Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug (Post 323775)

Umm, very lenient view toward the country where the first and foremost pillar of a democracy is a huge sham. Yet you as Americans are ready to give them whatever they need to not only survive but thrive while my country, Iran, has to immensely suffer for decades with no end and not many Americans would even care.

Originally Posted by Archaea (Post 323778)

All one can do is judge from afar and externally.


I have traveled to Cuba and Venezuela, and what I discovered is nothing novel or earth-shattering but still bears mentioning. The citizens of those countries, whose governments seem unfavorable from an American perspective, were warm and inviting. The Cubans joked occasionally about the gringos, but they separated governmental disagreements from social and personal engagement.


I have many Iranian or Persian friends, with whom I have quite the lively discussion, but it always ends in a good meal and good enjoyment. I would struggle operating in the restrictions of your country, but wish nothing but good health and good fortune.

Originally Posted by ChinoCoug (Post 323788)

US doesn't like theocratic regimes.

I don't either.

When I was in Budapest, I talked to a Danish girl whose parents were from Iran. She said that she believed most people in Iran were atheists.

Nothing makes religion more boring than forcing it.

I would rather everyone in Iran be devout Muslims living in secular state, than the current set up.

Israel's human rights record is terrible, but it's not worse than anyone in the region.

Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug (Post 323789)

Thank you! I wish the same for you. “Lively discussion is what we all need to get our facts checked. You should try visiting Iran sometimes. you will enjoy your time as much as you wont mind some very little “restrictions”.

Originally Posted by Archaea (Post 323792)

At an appropriate time, I'm sure it would be worth a visit. Most of my Persian friends rave about certain cities the names of which I don't remember.

Do the Iranians do as the Taliban in Afghanistan tear down the ancient monuments because they deify humans as opposed to G#d? I like archeology and find destruction of our ancient past a tragedy.

Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug (Post 323794)

I totally understand your passion for archeology specially living in the US with almost zero major archeology site. So yeah, you would be having amazing time visiting jaw dropping beautiful well kept ancient history and heritage in Iran. And about Taliban since you were the one who funded them to do the dirty job for you in the region, you must feel really bad hearing what they did...

Originally Posted by Archaea (Post 323802)

I didn't fund anything they did, but I know you are referring to the war with the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

I don't know the various sects within Islam, as I know lots of artwork is viewed as violating Islam's proscription against personal images. Isn't that why much of Islamic art centers on caligraphy? Some Shia sects disdain those ancient monuments constructed by different groups. I admit my ignorance as to what proscriptions prevail in Iran. That's why I asked if those proscriptions apply within Iran.

Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug (Post 323790)

Well, i am pretty sure US LOVES dictator regimes though. Should we go into anecdote game? I guess not.

Its not the theocracy part that US can’t stand its rather the resistance policy, which has been a pain in her thick butt.

Originally Posted by ChinoCoug (Post 323821)

Hey mindful, I've got good news for you.

The unconditional, bipartisan support for Israel will be ending.

A few of the leading Democratic candidates, including the Jewish one, are willing to withhold aid to Israel if they keep violating Palestinian human rights.

Israel is becoming a dirty word on American college campuses now. You'll see a lot of young Jews being virulently anti-Israel.

Expect U.S. foreign policy to change depending on party.

Originally Posted by MikeWaters (Post 323825)

However, military attacks against Israel will be met with strong US support from both parties.

Maybe the blank check to Israel might end. But there is no support in the US for Iranian hegemony.

Originally Posted by ChinoCoug (Post 323821)

Hey mindful, I've got good news for you.

The unconditional, bipartisan support for Israel will be ending.

A few of the leading Democratic candidates, including the Jewish one, are willing to withhold aid to Israel if they keep violating Palestinian human rights.

Israel is becoming a dirty word on American college campuses now. You'll see a lot of young Jews being virulently anti-Israel.

Expect U.S. foreign policy to change depending on party.

Originally Posted by ChinoCoug (Post 323829)

I don't think Iran has any dreams of dominating. Like Mindful said, they've never started a war with anybody. They fight through their proxies.

Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug (Post 323831)

If we fought with our proxies we wouldn’t have our top general walking around the region being targeted by US force. We wouldn’t have lost our young men defeating ISIS. We have been asked to help, officially, by Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Kurds in different situations.

Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug (Post 323830)

Yes! Not sure how many more Palestinian generations would go through this difficult time until the world comes to its sense and recognize the truth, though.

I have seen revolution and war all my childhood and adult life, and now I guess its my son’s turn to live in horror and confusion for rest of his life.....

Originally Posted by ChinoCoug (Post 323832)

I'm not sure I completely understand what you're saying.

Don't you give Katyusha rockets to Hamas?

Isn't Hezbollah your Shiite proxy?

Originally Posted by Mindfulcoug (Post 323834)

Would you tell me who is Hamas? Please give me your educated guess. I assume you are one of those under thirty educated American who cares about the truth.