Of course it is much less possible if the threat of war with America unites the patriots within these power centers against a common external threat. Ironically, a nuclear Iran might well be much less hostile; much like China considerably cooled its rhetoric once it attained nuclear status.
(Emphasis added.)
It also might not be,and I'm glad you recognize that.And if it isn't,then they (group E), who have all the power of coercion,would be very very dangerous.
No responsible people can risk that gamble.Please understand that.
I'm far from convinced that the specter of military threat is what keeps Iran from reforming. There are far too many oppressive regimes that never reform despite such external threats. More to the point, these regimes often manufacture or provoke military threats just as a distraction to their population--witness, for example, the constant demonization of Israel and the emphasis on the (basically nonexistent) "threat" of Israel to the entire Arab (and Persian) world.
I'm also not buying that the last five years have been a waste. What were the great strides forward for Iran in the 1990s? I didn't see many at all that were more than tiny and symbolic.
Really, the whole problem I have with this reasoning is that it seems to devolve to, "Oppressive regimes will stop being oppressive when they stop feeling threatened." I'm not buying it.
Of course it is much less possible if the threat of war with America unites the patriots within these power centers against a common external threat.
Who exactly is threatening war with Iran? I don't see serious talk in Congress, or with the administration. No proposals to the UN security council threatening 'serious consequences.' IIRC, all of that was hapening wrt Iraq more than a year before the actual invasion.
Seems to me we are quite a long way off from actual action towards Iran. No doubt that, internally, the mullahs are telling Iranians about the US imminent plans to attack, but there is not a whole lot we can do about that.
In any case, I hope you are correct. Most of us actually do NOT prefer war.
I don't see why I should think the Iranian regime's behavior is caused primarily because it feels threatened, considering that it's never stopped acting threatened. Just like so many other regimes like it.
Non-psychotic leftists and non-psychotic rightists want, with equal fervor and sincerity, to see Iranians enjoy the fruits of GENUINE democracy, and for the transition from the status quo to that happy state to be peaceful.
If you disagree with this sentiment, you are a hopeless ideologue, but with training and counseling, you can be a productive member of society.
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
(Emphasis added.)
It also might not be,and I'm glad you recognize that.And if it isn't,then they (group E), who have all the power of coercion,would be very very dangerous.
No responsible people can risk that gamble.Please understand that.
I'm also not buying that the last five years have been a waste. What were the great strides forward for Iran in the 1990s? I didn't see many at all that were more than tiny and symbolic.
Really, the whole problem I have with this reasoning is that it seems to devolve to, "Oppressive regimes will stop being oppressive when they stop feeling threatened." I'm not buying it.
Who exactly is threatening war with Iran? I don't see serious talk in Congress, or with the administration. No proposals to the UN security council threatening 'serious consequences.' IIRC, all of that was hapening wrt Iraq more than a year before the actual invasion.
Seems to me we are quite a long way off from actual action towards Iran. No doubt that, internally, the mullahs are telling Iranians about the US imminent plans to attack, but there is not a whole lot we can do about that.
In any case, I hope you are correct. Most of us actually do NOT prefer war.
Non-psychotic leftists and non-psychotic rightists want, with equal fervor and sincerity, to see Iranians enjoy the fruits of GENUINE democracy, and for the transition from the status quo to that happy state to be peaceful.
If you disagree with this sentiment, you are a hopeless ideologue, but with training and counseling, you can be a productive member of society.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.