18 Comments
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Donald Ashman's avatar

I pray that within my lifetime, the people of Iran and Cuba, will again be free.

Richard Grayson's avatar

When were those countries ever free?

Donald Ashman's avatar

Yes.

Iran, prior to 1979.

Cuba, prior to 1960.

Richard Grayson's avatar

Whether Iran was "free" before 1979 depends on the type of freedom being considered. Under the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979), Iranians experienced significant social and cultural freedoms but faced severe political repression.

In urban centers like Tehran, life was largely secular and Westernized. Women had the right to vote, were encouraged to seek higher education, and could dress in Western fashion without a mandatory hijab. The

"White Revolution" (1963) aimed to modernize the economy, leading to rapid industrialization and a growing middle class. However, this wealth was often concentrated among elites, leaving rural and traditional populations feeling marginalized.

Politically, the country was an absolute monarchy with little room for dissent. The Shah’s secret police, SAVAK, was notorious for surveillance, censorship, and the torture or execution of political opponents.

While the state was secular, religious freedoms were sometimes curtailed to curb the power of the clergy. For example, the chador (traditional veil) was at times forcibly removed by police.

Richard Grayson's avatar

Pre-Castro Cuba (1902–1959) was a formally independent republic with democratic elements, but it was not truly free or independent in practice. It was characterized by heavy U.S. political and economic interference via the Platt Amendment, high corruption, significant rural poverty, and authoritarian dictatorships, including the 1952–1958 Batista regime, which replaced democratic processes with violence.

Geoff Moore's avatar

Long overdue! Taking out the Islamic regime in Iran, will also take off the head of the world's Islamic terrorists. Now we just have to hope the sleeper cells they have in our countries, that will be activated; are caught before they can do any damage.

Johnny Lade's avatar

What do you know? Carney actually supported Trump. No shots, no, who cares? A minor miracle.

Martin Dixon's avatar

That was my reaction when I saw Carney’s statement.

James Hewett's avatar

Bolton has been a hawk on bombing Iran since his days in the Reagan administration. And when he was in Trump's first term cabinet that policy was alive and well. In real life he was a known chicken hawk when it came to his own service by not going to Vietnam. Remember Gen. Wesley Clark's report of the list of countries to be 'restructured' after 9/11....Syria, Lebanon, Sudan. Somalia, Libya, Iraq, and of course the crown jewel, Iran. Get out the tequila....the worm has turned.

Richard Grayson's avatar

We will not know for sure whether this will be a success or a failure for months, perhaps for years. At the beginning, there is basically the fog of war and people on both sides cheering.

Richard Grayson's avatar

On the other hand, Trump could declare total victory on Monday, whatever happens.

Don's avatar

You don't get invited to alotta parties, do ya?

Boris Legume's avatar

Correction: ISRAEL is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East.

Don's avatar

Possibly..and NOW it Islam infesting / terrorizing every western democracy..so..wipe 'em out..!! 👍 🇨🇦

Catharina Summers's avatar

Will Operation Epic Fury have its “Mission Accomplished” moment?

Stay tuned!

jimmmy's avatar

Bolton? Bolton? That guy is a duplicitous lying sack of neocon poo whose opinion is fully fleshed out. The guy has never met a conflict that only has one solution - patriot missiles and F35s - conflicts from getting the wrong Starbucks order to Iran's coordination of middle east terror.