consistent about their position while the western countries, mostly the United States politically have been flip flopping based on different situations. Again one reason is shortsightedness. The United States has angered many of its supporters, people in the west and the Middle East, while Iran has kept her position clear and calmly reacts to every scenario.

The calculated reactions by the IRI at times have given the image of a more civilized Iranian government than the United States. That might be one reason that President Ahmadinejad also reacts on the same basis calmer and comfortable, ultimately more civilized than President Bush. While the United States and recently France preach war, IRI preaches peace. Who will get more credit acting civilized, the attacking “West” or calm and reasonable Iran?

Another problematic issue for the United States has been the Christian fanatics who have a strong lobby for the policies in the United States. It is easier for IRI to be religious government and be able to defend itself than say the United States, which is supposed to be a secular system. In that arena the IRI is also a point or so a head. Now the question raises what to do with the IRI?

First should be noted that domestically nothing can be accomplished inside Iran as long as uncertainty and the possible attack is the main issue on the minds of the Iranian citizens. The sovereignty is the far most important concern than anything else. Therefore it is better to continue the focus internationally. At this point the United States as the world super power needs to step up and acknowledge the IRI as the superpower of the Middle East and credit the regime where the credit is due. In return the IRI should change course in the areas that the Western countries have trouble with.

One must note that IRI will not just give up its position of power, while the ball is in their court, so any suggestions from the five western powers should begin with respectable gesture rather than insulting demands. I would guarantee that IRI will respond in kind and civilized manner. Please remember that I am not advocating the idea that the IRI is a final and static government of Iran, rather than if we need to reach a democratic or as some would like it “secular” Iran, we must do that internally while the regime does not beat the drums of war.

The Untied States must stop its carrot and stick policy towards Iran (favorably the entire Third World) and begin the new chapter of the sole superpower with the new method of influence and dominance. The clear winner here would be the citizens of the countries and hopefully the entire earth.


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Recently by AbarmardCommentsDate
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Oct 23, 2012
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more from Abarmard
 
jamshid

Re: Ahamad

by jamshid on

Why should I bother answering you when Rosie has already done that better than I could?

 

If you insist I am both Jamshid and Rosie, go read Rosie's and my comments elsewhere and figure for yourself.

 

And no, I am not a pro-war, pro-Israeli zionist. It is easy to label someone when you don't agree with him/her, and you have nothing to contribute intellectually. Hitler, Stalin and Khomeini did it before you so generously and talently.

 

I am a proud Iranian who opposes the IRI and wishes a secular, democratic and progressive government for his country. You equate this to being a pro-XCountry, as other fascists do.

 

I am sorry to break the new to you, Ahamad, but your own comments, which amounts to no more than ranting, serve to defeat you on an intellectual level by showing how bankrupt your "intellect" must be.

 


jamshid

Re: Ahamad

by jamshid on

Why should I bother answering you when Rosie has already done that better than I could?

 

If you insist I am both Jamshid and Rosie, go read Rosie's and my comments elsewhere and figure for yourself.

 

And no, I am not a pro-war, pro-Israeli zionist. It is easy to label someone when you don't agree with him/her, and you have nothing to contribute intellectually. Hitler, Stalin and Khomeini did it before you so generously and talently.

 

I am a proud Iranian who opposes the IRI and wishes a secular, democratic and progressive government for his country. I also believe anyone who directly or indireclty supports the IRI is a traitor to Iran and Iranians' cause of freedom. You equate this to being a pro-XCountry, as some other fascists on this site do.

 

I am sorry to break the news to you, Ahamad, but your own comments, which amounts to no more than ranting, serve to defeat you on an intellectual level by showing how bankrupt your "intellect" must be.

 

You have nothing to contribute to this discussion.


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Ahmad, Correction

by Rosie T. (not verified) on

The thread is actually pretty long. You couldn't have been expected to necessarily read the whole thing. But you should've at least read my previous recent post, or anyway read it more carefully.
Sorry,
Rosie


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ME, pro-ISRAELI!!?? Ahmad, that's TOO MUCH!!!

by Rosie T. (not verified) on

Oh, my God, this is sooooooooooooooo funny!!!
:D Priceless, actually!!!!! And soooooooooo sad :(
Tragic, really.

Ahmad Zalem-joon please read my post to MrX shortly below the one you responded to in such a passionate rage, and you will find that politcally you and I are probably on the same side!

The reasons I asked Abarmard to answer Jamshid were the following: 1) because since I AGREE with Abarmard, I feel it would be useful for him to clarify that he is NOT an unqualified supporter of the IRI regime so that those who disagree with US (US meaning Abarmard, you and me) will perhaps soften their rhetoric toward us and we will be able to have a meaningful dialog and 2)because Jamshid himself, by asking Abarmard to clarify his position on the IRI, is actually opening the door to such discussions, even if only a tiny bit. Every little opening counts. Thanks, Jamshid.

Now back to you, Ahmad. I just wrote a very long piece attached to an article on this board regarding my views on Israel and I can assure you that I am NOOOOOOOOOOOO Zionist. However I am hesitant to disclose that piece's location as I fear that the very intelligent discussion between a sometimes pro-war pro-Zionist and myself (an anti-war anti-Zionist) will be sabotaged by the mudslingers and pornographers, and this is a legitimate fear. And those mudslingers can be of ANY political stripe. No holders of any particular political belief, not monarchists, not Islamicists, not Neocons, Tudeh, nor MKO hold a monopoly on mudslinging, neither do they all sling mud. And you are proving my point (although I know you didn't mean any harm), and I keep saying over and over again on this forum that "we" (whoever "we" are) must not stoop to the level of "them" (whoever "they" are) when "they" sling mud at us with "their" baseless accusations, and harmful, foul language. "We", whoever "we" are, will never "win", whatever that is, if "we" continue to speak in this way.
Some of the threads here are quite long. It so happens that this one is not. I would think the least "we" can do is read the whole thread if it is short before we respond. (And if you DID read what I wrote to MrX, please read more carefully next time).
Now that I have mentioned my recent lengthy posting on Zionism I do feel I am obligated to divulge its location, although I still fear the incursion of the mud. It is under Ben Madadi's article on Arabs. I warn you again, though, it is long. So it probably wouldn't be worth your reading it if you don't think you'll read it carefully. But should you choose to do so, Ahmad, you will understand just how baseless and (sorry but I have to say) RIDICULOUS your characterizations of me as a Zionist, as Jamshid's evil twin, and most especially as a person who cannot think for myself are and why I am both laughing and crying here. I fought long and hard and searched my soul to become a person who can think for myself. The political conclusions I have reached seem to be in harmony with yours, but as for my conclusions regarding what constitutes civilized dialogue I cannot unfortunately make the same claim. Let us not, however, close the door. Tomorrow is another day.
Cheers,
Rosie


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to: Rosie and Jamshid (may be the same person)

by Ahmad Zalem (not verified) on

Rosie,
The problem with you, Jamshid and the rest of so called "opposition" to IRI Government is that your heads are stuck in the Israeli asses. You cannot have a view of your own. You need to repeat what those ideiots tell you. You cannot think independently, nor can you understand prespectives, viewpoints, opinions, history, and facts. That is why mullahs will be happy for eternity. With oppositions like you, why not? Why don't you go stand in front of that wall and shake it ....

Ahmad Zalem
P.S Make sure you use a calculator to answer JJ's math questions, othersie you won't be able to post.


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Abarmard...

by Rosie T. (not verified) on

I know you don't like to be called a traitor and I don't believe you are one, but I would be very interested in your reply to Jamshid's question clarifying your stance regarding the IRI, because I think it would be helpful for this and future discussion.
Best regards,
Rosie


jamshid

Re: Asghar

by jamshid on

Was your comment the very best you could do Asghar? Are you so intellectually bankrupt that you have to resort to "cat's shit" and so on in order to make a point???

 

I don't know whether to laugh at you or to feel pity for you.

 

Most of pro-IRI people cleverly hide under the disguise of being a pro-reformist. And so what is a "pro-reformist"? It's a new brand of pro-IRI people whose fundemental beliefs do not defer much from the ruling mullahs, they just want to share the pie a bit more with the mullahs. Case in point is Khatami, the "hope" of the reformists! What a laugh. Khatami and reform don't even fit in the same sentence.

 

We shall not allow these bunch to steal the word "reform" and use it to cleverly fool other Iranians who may not notice. A true reformist is one that would be against "velaayate faghih". A true reformist would be in favor of putting the mullahs out of the goverment, all together. He would also be in favor of putting the mullahs out of people's life as well. He would vehemently be against the concept of "marja'e taghlid". He would be against the existence of the concept of "mullah". Basically, he would be against EVERYTHING that the IRI ideology stands for. Now tell me if akhoond khatami fits this definition.

 

From Abarmard's previous comments, I concluded that if he is not a pro-IRI, he may be the pro-reformist brand of a pro-IRI. To me both are the same.

 

Abarmard: If I am wrong, please clarify where you stand with the IRI and its ideology.


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To: Jamshid (an Israeli Agent)

by asghar ghatel (not verified) on

Jamshid,

Are you smoking those stuff again? Those are not for smoking, they are cat's "shit" man! Go get hold of yourself. I know you poor things in Tel Aviv smoke anything you can put your hand on, but there is a limit to stupidity.

Asghar


jamshid

Re: Abarmard

by jamshid on

Abarmard, you are a traitor to all the freedom fighters of Iran. Your day will come.


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Please, Mr. X........

by Rosie T. (not verified) on

...look at your own chosen quote from this author. He said the Iranian government advocated a compassionate "IMAGE" under Khatami. You are missing the whole point. Abarmard attempts to analyze geopolitical STRATEGEMS of the IRI in coherent fashion. He speaks of a chessgame. He tries not to attach value judgements to his analysis. Of course he has his own ideology, everyone does. Given that inevitability of the human condition, he attempts to be objective. You however enter with so much subjectivity that you can't even properly read the few words in your OWN QUOTE from him! And the next thing you know, he's smoking dope and before you know it he'll be boiling little Iranian babies alive, paid by NIAC, with C for Cannibals.

Midoonam, midoonam, kharejiam. Baayad beram. In website khodam nist. "Khodetoon" eh. Maraa, chi kaar?
Rosie


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chert o pert

by MRX (not verified) on

"During the time of president Khatami, Iran advocated the image of a kind and compassionate site of Islam."
vow get a hold of statement above! who knew there was a compassionate side to islam too!!
stop smoking pot. it's affecting your brain....


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to: Jamshid (re: IRI losers)

by Ashraf Pahlavi (not verified) on

Hey Jamshid,

I told you to clean the toilet in my brothel place in Tel Aviv. That jendeh you imported from Russia has messed all over the toilet. Why are you on line again? Do you want to get fired?

Ashraf Pahlavi


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This conflict is over before it's even started

by Rooshan-been (not verified) on

Amazing, few years ago this board would have been full of anti-IRI sentiments, today most people who have ounce of dignity & good judgement(Sharaf-o-Enssaf) can see the truth,.

This site has few articles about what IRI doing to overcome energy crisis, read the article under Ahmadinejad's Gas Revolution. By The Way this is not IRI related site.

//www.iags.org/

Can you imagine if there was not imposed sanctions and imposed wars. there is a price to be paid for true independent.
Coutries like egypt, Jordan not only have no sanctions against them, they recieve financial, and military aids, still their cars, heavy trucks and buses are build by Iran.

How could you remove the THE most democtratic government(Dr.Mosadegh) in the world, and replace him with a dictator(unelected Shah) and award him with honrary degree in columbia University, then call your self freedom lover, and someone who wants democracy in ME???


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To Arezu

by someone (not verified) on

Arezu:
I agree with you that all sides including us the ordinary people should refrain from unnecessarily adding more fuel to the existing situation. But there are two big issues with what you are saying. If you visit Iran you’ll see very many projects, some ongoing, and some recently finished, including the projects in south. In fact Iranian government has been trying really hard to push the oil related projects forward by inviting foreign companies to invest in south. Many foreign companies have been trying to participate but under US pressure changed their mind (there was a report in Money magazine about this a couple of years ago). Of course US under Bush wants to only sabotage Iran’s progress, there were likes of him under Reagan who ordered their beloved Saddam to attack Iran and burn the south. Now days US politicians from right to left admit how heavily US instigated and supported Saddam’s war.


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IRI and Mr. President Bush

by Arezu (not verified) on

Some people are so stupid and hateful, and are dumb enough to believe that Bush has "smart bombs" that can only target the 'enemy IRI'. If you are really living in Qom, (which I doubt, and I believe you really live in the USA or Europe), then I caution you and your family to be careful: the bombs may fall on your house and empty head, and as dumb as you are, that would be a crime against the people of Iran that I do not support! Liars and hate-mongers like you should be made to work to rebuild southern Iran, which was devastated during the Iraq-Iran war. Bet you couldn't even take it, you coward!


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You have made some very good points

by Iranian-American (not verified) on

Dear Abarmard:
This is the first time I am reading an article which at least tries to shed some positive lights on IRI as opposed to all the demonization, and propaganda that we hear in the U.S. and the bias media in this country.

IRI is not perfect, and far from it in terms of its domestic policies, but then again which country is, especially the U.S. which is pointing its finger to Iran. On the domestic front both have problems that need significant change. I hope that whenever the U.S. leaves Iran alone, the Iranian people can bring about the necessary changes for themselves. However, I will agree that in terms of foreign policy Iran has been able to survive and maintain its independence despite the enormous pressure from the U.S. It has played its cards exceptionally well.

Iran has been a peaceful nation; it has not threatened the sovereignty of any nation; it has helped in the reconstruction of the infrastructures of many of the war thorn countries; it has improved its relationships with its neighbors, the Arab countries, and forged strong alliances with Russia, China, the Europeans, and many of the South American countries. It has stood up for its rights as a sovereign nation against the sole super-power. It has abided by all international norms and rules of law, despite how the U.S. would like to portray it. This is quite admirable, especially taking into account how hard the U.S. has worked in its attempt to isolate Iran and strangle its economy with 28 years of sanctions. However, to think that the U.S. is going to really attempt to have a dialogue with Iran to resolve whatever issues that exist between both countries, unfortunately is wishful thinking. This is not what the U.S. policy is all about, whether we have a Republican or Democratic Administration in power. With the exception of a handful of U.S. officials, who are anti-imperialists the U.S. foreign policy is one of hegemony and control of the oil and gas rich Middle East. Iran is too important for the U.S. both from a natural resource point of view as well as geopolitical position. As such, unless there is a puppet regime in Iran, just like the ones in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the GCC, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, and the list goes on.. Iran is doomed to struggle for its very existence. This has been the tragedy of Iran's history.

It is very brave of you for having the guts to write such an article in order to educate many who have obtained a very one sided impression about IRI, or in fact just simply hate the IRI. I would have expected that you would be thorn to pieces by now and called a mullah lover, or an IRI agent, as anyone who says anything positive is immediately branded as such; this is similar to being called anti-Semitic for saying anything against the policies of Israel!!


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IRAN Is a Rainbow TOO - LOVE Not WAR

by Dancing Feet - Rainbow (not verified) on

Let us not kid ourselves: we are faced with a predator who believes it is going to a 'generational war '. Iran has to prepare for worst case scenario. Iran must be ready to defend itself. In final analysis when the "Abu Ghraib" business goes Franchise in Iran, We only have ourselves to blame for any inaction.

Bang up, bang up, bang the word
The pen is mightier than the sword

Bang up, bang up, bang the word

From father to son, history to be told

Bang up, bang up, bang the word
As one, shine bright just like the sun

Bang up, bang up, bang the word
Honor, traditions and deeds to be told

Bang the light
Where there lurks amongst us in the shadows

The shadow dwellers,
Where there lives anguish of a thousand years

In the hidden recesses of history,
Where a golden calf gave birth to a red heifer

Khazars the phallic worshipers,
with broken dream and aspirations

Bang the banker,
The harvester of broken dreams and aspirations

Out of the boonies into boom town,
Harvesting a Zionist sole collector army,

We the people are marketing
Equal opportunity brand

Marketing terror war
By religion against religion and for a religion

Marketing new world order
Tyrannical freedom,

Clear the olive groves,
Here comes a new downtown

Down Sunset,
Get to finger a crack whore for a Big Mac

Marketing hormone cocktails and GM feeds,
Finger licking good USDA approved beef

We the people, marketing law and rules
Patented Farm seeds

We the people, marketing you people
Arab savage brand

We the people, marketing hallow
Oil, Hollow cost

We the people, world community
Marketing, you people the problem community.

Bang the word,
You reap what you sow,

Bang the word,
Iran's Turks, Baluchs, and Kurds are one.

Bang around,
Plant love it shall grow

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=59G67qq19e0&mode=re...


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Great commentary

by Anonymous22 (not verified) on

Just wanted to add few other things such as Iran's assistance in Bosnia (which in fact Iran was the first country to aid them). You must also add that all of these contributions has been down through 30 years of sanctions which every other country would have broken down yet Iran has managed to be an Island of stability and progress. Thanks for this informative article.


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Great commentary

by Anonymous22 (not verified) on

Just wanted to add few other things such as Iran's assistance in Bosnia (which in fact Iran was the first country to aid them). You must also add that all of these contributions has been down through 30 years of sanctions which every other country would have broken down yet Iran has managed to be an Island of stability and progress. Thanks for this informative article.


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I bet you have never eaten

by A proud Iranian (not verified) on

I bet you have never eaten tah-dig with Ghormeh Sabzi. All you know is hamburger, waste of time to talk to you.


jamshid

IRI losers

by jamshid on

Just look at all these IRI lackeys in here thanking "abarmard" for his cleverly disguised pro-IRI article. You should all be rooted out like the weed that you are.


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abarmard

by avareh (not verified) on

Abarmard, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I hope politicions from both countries read your article; You probably solved the middle east crises in your article. God bless you!


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you need our oil! Buy it.

by anyone (not verified) on

you need our oil! Buy it.


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to the Israeli guy

by someone (not verified) on

Salam (shalom), it would be better if you Jewish Iranians (about %5 Israeli Jews) don’t add fuel to an already tense situation. In fact Iranian/Israelis might hopefully become a catalyst for some sort of coexistence between the two countries. During my latest years in Iran/Isfahan I primarily worked for a Jewish owned company with many clients from the community, I have nothing but good memories from those days.
Right wing Christian-Neocons in the US are trying hard to ignite yet another fire in the region. I think you and I agree that neither Israel nor Iran need more headaches though!


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Mr. President Ghooooch

by An Israeli from Tel Aviv (not verified) on

When are you going to get your head out of our asses? It really hurts since your head is big! We are waiting with an "aftabeh" to wash your head after it is out since it will be "gohee" and smelly. Your eyes probably will not see for a while too. You will smell like an skunk (as venezulena president described you at the UN!!). We are patiently and disparately waiting for you to do that.

An Israeli from Tel Aviv


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thanking IRI

by westerner (not verified) on

many of us in the US and West need to thank IRI (under the Khamenei) for having played the game well, specially past several years. If Iran had shown any weaknesses, Bush would have attacked, hoping for an easy victory (you remember his victory speech on the ship!). And now in the US we would be talking not only about "Iraq quagmire" but also "Iran quagmire", we would have very likely entered depression, accumulated billions more in debt, many more scandals, etc. So come on you die hard anti IRIs leaving outside, don't be so mad!


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Mr. President Bush

by An Iranian in Qom (not verified) on

When are you going to start the bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic? When are you going to drop the big one on the IRGCs? We are patiently and disparately waiting for you to give the order.

An Iranian from Qom


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Sounds reasonable

by PurplexedReality (not verified) on

You know as the rule of nature is: If you want to keep body's immune system up, you need to live in a filthy environment with lots of viruses and bacteria. I guess that is the case for IRI - with all the pressure from outside, it let's the system hardened an drugged. That was the problem with Shah's regime too. It leaned on west for protection. Once the external protection disapeared, it collapsed like a "bache soosool"!


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iran

by babak123 (not verified) on

i can see some people are getting very angry by this article.truth hurts, after 28 years still west can not solve the iranian puzzle. accept it , west lost the battle. west is doing ( tof sar bala)


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Thoughtful article with many good points to ponder about ....

by Uncle Irany (not verified) on

Thanks for your thoughtful article. As many others who have written thoughtfully, you make us iranians feel proud of our heritage and background. Let us warn you, however, that the Isarlei crowd resident on iranian.com (pretending to be iranians of course) are going to try to chew your doodool. They have tried to chew many doodools on this site. That is the requirement of their membership in the "$75 M Club".

Regards

U I


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