MD
qualiaphile
Iran is a problem for the Middle East. In some ways they're not so different from ISIS and in other ways they're not so different from good ol' Persian Imperialism. Iran has always been powerful in the Middle East for millennia and even now I would argue it is the second most powerful country after Israel militarily and vastly more powerful with regards to influence in the Shi'a world.
Given the fact that Iran has taken the reins from Assad and has tens of thousands of its own troops in Syria, and the fact that it is leading the attack against Tikrit, there is no doubt they're taking charge. The Shi'a militias are almost as bad as ISIS, executing children and posting videos and committing all sorts of atrocities. Iran wants their old Persian Empire back, this time with a strong Shi'a flair.
There is a growing secular movement in Iran and has been for decades now, but as long as Iran has strong economic support from Russia, India and China the Islamic government will continue to exist and suppress any such movements. Compromising on a deal won't work either, since one compromise today will result in further compromises in the future.
There are only two real options remaining, let it play itself out or military action. I think the latter will most likely happen, especially given Nethanyahu's eagerness for a war and the current volatile situation in the region.
Given the fact that Iran has taken the reins from Assad and has tens of thousands of its own troops in Syria, and the fact that it is leading the attack against Tikrit, there is no doubt they're taking charge. The Shi'a militias are almost as bad as ISIS, executing children and posting videos and committing all sorts of atrocities. Iran wants their old Persian Empire back, this time with a strong Shi'a flair.
There is a growing secular movement in Iran and has been for decades now, but as long as Iran has strong economic support from Russia, India and China the Islamic government will continue to exist and suppress any such movements. Compromising on a deal won't work either, since one compromise today will result in further compromises in the future.
There are only two real options remaining, let it play itself out or military action. I think the latter will most likely happen, especially given Nethanyahu's eagerness for a war and the current volatile situation in the region.
