I have mixed feelings about the current state but is that a legitimate question. I imagine Iran would fire once on the US and then all heck would reign down on them from the skies. I don’t see a situation where Iran can hold on. Most of the people do not support the government.
What if they hit US bases using 'plausibly deniable' cutouts?
The Glorious Revolutionary Militia of country X, using Iranian built and supplied drones or missiles, blows up young American soldiers in a country half the electorate didn't even know there was a presence in. Iran disclaims all involvement, but says they sympathise with the legitimate frustration of the locals. Do you think the United States gets involved in a hot war against Iran based on that?
Remember the Beirut truck bombings. The biggest single day US Marine loss of life since Iwo Jima. Reagan (and Mitterand) immediately says there will be no withdrawal. They shoot a lot of artillery in the general direction of Hezbollah from a boat, then immediately withdraw all troops.
Which hostile forces? The US has attacked nuclear sites which they're using to build Nuclear bombs, not sent a warhead into Tehran. I think you're underestimating the dissatisfaction of the Iranian people people with the death cult in charge.
What would happen to American patriotism if China "pre-emptively" attacked its military research facilities? It would be the only thing on the news, and the only thing people would want would be revenge.
Yeah but the difference is that America isn't a fundamentalist theocratic death cult hell bent on eradicating an entire religion and anyone associated with it. There's a stark difference there isn't there? Or are you trying to put Iran and America on the same plane?
Of course, but it's not a death cult though is it?
There's a difference between a calculated killer and an utterly mindless collective build upon the idea that everyone else should literally be dead.
Do you see my position? Should we just give these maniacs some nuclear bombs and hope for the best?
> Yeah but the difference is that America isn't a fundamentalist theocratic death cult hell bent on eradicating an entire religion and anyone associated with it.
Are you sure about that now? Did you miss the part where your president was openly discussing plans on annexing territories from it's allies?
How about you Google SAVAK and then get back to me on how receptive you think Iranian citizens are of American "guidance" under "democratic leadership" and all that jazz.
I think you're underestimating how many Iranians the CIA allowed to be tortured and raped in the Shahist regime. Agree to disagree?
Yes. Iran did have a democratically-elected Prime Minister before they were removed in a joint US-Israeli coup d'état. Iranians are perfectly justified in viewing America as the enemy of democratic reform. They are also justified in their worry over Israel installing a worse theocratic death cult, as I argued above.
Ah well, let's just leave them be then. The people are upset. You're right. We should just let them enrich a little more uranium and hope for the best.
Compared to khomeini, who started out by killing (mostly after torture) about 3800, mostly his own allies, some of which hadn't even finished primary school?
Can I ask you an honest question? Why would this be humiliating?
I get that the whole world likes to blame the CIA for Iran ... despite of course socialists (by which I mean the socialist international, as well as socialists in the sense of worldwide protests) of course having much more to do with the rise of the Iranian regime, and indeed supporting the Iranian regime even after it became clear that they like to attack, even kill, their own people just for propaganda. That does not make the Sha's actions ok ... I get that, but the point was that they do not compare. But more: even if I'm wrong, why would that be humiliating?
Also: I'm a geek. Perhaps a bit older but not (much) different. I do not really feel much if everyone disagrees with me. That happens regularly, and whilst I'm definitely wrong on occasion, I've done very well disagreeing with everyone too.
Being attacked boosts domestic support for leadership, even unpopular ones. If Iran actually attacked the US some how, you can bet Trump's approval rating goes up.
Definitely increases the fervor of the hardliners. Do I have a current pole for a good sample of folks in the country l? No. But have a pretty large number of friends who Iranian and also have been there a couple times. Most of the population do not like the government.
The power delta between The United Stated and Iran is lower than any of our other engagements since WW2, and look at how many resources were spent for questionable outcomes.
I can see this being true but I would be surprised this would ever be a boots on the ground situation for America. Don’t get me wrong, I have mixed feelings of the current state but I also don’t see how Iran would be able to hold any kind of air superiority. They are already being down by the tiny country of Israel.
