braindump on Iran
Iran was all but the only story on Newsnight and Channel 4 news last night. Unusually with TV news, I came out having learnt at least something.
As with Iraq, there's a problem in the ambiguity of US aims.The US adminsitration wants to give $75m to fund 'democracy promotion' in Iran - which is a way of saying that they don't like the regime no matter what. That kind of gesture pleases the right, but encourages Iran to keep developing nuclear programs. Would you give in to US demands if you thought they'd treat you just as badly afterwards?
Iran's nuclear negotiator criticises US pundits not just as Zionists, but as 'Zionist Orientalists'. Go team Said!
How would the practicalities of bombing nuclear facilities work out?
I don't really understand why Ahmedinajad has said so many anti-Israeli things - does he really need that much conservative political support?
Pundits touring the news: Patrick Clawson, Ray Takeyh, Ali Ansari, Reuel marc gerecht (PNAC),
Meanwhile, here's Glen's take on it - but there isn't much there.
Bonus waiting-for-the-apocalypse quote from a young iranian: "'I really hope the Mahdi comes back soon, my patience is running out'