tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9871253.post2452861294751801090..comments2023-10-03T09:00:22.747-04:00Comments on INSIGHT on Freedom: Iran, Iraq, and Useful Idiots.Longstreethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06712980841544338388noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9871253.post-24707830616665065592007-04-22T16:34:00.000-04:002007-04-22T16:34:00.000-04:00The danger with this kind of sentiment, is that it...The danger with this kind of sentiment, is that it assumes that the Iranian regime and people are as one on this matter. There is considerable evidence that Iranians are hardly supportive of their theocratic regime, but would back it "My country right or wrong", if they are attacked or threatened. <BR/><BR/>Currently the International campaign to stop Iran having nuclear power (and by extension, nuclear weapons), is forcing anyone who opposes the regimes programs to keep their heads down, for fear of being called a traitor.<BR/><BR/>The Mullahs gain strength by portraying themselves as surrounded by enemies, and anything that apparently supports that view is something that they want. Churchill once said "Jaw, jaw, was better than War, war". By all means keep up pressure, and don't rule out a military option, but play the politics card very carefully. Iranians per se are more inclined towards the west than any other middle eastern country, and that fact should be supported not ignored. <BR/><BR/>The Iranians are fighting in Southern Iraq, but they would argue that they have both historical, and ethnic interests in that area. They certainly are never going to allow a Sunni 'Saddam' style leader to take up the reins in Iraq after what happened in the Iraq/Iran war. <BR/><BR/>I don't support radical (or even moderate Islam), but a sense of balance and proportion is required on all arguments. The Iranians have regional issues, just as the US does, and if these were acknowledged maybe there would be no need for a war.<BR/><BR/>Finally, there is no chance that US troops will be crossing the borders from Iraq. Any conflict would be via Air power over a month or so to cripple Iranian Air, naval and intelligence forces.No PChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17824446252611654550noreply@blogger.com