Iran stirs the pot - Page 4

piece-itpete · #31 07-19-2010, 09:48 AM

Religion is often used as a cover for simple power struggles.

Pete

Bigerik · #32 07-19-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnbow

Here's an interesting book review in which the author asserts the idea that we should focus our diplomatic efforts at establishing stronger ties to Iran and Turkey at the expense of Israel and Saudi Arabia. FWIW, Iran has a democratic legacy that far exceeds our current Muslim BFF in the Mideast, Saudi Arabia.

Also FWIW, the Saudis also routinely stone people to death, not to mention chopping off hands, etc. Where's our outrage when this occurs? I find the outrage regarding the stoning of the adultress in Iran a bit selective. Granted, it's barbaric. But it also happens in Pakistan, Saudi and Somalia without us splattering it all over the newspapers and TV news. Just sayin'.

All excellent points.
But we have this bad habit of turning away when our allies are involved. And lets be honest, we keep the worst bastards in that part of the world in power to make sure that oil stays cheap.

Bigerik · #33 07-19-2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Personally, I have a hard time seeing Iran as a total victim. There is little doubt in my mind that they have a hand in promoting anti-Western terrorism. Very little.

I think the whole mess started 1,300 years ago when the Muslims threw the Jews out of Israel. That, and the fact that people just can't seem to leave their religious beliefs out of government are why we're still fighting each other today.

If people would learn to,
A) Let go of the past and move on.
And,
B) Keep their religious beliefs inside the church/temple/mosque and NOT insist that governments enforce religious dogmas..............

Can you imagine?

Dave

Total victim? Of course not. The leadership of Iran are a bunch of bastards and need to be overthrown. This time it needs to be by the people without help from the outside.
Then again, after the crap they have been through, is it surprising that they fight back however they can?

That part of the world looks on history as being something current and relevant. It is very much a western view to only look forward and try to forget about the past.