How many times was China mentioned in the state of the union address? To be fair, maybe Iran is the closest Gator to the boat. However, a case could be made the messaging has been muddy on the reason for bombing Iran as well.
Nicholas just remember, "US bad,
www.bbc.com
NP.
Not necessarily drinking the cool aid, but China can't survive without Iranian oil, especially now that they are deprived of Venezuelan oil. This whole thing could be more about China and Taiwan than Iran and Venezuela. If you are in or work for the military, you know our number one mission has been preparing for conflict with China. This could very well be the best, cheapest way to avoid it.
I worry that you are right, but way too soon to assert that. And, for the record, I don't want to be in the business of deciding who leads Iran going forward. I hope we let whoever does arise know of the futility of continuing down the path of the previous regime while attempting to welcome them into the world of civilized nations. Like Venezuela, the Iranian ppl have the opportunity to experience wealth and prosperity unlike most other countries of the world. It is there for them, and we'll happily help them along the way.
Very valid points. China does have an energy issue. This was one of the points brought up. The question is should this be part of the narrative? Venezuela and Iran have key roles in US interests in the Pacific. Would it help muster support if Washington explained it that way? IDK but I think it would serves us better if the messaging was more succinct. It might also garner more trust from people who might not be all in on bombing Iran. but again very valid points.
I believe about 15% of China’s oil comes from Iran. 22% comes from Russia and probably more now.
I think it's a little more complicated than "hey Iran now's your chance". What power there is has been concentrated with the old government / IRGC and sanctions have largely helped solidify that over the last couple decades rather than weaken it. Yes there is a faction that wants to see the shah back but what resources do they have to make that happen without US military boots on the ground support? I don't know.
I think you're probably right there, although the story on Venezuela isn't fully written yet. I think when Venezuela have their upcoming elections, the vestiges of the former regime will be largely purged. Still, a country held under real tyranny doesn't just emerge into freedom.
I confess I'm not 100% sure where all China's energy resources come from, but I know it hurts to lose both Venezuela and Iran. And China is not a terribly stable country eonomically and demographically to begin with. This has to hurt them terribly.
I'm not sure you can call it haphazard, they have been planning and prepping for this mission for awhile and seems to have gone off fairly seamlessly with the Israeli counterparts. My prayer is the populace would seek a more democratic and less "Death to America" path going forward (without the US embedded in the government,etc.). A dear friend who calls herself "Persian" with family still deep in Iran is excited about a new path towards freedom.
I think what’s being talked about was there not really being a case made publicly. In fact, we were saying we didn’t want regime change pretty recently.
Yes, the key word being publicly. I think even yesterday the admin was saying the diplomatic talks were not satisfactory but we had more planned and would see how they went- and within 12-24 hours birds are in the air
You do know that only NINE countries have nuclear weapons. There are 193 countries. That leaves 184 countries that do not have nuclear weapons. Out of that, I would guess at least 95-99% do not worry about the United States at all.
Has a really good chance of being a "they" "them", even though they are only one person.
Can't be true. Was told in the last couple of pages itt how the Iranian's didn't want us there.
Don’t forget the geopolitical energy race being driven by the race for AGI where China has a healthy lead.
Americans have been saying this stuff for decades now and yet the Middle East remains an ongoing quagmire. Probably a reason why recent polling indicated that only something like 20% of Americans have any interest in engaging Iran. Shouldn't be hard to grasp from the people who voted for the alleged "no new wars" candidates.
I’ve seen it reported that the “gang of 8” were consulted.
