Sure, no need to re-litigate our different perspectives on Russia/Ukraine.
Regarding Iran, I have to disagree, though. Chemical weapons have far less destructive potential than nukes, they are magnitudes worse as a deterrent or a "great equalizer".
The US did not install Iran's current theocracy, although their short-sighted actions paved the way for Khomeini. So yes, they (alongside the Brits) fucked the situation up.
Nonetheless, this does not absolve Iran from responsibility for its recent actions. When Obama and later Biden loosened the sanctions and unfroze assets, Iran could have used the opportunity to bolster its economy and infrastructure or do some other productive thing. Instead, they instantly used their financial breathing room to ramp up their proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Palestine, who then brought war to Israel, Saudi Arabia and exacerbated the already ongoing civil war in Syria. And of course their crucial support for Russia during the Ukraine war, basically jump-starting Russia's domestic drone program. And they brutally cracked down on democratic protests at home on multiple occasions.
your missing the point, Iran has them, but are not using them. North Korea has nukes but is not using them, even though their rhetoric is also extreme. I get it - we hear the Iranian rhetoric, but is it any different from that of Israel? has Israel not sang the same song of killing everyone from the river to the sea? The only difference with Israel is that they are doing it. We are also talking about Iran, not Saudi (who are allied with the US and have done unspeakable things - with the consent from the US).
Saudi Arabia went into Yemen in much the same way as Israel went in to Iran. In their case, over 1/4 of a million people are dead. That war was launched with the approval and logistical support of the United States (see the similarities?), especially under the Obama and Trump administrations. The US provided intelligence, aerial refueling, and arms sales. The war has caused a major humanitarian crisis, with widespread famine, civilian casualties, and infrastructure destruction.
In October 2018, Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Investigations concluded that he was lured, killed, and dismembered by a Saudi hit team. US intelligence later assessed that the operation was approved by MBS, who the US supports.
So ye, you either support that or maybe dont mention Saudi to further your points. Alternatively, I guess? you can say "well its a complex situation" or use the western narrative "Saudi has a right to defend itself".
This post was edited by ferdia on Jun 21 2025 02:18am