Time running out for Israeli-Iranian showdown?

[August]

So when they chant "Death to Israel" or "Death to America" they don't really mean it in a threatening way?

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by August

So when they chant "Death to Israel" or "Death to America" they don't really mean it in a threatening way?

Probably not, it is just an emotional outburst as is common in that culture.

[August]

Originally Posted by Platapus

Probably not, it is just an emotional outburst as is common in that culture.

That's a problem, because it's common in my culture to take stated threats like that very seriously. Especially when they have a history of violence to go with it.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by August

That's a problem, because it's common in my culture to take stated threats like that very seriously. Especially when they have a history of violence to go with it.

This is why it is very important that you don't evaluate another culture by applying your cultural biases.

"Especially when they have a history of violence to go with it."

The funny thing is that this is probably what the Iranians are saying about us.

[August]

Originally Posted by Platapus

The funny thing is that this is probably what the Iranians are saying about us.

Were they saying it when they took our embassy people hostage back in '79 as well?

[Blacklight]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Platapus
The funny thing is that this is probably what the Iranians are saying about us.


Were they saying it when they took our embassy people hostage back in '79 as well?

Not to mention all the bombings they've sponsored over the years that have killed hundreds, maybe even thousands of innocent people.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by August

Were they saying it when they took our embassy people hostage back in '79 as well?

No back then they were complaining about how in 1953 the American CIA instigated an overthrow of a democratically formed government and brought back a dictator who abused the people with secret polices, kidnapping, torture, and repression.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Platapus

No back then they were complaining about how in 1953 the American CIA instigated an overthrow of a democratically formed government and brought back a dictator who abused the people with secret polices, kidnapping, torture, and repression.

... and actively supressed the rise of the theocratic islamists.

It's a dirty story for sure, but that lies in the nature of the matter. Where is it written the world is a nice and tidy place...

[August]

Originally Posted by Platapus

No back then they were complaining about how in 1953 the American CIA instigated an overthrow of a democratically formed government and brought back a dictator who abused the people with secret polices, kidnapping, torture, and repression.

Yeah that nasty Shah. Giving women the right to vote, instituting land reforms and generally modernizing the nation. What the heck was he thinking?

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by Platapus

No back then they were complaining about how in 1953 the American CIA instigated an overthrow of a democratically formed government and brought back a dictator who abused the people with secret polices, kidnapping, torture, and repression.

I have a friend that would probably like to punch you in the nose right now. It was the best time in all of history for all Iranians.

-S

[Stealth Hunter]

Originally Posted by August

That's a problem, because it's common in my culture to take stated threats like that very seriously. Especially when they have a history of violence to go with it.

Tough it out.:p

[SUBMAN1]

Am i reading this right? Are some people here advocating that the Iranians are stupid and have no idea how their words are going to be interpreted? For real? I think i have some Iranian friends in the US that would be most offended by your statements.

Not buying it in the slightest. These people are not stupid, nor ignorant. They mean what they say.

Political Correctness is invading this forum harshly.

-S

[PeriscopeDepth]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

Am i reading this right? Are some people here advocating that the Iranians are stupid and have no idea how their words are going to be interpreted? For real? I think i have some Iranian friends in the US that would be most offended by your statements.

Not buying it in the slightest. These people are not stupid, nor ignorant. They mean what they say.

Political Correctness is invading this forum harshly.

-S

But they've been saying these things for a while. They are very far right on the political scale and are playing to their base.

They are smart people. Certainly smart enough to realize what would bring about their destruction.

PD

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by PeriscopeDepth

But they've been saying these things for a while. They are very far right on the political scale and are playing to their base.

They are smart people. Certainly smart enough to realize what would bring about their destruction.

PD

Yes and no. The are not playing to their base as much as you think however. These are indimidation tactics for Israel, and to a lesser extend, the world. The Ayatolla doesn't care much about playing to the base since they are under his thumb already, and as such, under the presidents thumb in the name of Islam. These words are from the President of the country to the world, and the Iran's neighbors. To inspire hatred and acts of violence to land they see as theirs, which is land the Jews occupy in their minds. The Jews sit on Persian land, and that is how they see it till the end of time.

-S

[Stealth Hunter]

Originally Posted by PeriscopeDepth

Certainly smart enough to realize what would bring about their destruction.

Tsk, tsk.

If the United States or Israel goes to war with Iran, then Russia will be there to fight with them. Ahmadinejad and Putin signed an alliance. It would end up a loss for the United States and most certainly for Israel if a war began, and even if the United States took Iran, then the American economy would be destroyed when the Iranians sabotage and destroy their oil wells whilst shipping reserve barrels to Russia. They would bleed this country dry. If they stopped giving us oil, the price per barrel would soar well over $200.

With Russia having a load of nuclear weapons, I wouldn't be surprised either if it did come to nuclear war, in which case North Korea would join Russia and Iran since they all kind of stick together and have good relations with one another.