I had seen a headline, I think it was in either the Times of Israel or Israel Live News that along with Qatar it was Saudi Arabia and Oman pushing the US not to strike. Have you heard anything along those lines? And if so, what would their interests be?
Also do you know anything about Trump’s statement saying Iran had put a stop to killing of protesters? I assume he had a much bigger reason for saying/believing that than he let on
I’m withholding judgement. When it comes to foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, I think Trump has earned a little bit of leeway to see what he’s thinking longer term. Don’t forget that Trump has a lot more information than we do, and he’s used that to fool the public in order to fool an enemy before
I’m not sure. Like Amit said, there’s at least some reason to believe it’s Israel who are advising him to hold off. Not to mention that Trump said he was assured that the killings are stopping, which is a very odd thing for him to say publicly unless it was part of a backroom deal.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that America had a major problem with bombing Iran, namely what were they going to shoot at? There are very few targets they can hit from the air that will do serious harm to the regime in Iran without doing as much or worse damage to the protesters. (Haviv Rettig Gur put out a very interesting last episode of his podcast where he argued that bombing at all might very well strengthen the regime and help it hold on. He advocated instead for some different options)
Gur is suffering from BDS (Bibi derangement syndrome) so I take him less seriously these days and the actual Iranians I'm tuning in say they would welcome US or Israeli action. It is possible that we're not ready to defend against an attack but is Iran in a good position to carry out an attack? Quiet in the streets because there's a lock-down. People get gunned down if they leave the house. Lots to consider but it can't get worse and I am appalled that Trump is listening to Qatar.
Gur isn’t someone I’d look to about BDS. He’s fully capable of giving Bibi credit where it’s due and when he has a critique he always provides a reasoned rationale. Even if he’s wrong, that’s not the same as BDS.
And the worst words you can ever say is that it can’t get worse. It definitely can.
What do you think would happen if the US killed a large number of protesters trying to bomb regime forces, or if they crippled any hope for a successful protest movement to get Iran’s economy back on track? The protesters could very easily lose all their momentum and redirect some or most of their anger toward the US, which would play right into the Ayatollah’s hands
As for the Iranians welcoming US actions, have you heard any of them say what specific action they’d welcome? I’m sure they would welcome action, I’m less sure if they have any more of in idea what action that would be
And it’s still unclear if Trump actually is listening to Qatar.
You want to know where the Bedouin are getting money? From the Israeli government. The Bedouin have several wives (actually sex slaves as these young girls have no choice) who produce many children and receive gov funda every month. Don't see any reporters covering that story.
I had seen a headline, I think it was in either the Times of Israel or Israel Live News that along with Qatar it was Saudi Arabia and Oman pushing the US not to strike. Have you heard anything along those lines? And if so, what would their interests be?
Also do you know anything about Trump’s statement saying Iran had put a stop to killing of protesters? I assume he had a much bigger reason for saying/believing that than he let on
I'm very disappointed in Trump. Hope this is not indicative of a new direction but I guess a new middle east was too much to hope for.
I’m withholding judgement. When it comes to foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, I think Trump has earned a little bit of leeway to see what he’s thinking longer term. Don’t forget that Trump has a lot more information than we do, and he’s used that to fool the public in order to fool an enemy before
I hope you're right but in the meantime hundreds are being killed. He's listening to Qatar???
I’m not sure. Like Amit said, there’s at least some reason to believe it’s Israel who are advising him to hold off. Not to mention that Trump said he was assured that the killings are stopping, which is a very odd thing for him to say publicly unless it was part of a backroom deal.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that America had a major problem with bombing Iran, namely what were they going to shoot at? There are very few targets they can hit from the air that will do serious harm to the regime in Iran without doing as much or worse damage to the protesters. (Haviv Rettig Gur put out a very interesting last episode of his podcast where he argued that bombing at all might very well strengthen the regime and help it hold on. He advocated instead for some different options)
Gur is suffering from BDS (Bibi derangement syndrome) so I take him less seriously these days and the actual Iranians I'm tuning in say they would welcome US or Israeli action. It is possible that we're not ready to defend against an attack but is Iran in a good position to carry out an attack? Quiet in the streets because there's a lock-down. People get gunned down if they leave the house. Lots to consider but it can't get worse and I am appalled that Trump is listening to Qatar.
Gur isn’t someone I’d look to about BDS. He’s fully capable of giving Bibi credit where it’s due and when he has a critique he always provides a reasoned rationale. Even if he’s wrong, that’s not the same as BDS.
And the worst words you can ever say is that it can’t get worse. It definitely can.
What do you think would happen if the US killed a large number of protesters trying to bomb regime forces, or if they crippled any hope for a successful protest movement to get Iran’s economy back on track? The protesters could very easily lose all their momentum and redirect some or most of their anger toward the US, which would play right into the Ayatollah’s hands
As for the Iranians welcoming US actions, have you heard any of them say what specific action they’d welcome? I’m sure they would welcome action, I’m less sure if they have any more of in idea what action that would be
And it’s still unclear if Trump actually is listening to Qatar.
Hopefully if the focus is on a regime change in Iran one day soon the won’t be the need in smuggling so many arms over the egyptian border any longer.
Or am I being too naive?
You want to know where the Bedouin are getting money? From the Israeli government. The Bedouin have several wives (actually sex slaves as these young girls have no choice) who produce many children and receive gov funda every month. Don't see any reporters covering that story.