We should totally make friends with the Iranians.

[Athena]

Really. I don't see why two populations can't be especially friendly and, in the case of Americans and Iranians, it makes total sense.

http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=63&pictureid=952

Our two populations have just enough in common to keep the relationship interesting. Their government is rationing gas; ours is so expensive, we really ought to start. We have paramilitary squads raiding homes and businesses to look for contraband; they have paramilitary squads raiding homes and businesses to make sure the ladies are dressed in accordance with Islamic law. Their leaders are haters who inaccurately portray the will of the populace; our leaders are haters who inaccurately portray the will of the populace! We both like bootleg American DVDs, graffiti and Danish pasteries. Oh, and democracy. We both like democracy. They're having a hard time pulling it off, though. Maybe we could give them some pointers.

Tell me that's not everything you're looking for in a buddy.

Well, here's more:

The Iranians are some awfully good-looking people, when they’re allowed to unwrap themselves. They're pretty hilarious, too. Don't buy it? Check out the Axis of Evil Comedy tour when you get a chance. Maz Jobrani is a funny dude. Oh, and they eat some tasty stuff. Kebabs are off the hook, and I promise you’ll love some fresh lavash (crispy flatbread) smeared with plum or fig spread accompanying a nice cup of tea.

Lastly, there's nothing better than having an attractive, educated friend around who flatters you, right? Well, can you believe that, after we invaded Afghanistan, more than a few Iranians were hoping we'd invade them? Kind of hot, if you ask me.

Really, honestly, we'd be lucky to have a friend like Iranians. In fact, I can't think of a single middle-eastern populace that I'd rather befriend! And they can really use some relief from the Islamic revolution of '79. There's easy access; Iran boasts the 3rd highest population of bloggers in the world.

Of course, before I run off and find myself an Iranian pen-pal, I should probably write our government first to tell them of my plan and to assure them that I’m not sending any money, yeah?

Article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/30/AR2008053002567.html)

As Americans, our ancestors fought hard for democracy. We still fight for it. But, is that why we're so hard on peoples that seem to want democracy but haven't really pushed for it? What would we have the Iranians do?

[Rob Taylor]

The youth in Iran are really push back hard against the regime but the government there treats them more and more brutally. I read an Iranian blog called Aryamehr that is really interesting.

Before the revolution, the Monarchy had women generals in the military and Zoroastrain and Marsh Arabs were accepted. Now both groups are persecuted and I'm ashamed of the support for the revolution that came from America in the 70s. We did more to ensure those people lived under Islamist rule than we do to keep them from getting nukes.

[gprime]

In theory, I have no problem with improved Iranian relations. After all, there are a great many of them whose values are close to our own, and who have never shown support for their rogue government. Accordingly, I strongly support bolstering rebel factions, particularly by encouraging a resurgence in anti-Islamic Persian nationalism, like what Amil Imani (Iranian blogger) calls for. However, I realize that it is not necessarily the most time efficient solution. And, when the consequences of delay mean potentially arming the world's greatest lunatics with nuclear weaponry, I'm plenty willing to disregard my support for certain segments of the population, and simply destroy the country.

[Athena]

I can always count on you to be honest, gprime. :) And, I consider that to be a plenty reasonable perspective, given the "us vs. them" element that I would imagine plays into said perspective. Naturally, I would also support destroying the nation to whatever degree necessary in the event that they had nuclear capability and we had absolute confirmation that they intended to use it. Of course, I can't help but be a little gun-shy regarding intel and our most recent endeavor.

[Countess Olenska]

Politics fucks it up for the little people. It's like parents of one kid who don't like that the others kids parents smoke pot on occasion so we aren't allowed to play.

"But MOM!! He has a pool and a Wii!!"

[gprime]

Of course, I can't help but be a little gun-shy regarding intel and our most recent endeavor.

I certainly wouldn't trust American intelligence either. But I would trust Israeli intelligence, since they are both better, and have far more stock in the matter. And according to estimates from 13 months ago, they might already have one, or if not, are exceptionally close to it. Given the leadership, there is no question in my mind as to whether or not, when he sees the timing is right, either Iran or a state-funded proxy group will unleash it upon Israel.

[Athena]

I certainly wouldn't trust American intelligence either. But I would trust Israeli intelligence, since they are both better, and have far more stock in the matter. And according to estimates from 13 months ago, they might already have one, or if not, are exceptionally close to it. Given the leadership, there is no question in my mind as to whether or not, when he sees the timing is right, either Iran or a state-funded proxy group will unleash it upon Israel.

I could see a state-funded proxy organization pulling something like this, but I just can't imagine how any even partially sane head of state could bring himself to execute such an action. I mean, is the destruction of the Israeli state worth the existance of the Iranian state to Ahmadinejad?

[Pete Bondurant]

The youth in Iran are really push back hard against the regime but the government there treats them more and more brutally. I read an Iranian blog called Aryamehr that is really interesting.

Before the revolution, the Monarchy had women generals in the military and Zoroastrain and Marsh Arabs were accepted. Now both groups are persecuted and I'm ashamed of the support for the revolution that came from America in the 70s. We did more to ensure those people lived under Islamist rule than we do to keep them from getting nukes.

Nail on the head, RT...nail on the head. I spent a great deal of time with young Iranian people during the World Cup in '98. They had no hatred toward the United States. These were wealthy, intelligent young Iranan men and women, the very people who will be running Iran in the future. Iran will probably be an ally of the United States someday. It is a waiting game. We must be patient and smart, but we cannot let our guard down.

[gprime]

I could see a state-funded proxy organization pulling something like this, but I just can't imagine how any even partially sane head of state could bring himself to execute such an action. I mean, is the destruction of the Israeli state worth the existance of the Iranian state to Ahmadinejad?

The problem here is two-fold. First, you are assuming that he is sane, and second that it is his decision. Regarding the first point, he has yet to display sanity. He is, quite clearly, a religious zealot, whose faith is so ingrained that he is willing to make a martyr of his entire state, himself included, if it means the obliteration of the Jewish people and their state. On the second matter, Ahmadinejad is not the actual head of state. Iran is ruled ultimately by a supreme leader, presently Ali Khamenei. The main qualification needed for the position? Recognition as a true scholar of Islam. Technically, there are bodies that can overrule him, but he has the power to appoint those who might overrule said overruling body. Their structure is actually quite strange and complex. But what is clear is that it is the religious leadership that makes the ultimate decisions. And they do not fear for themselves if it means obliterating the Jewish state.

[TheMorningStar]

The self-help craze -- long part of life in the Western world -- is taking the Islamic Republic by storm. Iran is one of the world's youngest nations, with 70% of its 65 million under the age of 30. There's widespread disenchantment among young people with Iran's strict theocratic regime, which requires headscarves for women and bans alcohol. And jobs are scarce.

In other Middle East countries with similar demographics, like Egypt and Turkey, young people are increasingly turning back to their Muslim identity for solace. But Iran's mostly well-educated youth are more likely to seek other remedies -- such as self-help seminars, New Age theories, meditation and yoga.



Every day, dozens of self-help seminars take place, some underground at people's homes and others in public venues, all around the sprawling capital and in some of Iran's bigger cities. "The Secret," the self-help tome by Australian author Rhonda Byrne and featured on Oprah Winfrey, tops the best-seller lists here. The Farsi translation is in its 10th printing. State-owned television Channel Four has broadcast the book's companion video, shot in documentary style and distributed world-wide on DVD, four times in the past six months.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121479169997914947.html?mod=todays_us_page_one

[Pirelli Jones]

Nice sentiment but you're a little late, North Korea won that coin toss.

[Athena]

Nice sentiment but you're a little late, North Korea won that coin toss.

I wasn't referring to government objectives. I'm talking peoples to peoples. In terms of U.S. compatibility, frankly, I don't know enough about the N. Koreans to rate them one way or another.

[TheMorningStar]

The president of Iran and his lovely first lady

http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/_np/4980/5884980.jpg
http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/9295037.asp?gid=229&sz=72299

[Athena]

*Sigh*...How does that even make sense???

I feel for those who fall victim to the power-lust of those who claim to love them...