Iran fires rockets at Iraqi air base hours after funeral of slain commander

[rabas]

34 minutes ago, billd766 said:

48 minutes ago, rabas said:

I would doubt that, remember the population is not free to express their views, far from it. However, looking for data, it seems roughly 70% would oppose it. This is from a well-known Tehran political science professor. Brookings Institute:

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2019/07/11/four-decades-later-did-the-iranian-revolution-fulfill-its-promises/

Of course it is hard to say as Iran is divided between modern Iran and the under-developed religious rural areas. Iran has always been a bit schizophrenic along these lines.

So you think that more than 41 million Iranians oppose the current regime based on a report from a political science who is an exile?

Of course you have to read the article first.

 

That opinion comes from a well known Irani professor at Tehran University who is famous both inside and outside Iran for his studies of Iran history and politics. You can't find a better source.

 

  Sadegh Zibakalam (Persian: صادق زیباکلام‎, lit. 'honest eloquent-speaker';^[4]  He is a professor at University of Tehran^[9] and appears frequently on international news outlets^[10] including the BBC News and .  His books "How Did We Become What We Are?" and "An Introduction to Islamic Revolution" are among bestsellers and prominent books on Iranian contemporary politics.^[1]

 

Wow

 

Edited January 8, 2020 by rabas

[pkspeaker]

5 hours ago, Sujo said:

Perhaps someone could explain how pulling out of the iran deal has made the world a safer place. Thats what started all this.

Actually whatstarted all this was israel started bombingIranian backed militias in Iraq(theyhad already been hitting Syria, but they recently esculated itinto iraq) israeli weapons are from the US and the US pays for them as israels foreign aid.. so the iraqi shia groups told the US that they had toorder Israel to stop, the US refused.  SO THE IRAQI MILITA started fireing rockets at usbases, qki,ing one contractor.. tbe US bombed iraqi militias and killed 25.... it then went fromthere

[pkspeaker]

5 hours ago, Sujo said:

Trump says he will hit iran hard.

 

iran says it will retaliate in proportion on a military target and thats the end of it.

 

iran considers this over. Now up to trump, let it go, or escalate it again.

Problem is.. whats worse than these bombs destroying aircraft, is irans antiship missiles in the gulf.. their saveing those for the next round

[Saint Nick]

5 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Yet, thus far, not even a single American cadaver. If this is revenge it is laughable.

Oh...you would like revenge a little more bloody!

Got it!

[pkspeaker]

12 minutes ago, Saint Nick said:

Oh...you would like revenge a little more bloody!

Got it!

Its easy to hunker down but aircraft were destroyed.. if its full on war and their missiles destroy many aircraft and then antiship missiles.. thats some serious attrition to overstretched us forces

[Baerboxer]

2 hours ago, dexterm said:

Baloney. They want to end Zionism not Israel. 

 

And you know this how? Did "they" tell you?

 

[Cory1848]

3 hours ago, rabas said:

80 million, I have been there many times. Why? Don't understand the thought process behind your question. A very large part of the population is anti-regime.

 

Is it your sense that rural Iran is also anti-regime? I have a good friend who’s a dual Iran/UK citizen who spends maybe four months a year in Tehran, and she’s been disgusted by the mullahs and, more, by the Revolutionary Guards for years (her niece and a dozen other people were recently sentenced to ten years in jail for spying, when all they were really doing was tracking endangered cheetahs). But my friend is very much a part of the “urban, educated elite,” with family connections even to the Ancien Régime (of the shah), and while I trust everything she tells me, I wonder how predominant her opinions are nationwide in Iran.

[bristolboy]

1 minute ago, Cory1848 said:

Is it your sense that rural Iran is also anti-regime? I have a good friend who’s a dual Iran/UK citizen who spends maybe four months a year in Tehran, and she’s been disgusted by the mullahs and, more, by the Revolutionary Guards for years (her niece and a dozen other people were recently sentenced to ten years in jail for spying, when all they were really doing was tracking endangered cheetahs). But my friend is very much a part of the “urban, educated elite,” with family connections even to the Ancien Régime (of the shah), and while I trust everything she tells me, I wonder how predominant her opinions are nationwide in Iran.

I think you'll find in general that rural populations tend to be more easily manipulated by fundamentalist ideology and suspicion of foreign influence. Just consider how they vote in the U.S. elections.

[Sujo]

1 hour ago, Orton Rd said:

We will attack the White House- several old missiles fired into the next Muslim country ????

So no need for trump to do anything then.

 

Even tho the attack crossed his red line.

[Cory1848]

18 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

I think you'll find in general that rural populations tend to be more easily manipulated by fundamentalist ideology and suspicion of foreign influence. Just consider how they vote in the U.S. elections.

Red state/blue state thing; I suppose there are equivalents everywhere. I’m also a dual citizen but US-born, and I’m sure I have a lot more in common with my Iranian friend than with a Trump voter from Wichita, Kansas -- and I mean no disrespect in any direction; that’s just the way it is. (Granted, my friend has spent much of her adult life abroad, and she speaks fluent English.)

[rabas]

20 minutes ago, Cory1848 said:

Is it your sense that rural Iran is also anti-regime? I have a good friend who’s a dual Iran/UK citizen who spends maybe four months a year in Tehran, and she’s been disgusted by the mullahs and, more, by the Revolutionary Guards for years (her niece and a dozen other people were recently sentenced to ten years in jail for spying, when all they were really doing was tracking endangered cheetahs). But my friend is very much a part of the “urban, educated elite,” with family connections even to the Ancien Régime (of the shah), and while I trust everything she tells me, I wonder how predominant her opinions are nationwide in Iran.

Is it your sense that rural Iran is also anti-regime?

 

No, It is the  more developed or educated part. It's like you say. The Shah made huge steps forward in terms of the economy, especially education, and freedoms. The ones that experienced that have not forgotten.

[Emdog]

How do you think Americans would react if Pompeo was "taken out"? Same way as Iranians?

If possible, try putting yourself in their shoes.

Economic warfare by USA after pulling out of nuke deal. Why did Japan attack USA to start WW2 (for USA, anyway)? Strangled oil and scrap metal Japan needed.

Iran went through a long and brutal war with Iraq. Short of nuke war, Iran would unite to fight USA. UK didn't fold and we all admire them for that under Hitler's onslaught. Why would Iran be much different?

Trump keeps putting the squeeze on Iran, seemingly for sole purpose of regime change. I haven't seen or heard of any clear policy or strategy regarding just what Trump wants Iran to do, other than roll over and show it's throat. They aren't going to do that.

[Tagged]

3 minutes ago, Emdog said:

How do you think Americans would react if Pompeo was "taken out"? Same way as Iranians?

If possible, try putting yourself in their shoes.

Economic warfare by USA after pulling out of nuke deal. Why did Japan attack USA to start WW2 (for USA, anyway)? Strangled oil and scrap metal Japan needed.

Iran went through a long and brutal war with Iraq. Short of nuke war, Iran would unite to fight USA. UK didn't fold and we all admire them for that under Hitler's onslaught. Why would Iran be much different?

Trump keeps putting the squeeze on Iran, seemingly for sole purpose of regime change. I haven't seen or heard of any clear policy or strategy regarding just what Trump wants Iran to do, other than roll over and show it's throat. They aren't going to do that.

Those who only see this conflict at Iran one way, or the other around, have no clue how world dominans, wellfare and how the world have come together as us, the western on top of the food chain for a brief moment in history. I would say we should embrase what we have, and injoy the moment, because it will for sure not last. History show and tell how it will end. 

 

Right now, USA with Trump in lead, bully every single friend they have, partners, neighbours and enemies, except brutal dictators state and partner in crime Saudi and Israel. 

 

How long do you think the rest of us (World) will accept that? 

 

Why is it so hard to see that for those of you who is pro USA and pro Trump?

 

When that is said, USA have been our partner friend and good for our economic for such a great time, but now, everything is about to turn around. We supported your last wars, but now, ,,,,,,

[candide]

2 hours ago, billd766 said:

Do try to research the topic before you post. It saves you looking more foolish forever.

He knew it already. And it will not prevent him from posting the same fake argument again in a few minutes, hours or days.....

[Nyezhov]

 

2 hours ago, samuttodd said:

Dexterm,  I don't think many folks know the difference between zionists and Israelis.  

To some folks, there isnt any difference.

[Eric Loh]

This quiet from Trump is very uncharacteristic. Contrasting with his number of threatening tweets after Soleimani assassination. No immediate Oval Office address to the nation, no orders to retaliate and most importantly no tweets from him. I am sure he is not feeling remorseful nor he has a sudden rude realization that most Americans are against his action and the world public opinion blamed him should there be escalation. I think the memo on troops pullout was not a mistake but actually his knee jerk reaction but corrected by Pentagon. He will claimed victory for being a sensible statesman by not reacting and withdrawing troops. Such is his imbalance and unconventional state of mind, 

[samuttodd]

Lets hope that they'll agree to live to fight another day.  Actions are louder than words. 

 

Edited January 8, 2020 by samuttodd

[meand]

4 hours ago, rabas said:

80 million, I have been there many times. Why? Don't understand the thought process behind your question. A very large part of the population is anti-regime.

 

I will take your word for it. And, with this latest move of Trump, few if any of the population is anti regime now. They are united. 

 

Do we start to see why it is only good for US weapons manufacturers for us to be over there? Every move we make pisses someone off. Just existing there increases tensions and creates enemies. The greatest irony at this point is the single greatest threat to isis, the general who handed them recent defeats, was killed by the US! 

[jany123]

2 hours ago, rabas said:

Of course you have to read the article first.

 

That opinion comes from a well known Irani professor at Tehran University who is famous both inside and outside Iran for his studies of Iran history and politics. You can't find a better source.

 

  Sadegh Zibakalam (Persian: صادق زیباکلام‎, lit. 'honest eloquent-speaker';^[4]  He is a professor at University of Tehran^[9] and appears frequently on international news outlets^[10] including the BBC News and .  His books "How Did We Become What We Are?" and "An Introduction to Islamic Revolution" are among bestsellers and prominent books on Iranian contemporary politics.^[1]

 

Wow

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/14/iran-sentences-tehran-professor-to-jail-for-anti-state-propaganda

Doesnt look like he’s free to express opinion at all.... besides which, this opinion predates the trumps betrayal of americas agreement re ongoing acts of aggression organized by 45, so is probably no longer reflective of reality.

 

next you’ll be quoting Nostradamus. ????????????

[puipuitom]

12 minutes ago, meand said:

The greatest irony at this point is the single greatest threat to isis, the general who handed them recent defeats, was killed by the US! 

This general fought ISIS for only one reason: to get a lot more Iranian influence in Iraq and Syria.

[Eric Loh]

8 minutes ago, puipuitom said:

This general fought ISIS for only one reason: to get a lot more Iranian influence in Iraq and Syria.

There were 14 countries fighting ISIL in Iraq and Syria including US. Shouldn’t the influence be share proportionately. ????????

[IAMHERE]

19 minutes ago, puipuitom said:

This general fought ISIS for only one reason: to get a lot more Iranian influence in Iraq and Syria.

Weren't ISIS the wrong kind of Muslim for him? Religious war for the general and Iran, as much as anything.

I think the Iranians choose a very specific reaction to the generals death that shows they don't want to leave a body count of American soldiers. Hope Trump advisers tell him to do a meaningless face saving reaction.

Edited January 8, 2020 by IAMHERE
spelling

[meand]

18 minutes ago, puipuitom said:

This general fought ISIS for only one reason: to get a lot more Iranian influence in Iraq and Syria.

He could be fighting isis because he believes doing so would bring him a unicorn to fly off into the sunset on. It does not matter. What matters is he was the one on the ground defeating isis, the US's enemy. 

[meand]

This has gotten so insane. Trump has declared he will bomb Iranian cultural sites as you all know. 

 

What perhaps you have not considered yet, would that not make him a terrorist by him own volition? Cultural sites are not filled with military targets. By definition they are occupied by civilians. 

 

You cannot make this stuff up he is actually spouting that he is a terrorist, full stop, no way to deny it. 

[Thaidream]

2 minutes ago, puipuitom said:

This general fought ISIS for only one reason: to get a lot more Iranian influence in Iraq and Syria.

The now deceased General was no friend of the US or Western civilization. His goal was to  make Iran the preeminent power in the region and gain influence in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States.

 

Donald Trump has already made 2 big mistakes-   

 

1.  there was a brokered deal between Iran and the major world powers to stop their nuclear program in exchange for normal economic relations; as well as stopping all sanctions.

 

Trump simply scuttled the deal which had already been signed and agreed to by all the players.  In addition- he has placed sanctions on Iran bringing their economy to a standstill and forcing the rest of the World to abide by it.

 

This is complete incompetence and has caused an embattled Iran to strike out against Western interests.

 

2.  The killing of the General and  taking credit for it in the manner in which it was done speaks  to the fact that Donald Trump not only is incompetent but a narcicisstic meglomaniac who has to take credit for everything that takes place in the World that he likes and wants  but refuses to listen to  others who know better. 

 

The smart move would have been to deny any knowledge of the killing; deny any responsibility; keep quiet about the killing.  An even better way would be to use trained loyal  opeeratives to dispose of the General.  Trump could have used the Kurds- oh that's right- he already <deleted> them off by his actions regarding Syria and allowing the Turkish Army to intervene.  More bad decisions-

 

However, he now has the opportunity to actually come out of this situation by doing nothing- keeping quiet- no threats.   A backchannel message using  someone the Iranians trust indicating that a stalemate has been reached- everyone descalate and go back to the status quo.

 

The Iranian retaliation was small in comparison to what they could have done.  They could have launched on Quatar where  there is a large US presence or many US installations at the same time.   There response was muted indicating they do not want to escalate.

 

Don't sell the Iranian regime short- they can cause a lot of death and destruction and have showed they can hold out on a fight for years.  The Iran-Iraq war lasted 8 years with millions of casualties.

 

The ultimate goal  should be to get out of the Middle East- bring the troops home.  Let the waelthy Gulf States and Saudia Arabia  take over  as the protector of the region  and maintain a detente with Iran/  Enough American blood and money has been spent  in the Middle East while Americans go bankrupt with inadequate healthcare and a crumbling infrastructure. Trillion dollars spent  in the Middle East on this nonsense

 

All the people who are yelling for Iranian blood and war will never be the ones picking up a weapon; packing their kit  and assembling at 4 am for deployement or getting a visit from a casualty officer telling them their son or daughter has died in combat. Those wanting to unleash the dogs of war won;t suffer one bit

 

This whole episode is exactly why Trump must be replaced  as President- the man is not stable- he reacts impulsively- he does not understand the consequences. He refuses to  accept the advice of  his Generals', CIA and  Allies .  He  refuses to consult with Congress . He just cannot be trusted to make the right decision/

[metisdead]

An off topic post and an off topic reply have been removed. 

[Tagged]

1 hour ago, puipuitom said:

This general fought ISIS for only one reason: to get a lot more Iranian influence in Iraq and Syria.

So, who doesnt fighting in middle east for more influence? Huh pull your head out for once

[rabas]

1 hour ago, meand said:

He could be fighting isis because he believes doing so would bring him a unicorn to fly off into the sunset on. It does not matter. What matters is he was the one on the ground defeating isis, the US's enemy. 

US's enemy?

 

... last I heard ISIS was Iraq and Syria's enemy (among others, they burned Jordanians), attacking them, killing them, capturing large swaths of their territory, raping their women and beheading their men. I may be wrong, but that's a good sign someone is your enemy.

 

Edited January 8, 2020 by rabas

[Thingamabob]

9 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

After all the bravado, Trump back off Oval Office speech to the nation tonight after meeting with key aides in the WH. So no immediate response from the man who started this fire fight. 

No need. He's clearly won this one by disposing of a really nasty piece of work without too much trouble. I suspect that privately the leaders in Teheran are not sorry to see the back of him either.

[gaikhao]

With the failure of Iran to do any damage with its missiles, The USA need not respond, so this matter should close.