Hmmmmm. Will Trump claim responsibility?
“We underscore that states that sponsor terrorism risk falling victim to the evil they promote”
Couldn't agree more. Especially the US, the UK and Israel.
Couldn't agree more. Especially the US, the UK and Israel.
2
It is part and parcel of standing against evil, and daesh is evil incarnate, the rest of the world has been paying the price for looking the other way as the Saudi philosophy of Islam was allowed to spread globally financed by the gulf states with its message of intolerance, now Iran has been asked to pay for taking the fight to daesh in Iraq and Syria, a dozen Iranian lives versus the lives of thousands of daesh combatants, it is a fight Iran will win.
3
"On Thursday, the Iraqi foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif…"
Last I checked, Zarif was the Iranian foreign minister.
Last I checked, Zarif was the Iranian foreign minister.
1
Unfortunately...trump, who is devoid of diplomatic savvy (and even common sense) is using this cruel event to send veiled threats to Iran, instead of genuine sympathy, or empathy for the Iranian people....SHAME on him !!
5
Liberals use interesting logic. Westerners are responsible for attacks on their soil because of their interventions in the Middle East. Middle Easterners are not responsible for attacks on their soil. President Trump is.
1
Take note of the following salient points about the Tehran attacks and arrive at your own conclusions:
--- Daesh (ISIS) could have killed several hundred Iranians (Shias) by using just two suicide bombers in the densely crowded Tehran Bazaar. They could have killed hundreds more by using all six suicide-bombers in coordinated attacks on several of Tehran’s crowded soft targets. That has been the pattern of their suicide attacks in Baghdad and countless other places. Daesh, which has claimed sponsorship of the six suicide volunteers, seems very uncharacteristically this time around to have held back from killing as many people as possible.
The question is WHY! Did a higher authority restrain Daesh?
--- A couple of days ago, the Saudi defense minister, MBS, threatened to start a war inside Iran.
--- CIA names the ‘Dark Prince’ to run the Iran operations.
--- Saudi Foreign minister – with foreknowledge? – rules out the involvement of any Saudi nationals in the Tehran attacks.
Have the Saudi intelligence services and the CIA Tehran Desk kept their channels of communications with Daesh open and used it to manage the size of their message to the Iranian authorities?
--- Daesh (ISIS) could have killed several hundred Iranians (Shias) by using just two suicide bombers in the densely crowded Tehran Bazaar. They could have killed hundreds more by using all six suicide-bombers in coordinated attacks on several of Tehran’s crowded soft targets. That has been the pattern of their suicide attacks in Baghdad and countless other places. Daesh, which has claimed sponsorship of the six suicide volunteers, seems very uncharacteristically this time around to have held back from killing as many people as possible.
The question is WHY! Did a higher authority restrain Daesh?
--- A couple of days ago, the Saudi defense minister, MBS, threatened to start a war inside Iran.
--- CIA names the ‘Dark Prince’ to run the Iran operations.
--- Saudi Foreign minister – with foreknowledge? – rules out the involvement of any Saudi nationals in the Tehran attacks.
Have the Saudi intelligence services and the CIA Tehran Desk kept their channels of communications with Daesh open and used it to manage the size of their message to the Iranian authorities?
The original headline of this article, “Iran Assails Saudi Arabia after Pair of Terrorist Attacks”, gave a good example of the techniques used by TNYT to distort readers’ perceptions of events in the Middle East.
By substituting the belligerent word “Assails” for the more appropriate and natural “Accuses” or “Blames”, TNYT created a deceptive framework conveying the impression that Iran was an aggressor in the events to be reported. While the facts in the article, for those who did not stop at the headline, show that first impression to be false, its shadow remains in readers’ minds and colors their response to the events reported. Note adroitness of the TNYT in how it managed to seed this prejudice into its readers while avoiding hard “alternative facts” or inaccuracies, which can be ultimately shown to be false.
Here, as usual, TNYT’s goal was apparently to advance Israeli interests by vilifying Iran despite the harm done thereby to America and prospects for a just peace in the region.
By substituting the belligerent word “Assails” for the more appropriate and natural “Accuses” or “Blames”, TNYT created a deceptive framework conveying the impression that Iran was an aggressor in the events to be reported. While the facts in the article, for those who did not stop at the headline, show that first impression to be false, its shadow remains in readers’ minds and colors their response to the events reported. Note adroitness of the TNYT in how it managed to seed this prejudice into its readers while avoiding hard “alternative facts” or inaccuracies, which can be ultimately shown to be false.
Here, as usual, TNYT’s goal was apparently to advance Israeli interests by vilifying Iran despite the harm done thereby to America and prospects for a just peace in the region.
1
@Change Iran Now
My friend Iran Doesn't fight against Sunnis;(millions of Sunnis live in Iran),Iran fights against ISIS and other terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq;If Iran didn't participate in this war Terrorists have own country;Hezbollah (GOD's Party) is a party in Lebanon with members in Lebanon's parliament;and Yemen is in the worst situation that ever had,(I ASK YOU PEOPLE RESEARCH ABOUT YEMEN) 2 years and half airstrike led by Saudi Arabia put Yemen in Unexplainable situation and at least 10000 people have been killed
My friend Iran Doesn't fight against Sunnis;(millions of Sunnis live in Iran),Iran fights against ISIS and other terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq;If Iran didn't participate in this war Terrorists have own country;Hezbollah (GOD's Party) is a party in Lebanon with members in Lebanon's parliament;and Yemen is in the worst situation that ever had,(I ASK YOU PEOPLE RESEARCH ABOUT YEMEN) 2 years and half airstrike led by Saudi Arabia put Yemen in Unexplainable situation and at least 10000 people have been killed
2
It is nice to see how westerners are going to beat themselves up also for this, it is always our fault for what happens in the MiddleEast, all of a sudden Iran will go back to be the great Empire of Persia, we'll remember the beautiful history of the country blablabla, but not too many will say that there is something wrong with Islam, a patriarchal, conservative, backward ideology/religion that kills people, infidels and subjugate women. Also in Iran.
2
This is factually wrong! In fact you are deliberately saying that Iran is Sunni Islamic, when in FACT they are Shiite Muslim. We have been at war for 10 years and it's journalism like this that completely fuels the fire of hatred. Shiite Muslims are the ones who believe in a caliphate! The blood line of Muhammad, how is it that anyone who takes a world history class at any public university can learn this information. Yet you write articles about Iran being Shiite than all of a sudden they are now Sunni!? It's like another country saying America is all Catholic one day and Messianic Catholic the next like what majority is messianic Catholic!? Yeah oh catholic right but thats totally wrong and a lie there are major differences! It isnt rocket science to know common information, Islam has two main sects, they have been slaughtering one another for thousands of years! It's totally embarrassing your even in business with the false information you are advertising as news. You have the write but someone should bring legal charges against you for defamation of journalism and etiquette. It's honestly offensive the lies you spread. You are the problem. I am so disgusted that you can lie like this. This false information is a human rights issue and that is something I would like to see in court!
3
Nice, human response from the State Department. Not at all mealymouthed.
Obviously a lot of terrorism is payback for state-sponsored terrorism. This applies to the U.S.A. as to Iran.
But an attack on Iran, especially one would think an attack on Iranian democracy, warrants a proper statement condemning violence.
Are these people human?
Obviously a lot of terrorism is payback for state-sponsored terrorism. This applies to the U.S.A. as to Iran.
But an attack on Iran, especially one would think an attack on Iranian democracy, warrants a proper statement condemning violence.
Are these people human?
2
It seems from reading some of the comments prior to mine, that many of you are taking the Iranian claims at face value before more detailed information from non governmental sources comes available. Your are not to be blamed because the media typically sacrifice prudence in favor of sensationalism. Many of you forget tha valiant students' uprising a few short years ago which was brutally put down by the Islamo-fascist regime, without so much as a finger lifted in their defense by our previous COC who declared his desire to meet with this vile leadership before being even elected POTUS.
When I first learned of the attack I was excited, hoping that it was the beginning of the long awaited poplar uprising against the Islamist profiteering usurpers of power who try to dominate the daily lives of educated, middle class Iranians.
In the end no American can wring his hands at this situation as it was European and American meddling, with Iran in particular, and the Middle East in general, for practically a century, which has destabilized a mostly well ordered tribal society into the turbulent and now failed nation state fiction which they imposed to secure the raping of the region's resources - "its all about oil stupid".
Get that into your collective heads and stop your pious bleating and blaming our present President for the literally bloody mess his predecessors left as his inheritance.
When I first learned of the attack I was excited, hoping that it was the beginning of the long awaited poplar uprising against the Islamist profiteering usurpers of power who try to dominate the daily lives of educated, middle class Iranians.
In the end no American can wring his hands at this situation as it was European and American meddling, with Iran in particular, and the Middle East in general, for practically a century, which has destabilized a mostly well ordered tribal society into the turbulent and now failed nation state fiction which they imposed to secure the raping of the region's resources - "its all about oil stupid".
Get that into your collective heads and stop your pious bleating and blaming our present President for the literally bloody mess his predecessors left as his inheritance.
3
The enemy of my enemy is my... Mmmmhm, that's not gonna work.
Let's try Pogo: 'I have seen the enemy and he is U.S.'
Let's try Pogo: 'I have seen the enemy and he is U.S.'
1
Americans need to have a massive conversation to clarify collective goals, hopes, and a way forward. While currently our leadership fails miserably in its ability to encourage and moderate such, its very ignorance and dysfunction may give us the time to do so in spite of it, not because of it. Another President might be too enthusiastically clear and erroneous (e.g. Bush II) to jump into the fray.
This may be an instance where Trump's fundamental ignorance and disrespect for geopolitical reality is advantageous. There is a moderately good chance (53.87% according to 538.com -- OK Nate, I'm just kidding) that what we have been witnessing these past several years is the beginning of an Islamic equivalent of Christianity's Thirty Year War. If so, and perhaps nonetheless, we need to proceed very cautiously with a largely defensive mindset, understanding that, our hopes for a better world notwithstanding, we can't fix everything.
During Christianity's era of maximal internal war, largely Arab Islamic areas kept alive much of humanity's knowledge and progressive thought, though not necessarily peaceful attitudes. While China likely has ambitions to lead humanity's next progressive era, it has neither the history nor the institutions to make such probable. If I had to bet, I would say "the West", blood-soaked hands and ignorant American President notwithstanding, is still in the best position to serve as the repository for knowledge and liberal values in the coming period.
This may be an instance where Trump's fundamental ignorance and disrespect for geopolitical reality is advantageous. There is a moderately good chance (53.87% according to 538.com -- OK Nate, I'm just kidding) that what we have been witnessing these past several years is the beginning of an Islamic equivalent of Christianity's Thirty Year War. If so, and perhaps nonetheless, we need to proceed very cautiously with a largely defensive mindset, understanding that, our hopes for a better world notwithstanding, we can't fix everything.
During Christianity's era of maximal internal war, largely Arab Islamic areas kept alive much of humanity's knowledge and progressive thought, though not necessarily peaceful attitudes. While China likely has ambitions to lead humanity's next progressive era, it has neither the history nor the institutions to make such probable. If I had to bet, I would say "the West", blood-soaked hands and ignorant American President notwithstanding, is still in the best position to serve as the repository for knowledge and liberal values in the coming period.
2
CNN can actually tape three straight days of programming right after an incident and air it the next time there is an incident. The same exact things get talked about every single time. Same questions, same discussion, maybe some new faces, new pundits, that's all. They could save some money. God knows we need a very different discussion on this.
1
Our deepest sympathy to the people of Iran, to those who died and those who were injured, and to their loved ones. The world is saddened by this.
17
Iran shares a large part of the blame for the notable rise in Islamic extremist groups. The mullahs constant vitriol aimed at the U.S. and its Sunni Arab neighbors has only made routine the kind of hate that groups like Hezbollah have acted on for decades.
The use of proxies and terrorist groups has always been a part of the statecraft toolbox for Iran as it has used Hezbollah and the Houthis to conduct open warfare in Syria and Yemen, meanwhile bolstering Shiite militias in Iraq to push Sunnis out of the coalition government there and into the waiting arms of ISIS recruiters. The roots for these attacks lie squarely in the Iranian regime’s long history of exporting terror as a tool and it has finally come home to bite them.
The use of proxies and terrorist groups has always been a part of the statecraft toolbox for Iran as it has used Hezbollah and the Houthis to conduct open warfare in Syria and Yemen, meanwhile bolstering Shiite militias in Iraq to push Sunnis out of the coalition government there and into the waiting arms of ISIS recruiters. The roots for these attacks lie squarely in the Iranian regime’s long history of exporting terror as a tool and it has finally come home to bite them.
6
I hope the pain will fade and your victims' relatives and friends will find solace in their friends, children and neighbours - our heartfelt condolences. I certainly hope that our government doesn't have anything to do with that.
7
Iran, the arch financier of global terror is hit with terrorism?
As Fouad Ajami has noted soon following 9/11 that Muslim terrorists, aiming then at the West and the U.S. in particular, will eventually end up at each other's Muslim throat.
He barely lived to see his prophecy fulfilled.
As Fouad Ajami has noted soon following 9/11 that Muslim terrorists, aiming then at the West and the U.S. in particular, will eventually end up at each other's Muslim throat.
He barely lived to see his prophecy fulfilled.
5
Pakistan has used terrorists to attack Afghanistan and India. American influence has had no effect on their behavior, just simply emboldened them. Now we see a slow shift in Pakistani moves against Iran. Iran, like India and the US, support the Afghan government, which Pakistan ISIS and their allies want to end.
4
I hope nothing more like this happens - my condolences to those whose lives were lost and their families, who were innocent beings. If only Afghanistanm, Syria and Iraq could have peace again.
5
Loves crosses all boundaries and grief spares no boundaries or ideologies. To the Iranians who are now grieving their dead, let us extend condolences and sympathy. Grief has a doorway that sooner or later, we all pass through.
Perhaps this is the time to remember one of the Beatitudes: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Perhaps this is the time to remember one of the Beatitudes: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
11
Oil may be more desirable than real allies. We can't really make a clear proposition to the world about friend or enemy in the Middle East. Maybe this is the only island of ideological superiority that ISIS can claim - they know who they are, who they recruit and who they kill.
US corporations made too many deals with corrupt governments - now our common citizen and soldier has to pay their debts. Other than supporting our "eyes" in Israel, what are we doing in the Middle East...........?
US corporations made too many deals with corrupt governments - now our common citizen and soldier has to pay their debts. Other than supporting our "eyes" in Israel, what are we doing in the Middle East...........?
2
It's hard to understand why the media is so reluctant to state that evidence shows Saudi funding for ISIS. The obvious reason is that the American public would be outraged, and rightly so.
One can't calculate the exact number of Americans who have died in Iraq and Syria fighting ISIS, but there have been many dead and wounded. Add the 9/11 victims families and you have an outrage that could not be contained.
But the Wikileaks email from our own Secretary of State verifies knowledge of funding for ISIS from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. And this email is by no means to only evidence.
Thousands of Toyota trucks which ISIS uses extensively have been traced to funding from a Saudi bank. The Saudi's have sent 30,000 fighters to Syria and they have all organized under the extreme Islamic banner of Al Nusra, which used to be al Qaeda.
This is far bigger than any strategic picture crafted by experts whose decisions can't be left to popular sentiment. These are American lives, lost by the thousands, tax payer dollars, lost by the billions and a continuing war authorized unilaterally by the administration without the required constitutional declarations by congress.
What will it take for the American press to simply give us the facts and let us decide whether this folly is in "our national interests?"
One can't calculate the exact number of Americans who have died in Iraq and Syria fighting ISIS, but there have been many dead and wounded. Add the 9/11 victims families and you have an outrage that could not be contained.
But the Wikileaks email from our own Secretary of State verifies knowledge of funding for ISIS from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. And this email is by no means to only evidence.
Thousands of Toyota trucks which ISIS uses extensively have been traced to funding from a Saudi bank. The Saudi's have sent 30,000 fighters to Syria and they have all organized under the extreme Islamic banner of Al Nusra, which used to be al Qaeda.
This is far bigger than any strategic picture crafted by experts whose decisions can't be left to popular sentiment. These are American lives, lost by the thousands, tax payer dollars, lost by the billions and a continuing war authorized unilaterally by the administration without the required constitutional declarations by congress.
What will it take for the American press to simply give us the facts and let us decide whether this folly is in "our national interests?"
Only a serious fool takes on Iran or the IRG. Iran plays for keeps! The IRG will go to Syria and Iraq and find who ever ordered this assault and hang them in a public place. ISIL is committing suicide taking on the Revolutionary Guards, attacking Ayatollah Khomeini's shrine is not going to be forgiven, ever! One might disagree with Iran, but the difference between Iran an ISIS is that Iran is a 3000 year old culture and ISIS is a ten minute gang on the way to historical oblivion.
10
just like the religious wars in the christian world, the coming war among muslims may end with reasonable and intelligent people throwing up the yoke of submission and ignorance and standing up with dignity. yes, the US is again under siege by religion fundamentalism and potential theocracy and may fall beneath the heel of their brutal god, but most of the world knows better and hopefully the middle east can figure it out as well.
2
The Saudis didn't think it would happen to them either. When the attacks started, they realized they had a serious problem that extended beyond Western relations. They've been quietly trying to address their internal extremist problem*:
"From 2004 to 2012, 3,500 imams were fired for refusing to renounce extremist views, and another 20,000 went through retraining, according to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs — though the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom expressed skepticism that the training was really 'instilling tolerance.'"
Maybe this will be a wake-up call for the Iranians.
*******
* "Saudis and Extremism: ‘Both the Arsonists and the Firefighters’,"
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-islam.html
"From 2004 to 2012, 3,500 imams were fired for refusing to renounce extremist views, and another 20,000 went through retraining, according to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs — though the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom expressed skepticism that the training was really 'instilling tolerance.'"
Maybe this will be a wake-up call for the Iranians.
*******
* "Saudis and Extremism: ‘Both the Arsonists and the Firefighters’,"
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-islam.html
2
It's good to see the New York Times covering this story. I've noticed that basically every other major media outlet has barely even mentioned this attack in Tehran. This is important- numerous human interest stories are superseding the fact that Saudi Arabia is taking tax dollars from the US, arming Wahabi based extremist groups (including ISIS), supporting them, and now apparently using them to attack their primary Shia rival, Iran. The House of Saud is playing us to their advantage and it seems that Trump has given them the greenlight to execute their vile strategy. The media are not doing their job of informing the public of what's happening to their tax dollars, and how it's being used in direct contradiction of our stated geopolitical strategy. How can we fight terrorism if we sell arms to states that are using it for their own purposes?
22
This is a socialist communist terrorist sympathizer rag. It is soley intended to rail against Trump...
Dont thank them for anything less than an internal explosion when completely filled with its commie owner and supporters.
Dont thank them for anything less than an internal explosion when completely filled with its commie owner and supporters.
1
I afraid this could have the potential to stir up even more violence between the Shi'a and the Sunni in the region.
Peace on Earth!
Peace on Earth!
3
My condolences to the people of Iran.
ISIS, al-Qaieda, Boko Haram, the Taliban, al Shabaab. All Sunni. All financed by Arabs.
The American people will someday elect a government that recognizes that Saudi Arabia is the problem.
ISIS, al-Qaieda, Boko Haram, the Taliban, al Shabaab. All Sunni. All financed by Arabs.
The American people will someday elect a government that recognizes that Saudi Arabia is the problem.
Long story short as Zarif tweeted:
"Terror-sponsoring despots threaten to bring the fight to our homeland. Proxies attack what their masters despise most: the seat of democracy."
"Terror-sponsoring despots threaten to bring the fight to our homeland. Proxies attack what their masters despise most: the seat of democracy."
8
The attack comes amid a shrinking ISIS territory. More attacks are likely to occur not only in Iran, but also all around the globe. I think it is high time for global powers to stop their double standard regarding terrorism and begin forming a real alliance against it. But I'm afraid Trump lacks the intellect in the first place to go forward in that direction.
Donny, you little "deal maker" you!
Quick pass through the Middle East. Kiss up to the Saudis.
Encourage the Saudis to embargo the country with America's biggest base in the Middle East, including its central point for attacking ISIS.
Encourage the Saudis to encourage their proxy ISIS to attack Iran, another key player in the fight against ISIS.
All in all, I'd say you were about as productive as a Putin tool could be expected to.
Congratulations! Hotel and golf course rights in Saudi Arabia are on the way!
Quick pass through the Middle East. Kiss up to the Saudis.
Encourage the Saudis to embargo the country with America's biggest base in the Middle East, including its central point for attacking ISIS.
Encourage the Saudis to encourage their proxy ISIS to attack Iran, another key player in the fight against ISIS.
All in all, I'd say you were about as productive as a Putin tool could be expected to.
Congratulations! Hotel and golf course rights in Saudi Arabia are on the way!
17
What a horrible modified statement from the White House press office. Twelve innocent people have just died and the White House is lecturing the victims? Have a little respect.
14
The terrorist attack perpetrated by ISIS in Tehran should be an eye-opener for Western media, the USA and our allies. Iran is a large country with 80 million people whose civilization predate the Persian Empire, going back 100's thousands of years. When you meet Iranians who managed to leave Iran around the time of the "Revolution" in the late 1970's, you can't help but admire their sharp intellect and their connections with history, art and human civilization. Many of the contemporary "issues" in the Middle East are due to the way in which Western powers divided it all up 100 years ago and, of course, the access to a valuable resource: fossil fuels. The USA needs to develop and implement a Foreign Policy based on a) the pursuit of common goals and b) towards a future where there is mutual respect and peace. To date, the Trump Administration, like many others, appears to be interested in neither.
17
The powers were brits on the same continental plateau.
There is no west, there free and the rest of the planet, not free.
There is no west, there free and the rest of the planet, not free.
My condolences to the Iranians, and each family that may have lost someone to this act of senseless violence. Every human life should be of great value to each of us. If we can't prioritize this, then we as a race, are (and have) lost.
15
It's really unbelievable that the US administration would offer false sympathy and criticise Iran in the wake of an attack on its political institutions in the capital. The irony is, if the attackers were indeed trained by MEK, the legacy of the US supporting terrorists, namely Saddam Hussein, lives on.
Hopefully, the moderates in Iran who have been making progress will be able to continue, despite such unbelievable violence against their parliament.
Hopefully, the moderates in Iran who have been making progress will be able to continue, despite such unbelievable violence against their parliament.
12
Do we really want Trump meddling in the Middle East?
8
Yes he wants peace as opposed to politicians who thrive on war.
It looks suspiciously as if Blundering Trump and his "diplomacy" has struck again and his visit to Saudi Arabia is associated with the sudden terrorist attacks in Iran. Iran has never attacked the U.S. as have some of the Saudi's with their killing of 3,000 of our citizens on 9/11. So what is Blundering Trump doing involving us on the Saudi/Israeli side of a powder keg Middle East based on his ignorant confidence in his own bluster.
as if Trump is not disaster enough, we find his in-laws and kin all apparently
lining their wallets as fast as they can using an implied White House cachet. The presidency of the Trump clan is looking more and more like Macy's basement on annual sale day as the Trump bunch grab for bargains while the grabbing is good. Please resign Mr. Trump and end the greedy charade.
as if Trump is not disaster enough, we find his in-laws and kin all apparently
lining their wallets as fast as they can using an implied White House cachet. The presidency of the Trump clan is looking more and more like Macy's basement on annual sale day as the Trump bunch grab for bargains while the grabbing is good. Please resign Mr. Trump and end the greedy charade.
12
So on the basis of Trump's barbed message on the terrorist attack in Iran, he is actually saying US was to blame for 9/11 !
Now we can better understand how Trump's mind works and his logical reasoning!
Now we can better understand how Trump's mind works and his logical reasoning!
7
How much sympathy would there from Iranians if this was directed at Tel Aviv? Aren't we going to be told that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter? Aren't we going to say that it's chickens coming home to roost? Aren't we going to make a list of things they need to change in order not to be faced with violence?
When Jews are targeted there is an enormous amount of open sympathy for the perps.
When non-Muslims are targeted there is a medium amount of open sympathy for the perps.
When Muslims are targeted there is zero. The outrage is directed at the fact they didn't get a facebook flag like England or France.
It is amazing that Muslims play the victim card and are bitter when westerners don't show the same sympathy when Islamic countries who have supported international terrorism have it directed towards themselves.
It's also amazing that the same media that constantly screams about "the Zionists" won't even call them Islamists. Sad that western leftists have followed suit.
When Jews are targeted there is an enormous amount of open sympathy for the perps.
When non-Muslims are targeted there is a medium amount of open sympathy for the perps.
When Muslims are targeted there is zero. The outrage is directed at the fact they didn't get a facebook flag like England or France.
It is amazing that Muslims play the victim card and are bitter when westerners don't show the same sympathy when Islamic countries who have supported international terrorism have it directed towards themselves.
It's also amazing that the same media that constantly screams about "the Zionists" won't even call them Islamists. Sad that western leftists have followed suit.
3
Iran offered condolences and held vigils for the victims of 9/11. The US, on the other hand, has yet to apologize for overthrowing the elected Iranian government in 1953, placing the dictator shah and his brutal SAVAK secret police to torment Iranians for almost 3 decades, helping Saddam in the Iran/Iraq war, where over half a million Iranians died, including over 50,000 from chemical weapons, or even apologized for shooting down a civilian airliner, killing 300 civilians.
In fact, they gave the captain of the Vincennes a promotion and a medal.
But...the US does suck up to Saudi, (whose citizens perpetrated 9/11...not an Iranian among them. ISIS, al Qaeda, nusra, boko harem...the most brutal terrorists on the planet are all Sunni and all funded by the Saudi Wahhabi dictators.
Sad how the fascist right can't see reality for the fake news.
In fact, they gave the captain of the Vincennes a promotion and a medal.
But...the US does suck up to Saudi, (whose citizens perpetrated 9/11...not an Iranian among them. ISIS, al Qaeda, nusra, boko harem...the most brutal terrorists on the planet are all Sunni and all funded by the Saudi Wahhabi dictators.
Sad how the fascist right can't see reality for the fake news.
2
Iran hosts the second largest Jewish population in the Mid East after Israel. You are just spreading propaganda.
the leading sponsor of state terrorism is Russia not Iran.
6
what about saudia arabia?
5
I'm surprised that Trump hasn't yet piled on to Iran via Twitter.
2
isis is funded by saudi's whom we just gave huge arms deal to and convenitly ignore there wahhabism and fundamental views spreading like cancer across south asia, like indoneisa which once was a moderate country now hardlined, same thing in bangaldesh, etc. pakistan. all oil petrol dollars. if we had switched to alternative energy this wouldnt be happening but then a few rich men couldnt benefit either so at that expense the world is being torn apart by saudis. thanks america's elite.
18
But our President, a thoughtful and eminently intelligent chap who graduated at the top of his class at Wharton, told us that Iran and ISIS were our enemies. Why would our enemies fight against each other?
19
In WW2 days the Germans and the Soviets were our enemies yet we worked with the Soviets to defeat the Germans. So Iran and ISIS still maintain their status as adversaries.
2
I am surprised that American media, even CNN is not taking this news seriously and giving the coverage it deserves, instead the whole focus today is on Comey. This is the first successful attack by ISIS in Iranian soil, that too on their parliament and their revered leader Khomeini's tomb. We have to wait and see how Iran is going to retaliate over Saudi Arabia,when that happens all news media will turn to Iran. This is a major Sunni/Shia clash and US will get involved supporting Saudi Arabia ,our close ally.
24
Automatically supporting the Saudis at this moment would be a terrible, tragic mistake. I don't think this ISIL strike coming after the diplomatic isolation of Qatar is any kind of an accident. The Saudis may not control ISIL, but it certainly feels like there was some kind of a signal to strike a blow against Iran as the precursor to a Saudi/Gulf monarchy war against Shi'ite influence in the Middle East. Getting the US involved just makes us an active part of that war, opening up possible blowback that would make the consequences of our foreign policy mistakes of the past 40 years seem trivial.
13
I recall the marches of sympathy by Iranians after 9/11.
I don't believe Americans will reciprocate for any terrorist attacks upon Iran.
We're just too mislead, misinformed, and self absorbed to behave with such civility.
I don't believe Americans will reciprocate for any terrorist attacks upon Iran.
We're just too mislead, misinformed, and self absorbed to behave with such civility.
47
The US blew Iran's civilian passenger jet out of the sky, murdering all 263 passengers aboard and Bush Sr refused to apologize, just as we never apologized for demolishing Iran's democratically elected government in a coup to grab their oil.
2
Good to see the NY Times decided to give a terrorist attack outside the West a front page exposure. Being more objective in our coverage would make us better understand each other and shed all those made up differences we erected in order to justify our sometime unfair and illogical actions.
42
What caused Muslim extremism and the rise of Radical Islam?
1. Toppling leadership that didn't tow the Western line.
2. The 2 demonizing of Arabs and labeling them as terrorists by Israel and the America.
3. Western wars and conflicts in Muslim States like Iraq,Syria,Afghnistan,Pakistan,Lybia and backing Israeli occupation of Palestine. Leaving people hopeless, without homes and jobs.
4. The financing of the Zionist expansion called "Greater Israel (almost 200 billion dollars and rising, for six million Jew".
5. American weaponry (gratis to israel) that used to destroy Lebanon, Gaza and Palestinians in the West Bank.
6. The aiding and abetting of Israeli nuclear hegemony
7. Western control of Arab resources........ Who actually pulls the levers of power. Look at the surnames at NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CNN, AIPAC/CONGRESS and draw your own conclusions. President Obama has it right; fairness in the Middle East is a MUST. Just remember:
The mother of all terrorism in the World is the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
1. Toppling leadership that didn't tow the Western line.
2. The 2 demonizing of Arabs and labeling them as terrorists by Israel and the America.
3. Western wars and conflicts in Muslim States like Iraq,Syria,Afghnistan,Pakistan,Lybia and backing Israeli occupation of Palestine. Leaving people hopeless, without homes and jobs.
4. The financing of the Zionist expansion called "Greater Israel (almost 200 billion dollars and rising, for six million Jew".
5. American weaponry (gratis to israel) that used to destroy Lebanon, Gaza and Palestinians in the West Bank.
6. The aiding and abetting of Israeli nuclear hegemony
7. Western control of Arab resources........ Who actually pulls the levers of power. Look at the surnames at NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CNN, AIPAC/CONGRESS and draw your own conclusions. President Obama has it right; fairness in the Middle East is a MUST. Just remember:
The mother of all terrorism in the World is the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
25
Iran = a democracy we hate.
Saudi Arabia = a dictatorship we love.
What have we become?
Saudi Arabia = a dictatorship we love.
What have we become?
71
Perfectly questioned.
18
If you think a system whereby radical religious clerics choose the candidates is a democracy, then you need an elementary school civics lesson.
12
What just happened in this latest Iranian Parliamentary election calls your bluff. A movement is growing roots and we are not helping that.
5
The US and Iran are natural allies, their greater geostrategic interests are aligned. Obama recognized this and tried to improve relations. His problem was that the US military-industrial complex, Israel, Turkey and Saudi Arabia all have much to lose from friendly relations between the United States and Iran.
At the very least the United States should attempt to be on good terms with Iran, if only so that they will serve as a counterweight to Israel, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Ahmadinejad is history and Rouhani and the reformists are in power, and there's no reason why we shouldn't seek to further improve ties.
Trump and his hardliner friends won't be in charge forever, and the sooner he and his cronies are gone, the better.
At the very least the United States should attempt to be on good terms with Iran, if only so that they will serve as a counterweight to Israel, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Ahmadinejad is history and Rouhani and the reformists are in power, and there's no reason why we shouldn't seek to further improve ties.
Trump and his hardliner friends won't be in charge forever, and the sooner he and his cronies are gone, the better.
32
I once heard it said, "Iranian people are just like Americans, but with darker hair."
6
A White House statement on Iran that is ghastly. I am beyond understanding such meanness.
31
US and Iran are natural ally against terrorism in the region. Terrorism cannot be contained without exterminating its very ideology propagated by Saudi Arabia. Shiite Islam is very tolerant and accommodating to other religions and believes. You hardly see any terrorism by shiite Muslims.
17
As I was talking to some Trump supporters, shockingly, they were happy that ISIS had hit Tehran. I could not understand how and why someone would praise/support a terrorist organization that killed 8 people last week in London.
Iran is by no means an angel, but everyone should condemn these attacks. Whether you're from left or right, we must fight terror.
Iran is by no means an angel, but everyone should condemn these attacks. Whether you're from left or right, we must fight terror.
28
Absolutely. The world must support each other to rid ourselves of these senseless mass murderers. I would think that our graceless Prez, or his Secretary of State, would express condolences, in some fashion. He will probably just do something to stir hostility, given what he has done, even with our close allies.
9
Iran has been exporting terrorism to its proxies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and even Saudi Arabia for nearly 40 years. This is what the Revolutionary Guards are set up to do. Their #1 export has now been imported. They are experiencing what the Germans and Japanese felt in 1945, when instead of sending their weapons of war to other countries, other countries sent weapons of war to them.
Iran has been at war with the US since its invasion of our sovereign territory (the US Embassy) in 1979, fomented by the bloodthirsty sharia-worshipping Khomeini. Only the US - mostly the Left - refuses to see this.
Iran has been at war with the US since its invasion of our sovereign territory (the US Embassy) in 1979, fomented by the bloodthirsty sharia-worshipping Khomeini. Only the US - mostly the Left - refuses to see this.
21
Are you saying the answer is for our president to not publicly condemn and privately call and express our sadness at what happened and continue our grievances so we are continually at war? The 'right' likes to keep at the forefront past situations, which is basic fear mongering, and then ties our hands politically whereby we never move forward to a solution.
7
The entire civilized world is the target of the intolerant and hate-filled ISIS mentality . Unfortunately, they fail to understand that fact and to unite to eradicate it.
9
I wonder if the U.S. will officially condemn this attack. I know the Congress is trying to enact MORE sanctions against Iran, and the President unfortunately attacked Iran in his recent address in Saudi Arabia. As I explained in an op-ed published yesterday (before the attacks) our current attitude towards Iran is unlikely to produce good results. http://www.newsmax.com/PaulFdeLespinasse/iran-rouhani-khamenei-trump/201... .
3
Seeing the photo of the child being lowered out of a window brought me to tears. Praying for humanity.
15
Yeah, I'm sure it's our fault. How about we just accept responsibility for every bad thing that happens anywhere in the world?
13
When you rule the World, bad things happen and you get blamed for it, right? if you don't believe me, ask the British, The French, The Spanish, etc.
In 99 cases out of a hundred, that would be the right thing to do. This is certainly one of those 99 cases, as the US destruction of Iraq CREATED the Frankenstein known as ISIS, an undeniable fact even Tony Blair has publicly acknowledged.
Just a few days ago there was a huge explosion in Shiraz which the fire department there said was "gas" related. ... That said, an attack on Khomeini's tomb has been a long time coming. ISIS can claim today's attacks all they want. Dissent in Iran is such that people are well enough tired of the repression and want to move on. And in the ebb and flow of Iranian politics, it looks like this will be another hot summer ...
5
Such a senseless loss of life. Mothers .fathers, brothers, sisters. Gone; for what? For the egos of "big" men in powerful places, always demanding more of what they already have too much of.
8
As long as our good friends Saudi Arabia are providing money and support for ISIS , Taliban and various other islamo fascist group, we will see more of these attacks from Afghanistan to Zimbobveh.
9
Somehow, I think that the recent Trump's visit has something to do with it. I am almost convinced that he gave the Saudis the green light to attack Iran. Additionally he wants to destroy the nuclear treaty negotiated by the Obama administration by trying to provoke Iran . I am afraid that we maybe close to a major military confrontation in the Middle East.
15
This is most insightful. What better way for a vain, ignorant man, such as the President, to attempt to leave a legacy than to promote a war, when none is really necessary, giving the impression of urgency? If tweeting corresponds to talking through one's hat, then the contrast between what he said in his speech in Saudi Arabia about not being here to tell people how to live and much of what he says trying to effect the image of policy-making via the net is not only glaring, but illustrative of his deceitful mien. His hollowness is only obscured by the immense power which he controls. There are, generally, three things which motivate people, wealth, power and prestige. Guess who, of all people, now has them all?
Saudi Arabia is ISIS country by value, culture, funding, teachings, inspiration and ideology.
It appears that this could be the start of the vanguard phase of the grand design of western powers to effect regime change in Iran, the first having been and ongoing the criminal effort in Syria. Although not of momentous military significance, like the destruction of the infrastructure of Syria, this could be the harbinger of things to come, which is well-known by all Iranians, who will doubtless resist. Festooned with 110 Billion dollars in new armaments the al Sauds are likely stating their case in just this way as regards their desire to rule the Muslim world, although, as is typical of states which operate under absolute secrecy, evidence of direct involvement of the KSA government is doubtless lacking. Should the world be ruled by terror? Should Trump have agreed to sell the Saudis all that hardware?
3
I'll add Middle East peace to climate change as another motivation to move to renewable energy and away from oil dependency.
10
The people of Iran have become the latest victims of ISIS, that fanatical monstrosity born from an inferno ignited by hamfisted American imperialism and nurtured to this day by affluent donors from the Gulf monarchies. Might we, at last, find more of a common cause with the relatively moderate elected government in Tehran and reassess our ignominious and indefensible ties with baldfaced sponsors of Wahhabism and Salafism? For the record, it was the American government and its allies that forced Iran's progressive leaders out of power and installed a monarch in their place in the 1950s for the sake of oil. It's also the United States that has Iran completely surrounded by military bases, warships, and rockets, yet Americans can't fathom the origins of distaste for Western powers among the very people we hold at gunpoint. Let's approach our common history and common challenges with a critical, introspective eye and choose allies with whom to eliminate the roots of ISIS's reign of terror rather than eternally fighting the symptoms while paying lip service to democracy and gender equality in the Middle East.
13
Presumably you understand that we can seek find common ground with the President of Iran all we want, but it matters not one iota as long as the ayatollahs and their Revolutionary Guard still walk the Earth?
I have nothing but good thoughts for most of the people of Iran, but we shouldn't do anything that would perpetuate its terrorist theocracy for even a minute longer.
I have nothing but good thoughts for most of the people of Iran, but we shouldn't do anything that would perpetuate its terrorist theocracy for even a minute longer.
3
I take your point. However, consider all of the radical entrenched clerical interests to which the Saudi regime, among others, is wedded. Somehow we've found a way around those elements when strategic needs demanded it.
after Tehran dark day, reading your sympathy and condolence comments are really nice relief.
thank you all
hope unite world against terrorism
thank you all
hope unite world against terrorism
137
WHY is Saudi Arabia our "friend" when it is the largest supporter of Terrorism?
WHY is Rex Tillerson our Secretary of State ?
WHY has the Trump Administration taken an anti-science stand on what is obviously Climate Change and clearly Global warning?
One word. Oil.
WHY is Rex Tillerson our Secretary of State ?
WHY has the Trump Administration taken an anti-science stand on what is obviously Climate Change and clearly Global warning?
One word. Oil.
6
Iran is the greatest democracy in the middle east and we should be more supportive of them. We grieve with you today for the loss of innocent life and we support you in our common fight against terrorists. Long live Iran!
1
ISIS is every decent human being's enemy. In that regard, we are all on one side.
1
Like many others have commented, I can't help but be incredulous that Iran is the target of our anti-terrorist policies. Iran has never directly or indirectly sponsored terrorism on the U.S. soil, but thanks to lobbying by foreign powers we seem to be going in the exact opposite direction of where our focus should be. The most terrible part about this is that I'm not sure the removal of Trump will make any difference in this as so many of our illustrious politicians are held sway by these lobbyists. This is what Britain must have looked like in the twilight of their great power. I love my country but we deserve this. The one thing I can agree with Donald Trump is that the media in our nation has played a part in this.
12
Except perhaps the failed attempt by Iranian operatives to murder the Saudi ambassador to the US by blowing him up in a Washington restaurant. And I guess directing Hezbollah to murder 243 US Marines in 1983 doesn't count, as that wasn't US soil.
8
"Iran has never directly or indirectly sponsored terrorism on the U.S. soil,"
That is in interesting exercise in hair-splitting. Perhaps you would want to talk to the relatives of the thousands (yes, thousands) of American soldiers killed by Iran and its operatives.
Let me remind you of the Beirut barracks bombings that were perpetrated by an Iranian with the approval of Iran and Hezbollah. Let me remind you of the thousands of Americans who were killed in Iraq in the last 15 years by Iran, the IRGC and their Shiite milita partners.
Don't tell me that Iran is our friend because they have never attacked us on US soil. That's ridiculous.
That is in interesting exercise in hair-splitting. Perhaps you would want to talk to the relatives of the thousands (yes, thousands) of American soldiers killed by Iran and its operatives.
Let me remind you of the Beirut barracks bombings that were perpetrated by an Iranian with the approval of Iran and Hezbollah. Let me remind you of the thousands of Americans who were killed in Iraq in the last 15 years by Iran, the IRGC and their Shiite milita partners.
Don't tell me that Iran is our friend because they have never attacked us on US soil. That's ridiculous.
There hasn't been any ISIS terror in Saudi Arabia. Strange....
But now in Iran.
That makes no sense - as Iran is the sponsor of terror - according to Trump and republicans. But according to them the world also was created 6000 years ago.
And why should they ever lie?
But now in Iran.
That makes no sense - as Iran is the sponsor of terror - according to Trump and republicans. But according to them the world also was created 6000 years ago.
And why should they ever lie?
9
Donald Trump promised us a plan to deal with ISIS.
Trump went to Saudi Arabia, danced with the sword, and kissed their feet. Now we see the news regarding Qatar and Iran.
Apparently, Trump's plan is to support ISIS.
Trump went to Saudi Arabia, danced with the sword, and kissed their feet. Now we see the news regarding Qatar and Iran.
Apparently, Trump's plan is to support ISIS.
17
Trump is canny as a fox - pretending to be the village idiot through his twitter innuendos, while hoping that the middle east goes up in flames to distract from his Russian treachery!
9
Are we "all Iranians now"? Surely Trump, our ISIS Defender, must be.
5
I wonder how many Americans even realize that Iran has an elected Parliament and an elected President. or did they realize that the USA was in an uneasy alliance with Iran until the Idiot stole the election. I'm only surprised there hasn't been an attack sooner.
It was an attack on the government of Iran. This is a big deal, especially with the possibility of war with Qatar looming (because Al Jazeera reports on civilian casualties in Yemen and Syria).
It was an attack on the government of Iran. This is a big deal, especially with the possibility of war with Qatar looming (because Al Jazeera reports on civilian casualties in Yemen and Syria).
Of course our phony man in charge failed to condemn this attack, even though it was done by ISIS.
This will only suck us back into the region at some point.
Now he thinks Qatar are our enemies. Someone ought to remind him our military base is stationed there. Sorry, I forgot. He doesn't listen to daily Intelligence unless his name is inserted.
The attention span of a child and people actually support him?
This will only suck us back into the region at some point.
Now he thinks Qatar are our enemies. Someone ought to remind him our military base is stationed there. Sorry, I forgot. He doesn't listen to daily Intelligence unless his name is inserted.
The attention span of a child and people actually support him?
14
Compare us to Great Britain. So many voters here don't read much about politics and international affairs.
Voting for Trump equals voting for international ignorance.
We had an intelligent president, Obama; we are now stuck with an ignoramus.
Voting for Trump equals voting for international ignorance.
We had an intelligent president, Obama; we are now stuck with an ignoramus.
8
Mr. Trump, you own this. You are supporting ISIS.
You went to Saudi Arabia, the prime sponsor of Wahhabism, and gave them the green light to them to move against Qatar, and gave their lackeys the green light to attack the people of Iran.
You went to Saudi Arabia, the prime sponsor of Wahhabism, and gave them the green light to them to move against Qatar, and gave their lackeys the green light to attack the people of Iran.
23
Middle East has two problems: Zionism and Wahhabism. Both need chaos in all other countries in the neighborhood to survive, minus their subservient lap dogs. Peace, progress, and development is a threat to both. Both are allies. Both are supporting ISIS, either financially or providing medical care, and both are enemies of anti-ISIS forces. US can help defeat ISIS by teaming up with all anti-ISIS forces or it can do what its doing now. Bomb all sides. US empowers Wahhabism and Zionism - both 20th century products.
13
They are all abrahamic religions. Short sighted and myopic.
Your comment makes it abundantly clear that you have no understanding or knowledge of what Zionism is. It is not Israel that either seems chaos in the region nor foments it. It is, however, that kind of delusional thinking that has prevented most Arab countries from joining the rest of the world in the 21st century.
7
Not to sound the alarm or anything, but has anyone thought about WWIII?
6
Yes, but it is unclear how America would win support with the current ignoramus president.
1
Difficult to draw general conclusions about this other than ISIS leadership is so psychopathic that they don't know which enemy to bomb next. My understanding is that ISIS traces its origins back to Abu Musab al Zarqawi, a Jordanian street thug and sex criminal who found his way to Iraq and tried to foment a sectarian war between the Sunni and Shia. Iraq is a majority Shia country, but Zarqawi's goal in conducting obscene acts of terrorism against Shia mosques was to invite reprisal from the Shia and thus, as Michael Weiss says in his book, spark a global casting call for Sunni mujahideen. More than being viewed as a country of heretics, Iran is viewed by the ultra-conservative Salafist Sunnis as being a nation of apostates - those to whom the religion of Islam was revealed and who then rejected it. Unlike the Christians and Jews, who never accepted the truth and to whom accommodation can be made, the apostasy of the Shia is a capital offense. The attack on Tehran is not only a confirmation of the theological divide between Sunni and Shia but also an echo of Zarqawi's tactics of the past - outrageous, shocking, and inflammatory. ISIS truly is a cult of death.
9
Why do "Christian" nations amount for more killing in one year than all other religions combined in the last 30th.?
Why are there more acts of terrorism committed by Christian nations, primarily the US. than all other religions combined 10 times?
The Christian nations are the ones who are dropping bombs everywhere, including a Nuclear bomb on civilians in Japan without any mercy.
The Christian nations are the ones who are invading other countries to control resources in all continents yet they thing jews killed Jesus.
Why are there more acts of terrorism committed by Christian nations, primarily the US. than all other religions combined 10 times?
The Christian nations are the ones who are dropping bombs everywhere, including a Nuclear bomb on civilians in Japan without any mercy.
The Christian nations are the ones who are invading other countries to control resources in all continents yet they thing jews killed Jesus.
3
I think you're raising a common counter-argument, but I think it's a very sloppy analogy. ISIS kills innocent people in the name of Islam - for purely theological reasons. If you doubt this then I encourage you to read Dabiq issue 15 - Dabiq is ISIS' online magazine. On page 30 there is an article "Why We Hate You and Why We Fight You." ISIS spells out clearly the reasons they hate the West - the first reason is: "1. We hate you, first and foremost, because you
are disbelievers; you reject the oneness of Allah –
whether you realize it or not – by making partners
for Him in worship, you blaspheme against Him,
claiming that He has a son, you fabricate lies against
His prophets and messengers, and you indulge in all
manner of devilish practices. It is for this reason that
we were commanded to openly declare our hatred for
you and our enmity towards you." The United States does not kill in the name of Christianity, it does not cite the Bible as the basis of its foreign policy. So comparing the two in that manner is inappropriate. Furthermore, the intentions of terrorist groups like ISIS is to purposely kill innocent people for the sake of terror. The U.S.'s foreign policy strives as much as possible to avoid innocent loss of life - the intentions are clearly different.
are disbelievers; you reject the oneness of Allah –
whether you realize it or not – by making partners
for Him in worship, you blaspheme against Him,
claiming that He has a son, you fabricate lies against
His prophets and messengers, and you indulge in all
manner of devilish practices. It is for this reason that
we were commanded to openly declare our hatred for
you and our enmity towards you." The United States does not kill in the name of Christianity, it does not cite the Bible as the basis of its foreign policy. So comparing the two in that manner is inappropriate. Furthermore, the intentions of terrorist groups like ISIS is to purposely kill innocent people for the sake of terror. The U.S.'s foreign policy strives as much as possible to avoid innocent loss of life - the intentions are clearly different.
This conflict is almost as stupid as founding a country with slavery enshrined in it's constitution and on the back of a genocide of indigenous inhabitants.
But given time, I could be convinced it's even dumber.
OK, I gave it some more thought,
It is dumber, because the thing they are fighting about isn't even real.
But given time, I could be convinced it's even dumber.
OK, I gave it some more thought,
It is dumber, because the thing they are fighting about isn't even real.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said "If we condition too heavily that others must adopt [our] value[s]… it really creates obstacles to our ability to advance, our national security interests, our economic interests.”
So you have it. So don't fret when you hear that this week Saudi Arabia is preparing to behead 14 protesters after a sham trial. Just remember that our feckless silence is in our "national interest."
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/06/06/saudi-arabia-14-protesters-facing-ex...
Bonus - Everything looks sunny to US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trum...
So you have it. So don't fret when you hear that this week Saudi Arabia is preparing to behead 14 protesters after a sham trial. Just remember that our feckless silence is in our "national interest."
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/06/06/saudi-arabia-14-protesters-facing-ex...
Bonus - Everything looks sunny to US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trum...
After we alienate the world and stir the pot wherever we can, will America finally be great again?
7
Yes! Greatly isolated and alone
3
Perhaps, if Trump can be impeached. That would at least be a beginning.
2
Raz Zimmt, a scholar at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University who specializes in Iranian affairs, said ...“I have no doubt that the Iranian regime is going to blame ISIS and Saudi Arabia, since that serves the official Iranian position,” ...
ISIS claimed credit, did they not? Raz Zimmt is great at predicting the past!
This is all a Trump/Russia/Saudi ploy to get oil back above $75/bbl.
ISIS claimed credit, did they not? Raz Zimmt is great at predicting the past!
This is all a Trump/Russia/Saudi ploy to get oil back above $75/bbl.
5
Does Trump understand anything about the Middle East, Persia, ISIS Sunnis and Shiites? Any day I expect him to declare that "...Nobody knew..." all this could be so complicated. His willful ignorance may be as big a deficiency as his dishonesty.
4
Include the willful ignorance of those who voted for him.
2
That is by far more important than Trum. The ignorance of the American Electorate is the only existential threat that this nation is facing. Democracy in an ignorant Nation will inevitably become self-Destructive because ignorant people will elect ignorant leaders, and ignorant leaders will destroy the country if not the whole World
All of the Islamist terrorists in the past 15 years have been Sunni. Iran is a Shi'a country. The split between the two forms of Islam occurred in the 7th century after Mohammad's death. The Saudis have hated the Persians for 13 centuries and now the Saudis gloss over the religious differences between Sunni and Shi'a by blaming Iran for wanting to dominate the Middle East.
Iran was our ally when the Shah ruled. In 1953 an American-lead coup d'etat had ousted Iran's first democratically-elected leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, and replaced him with the Shah. Iranians never forgot how the US interfered with their budding democracy. Then with the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the 444-day hostage crisis, the humiliated US called Iran "the worst sponsor of worldwide terrorism" while ignoring Saudi Arabia's radical and rigid form of Wahabi Islam and its offshoots of al-Qaida, the Taliban, and the Islamic State.
Iran is a lovely country with an ancient civilization and creative, intelligent, and generous people - in spite of its leaders (the people elected Rohani whom the ayatollahs didn't support). I can say the same about the US - a lovely country in spite of its leader and its legislative majority.
Iran was one of the first countries to condemn the terrorist attack on the US on 9/11. How long will it take for Trump and Congress to condemn today's terrorist attack on Iran?
Iran was our ally when the Shah ruled. In 1953 an American-lead coup d'etat had ousted Iran's first democratically-elected leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, and replaced him with the Shah. Iranians never forgot how the US interfered with their budding democracy. Then with the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the 444-day hostage crisis, the humiliated US called Iran "the worst sponsor of worldwide terrorism" while ignoring Saudi Arabia's radical and rigid form of Wahabi Islam and its offshoots of al-Qaida, the Taliban, and the Islamic State.
Iran is a lovely country with an ancient civilization and creative, intelligent, and generous people - in spite of its leaders (the people elected Rohani whom the ayatollahs didn't support). I can say the same about the US - a lovely country in spite of its leader and its legislative majority.
Iran was one of the first countries to condemn the terrorist attack on the US on 9/11. How long will it take for Trump and Congress to condemn today's terrorist attack on Iran?
30
You glossed over a few details.
1. Mossadegh's political party in Parliament elected him as Prime Minister - the majority of the Iranian people did not "democratically elect" Mossadegh.
2. When he ascended to the PM, he made demands of the British oil industry which had been operating in Iran since the 1920s.
3. When Britain refused to give Iran more money and to train Iranians as engineers and managers for the oil industry, Mossadegh committed an act of theft by "nationalizing" the industry.
4. Britain blockaded exports of oil from Iran's oil-exporting port Abadan, so that almost no oil left the country.
5. Iran's economy tanked as a direct result.
6. Protests erupted.
7. The protests turned violent.
8. Mossadegh illegally disbanded Parliament and illicitly began writing a new Constitution with his political cronies.
9. An Iranian general arrested Mossadegh for crimes against the nation.
10. The Shah Reza Pahlavi (who had complete authority over all Parliament's decisions according to the original Constitution) assumed power.
11. The Shah preferred Western culture to Iranian culture, and began to move Iran out of the 19th century by reducing the application of sharia, allowing women to attend college and hold jobs.
12. The clergy hated Western culture, and spoke out against the Shah.
13. The Shah cut off their funds, and exiled Khomeini.
1. Mossadegh's political party in Parliament elected him as Prime Minister - the majority of the Iranian people did not "democratically elect" Mossadegh.
2. When he ascended to the PM, he made demands of the British oil industry which had been operating in Iran since the 1920s.
3. When Britain refused to give Iran more money and to train Iranians as engineers and managers for the oil industry, Mossadegh committed an act of theft by "nationalizing" the industry.
4. Britain blockaded exports of oil from Iran's oil-exporting port Abadan, so that almost no oil left the country.
5. Iran's economy tanked as a direct result.
6. Protests erupted.
7. The protests turned violent.
8. Mossadegh illegally disbanded Parliament and illicitly began writing a new Constitution with his political cronies.
9. An Iranian general arrested Mossadegh for crimes against the nation.
10. The Shah Reza Pahlavi (who had complete authority over all Parliament's decisions according to the original Constitution) assumed power.
11. The Shah preferred Western culture to Iranian culture, and began to move Iran out of the 19th century by reducing the application of sharia, allowing women to attend college and hold jobs.
12. The clergy hated Western culture, and spoke out against the Shah.
13. The Shah cut off their funds, and exiled Khomeini.
6
No mention of Operation Ajax which was CIA's Code Name for a covert operation sponsored by CIA under the leadership of Kermit Roosevelt to topple Mossadeq's Government and re-install the Shah. Did you not know about this Operation or did you leave it out intentionally? Mossadeq was calling for the implementation of the Constitution which regarded the Monarch as the head of State but not the Government. The Executive Branch was headed by the Prime Minister as the Constitution stipulated. And yes he protested to the British Oil Company for the unjust & unacceptable percenrage of the oil revenue and demanded an increase. The British, in their Colonial posture refused. Mossadeq nationalized the oil industry which received American support. You migh also be interested to know, if you don't already. that the United States continued its support of Iran's position. The British took their case to the International Court in The Hague. The Court ruled in favor of Iran. Even the British Judge voted against Britain and in favor of Iran. So, it was not a "Theft" as you put it. Winston Churchill then fabricated the false story about Mossadeq's Communist tendencies and skilfully used Dulles Brothers ignorance about the geopolitical situation in the Region to convince the United States that MOssadeq has to go. Hence Operation Ajax was initiated. Mossadeq falls and the Shah returns to continue for another 26 years with his oppressive regime. The Oil Industry remained Nationalised for ever.
If the USA, AKA Trump, made a deal with the Saudis to destabilize the Ayatollahs then Katie bar the door expect war grief to finally come home to central Arabia and Iran, and the sowing of the dragon seed of a new and more destructive breed of terrorism in the western world. Every capital in the west will need cement "green lines" around its centers, Imagine a truck loaded with explosives blasting into the Louvre and you have an image grabbed from the future we are creating by this spreading cancer of the destruction of states.
3
These terrorists are smarter than everyone else. They don't want to kill everyone. They want to get everyone fighting with and killing each other - and they're doing a great job.
How long will it take Trump to condem this attack? Wait, he actually approved it two weeks ago during the sword dance. My bad.
4
Now maybe the Iranians finally understand what its like to be humiliated at the hands of thugs. And if Mosaddegh is so revered how come there isn't a plaque honoring him anywhere in Iran? If I understand the talking points correctly he's the closest thing to a saint in Iran. Even now Iranians still shriek Death to America, burn American Flags and call us The Great Satan. From Eisenhower to Trump we'll never understand Iran so why even bother trying? What's even more incomprehensible is that the majority commenters have elevated this vile theocracy to the status reserved for rock stars.
6
"From Eisenhower to Trump we'll never understand Iran so why even bother trying?"
I understand Iran. How many Iranians have you ever met?
Do you understand Saudi Arabia?
A brutal 7th century monarchy that sponsors Wahhabism, ISIS, and chops peoples heads off. We should not even recognize them as a nation.
I understand Iran. How many Iranians have you ever met?
Do you understand Saudi Arabia?
A brutal 7th century monarchy that sponsors Wahhabism, ISIS, and chops peoples heads off. We should not even recognize them as a nation.
8
"Leaders pointed to Qatar -- Look!"
Donald looked. "Maybe this is the beginning of the end of the horror of terrorism!"
Meanwhile, reality continues on unabated, with Sunni radicalism festering in the hot sun, and the US is led by an individual with the intellectual sophistication of a dull-witted 8 year old.
Donald looked. "Maybe this is the beginning of the end of the horror of terrorism!"
Meanwhile, reality continues on unabated, with Sunni radicalism festering in the hot sun, and the US is led by an individual with the intellectual sophistication of a dull-witted 8 year old.
6
When did the Iranian government start caring about the lives of its people?
6
our very biased media.
by the headline it sounds like Iran is the guilty party
Definition of Assails-make a concerted or violent attack on.
We all know Saudi Arabia and its little gang of country thugs are responsible for the funding of terrorists like ISIS and Al Qaida (9/11 sponsors), but we continue to bend to their oil money and influence.
by the headline it sounds like Iran is the guilty party
Definition of Assails-make a concerted or violent attack on.
We all know Saudi Arabia and its little gang of country thugs are responsible for the funding of terrorists like ISIS and Al Qaida (9/11 sponsors), but we continue to bend to their oil money and influence.
5
Trump's immature and idiotic actions do nothing but stir the pot that is soon to boil over. ISIS knows weakness when they see it. And they see it all over Trump. Stand by, America.
2
Maybe the Iranians will see the err of a religious government now that they've been victimized by fundamentalists who are equally as radical.
5
After Trump gives the thumbs up to the Saudis as the biggest worldwide sponsors of terrorism, look what happens: the Qatar business and now sudden attacks on Iran. I doubt Trump knows or cares that there are Sunni and Shia, and the Middle East is not all just a bunch of the same "Muslims."
3
The pot keeps boiling. How soon will it be before Trump renounces the nuclear treaty with Iran? And now that he has taken sides against Qatar, will it serve us with an eviction notice on the largest US military facility in the Middle East? A bull in a china shop is too nuanced a metaphor to describe Trump's foreign policy antics.
5
A smart move for our President would be to come out and express sympathy with the people of Iran. It would go a long way and wouldn't cost much. But it seems that the endless love for the house of Saoud prevents the current administration to perform even the most basic human gestures.
6
The House of Saud wanted to depose Gaddafi for years because he represented a non-royal revolutionary that overthrew the wealthy and despotic royal family of Libya. The same is true for Iran, run ostensibly by revolutionaries who overthrew royals. The same is true for America, but that's another subject. House of Saud also financed Sisi (with billions) to overthrow the democratically elected government of Egypt.
In Libya, Saud eventually got their man too. Who did they use to get him? ISIS. Well, technically these Libyans were just Eastern Benghazi Sunni extremists at the time, but now they're ISIS. The House of Saud uses various religious mercenaries to whatever serves their purposes. ISIS serves their purpose now versus the Iran. Al Qaeda serves their purposes fight Houthies in Yemen.
Americans need to learn how the House of Saud uses their money and their mercenary groups (Al Qaeda and ISIS) to get their way. The House of Saud can't take down Iran by themselves. They and Israel will try to involve the United States in that effort.
In Libya, Saud eventually got their man too. Who did they use to get him? ISIS. Well, technically these Libyans were just Eastern Benghazi Sunni extremists at the time, but now they're ISIS. The House of Saud uses various religious mercenaries to whatever serves their purposes. ISIS serves their purpose now versus the Iran. Al Qaeda serves their purposes fight Houthies in Yemen.
Americans need to learn how the House of Saud uses their money and their mercenary groups (Al Qaeda and ISIS) to get their way. The House of Saud can't take down Iran by themselves. They and Israel will try to involve the United States in that effort.
9
The international terrorists are going to work much harder if they want to catch up with our natural born American gun toting citizen terrorists who on average use their guns to kill 93 humans a day here in the world’s capital for killing- the United States. They will really need to pick up the pace or get left behind in the terrorist game. International terrorism is nothing compared to what we do every day to each other in the best, most wonderful nation that ever, was, is or will be under some god or another. It’s not really just us; it’s apparently what passes for natural human behavior. Anyway, the world is building for the next big war and that should totally solve our problem.
4
Iran is alot more like the USA than most Americans would like to believe. A highly-educated cosmopolitan urban population seeking democratic reforms and freedoms; a poorly-educated and highly religious rural population seeking a fundamentalist interpretation of ancient scriptures; and a regime ruled by religious extremists supported primarily by the latter.
If Ted Cruz was as islamic as he is christian, he'd be a model Ayatollah.
If Ted Cruz was as islamic as he is christian, he'd be a model Ayatollah.
13
Very silly comparison of Cruz to an Ayatollah. The problem with these comparisons is few actually think them through. Cruz is actually a Constitutional scholar (unlike someone else) and would not sanction Sharia Law under any circumstances. His bible is the Constitution.
It's hard to not see this latest ISIS attack as a direct result of Trump's green light to Saudi Arabia to go head to head with Iran. Saudi Arabia is the main financier and supporter of terrorism in the region and beyond. No surprise that Trump the Fool is picking the wrong side, intent as he is in reversing any efforts of his predecessor. Totally predictable, based in the man's psychopathology.
4
It appears that one of the victims was a custodian. Someone who cleans other peoples' garbage to earn a living to support themselves and perhaps their family. Someone who happened to clean in the Iranian parliament. The killing of innocents is an abomination whether in London or Tehran or Russia or Orlando. Today, I put aside my frustration with the government of Iran and its support of terrorists. Today, I stand with the innocent.
5
How's your frustration with the Saudis and their support for Whhabi/Suni terrorists around the globe. You know of the Whhabi inspired groups ISIL and al Qaida, right?
1
Ayatollah Khamenei said, "The Iranian people are moving forward, and today’s fumbling with firecrackers will not affect the will-power of the people. Everyone must realize this, the terrorists are too small to affect the will of the Iranian people and the authorities'. This also reveals that if the Islamic Republic had not resisted, at the center of all this conspiracy, we would have had much more trouble of this sort in the country. God willing, they will "bite the dust."
My guess is the average westerner has no idea as to the distinction between Shiite or Sunni muslims, or of cultural distinctions between Persians and Arabs, and this incident, though significant, will be lost in the wash. I wonder why it has never collectively sunk in that 15 of the 19 9/11 terrorists were from Saudia Arabia and that a virulent strain of the Sunni religion has spawned global terror. Mr. Trump is playing footsies with the enemies.
6
I wish people would stop talking about "Islam" as if it were a monolithic ideology. Sunni and Shia Islam are different theologically and yes, theology matters. If you don't think so, ask what caused a Thirty-year War in Germany when tens of thousands died over the issue of transubstatiation. Neither variety of fundamentalist Islam is compatible with the Western ideas of liberty, science, democracy and secularism. This said, under its veneer of Islamism, Iran is far more secular than the Sunni Arab states. When the ayatollahs' regime collapses, as it will, Iran will be a modern secular state - much like the former socialist counties that embraced capitalism with a vengeance. The US should focus its efforts on propaganda and covert operations in Iran in order to weaken its regime instead of saber-rattling and ignorant provocations.
3
Thankfully, the State Dept. issued a message of condolence to the people of Iran. Now, hopefully, someone will gag the president and take away his phone. This is not the time for insane tweets.
4
What happens when the enemy of my enemy is already also my enemy?
The rest of the Mideast never enjoyed such peace as when Iraq and Iran were at war in 1980-88. ISIS was formed by the survivors of the Iraqi military's command structure. Hope that Iran and ISIS keep each other plenty busy.
The rest of the Mideast never enjoyed such peace as when Iraq and Iran were at war in 1980-88. ISIS was formed by the survivors of the Iraqi military's command structure. Hope that Iran and ISIS keep each other plenty busy.
1
Iran is not our enemy.
2
Trump claimed credit for dividing Qatar and other gulf nations.
I think he can now claim credit for the terrorist attack against Iran,
I think he can now claim credit for the terrorist attack against Iran,
4
US relations with Iran have been completely senseless for decades. The Iranian people want more freedom, better lives, and normalized relationships with the rest of the world, including the West and the U.S. As our new sources often neglect to mention, the victims of Islamist terrorism are overwhelmingly Muslim themselves. We should all stand with them.
5
Putin already has firm control and is running the Executive branch of the US government.
Because our President is incapable of resisting the opportunity to take credit for anything, he rashly inserted himself (and our country) into the move to isolate Qatar. And now this.
I believe strongly that Mr. Trump has had no appreciation for the deep divisions between Sunni and Shi'ite; that the Saudis and ISIL are Sunni and that the Iranians are Shi'ite. And that is very likely that Saudi money has found it's way into the hands of ISIL. He is an ignoramus who blunders into one catastrophe after another. And now he's doing on the planet's powder keg. His continued occupancy of the Oval Office puts all of us at greater and greater peril.
I believe strongly that Mr. Trump has had no appreciation for the deep divisions between Sunni and Shi'ite; that the Saudis and ISIL are Sunni and that the Iranians are Shi'ite. And that is very likely that Saudi money has found it's way into the hands of ISIL. He is an ignoramus who blunders into one catastrophe after another. And now he's doing on the planet's powder keg. His continued occupancy of the Oval Office puts all of us at greater and greater peril.
4
We need to stop with the line that "Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism."
This may be technically true regarding Hamas and Hezbollah. At least there is some transparency. But Iranian sponsored "terrorism" is not killing Americans, and not on American soil. Saudi-sponsored terrorism is killing American, Europeans, and now Iranians.
Saudi Arabia is the biggest sponsor of terrorism. They are responsible for 9-11 (15 of the 19 hijackers). They are responsible for Osama bin Ladin. They are responsible for Wahhabism. They are a brutal 7th century monarchy who survives only by the grace of their oil riches.
The people of Iran live in the 21st century. The government of Iran may be problematic, but the people of Iran are our friends.
This may be technically true regarding Hamas and Hezbollah. At least there is some transparency. But Iranian sponsored "terrorism" is not killing Americans, and not on American soil. Saudi-sponsored terrorism is killing American, Europeans, and now Iranians.
Saudi Arabia is the biggest sponsor of terrorism. They are responsible for 9-11 (15 of the 19 hijackers). They are responsible for Osama bin Ladin. They are responsible for Wahhabism. They are a brutal 7th century monarchy who survives only by the grace of their oil riches.
The people of Iran live in the 21st century. The government of Iran may be problematic, but the people of Iran are our friends.
6
Trump (and Dick Cheney) must be chortling with glee. Their Saudi partners (and paymasters) have finally gathered the resources to unleash armageddon against the apostates. No, not us. We're merely infidels. They'll come for us later. They understand that Trump suffers from narcissistic personality disorder. The evil type. Like Nero of yore. He fiddled while Rome burned. Of course, Nero didn't start the fire also. Trump is starting fires. He won't even try to put them out. He doesn't like Shiites. I guess there's no business opportunities in Iran. Trump should be in the nut house, not the Very White House. Well, he might prove me wrong. He could cancel the arms deal with the Saudis. Even the Iranians see that direct connection with Daesh's actions yesterday. ISIS is a Wahhabi creation after all. So is Saudi Arabia. They understand that Trump is one of them. They know how to stroke his ego to get their way.
Still Trump could prove that he is against all terrorism, including those originating from his business partners, the ones who want all-out war now. Anyone think he'll do the right thing? I'll give odds he won't.
Still Trump could prove that he is against all terrorism, including those originating from his business partners, the ones who want all-out war now. Anyone think he'll do the right thing? I'll give odds he won't.
1
President Trump is mainly comfortable dealing with autocrats, who he feels he can manipulate through the force of his such-a-deal personality, unencumbered by obligations their own democratic societies. Often they are fabulously wealthy,(as if this enhances their legitimacy in his mind), such Putin and the Saudi Royal Family. He has no clue as to the historical legacy of Persia/Iran, and he would not know of it's origination from the Ottoman Empire. It really is a scary situation now; we will be at war soon with at least half of Islam.
3
That ISIS is happy to claim responsibility for any and all terror attacks around the globe gives cover to false flag attacks by states who want to destroy Iran to advance their own regional aspirations. Career State Department experts on the Middle East must surely be shaking their heads over the propaganda that the "bad actor" in the region is Iran. Blatantly false. Neither the Middle East nor Americans will be safer if the US in concert with Israel and Saudi Arabia succeeds in destroying Iran. As our current government deems diplomatic efforts to be "weakness" and massive military and nuclear power to be "strength" (shades of Kim Jong-un) America is destined to die by the sword.
3
Seems that the big winner in the stirring of tensions in the Gulf by Trump and his Gulf allies is ISIS. ISIS attacks Iran, but Iran assails Saudi Arabia while ISIS is waving its arms for the attention that Trump can't seem to give it.
There's a real bonafide terror state in the Middle East that Trump said he had a great plan to end, but in the same way that George W. Bush gave us a bait and switch by moving us from hunting Al Qaeda to invading Iraq, Trump is leaving ISIS pretty much on its own and going after Iran.
There's a real bonafide terror state in the Middle East that Trump said he had a great plan to end, but in the same way that George W. Bush gave us a bait and switch by moving us from hunting Al Qaeda to invading Iraq, Trump is leaving ISIS pretty much on its own and going after Iran.
3
By backing terrorists since 1979, Iran has little moral high ground to claim victimhood. This is a one-off attack and will quickly fade away. Iran is a closed country where terrorists have few options, no support networks and a stable government that won't over react to a short lived isolated incident.
2
What terrorists has Iran backed since 1979? Rebel organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah? I certainly won't defend the worst atrocities of these groups.
But what about the medieval barbarians sponsored by Saudi Arabia? ISIS and the Wahhabists -- the terrorsts who attack Americans, and Europeans, and now Iranians. Anarchists and nihilists who chop peoples heads off.
Please remind me why we even recognize Saudi Arabia as a nation.
But what about the medieval barbarians sponsored by Saudi Arabia? ISIS and the Wahhabists -- the terrorsts who attack Americans, and Europeans, and now Iranians. Anarchists and nihilists who chop peoples heads off.
Please remind me why we even recognize Saudi Arabia as a nation.
5
You won't defend the worst Hamas and Hezbollah atrocities? I guess you stand prepared to defend the rest of the atrocities?
3
Surely it would be appropriate for Western governments to express sympathy and horror to Tehran and Iranians over yet another ISIS terrorist attack on civilian institutions in an urban center--just as they would do if such an attack happened anywhere else.
It would be the decent and consistent (i.e., non-hypocritical) thing to do, and it would generate a lot of goodwill between Iran and the West, which is surely a good thing.
Alternatively, the West can present a unified front behind President Trump in celebrating any Sunni action to isolate and undermine Iran.
Interesting choices.
It would be the decent and consistent (i.e., non-hypocritical) thing to do, and it would generate a lot of goodwill between Iran and the West, which is surely a good thing.
Alternatively, the West can present a unified front behind President Trump in celebrating any Sunni action to isolate and undermine Iran.
Interesting choices.
4
My heart goes out to the victims, family, and friends of this horrific act of terrorism.
I am encouraged by the comments here that at least half of the American people understand that the people of Iran are not our enemy. To the contrary, I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with dozens of Iranians in the U.S. over the course of many years. I will not defend the Iranian government (although it is at least somewhat of a democracy, and slowly moving in the right direction), but I absolutely stand with the Iranian people.
By contrast, Saudi Arabia is a brutal 7th century monarchy and dictatorship, which only survives because they won the lottery of the 20th century desire of the world to burn more oil. I'm sure there are some good people in Saudi Arabia. But the handful I have ever met are spoiled trust fund kids who come to the U.S. or the U.K. to go to prep school and universiy, and then return home to count their petro-dollars and fund Wahhabism and ISIS.
I am encouraged by the comments here that at least half of the American people understand that the people of Iran are not our enemy. To the contrary, I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with dozens of Iranians in the U.S. over the course of many years. I will not defend the Iranian government (although it is at least somewhat of a democracy, and slowly moving in the right direction), but I absolutely stand with the Iranian people.
By contrast, Saudi Arabia is a brutal 7th century monarchy and dictatorship, which only survives because they won the lottery of the 20th century desire of the world to burn more oil. I'm sure there are some good people in Saudi Arabia. But the handful I have ever met are spoiled trust fund kids who come to the U.S. or the U.K. to go to prep school and universiy, and then return home to count their petro-dollars and fund Wahhabism and ISIS.
4
"Iran is our natural ally but not our friend. Saudi Arabia is our friend but not our ally."
And we need to reverse this. Pronto.
While both have their hands dirty, Saudi Arabia, supporting, funding and actively engaging in promoting Wahabi Sunni teachings that are at the core of Islamic terror, is surely the worse of the two.
Obama was not write on Syria, however, he was dead on right on supporting Iran while weakening Suadi Arabia.
Trump should understand this hence it is highly troubling that he has signed 110B deal with the siphon to ISIS/Al Gaeda aka Saudi Arabia.
Killing, deporting, locking terrorist is all needed however it is akin to pruning a Bush. It will grow back up again. Only true permanent solution is to stop the indoctrination process at age of 5 that Saudis have spearheaded/sponsored across the Muslim work. To do so, Stop buying Oil from Saudis & Qataris, don't trade with them, let our economies take a slight and temporary hit, say all of this to our people -- we will surely support absorbing the hit, if it is an honest, sincere attempt to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from face of Earth. Sadly Trump and May and others are looking the other way and pruning bushes.
And we need to reverse this. Pronto.
While both have their hands dirty, Saudi Arabia, supporting, funding and actively engaging in promoting Wahabi Sunni teachings that are at the core of Islamic terror, is surely the worse of the two.
Obama was not write on Syria, however, he was dead on right on supporting Iran while weakening Suadi Arabia.
Trump should understand this hence it is highly troubling that he has signed 110B deal with the siphon to ISIS/Al Gaeda aka Saudi Arabia.
Killing, deporting, locking terrorist is all needed however it is akin to pruning a Bush. It will grow back up again. Only true permanent solution is to stop the indoctrination process at age of 5 that Saudis have spearheaded/sponsored across the Muslim work. To do so, Stop buying Oil from Saudis & Qataris, don't trade with them, let our economies take a slight and temporary hit, say all of this to our people -- we will surely support absorbing the hit, if it is an honest, sincere attempt to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from face of Earth. Sadly Trump and May and others are looking the other way and pruning bushes.
2
Trump clearly is not going to rest easy until he ignites at least one major international conflagration. And given that he has already alienated all of our North American, European, and Australian/New Zealand allies, we will be left to manage the fallout from it all on our own. This is what the Brietbart and Never Hillary crowds meant when they waxed poetic over "disruption" and "increasing the contradictions." We're likely - poor us - to discover just how salutary chaos and violence can be when it is real.
2
"While the Islamic State claimed responsibility, Iran’s revolutionary guard denounced Saudi Arabia and the Trump administration."
It would seem that Donald Trump's every move...every tweet...every uttered statement puts this country further and further at risk. He ran on a platform of securing America, but with every passing day that he is in the White House, this country (the world) becomes a more and more dangerous place to be.
It would seem that Donald Trump's every move...every tweet...every uttered statement puts this country further and further at risk. He ran on a platform of securing America, but with every passing day that he is in the White House, this country (the world) becomes a more and more dangerous place to be.
2
A terrible tragedy for the people of Iran; my condolences to the victims and their families.
It is worth restating the history of our dispute with Iran here, because an incident like this throws the absolute stupidity of our diplomatic posture towards this country.
Iran was a secular democracy from 1946 until 1953, when its democratically-elected government was overthrown by a U.S./U.K.-led coup to reinstate an autocrat, the Shah. The impetus? Iran's prime minister nationalized the country's oil industry, believing that the resources on their lands should be used to benefit their country, not foreign corporations.
After a couple decades of tyranny, the Iranian people rose up and had themselves a revolution in 1979. Unsurprisingly, they were not endeared to the U.S. for imposing a repressive dictator on them, so they didn't feel like selling us their oil anymore. We went hat-in-hand to the backwater Saudi kingdom and gave them everything they wanted, including a blind eye to their funding of Sunni extremism (those extremists fought the Commies, after all); then we turned around and gave a man named Saddam Hussein a whole bunch of weapons to wage a war against Iran. Recall his use of chemical weapons and attacks on civilians.
Now the world reaps what we have sown in the Arabian desert. The Iranians are correct to lay the blame at our feet. I wonder how many Americans understand that, or would *ever* admit as much.
It is worth restating the history of our dispute with Iran here, because an incident like this throws the absolute stupidity of our diplomatic posture towards this country.
Iran was a secular democracy from 1946 until 1953, when its democratically-elected government was overthrown by a U.S./U.K.-led coup to reinstate an autocrat, the Shah. The impetus? Iran's prime minister nationalized the country's oil industry, believing that the resources on their lands should be used to benefit their country, not foreign corporations.
After a couple decades of tyranny, the Iranian people rose up and had themselves a revolution in 1979. Unsurprisingly, they were not endeared to the U.S. for imposing a repressive dictator on them, so they didn't feel like selling us their oil anymore. We went hat-in-hand to the backwater Saudi kingdom and gave them everything they wanted, including a blind eye to their funding of Sunni extremism (those extremists fought the Commies, after all); then we turned around and gave a man named Saddam Hussein a whole bunch of weapons to wage a war against Iran. Recall his use of chemical weapons and attacks on civilians.
Now the world reaps what we have sown in the Arabian desert. The Iranians are correct to lay the blame at our feet. I wonder how many Americans understand that, or would *ever* admit as much.
6
There's a big civil war underway between Sunnis and Shiites. The only proper role of America is neutrality. We should never take sides in an odious religious war. There's no sensible side to take anyway. Sunnis include Saudi Arabia, Kurds, ISIS...Shiites include Assad, Hezbollah, Iran. The only reliable allies in this mess are the Kurds (nominally Sunni but dedicated to multiculturalism and liberal values in a way that's quite unique in the region. Other than supporting them and defending Western homelands, we should try to stay out of this godawful mess.
If ISIS's actions were limited to the Middle East, this would be excellent advice.
President Trump can be proud of himself now. His support for Saudi backed terrorism aiming at wider Middle East war is making progress.
Still, you’d think he’d at least realize he ought to make some prompt show of condemning the attacks and expressing sympathy for the victims.
Still, you’d think he’d at least realize he ought to make some prompt show of condemning the attacks and expressing sympathy for the victims.
1
This is the result of Trump performing a sword war dance with the Saudi tribal despot. It was a heads up to the ISIS to activate their terror cells. Although the two terror acts in Britain were highly covered, there has been a daily terror attack by ISIS all over the world. People in the middle east know ISIS is controlled by the Saudi regime. The confusion and distinction is mostly in the west, particularly in the US.
2
President Trump blamed the rise of ISIS on Iran--an utterly absurd claim, since ISIS/Islamic State considers killing Shi'ites to be virtuous. There is no question, however, that Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia in which Iran was identified as the root of all evil in the region gave cover to this attack.
Americans should visit Iran more (as the rest of the world does) to see a highly civilized nation full of educated men and women, peaceful surroundings with advanced technology and a high standard of living. ISIS hates all that, and the U.S. attacks on Iran give them the message that the United States will do nothing if Iran is attacked as in this situation.
Americans should visit Iran more (as the rest of the world does) to see a highly civilized nation full of educated men and women, peaceful surroundings with advanced technology and a high standard of living. ISIS hates all that, and the U.S. attacks on Iran give them the message that the United States will do nothing if Iran is attacked as in this situation.
4
The United States needs to send a strong message that just as we stand with the people of Great Britain in the face of Islamic terrorism, so to we stand with the people Iran.
11
We stand with fellow humans everywhere.
2
Those terrorists killed or arrested in the UK were on the list of dangerous persons with ties to terrorists organizations, yet they were not arrested before they committed these crimes, although they had been under surveillance for quite some time. Those terrorists had either gone to Syria or tried going there, to join the forces backed by the US, Saudi Arabia etc. who are waging war against the Syrian government. Those terrorists groups were created and their members recruited, many in Europe. Now they are committing crimes and spreading havoc there too. ISIL seems to be everywhere now, at least those claiming to be ISIL are attacking in the Philippines, Europe and now Iran. Saudi Arabia threatens Iran, declares Iran "supports terrorism" and now ISIL or ISIS or whatever name it goes by, attacks Iran. Has Trump reacted to this yet?
Iran is right. US and Saudi Arabia are responsible for the development and growth of ISIS. The sad part is they have not realized and are continuing in that path.
12
In 1953, the US and UK organized a coup d'état to overthrow the democratically elected Iranian president Mr. Mossadegh. Human history is cyclical.
4
Further proof of "with friends like them, who needs enemies?" Once again, Republican President Trump makes a wrong, ill-informed decision.
5
It appears that trump has signaled a tilt toward Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States who interpreted whatever he told them in recent private discussions as a green light:
They first moved to isolate Qatar and now a Saudi-inspired action against Iran;
Or what Iran will almost certainly interpret as a US backed Saudi action
They first moved to isolate Qatar and now a Saudi-inspired action against Iran;
Or what Iran will almost certainly interpret as a US backed Saudi action
7
My thoughts are with the Iranian people - so many of whom harbor no resentment toward the West. It's so easy for simple minds (like Trump's) to state that a country is "all bad" or "all good" when in reality nations are made up of a majority of individuals that wish for similar life goals. A healthy family, means to support ones self, and a peaceful neighborhood. It's a shame we cannot come together over some of the values we all share as humans rather than focusing on the ideologies/dogmas that divide us.
I fear Trump,(and Netanyahu for that matter) is stirring a hornets nest, and promoting more terror, and more division than this world has ever seen.
I fear Trump,(and Netanyahu for that matter) is stirring a hornets nest, and promoting more terror, and more division than this world has ever seen.
94
In the other hand, it's been a no-motion stalemate forever, so let Donald stir the pot and see what happens. Or did GWB already try that?
Wow...Trump is really solving the Middle East crises with his complete and uncritical support for the Saudis. Disastrous.
3
Seems like many of those commenting here long for more "nuance"...how about more moral clarity? Is there such a thing as evil? Do we have a duty to oppose it? We summarily left Iraq and ISIS blossomed. We summarily left Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda blossomed. Do we bear some responsibility?
3
I don't think the U.S. "leaving" was the problem in those two cases; go back a bit further in time and you'll see the real cause: the U.S. "arriving."
2
'We' left Afghanistan or NATO left Afghanistan? Pick one
Your version of 'moral clarity' is pretty muddy.
A more accurate read of history is that the U.S. created the conditions that gave rise to ISIS when it launched an utterly unprovoked attack on Iraq -- a country that presented no danger to the security of the United States or its allies -- overthrowing its government (which, while despotic to be sure, at least managed to keep a lid on things) and utterly destroying its infrastructure. As for pulling out, what moral mandate did we have to occupy a soverign nation for the foreseeable future?
And as for Al Qaeda, your history is way off the mark. Al Qaeda was formed from the remnants of the Mujahadeen fighters whom the U.S. had armed and backed during the Soviet occupation of that country.
'Moral clarity' indeed!
A more accurate read of history is that the U.S. created the conditions that gave rise to ISIS when it launched an utterly unprovoked attack on Iraq -- a country that presented no danger to the security of the United States or its allies -- overthrowing its government (which, while despotic to be sure, at least managed to keep a lid on things) and utterly destroying its infrastructure. As for pulling out, what moral mandate did we have to occupy a soverign nation for the foreseeable future?
And as for Al Qaeda, your history is way off the mark. Al Qaeda was formed from the remnants of the Mujahadeen fighters whom the U.S. had armed and backed during the Soviet occupation of that country.
'Moral clarity' indeed!
1
DT has picked sides in this Sunni vs. Shia war that has been going for centuries.
DT is playing with fire, has no clue what he is doing and will only make things worse. He is being played by Putin with Qatar hacks and by Saudi Arabia.
By the way, the deal was not really signed for that enormous weapons deal with Saudi Arabia.
DT talked about it in very exaggerated and misleading language- another lie from a pathological liar. Google it- here is the ABC link to that story but there are many more news outlets that say the same thing.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/truth-president-trumps-110-billion-s...
DT is playing with fire, has no clue what he is doing and will only make things worse. He is being played by Putin with Qatar hacks and by Saudi Arabia.
By the way, the deal was not really signed for that enormous weapons deal with Saudi Arabia.
DT talked about it in very exaggerated and misleading language- another lie from a pathological liar. Google it- here is the ABC link to that story but there are many more news outlets that say the same thing.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/truth-president-trumps-110-billion-s...
4
Many other news outlets saying the same thing?
Is Fox among them? Or - sorry to sully this server with the name - Breitbart?
Is Fox among them? Or - sorry to sully this server with the name - Breitbart?
1
What is this world coming to?!
So much eye-for-an-eye.It's disheartening, but more so upsetting when you have instigators like Trump and associates always agitating volatile situations like it's some sort of reality show--THIS IS REAL LIFE!
So much eye-for-an-eye.It's disheartening, but more so upsetting when you have instigators like Trump and associates always agitating volatile situations like it's some sort of reality show--THIS IS REAL LIFE!
Do not, under any circumstances, let Donald Trump take another trip abroad.
12
How about if the USA gets out of the Middle East? So many terrorists, and terrorist-sponsoring nations, that it's impossible to keep a score card and choose sides in a shifting, religious-inspired quagmire.
We are at war with ISIS, period. And if it weren't for the ill-conceived invasion of Iraq in 2003, and subsequent mistakes, there wouldn't even be an ISIS.
I'm tired of the endless war in Afghanistan and the recent call for more US troops. I'm tired of our continued involvement in Iraq.
The Sunni-Shia gap will never be closed, certainly not by the US. Islam has been at war with itself, and we have no responsibility for that, it started in the 6th century. All we do is continue to create enemies.
Time to get out. We don't need their oil, we don't need their 13 century in fight. Fix healthcare, eliminate unnecessary regulations, revise the tax code, and start addressing our ailing infrastructure and disenfranchised citizenry. That's America First, after decades and decades when it's been America Last. I'm sick of it.
We are at war with ISIS, period. And if it weren't for the ill-conceived invasion of Iraq in 2003, and subsequent mistakes, there wouldn't even be an ISIS.
I'm tired of the endless war in Afghanistan and the recent call for more US troops. I'm tired of our continued involvement in Iraq.
The Sunni-Shia gap will never be closed, certainly not by the US. Islam has been at war with itself, and we have no responsibility for that, it started in the 6th century. All we do is continue to create enemies.
Time to get out. We don't need their oil, we don't need their 13 century in fight. Fix healthcare, eliminate unnecessary regulations, revise the tax code, and start addressing our ailing infrastructure and disenfranchised citizenry. That's America First, after decades and decades when it's been America Last. I'm sick of it.
3
The president should send regrets to the Iranians. There is every reason for our countries to be on good terms, but then good terms must be worked for diplomatically. I would like the president to reach out in amity to Iran, and I would expect that to be reciprocated, but I have almost no hope for this at this time.
5
Imagine that we had a great president, one able to lead Iran and Saudi Arabia away from the brink of war, to build on that success toward a lasting peace.
Imagine a Carter or Clinton or Teddy Roosevelt way back in the day who had the ambition to broker a modus vivendi between Shiites and Sunnis, to make it possible for Iran and the Saudis to see how much that had in common economically and how little they had to contest culturally. Something great could be achieved.
Maybe Merkel or Merkel together with Macron could achieve a grand bargain.
Imagine a Carter or Clinton or Teddy Roosevelt way back in the day who had the ambition to broker a modus vivendi between Shiites and Sunnis, to make it possible for Iran and the Saudis to see how much that had in common economically and how little they had to contest culturally. Something great could be achieved.
Maybe Merkel or Merkel together with Macron could achieve a grand bargain.
5
The USA should be allies and friends with Iran. The Iranians are the most educated and Western-leaning people in the region.
24
Except those Iranians who happen to control a few things like the government and its military and its weapons and oil and purse strings, y'know those guys who keep talking openly about how once they get nukes they will be able to destroy a few of their neighbors.
The ignorance/naivety of some of these commenters is astounding.
The ignorance/naivety of some of these commenters is astounding.
3
Obama knew this. What do you think trump would say to this?
I'm not that naive, Robert. It was a general observation. It would have to be a process of opening up to them and them to us in the hope that that would eventually lead to a liberalization and secularization of their governing regime, so that one day we could be real friends and allies, as we once were. I wasn't suggesting we start arming the ayatollahs or conducting joint exercises with the Republican Guard. And if they REALLY want atomic weapons, they will get them just like North Korea did. Better that we be on more friendly terms with them when they do.
2
The simplistic views of 'bad' versus 'good' guys (still peddled by Trump) are completely out of their comfort zone here. Nor could it be said that the 'enemy of my enemy is my friend'.
Only one thing is certain and has been known for a long time: there is no such thing as an united Islam, making a lie out of those anti-Muslim sentiments.
Only one thing is certain and has been known for a long time: there is no such thing as an united Islam, making a lie out of those anti-Muslim sentiments.
The U.S. must also come out with a strong statement condemning this attack by ISIS. Mr. Trump, if you are looking for your groundbreaking peace negotiation, work to develop cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as leaders of the Sunni and Shiite, respectively, so that they unite as one voice to say to Muslims globally that these acts cannot and will not be condoned or supported by either country or their followers, and pledge that differences will be handled politically and nonviolently.
4
Trump looking for a "groundbreaking peace negotiation"? You must be kidding. Rather, he's looking for a pretext for war, like the Gulf of Tonkin incident. You remember that, don't you?
1
This will never happen to Saudi Parliament as they do not worry about having a parliament.
12
It's my understanding that Iraqi Shiites have exercised restraint, thus far, in the retaking of Mosul (remember how Bush the Lesser converted Iraq to a client of Iraq?). With recent verbal attacks by our benighted president against Iran and the escalation of the cold war against Iran by Saudi, in addition to this incident, I think that restraint might evaporate.
I would hate to be a member of ISIS trying to defend Mosul right now. I think the Shia might be rather ruthless going forward (and frankly I don't blame them).
I would hate to be a member of ISIS trying to defend Mosul right now. I think the Shia might be rather ruthless going forward (and frankly I don't blame them).
1
"I would hate to be a member of ISIS trying to defend Mosul right now. I think the Shia might be rather ruthless going forward"....Be careful what you condone. Mosul is Sunni, and most of them are not terrorists.
1
While I see article after article citing the various regimes' accusations against each other and the fallout from these accusations, I can find virtually nothing from the media telling me what is true vs. political posturing/ulterior motives on behalf of these regimes. Is that because we don't know what's true? Then tell us that, but don't be completely silent, investigate!
2
The terrorist attacks in Tehran are most likely sponsored or encouraged by Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of Trump's visit to that country. The actions (cutting ties with Qatar) and the belligerent rhetoric against Iran coming out of Riyadh could be a prelude to a wider and catastrophic war in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia wants the U.S. to get involved on its side. Russia does not mind such a war, because the result will be a drastic increase in the price of oil which benefits them. A major ensuing recession could cripple the Western economies.
4
No one should have to worry about terrorism. We should be able to go about our daily lives in peace. I am saddened for Iran and for London and for everyone who has to deal with the threat of daily terrorism in their lives. When will it end.
9
It will never end. People have been killing each other all over the world for thousands of years.
1
America's long history of supporting dictatorships around the world continues.
A very first small step to help achieving a more peaceful world would be to stop this practice. Until that happens we need to stop juding, preaching, and publishing annual human right report for the rest of the world.
A very first small step to help achieving a more peaceful world would be to stop this practice. Until that happens we need to stop juding, preaching, and publishing annual human right report for the rest of the world.
Well, here comes the boost in oil prices the Russians, Saudis, and US big oil want!
4
Yes. That is, sadly, what all this has been about. Putin is desperate for more currency inflow. His economy is a shambles and his capital expenditures like the Crimean Bridge, will not generate capital. They are expansionist empire building. Putin fantasizes about bringing Iran economically to its knees and making it a client state as part of a "Middle East 21st Century Sykes-Picot Agreement" with an 18th Century Russian cyrillic exclamation point.
1
The Iranians unfortunately are fragmented.
Supreme Leader
Council
IRGC
President
Many of the Iranian people are a lot like us. But their govt is not and acts more like a revolution. When they tried to revolt they were crushed.
While the President and FM are working on deals, the IRGC launches missiles. Doesn't exactly help things. They are not on the same page.
Not much we can do about it. They have to evolve towards better solutions on their own.
Keep in mind that even today Saudi Arabia and Iran claim each other are not really true Muslims. Others cannot solve this for them. Best to not be too involved in such a conflict.
Supreme Leader
Council
IRGC
President
Many of the Iranian people are a lot like us. But their govt is not and acts more like a revolution. When they tried to revolt they were crushed.
While the President and FM are working on deals, the IRGC launches missiles. Doesn't exactly help things. They are not on the same page.
Not much we can do about it. They have to evolve towards better solutions on their own.
Keep in mind that even today Saudi Arabia and Iran claim each other are not really true Muslims. Others cannot solve this for them. Best to not be too involved in such a conflict.
1
Wrong is wrong.
When I see a photo of a baby being removed from harm's way by a police officer, nationality doesn't matter to me -- cowardly attacks against innocents should be condemned.
Regardless of their government, by whom they are ill-served, the Persians are a geat people who have made immense contributions to the world in every sphere of human activity in their long and distinguished history.
When I see a photo of a baby being removed from harm's way by a police officer, nationality doesn't matter to me -- cowardly attacks against innocents should be condemned.
Regardless of their government, by whom they are ill-served, the Persians are a geat people who have made immense contributions to the world in every sphere of human activity in their long and distinguished history.
8
Why is Iran our enemy when most of the 9/11 hijackers and the wahabi Islam that inspired them came from Saudi Arabia?
Why are we allied with a country ruled by an absolute monarchy where women can't even drive or open up a bank account?
I've worked with Iranian people (both born here and also from Iran) in the US and they want to be our friends, but our administration doesn't want us to be friends.
Why are we allied with a country ruled by an absolute monarchy where women can't even drive or open up a bank account?
I've worked with Iranian people (both born here and also from Iran) in the US and they want to be our friends, but our administration doesn't want us to be friends.
14
There is no reason to doubt that your Iranian friends, and the Iranian people in general are good and kind -- but at the same time, their political regime speaks otherwise. And like it or not, they are still a very strict theocracy, where speaking out against it is not really tolerated.
1
Trump's recent $110 billion arm deal with Saudi Arabia is being put to work!
3
I love it how the US loves to hate Iran, but then when Qatar is accused of supporting the terrorism that has caused havoc in the west, the US is advocating "moderation".
That Qatar and the other GCC nations - namely Saudi Arabia - are guilty of spreading radical Islam to the masses of Muslims, accompanied by the wide diffusion of anti-western propaganda and culture of conspiracy theories (against Israel and the west of course) to muslims throughout the world, including the west, and increasing tensions between muslims and the rest of the world, does not seem to bother the US one little bit.
Is this not extremely hypocritical of the US?
That Qatar and the other GCC nations - namely Saudi Arabia - are guilty of spreading radical Islam to the masses of Muslims, accompanied by the wide diffusion of anti-western propaganda and culture of conspiracy theories (against Israel and the west of course) to muslims throughout the world, including the west, and increasing tensions between muslims and the rest of the world, does not seem to bother the US one little bit.
Is this not extremely hypocritical of the US?
Ordinary citizens of Tehran,
Please know that the ordinary citizens of New York City are concerned about you today. While these violent criminals attack our monuments and the symbols of our cities, we will stay resilient and continue to live our lives!
Our American and Iranian leaders may be hard-headed, extreme, militaristic, sometimes even blithely ignorant. But the ordinary citizens of our cities will not only persist, but we will work hard for a better tomorrow!
Please know that the ordinary citizens of New York City are concerned about you today. While these violent criminals attack our monuments and the symbols of our cities, we will stay resilient and continue to live our lives!
Our American and Iranian leaders may be hard-headed, extreme, militaristic, sometimes even blithely ignorant. But the ordinary citizens of our cities will not only persist, but we will work hard for a better tomorrow!
9
You forgot to mention that Iranian leaders have been responsible for killing
thousands of Americans in Iraq over the past 15 years.
Yes, the Iranians remember the US supported coup of their elected government
1953, Yes, the Iranians remember our support of the Shah and all the killings he committed.
thousands of Americans in Iraq over the past 15 years.
Yes, the Iranians remember the US supported coup of their elected government
1953, Yes, the Iranians remember our support of the Shah and all the killings he committed.
2
Wonder if Trump has any clue that ISIL and Saudi Arabia are both Sunni? And there is ideological similarities..?
Also, how could the president say he was integral with the Qatar isolation, when our intelligence agencies know the Russians planted that story in their news agency? Is he ever going to rely on US intelligence over Fox and whatever conspiracy sites he visits? He's been wrong so many times thus far...how is it possible for a grown man to be so daft...and so belligerent about it at the same time? Its truly mindnumbing...
Also, how could the president say he was integral with the Qatar isolation, when our intelligence agencies know the Russians planted that story in their news agency? Is he ever going to rely on US intelligence over Fox and whatever conspiracy sites he visits? He's been wrong so many times thus far...how is it possible for a grown man to be so daft...and so belligerent about it at the same time? Its truly mindnumbing...
2
Historically, according to whistleblower John Perkins in his book 'Confessions of an Economic Hit Man' (a former New York Times bestseller), the USA began blackmailing the Saudi Crown family in the 1980s or late 1970s, forcing them to sell their oil only for dollars. This has created the US dollar as the world's 'fiat currency' for the purchase of oil. US 'enforcement' of this worldwide blackmail has included taking down or severely destabilizing the regimes in Iraq and Libya and other countries; one of the latest to fall is Venezuela. As can be seen here, the artificial value of the US dollar is now used to project US armed superiority around the world. How will this end? Under these conditions and US foreign policies, any pretenses the US government makes to democracy are obviously transparent lies.
1
Looks like Don Trump has started his first war already, while still doing nothing to benefit the ordinary citizens of the USA.
And of course were are on the side of the aggressor Saudis, who are the real religious terrorists with their violence preaching Wahhabi Schools.
And of course were are on the side of the aggressor Saudis, who are the real religious terrorists with their violence preaching Wahhabi Schools.
4
Still waiting to hear about a tweet from our Commander in Chief condemning the terrorist attacks in Iran. Is he waiting to hear from Israel and Saudi Arabia to get his talking points?
4
Trump is behind the terrorist attacks. He is Putin's puppet, and desperate for distractions from tomorrow's hearings.
If Trump were logical he would realize that:
1.He takes the side of Sunnis against Shi'ite Islam
2.ISIS is Sunni, Iran is Shi'ite
4.He takes the side of ISIS against Iran
1.He takes the side of Sunnis against Shi'ite Islam
2.ISIS is Sunni, Iran is Shi'ite
4.He takes the side of ISIS against Iran
2
Is Iran being punished for having had the audacity to hold an election in which the religious crazies did not prevail?
7
Wouldn't it be the height of irony if terrorist attacks by men disguised(covered) as women led to the banning of head-to-toe covering of women in the Muslim world?
2
When one family in Saudi Arabia controls most of the wealth and much prefers to spend it one military than its people to stay in power there will be repercussions. The Saudis have spend over $50B evangelizing extreme radical Islam, including telling their kids in school that they should kill Christians and non Wahhabi Muslims. How can we support such a vile regime? Easy, they pay us- so if you pay us enough money, Mr. Trump will show up and bow to your king and get a medal and put his hand on a globe. For 50 years now, the Saudi extremist have been killing anyone in their way to rule their country, throw orgies with European women who are paid handsomely, drink the night away, buy everything in sight in London and Paris and then pretend they are pious Muslims. The problem has not been Iran, it is the source of the disease- Saudi Arabia. Anyone getting in the way will be destroyed- aka Qatar.
Given 12 people dies- 6 of which where the terrorists, this is a small attack- more for show then substance. Interesting to see the attackers pedigree in the coming days.
The next big wars in the middle east will be Kurds vs Turkish proxies (Syrian Democratic Force). That will be the battle that will define future of the ME.
Saudi Arabia will fade into history as the tyrannical regime it has been and the country will be split into 3 sections- a Shiite Gulf portion, a Mecca base pilgrim base and a Riyadh base desert kingdom.
Given 12 people dies- 6 of which where the terrorists, this is a small attack- more for show then substance. Interesting to see the attackers pedigree in the coming days.
The next big wars in the middle east will be Kurds vs Turkish proxies (Syrian Democratic Force). That will be the battle that will define future of the ME.
Saudi Arabia will fade into history as the tyrannical regime it has been and the country will be split into 3 sections- a Shiite Gulf portion, a Mecca base pilgrim base and a Riyadh base desert kingdom.
3
The article says nothing about Trump tweeting his solidarity with Iran against ISIS terrorism.
Perhaps this was just an oversight?
Surely a united front against terrorism would include all its victims?
Sad that anyone would think differently, as that way lies a rather immoral hypocrisy...
Perhaps this was just an oversight?
Surely a united front against terrorism would include all its victims?
Sad that anyone would think differently, as that way lies a rather immoral hypocrisy...
2
We should be allied with Irsn. It is the Sunni who are our enemy. You remember 9/11, Al Qaeda, ISIS, the Somali, Chechen and Nigerian terrorists...all Sunni. I don't get it.
4
Most Americans do not know that the CIA and MI6 colluded to overthrow the democratically elected government of Iran over Iran's assertion of gaining control over their own oil reserves. What could have been, was replaced with a litany of crimes against humanity: A dictatorship, the Iran Iraq war where an entire generation of mothers's lost their sons, the hostage situation and the Ayatollah. The West wonders why Iran has a nuclear program? After years of careful diplomacy under international rule of law and multiple partners in the world working towards a diplomatic solution, the Trump administration has squandered our tenuous relationship with this giant. Why was trump allowed to act on this? How dare he "make a deal" in the desert with utter disregard to our diplomatic relationships? His grotesque family being paraded in the Saudi capitol a terrible show of how easily he is bought off. He sold America to the Saud family with utter disregard for anything but his own family fortunes. Or was it something else? Can he really be acting alone? Meanwhile Putin and Saudi Arabia move their chess pieces toward checkmate.
6
Saudi Arabia is the fountainhead of today's terrorist onslaught. The Qatar situation is puzzling. They support jihadists but they have relations with Iran. ISIS is the creation of Bush's Iraq war. ISIS was once a favorite of the Saudis but now they have become "holier" the Wahhabi extremist clique in Riyadh. Iran has been the focus of interminable accusations that they were the center of International terrorism which fits into the Saudi/Israeli propaganda which the US Congress and now Trump has swallowed hook. line and sinker.
10
I am as saddened for the Iranians as I was and am for the British.
24
Nancy wrote:
"I am as saddened for the Iranians as I was and am for the British."
Thank you for your virtue signaling Nancy. Now we know there is somebody named Nancy in Great Neck with a big ol' humanitarian non-discriminatory heart.
"I am as saddened for the Iranians as I was and am for the British."
Thank you for your virtue signaling Nancy. Now we know there is somebody named Nancy in Great Neck with a big ol' humanitarian non-discriminatory heart.
Like the London Mayor said, you got to expect these things now and again.
3
"Part and parcel of life in the big city".
2
Except that is not what he actually said. You're quoting the London Mayor in your head.
1
My biggest concern is the impact this will have on internal Iranian politics. Will this embolden the fundamentalists in their denunciation of Sunnis? Or will it encourage the more secular Iranians in their resistance to extremism?
While I suspect that Iranian fundamentalists and the mullahs they support have a lot in common with our religious fundamentalists, in terms of culture, lifestyle, and philosophy, the more secular Iranians have a lot more in common with advanced nations than anyone is Saudi Arabia.
While I suspect that Iranian fundamentalists and the mullahs they support have a lot in common with our religious fundamentalists, in terms of culture, lifestyle, and philosophy, the more secular Iranians have a lot more in common with advanced nations than anyone is Saudi Arabia.
13
Trump has been in office less than 6 months, yet he has now skillfully engaged even Iran to join in the fight against terrorism. He has established himself as the Winston Churchill of his generation.
4
Ridiculous, the only thing Trump has succeeded in doing is shift the blame of who finances,and educates extremism from the saudis to Iran and Qatar. This is like Churchill ,in 1938, of saying watch out for France. They have global supremacy on their minds.
2
What he has done is destroy the reputation of the US around the world, and made us irrelevant.That is what he has done in 6 months. Another 6 months and we'll be at war or dead
2
Where have you been these last few years? Iran has been fighting the Saudi-inspired and supported Sunni Wahabbi terrorists for years, long before Trump appeared on the scene.
2
Every time Iran is discussed in the context of the current relationship between our countries, I feel a little sad. Iranians are urbane and cosmopolitan people, justifiably proud of their history and culture. If it wasn't for our governments, I don't think the Iranian and American people would have reason not to be on friendly terms with each other. Given this administration's escalating efforts to save face and distract from their corruption and incompetence, I can't help but worry that any conflict or disagreement has the potential to explode - figuratively or otherwise. I only wish to express my solidarity with the citizens of Iran, and people everywhere who want to live free from violence and terror.
54
We are living in a multi dimensional and directional WWIII type global war. The sectarian hate and violence between the different schools of Islam, exploited by all sorts of Muslim and Non-Muslim power players for other than religious reasons, the redirection of that hate against mostly liberal countries (possibly encouraged by nefarious fascists in those countries, fueled by growing poverty and population explosion, the run for the last resources of the planet by the richer robber barons of our timed, the casual relationship to violence, arms, wars, weapons of all sizes, are just a few of the factors igniting our times.
5
One assailant took cyanide pill? ....Carrying and taking cyanide pill is the hallmark of MEK members, unlike ISIS members who favor self-explosion. Very possibly MEK members were the tour guide for these Arabic-speaking terrorists. According to one news, assailants at the parliament were lost inside the building and could not find their way into the main floor.
5
Iran is not our friend. Way before Trump and when Carter was President, the Iranians seized our embassy and held our state department employees hostages. They were mistreated, humiliated, and possibly tortured. We did nothing though there was a failed try to rescue. Our relationship with Iran since has only gotten worse. They are the people that call us the Great Satan and chant death to America. Your readers now blame Trump for this or even more amazing Israel. That is like Obama blaming Israel for fomenting the second Gulf War. He forgot that the Cia holdover from the Clinton administration George Tenent said Iraq had WMDs: it was a slump dunk. Iran is in the process of developing nuclear weapons for the stated reason of destroying us. The Obama administration struck that deal and paid off the Iranians on top of it. Your readers ought to be thinking about that rather than blaming anyone but Iran for the state of things today.
7
And the United States is responsible for the 1953 coup d'etat which overthrew Iran's democratically elected government.
4
You do know that whole situation was largely set up in order to carry out Iran Contras....
2
Do you even begin to understand the history of U.S.-Iranian relations prior to the hostage crisis? Are you aware that our own CIA orchestrated a coup of Iran's first and only (and very popular) democratically elected government in 1953 (which the CIA has admitted to) only to install the Shah, a brutal puppet dictator whom the U.S . propped up for 26 years until the Islamic Revolution in 1979? The reason: Prime Minister Mossadegh's plan to nationalize Iran's oil fields, which was a threat to the profits of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, a British firm that wss a predecessor to BP? Do you think any of that history might have something to do witb why they called the U.S. the Great Satan?
That so many Americans remain ignorant of fhis history still today is simply appalling!
That so many Americans remain ignorant of fhis history still today is simply appalling!
I'm gonna use a line the left always uses on the USA when an attack by Islam happens, except replace the word US with Iran:
"Maybe, it's Iran's foreign policy that invited this attack"
"Maybe, it's Iran's foreign policy that invited this attack"
6
Having recently returned from Iran, I can say that there are more moderates there than in Saudi Arabia (Trump's new best friend country, after Russia). I feel as if Trump is promoting chaos around the world with his ignorant tweets and favoritisms. He is a dangerous leader.
33
Israel will finally kill two birds with one stone when all out war breaks out between Iran and Saudi Arabia. All of it major enemies Libya, Syria, Iraq, will be destroyed or neutralized. Israel's brilliance in destroying its enemies is awe inspiring. MOSAD makes the CIA and even the KGB look like a bunch of amateurs. I just hope we stay out of it!
13
Yep - whenever there's conflict in the Middle East, it's Israel's fault. Nevermind the parties involved, it's gotta be Israel's fault.
I mean, really. Over the centuries, all the wars in the Middle East have been Israel's fault. Wait...
I mean, really. Over the centuries, all the wars in the Middle East have been Israel's fault. Wait...
4
Stop with the pity-party and read the comment again.
It has nothing to do with turning Israel into the victim that you seem to think.
It has nothing to do with turning Israel into the victim that you seem to think.
2
The Saudis have oil. We want their oil. Iran is a Shiite nation. The Saudis hate the Shiites. Therfore we must hate Iran. Get it?
13
The war for oil canard?
It's 2017 and we're the biggest energy producer in the world.
Time to reset your assumptions.
It's 2017 and we're the biggest energy producer in the world.
Time to reset your assumptions.
2
You have a distorted view of your foreign policy then; US no longer needs Saudi oil, US has shale oil; Saudi is the patron of ISIS, get it?
2
ISIS, a.k.a. the J.V., is on a roll. Three attacks in Great Britain since March, one attack in Paris, and now an attack in Tehran. Obama's legacy.
10
How you can conflate Obama with ISIS and the recent terrorist attacks, is only evidence of your lack of information and a willingness to jump to the wrong conclusion (as usual).
Thank you.
Thank you.
3
So Obama started these new Middle Eastern wars that fomented ISIS? That's a new one.
2
Nope - George W's legacy. He invaded Iraq needlessly, dismantled their security forces, and left many well-trained Sunnis without employment or purpose other than anger at the West for taking them out of power. Many spent some time in American internment, where they heard the ideas of ISIS's future leaders, also there in captivity. The prisons became recruitment and breeding grounds for ISIS. Then more foreigners joined, pouring over the border from Turkey. ISIS's roots go way back before Obama.
2
A terrorist attack in a Muslim country with less than 100 killed and it makes the front page of the NYT. The NYT is shifting to Iran is the good guy spin these days. Lets see how this plays out.
5
Wouldn't surprise me if this were just to be able to report on Trump's tweets, which are being played up as not sympathetic enough. Before you know it, the narrative will be another spat between Trump and some mayor in Iran.
1
Please leave off headlining every terrorist attack. That's just what the terrorists want.
4
It's becoming a daily occurrence. Terrorist attacked in Afghanistan, against fellow Muslims in Pakistan, Coptics in Egypt...
1
STOP giving them front page head lines! Simply ... deadly attacks by murderers in Terran.
4
Is the United States capable of expressing sympathy for the victims of terrorism in Iran? One would hope that we have that capacity - to take the high road on a human level (despite anti-American rhetoric coming from Iran).
We need not "take sides" with such a humanitarian statement. History has proven that siding with any religious faction in the Middle East is fraught with perilous consequences. But we can plant an American flag on the moral high ground of opposing terrorism without regard to where the innocent victims happen to live.
We need not "take sides" with such a humanitarian statement. History has proven that siding with any religious faction in the Middle East is fraught with perilous consequences. But we can plant an American flag on the moral high ground of opposing terrorism without regard to where the innocent victims happen to live.
16
....which would be great, if the US wasn't actively participating in atrocities right now. As we speak, Saudi owned American planes are dropping bombs, supplied by America, and aimed by Americans on civilians in Yemen, a country America is blockading by sea which is preventing humanitarian aid to get to the millions put in need by these actions.
That is just one example. Remember the Syrian gas attack? The trumpian response killed twice as many civilians as the gas did...but killing thousands with bombs isn't terrorism, right?
That is just one example. Remember the Syrian gas attack? The trumpian response killed twice as many civilians as the gas did...but killing thousands with bombs isn't terrorism, right?
Joe - I thought about this as well and I wouldn't limit the list of atrocities to the current administration. Collateral damage from drone strikes is a very sanitized way of stipulating that we have killed innocent people. (Point taken!)
However what I am advocating doesn't require us to be pure and blameless in a complicated world. I am advocating for expressing sympathy for the victims of terrorism and war - two things which are not always easy to separate and in which we are indeed implicated.
However what I am advocating doesn't require us to be pure and blameless in a complicated world. I am advocating for expressing sympathy for the victims of terrorism and war - two things which are not always easy to separate and in which we are indeed implicated.
1
Though our president may not say it, I would like to extend my condolences to those killed and injured in this attack in Tehran. Terror attacks should be condemned regardless of the target.
How great would it be if we all (U.S. Europe, Russia, Iran, Sunni Arab countries, Israel, Egypt) could see that we have a common enemy and work together toward our common good?
I know, that's fantasy. We couldn't even all pull together against man made climate change that putting humanity on Earth in peril.
I know, that's fantasy. We couldn't even all pull together against man made climate change that putting humanity on Earth in peril.
5
They have no chance to see it after Trump goes over and encourages them to build a Sunni only coalition.
It looks suspicious that this terrorist attack carried out by ISIS took place after many Sunni nations acted to isolate Qatar b/c it attempted to improve relations with Shia Iran. One shouldn't be surprised that ISIS responds to the wishes of its Wahhabi financiers.
This must be the first major Sunni terrorist attack in Iran, but, the Iranian sponsored terrorist attacks have been taking place in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other Gulf States for quite some time.
Be as it may, we should stay out of Islam's internal disagreements, but unfortunately, thanks to Trump, it doesn't look likely.
This must be the first major Sunni terrorist attack in Iran, but, the Iranian sponsored terrorist attacks have been taking place in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other Gulf States for quite some time.
Be as it may, we should stay out of Islam's internal disagreements, but unfortunately, thanks to Trump, it doesn't look likely.
7
Some here are trying to paint this as a issue of Sunni vs Shia Islam. That is overly simplistic. There is a war between state actors here. Saudi Arabia is now blockading Qatar, another Sunni nation, for wanting to have diplomatic relations with Iran. Likewise in Syrian conflict, Kurds, who tend to be Sunni Muslims, are in battle with Turkey and ISIS, also predominately Sunni actors in the region.
When this is treated as primarily a religious conflict, it blurs from the state actors who are involved and instigating conflict through its proxies.
When this is treated as primarily a religious conflict, it blurs from the state actors who are involved and instigating conflict through its proxies.
13
I would bet the Iran-Qatar relationship (or whatever it is) is not the real reason Saudi wants the blockade. They saw Trump's blatant stupidity about the geopolitical order and seemingly unconditional support for them and made a power play. Saw the open window and went through...
What? Iran doesn't understand, play and pay.
2
Let us not forget Kosovo, the European country who has the distinction of having the largest % of its citizens joining ISIS. After Kosovo became independent with the help of the USA, the Saudis invested lots of money in madrassas(?) to spread their radical version of Islam. This is a verifiable fact. Why do we continue to avoid criticizing Saudi Arabia. Which is the country with major financiers of terrorism??
20
US is treading in dangerous waters by supporting Saudi who has been financed Sunny terrorists. We need an adult in WH to balance between Saudi and Iran, but Trump is obviously not the person.
15
The Islamic State released a graphic 24-minute video showing a bloodied man lying on the ground in Parliament while a gunman in the background shouted in Arabic, “Thank God! Do you think that we are going to leave? We will remain here, God willing.”
How many years will it be before we realize there is no such thing as God? How many years do we have to go where there are no miracles, there is no internal peace but only pain and conflict. 100 years? 500 years? Logically, at some point this must happen. The absence of a God will have to snap people into reality at some point.
How many years will it be before we realize there is no such thing as God? How many years do we have to go where there are no miracles, there is no internal peace but only pain and conflict. 100 years? 500 years? Logically, at some point this must happen. The absence of a God will have to snap people into reality at some point.
10
Alternative Fact = Iran is the (Trump designated) Enemy of the USA.
Question: How many Iranians were on a suicide mission on 9-11 to murder 3,000 Americans in NYC? How many Saudi citizens?
Dilemma: " the enemy of my enemy is my friend" Think about it in context of ISIS attack on Iran democractic institutions.
Post-thought: Which country has more democractic institutions, Saudi Arabia or Iran?
Question: How many Iranians were on a suicide mission on 9-11 to murder 3,000 Americans in NYC? How many Saudi citizens?
Dilemma: " the enemy of my enemy is my friend" Think about it in context of ISIS attack on Iran democractic institutions.
Post-thought: Which country has more democractic institutions, Saudi Arabia or Iran?
26
Trump is trying to start a bloody Middle East war. This will de-stabilize the oil prices sending them up. Then he will engage with the Russians to eliminate the sanctions using the premise that we must have another oil supply rather than the ME. Trump is extremely dangerous.
13
I don't think he's trying, he's just doing it through carelessness. I really don't think he has any depth of understanding, especially of a region with such a complex history. We're blundering and twittering toward some unknown fate, which sadly often involves American servicemen dying.
He is following Putin's plan. Obviously. It cant be all coincidental.
1
Sadly, you don't know what the truth really is. What does the truth matter any way to a leftest who only sees things from their bias perspective with little factual information. Hillary Clinton made a mess of north Africa and the mid east and Kerry just carried the ball further for Obama. I was part of it and I will be the first to admit I am not proud of what we did. But if you really want the truth, it was Obama who created this disaster called Isis. To say otherwise is simply a lie.
1
Thought Trump will not bother to square any of his tweeting tantrums with reason how would he do so in terms of his good Muslim friends in Saudi Arabia being approximately 90% Sunni Muslim as is faith of the land of Pakistan from which the Trump despised mayor of London’s root have grown, and the whole back of Iranians that Trump paints as devils are 90% Shia Muslim---that just got themselves attacked by Sunni terrorists. All Muslims are equal but some more equal than others?
1
A plague on both their houses.
2
Now will Trump also condemn this ISIS attack, or be silent?
2
Why is everyone so blind to the fact that both Iran and the Sunni states have populations that are hostile to the US? It is common in both cultures to finish prayer services with "Death to America!". I see no reason to be friendly with either party.
Strategically speaking, we couldn't be more foolish. When you have 2 enemies that have been hostile to you, but who are itching even more to fight each other, the smart thing to do is to let them fight each other. Our only diplomatic efforts should be to seal off their borders so that the hostilities don't leak further into the civilized world than they already have.
Strategically speaking, we couldn't be more foolish. When you have 2 enemies that have been hostile to you, but who are itching even more to fight each other, the smart thing to do is to let them fight each other. Our only diplomatic efforts should be to seal off their borders so that the hostilities don't leak further into the civilized world than they already have.
5
I can't speak of Saudi, but at least in Iran you have the ruling gov't, which is hardly democratic, which takes an anti-american stance (though they did work with us on the nuclear deal), but you have a population which is much more friendly and open to the US. They are overall very welcoming and do not endorse their gov't's views.
Asking for Saudi Arabia's help in order to wipe out ISIS is like appointing a southern racist as attorney general and expecting him to fight for voting rights.
29
Well, Trump has done it again. He has rekindled the Sunni/Shiite war, coming down firmly on the Sunni side. Will be interesting to see how this plays in Iraq.
9
Headline focuses on Iran "Assailing" Saudi and not on the attacks. Why? The attacks just happened. This framing is off. There will be time to worry about sectarian repercussions but now out of decency we should focus on the event itself.
Also please remain very aware how we treat the people impacted by terrorism in London and Tehran quite differently. Please try to mitigate that, the human stories matter everywhere, not just geopolitical implications. We see that image of the child being hauled up to the window......
Also please remain very aware how we treat the people impacted by terrorism in London and Tehran quite differently. Please try to mitigate that, the human stories matter everywhere, not just geopolitical implications. We see that image of the child being hauled up to the window......
20
One wonders what type of leadership is needed to redirect the world into a safer, more thoughtful means of getting along without killing each other. This is terrible news and hopefully Iran will be wise and cautious in their response and actions. The suffering of the dead and their families should be enough misery for eternity. Frankly, the militarization of the Middle East is a process destined to wreck havoc on strong and weak countries. It seems that Religious scholars might try to normalize religious thinking between the interpretations and differences in beliefs and practices. Trump would love to be the devil stirring up strife and war.
Not to worry.
Trump brought back an exact facsimile of that strangely bizarre but beautiful, glowing Saudi Arabian orb to consult with when circumstances such as this necessitate a deeper understanding of the very complex riddle that is the middle east.
By laying hands on it during times of crisis, it is said to impart a transcendent sense of calm and wisdom to it's communicant.
Not that Trump doesn't have an overflowing bounty of such gifts already, but still.
Trump brought back an exact facsimile of that strangely bizarre but beautiful, glowing Saudi Arabian orb to consult with when circumstances such as this necessitate a deeper understanding of the very complex riddle that is the middle east.
By laying hands on it during times of crisis, it is said to impart a transcendent sense of calm and wisdom to it's communicant.
Not that Trump doesn't have an overflowing bounty of such gifts already, but still.
5
The Saudis either implanted a receiver, or had him swallow one...and it actually just bolsters his hyperactive narcissism.
Israel and Saudi Arabia are aligned against Iran.
Our politicians want to be elected and/or reelected.
Most reasonable people can put 2 + 2 together.
Our politicians want to be elected and/or reelected.
Most reasonable people can put 2 + 2 together.
10
So in London, ISIS can only pull off an attack with knives and a van. In Iran, where security is far more tight and gun access even more restrictive, how is a Sunni militant group able to pull off an attack on parliament with military assault weapons.
Given what is happening to Qatar for the crime of even wanted to talk to Iran, one has to wonder if a state actor isn't actually playing a role here.
Given what is happening to Qatar for the crime of even wanted to talk to Iran, one has to wonder if a state actor isn't actually playing a role here.
8
So now ISIS is attacking Iran but not Saudi Arabia and Trump is taking full credit for punishing Qatar for their alleged supporting ISIS even though about two weeks ago Trump told them in Riyadh that he deeply loved them so the US Fighters can stay there to bomb ISIS. Problem solved.
6
Lets see. ISIS claims responsibility for attacks in the West. Iran fights ISIS in Syria and Iraq, presumably on our side in this fight. ISIS is seemingly an extremist arm of Saudi Arabia's brand of Islam. Majority of 9/11 terrorist were Saudis. Iran, a nation of hopeful, educated youths in the arts and sciences, while Saudi Arabia, land of oppression. And we are on whose side? Am I missing something here?
Someone is trying to start a war.
13
What goes around, comes around, and the terrorist attacks in Tehran must be a blowback for the Iranian meddling in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Bahrain, Iraq, and internal affairs of the other Sunni Arab countries.
Let's hope that Trump isn't going to foolishly get involved in the "brotherly" Sunni/Shiite quarrel. We've had enough problems with the Sunni extremists and the last thing we need is to have the Shiite terrorism in our countries.
Let's hope that Trump isn't going to foolishly get involved in the "brotherly" Sunni/Shiite quarrel. We've had enough problems with the Sunni extremists and the last thing we need is to have the Shiite terrorism in our countries.
3
Are you sure it is not powerful political actors/states that are using the Sunni/Shia divide to push their agenda?
1
At the very least President Trump should tweet his condolences to the Iranians, who, like the British, have now faced an ISIS-inspired attack. In the face of terror, a united response--and empathy for all victims, regardless of where they are from, would strike the right chord.
16
Learning how Iran and Saudi Arabia both condemn each other as "terrorists" shows the absurdity of this tragic conflict, and as this article manages to specify the more partisan elements contending for self-interest, we find Trump's artful deal over fighter jets choosing sides without substance. It's honor among thieves, even as we once brought in the manager of GM to oversee the waste of Vietnam with a fear of communism. You have to be old enough to watch this morphing of a communist conspiracy into a terrorist state. Given the Bush Administration's response to Saudi royals after the attacks of 9/11, Trump is now free to have everybody pointing fingers at everybody else until the forces of wealth can finally triumph over the historical motives for human rights. This is religious dogmatism at its worst, promising immediate suppression of working classes under these clouds of propaganda justifying our agency of chaos for the globe we pollute and the cultures we continue to insult.
4
With this attack, the Middle East is entering an even more profoundly dangerous phase. Sadly, our so-called Commander-in-Chief lacks the competence to address and contain spreading violence and war. This is the type of development I have feared since the moment I heard he would be in the White House.
11
As far as leaders are concerned, there are no good guys in the Middle East, with the possible exception of the King of Jordan.
2
Well, at least Europe is moving away from supporting ISIS and the Saudi
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/12/sweden-stopped-sel...
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/30/germany-steps-up-attack-...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2017/may/30/german-foreign-minis...
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/12/sweden-stopped-sel...
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/30/germany-steps-up-attack-...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2017/may/30/german-foreign-minis...
3
There is nothing more shameful than the U.S. treatment of Iran, and most recently the unseemly and cynical participation of Trump and his crew in a sword dance with a regime that chops off a (usually innocent) head every 48 hours and sentences gang-raped women to lashings for having had "sex out of wedlock".
The U.S.-Iran 'hostage crisis'? 50 diplomats denied room service for 444 days, some of whom befriended, and even married, Iranians in the aftermath:
http://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/02/us/ex-iranian-hostages-are-married-in-...
At least these diplomats acknowledged the horrors that would have befallen them if they had been captured by a revolutionary Pakistani or Saudi regime. (The U.S.-created Al Qaeda executed the entire Iranian diplomatic mission in Mazar-i-Sharif in 1998).
Kissing the feet of a regime responsible for 9/11, and every Islamic terrorist event since, shows U.S. Senators and Congressmen (unlike the citizens whose interests they are supposed to serve) are plainly and simply cowards, because it takes courage and principle to punish transgressors and avoid easy targets.
The U.S.'s reputation is at an all-time low, not just because of Trump but because of the nation's history of major political blunders, from Vietnam to Iraq. At least NYT readers see through the short-sighted and counter-productive propaganda. A pity so few of you run for political office.
Today's attack on Iran by ISIS is merely more U.S. salt on the wound.:
The U.S.-Iran 'hostage crisis'? 50 diplomats denied room service for 444 days, some of whom befriended, and even married, Iranians in the aftermath:
http://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/02/us/ex-iranian-hostages-are-married-in-...
At least these diplomats acknowledged the horrors that would have befallen them if they had been captured by a revolutionary Pakistani or Saudi regime. (The U.S.-created Al Qaeda executed the entire Iranian diplomatic mission in Mazar-i-Sharif in 1998).
Kissing the feet of a regime responsible for 9/11, and every Islamic terrorist event since, shows U.S. Senators and Congressmen (unlike the citizens whose interests they are supposed to serve) are plainly and simply cowards, because it takes courage and principle to punish transgressors and avoid easy targets.
The U.S.'s reputation is at an all-time low, not just because of Trump but because of the nation's history of major political blunders, from Vietnam to Iraq. At least NYT readers see through the short-sighted and counter-productive propaganda. A pity so few of you run for political office.
Today's attack on Iran by ISIS is merely more U.S. salt on the wound.:
80
We should never support terrorism no matter who perpetrates and our sincere condolences go out to the innocent victims in Tehran.
But do you seriously expect us to believe your fanciful account of the shameful treatment of our hostages by the Khomeini-sponsored thugs?
There can be no real reconciliation between Iran and the USA as long as Iranians refuse to accept their responsibility for the horrible violation of international laws.
You should be more concerned about the reputation of Iran than ours.
But do you seriously expect us to believe your fanciful account of the shameful treatment of our hostages by the Khomeini-sponsored thugs?
There can be no real reconciliation between Iran and the USA as long as Iranians refuse to accept their responsibility for the horrible violation of international laws.
You should be more concerned about the reputation of Iran than ours.
4
I hear you Hamid.
I'm no fan of history for its unrelenting catalog of horrors.
It's not said enough how the USA directly caused the constant conflict with Iran by undermining Mosaddegh on behalf of British Petroleum.
Perhaps Iran might defuse a bit of the danger of escalated unjust US military posturing against Iran if it could even rhetorically walk back the threats against the US client state of Israel. I think Ahmadinejad wasn't helpful to resolving the bad blood in the region with his posturing.
But what do i know, except that i want the violence to stop.
I'm no fan of history for its unrelenting catalog of horrors.
It's not said enough how the USA directly caused the constant conflict with Iran by undermining Mosaddegh on behalf of British Petroleum.
Perhaps Iran might defuse a bit of the danger of escalated unjust US military posturing against Iran if it could even rhetorically walk back the threats against the US client state of Israel. I think Ahmadinejad wasn't helpful to resolving the bad blood in the region with his posturing.
But what do i know, except that i want the violence to stop.
3
Oh please. Iran is not exactly free of any wrong-doing, no matter how you look at it -- But then again, maybe that's the only way you are allowed to look at it.
4
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the dead and wounded. It's heartbreaking to see terror in yet another country. However, to blame the US, or POTUS makes no sense to me. Iran is an active terror monger. It was only a matter of time before Iran got a taste of it's own medicine. My comments highlight the fight we all face in putting down the terrorists once and for all. Easier said than done, sadly.
9
We are more familiar with the Sunni terror, but you're absolutely right, Iran is a major terrorist state, but so far, except for a couple of assassination plots in the USA, we haven't had any major terrorist attacks by the Shiite extremists.
On the other hand, Iranian-controlled terrorists committed major terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets in Argentina.
On the other hand, Iranian-controlled terrorists committed major terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets in Argentina.
6
Your comment makes absolutely no sense. How did you reach the conclusion that Iran is an active terror monger? Because the U.S says so? Who has Iran attacked? NOBODY. The real terrorists is Saudi Arabia, they gave birth to the extreme ideology of isis and they do consider any other Muslim that is not extreme an apostate as is the case with Shia Muslims in Iran.
Now that it's so obvious that Saudi Arabia finances and supports isis... my question to you is: Why would the U.S be friends with them? Iran is not a hypocrite, that's why they are not friends with the U.S.
Now that it's so obvious that Saudi Arabia finances and supports isis... my question to you is: Why would the U.S be friends with them? Iran is not a hypocrite, that's why they are not friends with the U.S.
1
Yeah, many people all over the world might argue the same about what America and NATO's actions unleashed in Afghanistan - (which has been a glorious success) - and Iraq, with the latest installment of the fanchise Syria. The "West" has been more than happy to arm all the players over the decades - when Iran was the flavour of the month, couldn't sell them engouh weapons and even got them started on nuclear. So look back further than 1979.
During my recent visit to Iran, I was repeatedly reminded that this Shia nation lives in constant fear of attacks from Saudi Arabia, Israel, and even the US. As one Iranian put it: "We are a tolerant, peaceful people, and have no intention to make war. But we will defend ourselves." In contrast, Saudi Arabia harbors Wahabbism, an extremist branch of Sunnism that spawned ISIS and radical Islamists, and exports its barbaric ideology worldwide through maddresses that brainwash the disaffected youths who become terrorists. We are definitely on the wrong side in this age-old division between Sunni and Shia, which has only intensified after our invasion of Iraq. Of course, the entire Middle East would be different today if we hadn't engineered the ouster of Iran's democratically elected president in 1953 and returned the Shah to the Peacock Throne. This led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The US doesn't seem to learn from our historic mistakes and meddling--I just hope this escalation doesn't end with our bombing Iran. Indeed, Iran, not Saudi Arabia, should be our ally in fighting distorted Sunni terrorism.
76
So forget about Iran's open and ongoing sponsorship of Hamas and Hezbollah, the direct assistance to Assad in terrorizing his people, the murder and maiming of Americans in Lebanon and Iraq, the death to America etc because you met a few people who seemed reasonable while you were there.
Makes sense.
Makes sense.
3
Right. "Iran, not Saudi Arabia, should be our ally in fighting distorted Sunni terrorism," or what the British call the Wahhabi/Salafists. I'm sure Trump would be at a loss to identify either of those sects or to locate them in Libya, a country he no doubt thinks is part of "the Middle East" (a region which according to Trump excludes Israel).
You are absolutely correct in your assessment but Trump has no knowledge of history or who has been funding the extreme form of Islam. He is just interested in undoing anything President Obama achieved during his tenure. It was quite an achievement to get Iran to stop or delay making nuclear weapons. If you make an enemy of Iran, it would only move them to resume the development of nuclear weapons. I don't see the wisdom of Israel wanting to increase this hostility towards Iran.
5
At the same time, Trump administration is still falsely alleging that Iran, which is the victim of today's horrible incident, is the driving force behind the sustained existence of radical Islamic terrorism, yet Saudi Arabia breaks free from any condemnation and will receive an arm deal worth of billions of dollars over the coming decade. Trump is re-considering the travel ban, and says no "some politically correct term", but my suggestion is to make sure that Saudi Arabia will be taken care of. We need to stop the hypocrisy.
27
In a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, is Iran being taught a lesson for stepping up to come to the aid of Qatar?
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt just recently cut their ties with Qatar after president Trump's visit to the region where he openly opposed Iran?
Qatar was believed to be in league with Iran.
The USA has senselessly thrown herself in the middle of the feuding sides, the Shia Iran and the Sunni Saudis.
It's also clear there's an axis of Israel, Saudi Arabia and the USA in the region against Iran.
How can the USA be an honest arbiter?
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt just recently cut their ties with Qatar after president Trump's visit to the region where he openly opposed Iran?
Qatar was believed to be in league with Iran.
The USA has senselessly thrown herself in the middle of the feuding sides, the Shia Iran and the Sunni Saudis.
It's also clear there's an axis of Israel, Saudi Arabia and the USA in the region against Iran.
How can the USA be an honest arbiter?
25
Senselessly, more like stupidly , par for the course from you know who that fancies himself all knowing and all powerful and no the USA cannot be an honest arbiter, too much greed involved.
1
Looks like Saudi Arabia was waiting for a President like Trump to play rogue and mischief. Liars all.
2
An American traveler in Saudi Arabia, who identifies herself as such, is treated with oily deference by the authorities and nervously guarded by security personnel - and suspicion if not outright hatred by the people on the street. The same traveler in Iran is regarded with polite and sometimes not so polite suspicion by the authorities and by security personnel - and is welcomed with warmth and understanding by every citizen she meets.
What is wrong with this picture? Does it reflect the disconnect between the powerful and the citizenry that we have allowed to creep in to the 'mature democracies' of the West? Are we being led down a path we do not know, or want to go, by the super-rich everywhere?
What is wrong with this picture? Does it reflect the disconnect between the powerful and the citizenry that we have allowed to creep in to the 'mature democracies' of the West? Are we being led down a path we do not know, or want to go, by the super-rich everywhere?
49
The Saudi population lives in repression and despair seeing the U.S. government as facilitators of their oppressive regime. The Iranian populace, by contrast, despite all that they have been through, lives with hope and inspiration and sees the American government as a double edged sword that harms their economic well being but, pressures their government to change. I'm always amazed at how well they handle what you refer to as "disconnect". To be sure though, both governments as sad as they seem, are playing the same game with our folks in Washington and there are, unfortunately, many possible paths to unfortunate outcomes.
I've been to both countries and granted that was sometime ago, try right before the taking of the American embassy and the hatred was palpable on the streets of Tehran ; have been to Saudi Arabia and had to make sure my arms and legs were covered up . The difference between both , Iran has progressed , Saudi Arabia is still stuck in the stone age grip of wahabbism that dominates every aspect of life ; the Iranians are an educated people, the Saudi believe in educating only those of the upper class. Neither being my cup of tea , although one can reason better with an educated mind.
Once again is confirmed that KSA is behind terrorism. Another way that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has control, over Muslims around the world, has been building Mosques. These mosques are generally staffed by the radical teachings of Wahhabism. These mosques are fully funded by the Kingdom. I cannot understand how Trump got in bed with the Saudies so fast. Before meeting with the Pope, Trump met with King Salam the defender of the Holy Muslim sites. Interesting.
14
The West should isolate both sides of the Muslim equation. We support nations who together support both Sunnis and Shiites, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt. We are fighting against ourselves. ? We should support Israel with hard currency and the rest with lip service and nothing else.
2
My thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian people at this time of sadness.
Radical Sunni terrorists attacked the Iranian parliament, which is democratically elected, includes women as well as minorities of Christian, Jews and Zoroastrians, in a country that just elected a moderate president. It is an attack on an evolving democracy and innocent citizens.
Will the US condemn this terrorist attack?
Radical Sunni terrorists attacked the Iranian parliament, which is democratically elected, includes women as well as minorities of Christian, Jews and Zoroastrians, in a country that just elected a moderate president. It is an attack on an evolving democracy and innocent citizens.
Will the US condemn this terrorist attack?
45
Terrorist attacks, anywhere are terrible. . Even though Iran is not our friend, we should understand their pain.
Trump claims to have stuck a new Middle East deal to confront ISIS. Just so happens he is once again confused about what it is he is dealing with. Iran opposes ISIS, Saudis actually sponsored 9/11 highjackers. Just recall how Trump buddies up with the same sect of Islam as is ISIS. NICE MOVE Doanld.
Trump claims to have stuck a new Middle East deal to confront ISIS. Just so happens he is once again confused about what it is he is dealing with. Iran opposes ISIS, Saudis actually sponsored 9/11 highjackers. Just recall how Trump buddies up with the same sect of Islam as is ISIS. NICE MOVE Doanld.
13
My thoughts are with any and all people who suffer at the hands of terrorists. Peace for Tehran.
22
We forget a country's parliament is its heart center and attacking such an institution should be above all politics irrespective of any bias.
We must condemn any such attack specially when there is no democratically elected parliament in whole of middle east other than Israel.
We must condemn any such attack specially when there is no democratically elected parliament in whole of middle east other than Israel.
5
Israel isn't all that democratic if you take a closer look at it.
5
We humans are our own worst enemy. We turn on each other. We're willing to kill first and ask questions later. We're happy to destroy cultures, environments, ourselves, and then pick up the pieces swearing all the while that this is the last time. Until we do it again.
11
It is small comfort to know that except in a few places like Ulster that the Catholic/Protestant struggle is no longer as violent as it once was. Islam, the religion of peace, doesn't seem to quite get it yet.
7
And how many Iraqis have been killed, wounded, displaced and made refugees by the Catholic/Protestant Christian American and British invasion and occupation of Iraq?
Christianity the religion of the Golden Rule love of the poor, the sick, the naked, the hungry, the homeless, the imprisoned the thirsty and the despairing as your brother and sister, has never quite fully practiced what it's gospel preaches. See Matthew 25:31-46.
It is written 'judge not lest yea be judged and found wanting'.
Christianity the religion of the Golden Rule love of the poor, the sick, the naked, the hungry, the homeless, the imprisoned the thirsty and the despairing as your brother and sister, has never quite fully practiced what it's gospel preaches. See Matthew 25:31-46.
It is written 'judge not lest yea be judged and found wanting'.
4
My condolences to the people of Iran and the victims of this senseless terror attack.
41
History will read, "Putin without firing a shot closed down the largest US military base in the Middle East."
14
Finally the focus is beginning to shift towards the real problem in the Muslim world, of which ISIS is only a symptom. This is rightfully a fight of Islamic domain and proportions. Through its arming and support of Saudi Arabia, a filthy rich medieval kingdom that has no business whatsoever existing in the modern world, the US is indirectly sponsoring the slaughter of civilians all over the planet. And for what? Lucrative defense contracts. If we don't stop this evil madness and stop it now, the proverbial chickens will be coming home to roost.
51
"Condemnations of the attacks poured in from around the world, including from the governments of Pakistan and Russia."
If, as stated by Trump, ISIS is what we are fighting against, then why isn't he also condemning the attack? Suddenly lost his Twitter thumbs this morning?
If, as stated by Trump, ISIS is what we are fighting against, then why isn't he also condemning the attack? Suddenly lost his Twitter thumbs this morning?
32
Yet more "blowback" from Trump's posturing and inept meddling in Middle East affairs?
16
Imagine a world where some brutal, barren, desertified oil-stain of a region wasn't the ever-present epicenter of impending disaster.
The world is now & forever obsessed with absurd ancient Abrahamic schisms which would be irrelevant tribal rifts blowing like sandstorms of hot air were it not for the darkest & most ancient god of all buried in the darkest tomb ever created, the energy of the history of life on earth condensed into petroleum.
That region also concocted the concept of hell, that pit of eternal torment & torture. Seems they've found hell just where they said it would be, deep under the shifting scorched earth of the Middle East.
The world is now & forever obsessed with absurd ancient Abrahamic schisms which would be irrelevant tribal rifts blowing like sandstorms of hot air were it not for the darkest & most ancient god of all buried in the darkest tomb ever created, the energy of the history of life on earth condensed into petroleum.
That region also concocted the concept of hell, that pit of eternal torment & torture. Seems they've found hell just where they said it would be, deep under the shifting scorched earth of the Middle East.
10
Well said, "tldr".
And then, the Saudis killed hundreds on September 11th.
Funny that we fund them, huh ?
And then, the Saudis killed hundreds on September 11th.
Funny that we fund them, huh ?
1
These abrahamic schisms are holding the entire planet hostage. They are misguided religions who think that God is someone who rewards and punishes.! They also belief life after one dies is better than life on earth (meaning living in earth is not good enough). They also believe that earth was inhabited just few thousand years ago. Today in morocco scientists have found remains of Homo sapiens dating 300,000 plus years. How does that fit into abrahamic traditions even Moses wasn't born then? Sheesh. Juvenile abrahamic cousins always bickering and warring.
1
Once again the NYT's failure to have a consistent definition of terrorist attack leaves this story incomplete. The paper has no problem referring to the London attack as a terrorist attack, but when it comes to Iran, you must find yourself in the Israel conundrum created years ago by somehow thinking attacks in Israel, meant to sow terror against civilians, were somehow not necessarily "terrorist attacks." This keeps the paper from calling this obvious terrorist attack in Iran a terrorist attack.
My suggestion: admit your error and stop this definitional nonsense.
My suggestion: admit your error and stop this definitional nonsense.
16
This is a case of "be careful what you wish for." This new policy seems to make Saudi Arabia the centerpiece of a counter-offensive on the Arabian peninsula: north, south, east, west. That's a very weak card to play. It didn't work with Iran as "regional policeman" and Saudi Arabia is even less capable.
The symbolism of the attack on parliament is poignant. The bombardment of the Majlis by Russian forces in 1908 symbolized the antipathy of the Great Powers to Iranian democracy and independence. Iran is far from a free country, but the democracy that it has is more or less in lline with clerical version of democracy that has been a domestic goal since 1906. This attack maps on to several layers of history, and we are now looking at more intensified proxy war in the area. I am dubious that the Saudi regime can hold up under the stress of widespread conflict and low oil prices.
Of course, low oil prices may not last for long.
The symbolism of the attack on parliament is poignant. The bombardment of the Majlis by Russian forces in 1908 symbolized the antipathy of the Great Powers to Iranian democracy and independence. Iran is far from a free country, but the democracy that it has is more or less in lline with clerical version of democracy that has been a domestic goal since 1906. This attack maps on to several layers of history, and we are now looking at more intensified proxy war in the area. I am dubious that the Saudi regime can hold up under the stress of widespread conflict and low oil prices.
Of course, low oil prices may not last for long.
7
Our action does not match our words. We say we want to reduce terrorism. But then the administration disparages Iran, who just re-elected President Rouhani, who is widely accepted as a reformer. And then our president boasts that he started the isolation of Qatar, who hosts a major American base and who often strives to be a regional broker for negotiation. And of course he signs a $100 defense deal, selling arms to the country that gave us most of the 9/11 terrorist and who German media report are arresting women simply for driving.
32
Iran's democracy is just as fair and transparent as that of Afghanistan, Russia, or Turkey. What's not to like?
Sunni ISIS is on a destructive rampage even as its strongholds in Iraq (Mosul) and Syria (Raqqa) are about to fall. The potential for an escalation of the Islamic civil war between Sunni-led Saudi Arabia and Shiite-led Iran now seems even more likely than ever due to President Trump's bumbling interference in the region. By taking sides in supporting Saudi Arabia, the source of ISIS and radical Sunni Islamic terrorism, with arms while simultaneously painting Iran as the villain, and then just the other day, taking credit for the Sunni Gulf states diplomatic split with Qatar, he has set the stage for a much wider war that would spread across the oil-rich gulf with crippling effects on world markets. The absence of American leadership has never been more evident and more troubling. Let's hope someone will soon step in to work for peace in the region rather than further destabilize it.
22
Jared Kushner is going to save us...remember?
1
Ahh, right, he's the boy wonder, the poster child for for avoiding nepotism. Lesson learned ?
This may be one of those rare instances where Trump's fundamental ignorance and disrespect for geopolitical realities are advantageous. There is a moderately good chance (53.87% according to 538.com -- ok, I'm just kidding Nate) that what we have been witnessing in the past several years is the beginning of an Islamic equivalent of Christianity's Thirty Year War. If so, and perhaps anyways, we need to proceed extremely cautiously with a largely defensive mindset, understanding that, our hopes for a better world notwithstanding, we can't fix everything.
During Christianity's internal warring era Islamic, largely Arab, areas kept alive much of humanity's knowledge and progressive attitudes (which is not to say they were peaceful.) While I expect China currently has ambitions to lead humanity's next progressive era, it has neither the history nor the institutions to make such probable. If I had to bet, I would say "the West", blood-soaked hands and ignorant American President notwithstanding, is still in the best position to serve as the repository for knowledge and liberal values in the coming period.
We Americans need to have a massive conversation to clarify our goals, our hopes, our way forward. While currently our leadership fails miserably on its ability to encourage and moderate such, its very ignorance and dysfunction may give us the time to do so in spite of it, not because of it. Another President might be too enthusiastic (e.g. Bush II) to jump into the fray.
During Christianity's internal warring era Islamic, largely Arab, areas kept alive much of humanity's knowledge and progressive attitudes (which is not to say they were peaceful.) While I expect China currently has ambitions to lead humanity's next progressive era, it has neither the history nor the institutions to make such probable. If I had to bet, I would say "the West", blood-soaked hands and ignorant American President notwithstanding, is still in the best position to serve as the repository for knowledge and liberal values in the coming period.
We Americans need to have a massive conversation to clarify our goals, our hopes, our way forward. While currently our leadership fails miserably on its ability to encourage and moderate such, its very ignorance and dysfunction may give us the time to do so in spite of it, not because of it. Another President might be too enthusiastic (e.g. Bush II) to jump into the fray.
2
The policy of moderation or neutralism that you recommend was precisely the policy of Barrack Obama. Trump's unprincipled bungling arises solely from his need to contrast himself to Obama. Unlike Obama, Trump, who is the President of Losers, will wither away when finally starved of appreciation. (That's the fate of every would-be leader with no real principles.)
2
So ISIS has attacked the Iranian capital -- no doubt emboldened by the American President's boasts of having encouraged the rebuke against Qatar for its embrace of realpolitik vis-a-vis Iran.
As in any country, these attacks will boost the hard-line law-and-order factions in Iran and force the recently re-elected moderate government to abandon its reforms and address demands for greater security.
Well done, Mr. President.
As in any country, these attacks will boost the hard-line law-and-order factions in Iran and force the recently re-elected moderate government to abandon its reforms and address demands for greater security.
Well done, Mr. President.
11
When will we see a Trump Tweet claiming credit for the attack on Iran as he claimed credit for the actions of Saudi Arabia against Qatar?
3
It comes to mind to so many how Trump's bumbling foreign policy has played into the Saudis' hands (and ISIS), and against Iran. If he only were the isolationist he claims to be, we'd all be better off.
No outrageous tweets from Trump yet. He's probably scratching his head-- Shiite, Sunni, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Qatar, Saudis, Yemen, Afghanistan. Fox news and Breitbart are no help to him now, so limited. He might actually have to read some security briefings, or at least the cliff notes.
No outrageous tweets from Trump yet. He's probably scratching his head-- Shiite, Sunni, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Qatar, Saudis, Yemen, Afghanistan. Fox news and Breitbart are no help to him now, so limited. He might actually have to read some security briefings, or at least the cliff notes.
7
I just checked, and NOT ONE tweet from the Twitterer in Chief has been posted yet about this latest act of terror. Contrast this to Saturday night, when Trump could not wait to pile on Great Britain and then express his sympathies, and Tuesday, when he nearly broke his arm patting himself on the back over Qatar.
ISIS violence must be roundly condemned regardless of whom it's perpetrated against. Otherwise, we're playing a hypocrite's and fool's game. Surely even Trump can understand that an attack like this further destabilizes the Middle East, and makes all-out war even more probable.
The silence on this is deafening.
ISIS violence must be roundly condemned regardless of whom it's perpetrated against. Otherwise, we're playing a hypocrite's and fool's game. Surely even Trump can understand that an attack like this further destabilizes the Middle East, and makes all-out war even more probable.
The silence on this is deafening.
12
We can only hope that Trump stays silent regarding the terrorist carnage in Iran. Anything that he tweets or says — make that everything that he tweets or says — ends up being inappropriate, inflammatory and wildly counterproductive.
4
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affiars had announced in the morning (before the attack) they were making it easier for Americans to travel to Iran by fast-tracking their visa applications to 14 days (before it was over a month) - thousands of US citizens travel safely to Iran every year and come back with stereotypes shattered and praise for the people they meet. The growing tourism industry which only helps to further open the country is negatively impacted by Trumpisms and the secondary threat of penalizing Europeans who travel to Iran by no longer letting them enter the US visa-free.
It's absurd that Iran is supposed to be the evil boogeyman in the Middle East and Central Asia, whereas Saudi Arabia - a country where women aren't even allowed to drive - is our ally. They've never been our friend, and they never will be. They're just using us to bully their rivals in the region. That's their ultimate goal - to topple every government and replace it with a Islamist leadership and further spread their toxic brand of Islam.
Iran's treatment of homosexuals and its constant threats to Israel are awful, but strangely enough, they've shown themselves to be the most progressive and forward-moving Muslim country in that region. Which may not be saying much, but still. They're the ones we should be talking to, not the Saudis.
Iran's treatment of homosexuals and its constant threats to Israel are awful, but strangely enough, they've shown themselves to be the most progressive and forward-moving Muslim country in that region. Which may not be saying much, but still. They're the ones we should be talking to, not the Saudis.
15
I really feel that if our goal is true democracy, freedom and stability the U.S. should have realigned with Iran long ago and found a way to encourage what remains or re-emerges of their more progressive/intellectual history. I realize no nation likes their puppets to revolt and insist on their own (religious) rule, but seriously, the U.S. spites itself by aligning with the Saudis with whom we share far fewer cultural touchpoints and whose version of Islam (on the whole) is even more extreme. Obviously, there is a lot more to it and I'm over simplifying everything, but something just has never sat right with the me and our support of the Saudi royal family over Iran. I'm too young to remember the hostsge stuff 1st hand, but I know the chants of "Death to America" don't end when you turn your back on a population and make their enemies (who really deep down hate you too) your "friends"...
Just the excuse, and distraction, HE needs. Beware, Iran.
3
One again, the criminal government of Iran has demonstrated that it's behind all of the radical Islamic terrorism that...Huh? What? I'm tweeting here!!!...Oh....Never mind.
#realdonaldtrumpfakepresident
#realdonaldtrumpfakepresident
16
trump was played in the Mideast. Our chump in chief.
21
As long as he doesn't drag our young kids to fight the war over there...shudder...who knows.
1
Muslim terrorists attack a shrine of a Muslim state that suppprts terrorists, in the middle of Ramadan, after a bloody skein of Muslim attacks around the world in Ramadan, and still there are some who maintain it all has nothing to do with Islam.
5
It has everything to do with Islam. This is an existential conflict between Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims. Both sects have extremists just as we have fundamentalist Christians who are hard-liners and take the Bible literally (except the Gospels). The vast majority of Shiite and Sunni Muslims do not aspire to violence and don't take every word in the Koran so literally. This is why the US has go to be so careful in appearing to take sides in so many of these protracted conflicts in the region. Furthermore, Iran and Saudi Arabia, regardless of whether they are Shiite or Sunni predominant countries have abysmal human rights records. Both are state sponsors of terrorism and funds flow to all kinds of terrorist organizations. But please keep in mind that the Muslims are not at war with the West, they will kill each other as we have witnessed today in Iran and in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Indonesia, etc.
1
So, will there be solidarity and sympathy for the Iranians ... or is ISIS terrorism against the Shia of Iran the "good" terrorism for "freedom"?
7
I am American, but today I am also Iranian. My thoughts are with the families who have lost a loved one.
56
Iran's rich culture dates back to Cyrus the Great, a figure and hero of sorts praised in our Christian and Hebrew bibles. The every day Iranian is no different from those of us in the Western world, with parents who want a home, education, and decent life for their children. They may be Muslim, but their God is the God of Abraham. They may be of the Islamic faith, but they still are our brothers and sisters. Now they, too, are victims of ISIS. Instead of impugning an entire nation because of a group of terrorists, we should extend a helping and compassionate hand to Iranians at large. And let us Christians not forget our "Crusaders", our Spanish Inquisition, and what we did to another non-Christian group - our Jewish brethren - during WW 2.
33
Upon learning of the terrorist event I asked my now 25-year old son if he recalled visiting Iran during Spring Break of 2001. He didn't remember getting a haircut in the barbershop of an Esfahan hotel, or being served tea in cups decorated with illustrations of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in the courtyard cafe yards from the tomb of Hafez in Shiraz or the woman covered in a black chador, explaining in perfect English, the various pastries in an upscale Tehran bakery shop. It's time to pull out the photographs to remind him of a wonderful vacation in the spring of 2001.
12
Someone made the comment the other day that seemed very valid. . . . Why isn't America trying as hard to stabilize and improve it relations with a more modern thinking Iran rather than working so hard to stay in bed with repressive Saudi Arabian oil sheiks who will be happy to live in the dark ages for all eternity as long as they've got oil to pump? Forgetting Israel for a minute, leave them to kill themselves by themselves, maybe this attack might help advance cooperation between arch enemies against a common enemy in ISIS at a time when cooperation in needed more than heightened tensions.
18
In order to understand what just happened in Tehran, one should be know that this is a continuation of the Sunni/Shiite struggle for dominance in Islam that started almost 1400 year ago.
The immediate reasons are the Iranian involvement in Sunni revolution in Syria, Houthi rebellion in Yemen, support for Shiite government in Iraq, propping up Hezbollah in Lebanon at the expense of the Sunnis there, support for Shiites in Arabian peninsula, and undermining Sunni dominance in general.
In hindsight, it's surprising it took Sunni extremists so long to attack Iran. I hate to say it, but we ain't seen nothing yet.
The immediate reasons are the Iranian involvement in Sunni revolution in Syria, Houthi rebellion in Yemen, support for Shiite government in Iraq, propping up Hezbollah in Lebanon at the expense of the Sunnis there, support for Shiites in Arabian peninsula, and undermining Sunni dominance in general.
In hindsight, it's surprising it took Sunni extremists so long to attack Iran. I hate to say it, but we ain't seen nothing yet.
5
Total insanity over there in the middle east.
Much of the terrorism is sunni/shia sect violence.
They have been killing each other for centuries over basically re Mohammed' relatives were nice guys or stiffs.
We can thank the founding fathers for separating state and religion and Lincoln for saving it, that we are not going thru the horror story in the middle east now.
Much of the terrorism is sunni/shia sect violence.
They have been killing each other for centuries over basically re Mohammed' relatives were nice guys or stiffs.
We can thank the founding fathers for separating state and religion and Lincoln for saving it, that we are not going thru the horror story in the middle east now.
8
Our founding fathers had nothing to do with separation of Church and State, Christianity does.
Islam, on the other hand, views it as an oxymoron.
Islam, on the other hand, views it as an oxymoron.
1
Most of that horror story began after the invasion of Afghanistan (first by Russians, then NATO) and Iraq.
1
My heart goes out to the people of Iran on this sad day.
14
So Iran is a country supporting terrorism that also holds what appear to be fair democratic elections?
Saudi Arabia our close ally is a monarchy with no democracy and is where most of the 9/11 terrorists are from?
Something is very very wrong here. Even NY Times is biased.
Saudi Arabia our close ally is a monarchy with no democracy and is where most of the 9/11 terrorists are from?
Something is very very wrong here. Even NY Times is biased.
10
"So Iran is a country that also holds .....fair democratic elections." - Avi
No, they were NOT democratic elections. The handful of candidates were hand-picked by the existing islamist rulers out of over a thousand applicants. The only ones allowed to be candidates were the ones who would continue Iran's repressive theocracy.
No, they were NOT democratic elections. The handful of candidates were hand-picked by the existing islamist rulers out of over a thousand applicants. The only ones allowed to be candidates were the ones who would continue Iran's repressive theocracy.
Iran has real elections, has the most highly educated women of the Middle East (in fact more highly educated than the men, as usually happens in countries where women have access to education) and sends Happy Hanukkah wishes to Jews around the world, while Saudi Arabia is one of the worst human rights offenders in the world, practices apartheid against women, is religiously intolerant and uses its oil money to spread its backward version of Islam all over the world. (Just see what is happening to once tolerant Indonesia: All Saudi influence.)
Trump chooses his allies and his enemies well.
Oh yes, and those remarks that Israel "should be wiped from the pages of history" that we constantly hear about actually say: "this regime should be wiped from the pages of history". Well, calling for regime change is not the same as calling for the extermination of a people, no matter how much Netanyahu tries to spin it that way. And Israel could indeed do with some serious 'regime change' (such as finally electing a government that withdraws from the occupied territories).
American politicians constantly call for regime change all over the world, but when an Iranian does it he is suddenly genocidal.
Trump chooses his allies and his enemies well.
Oh yes, and those remarks that Israel "should be wiped from the pages of history" that we constantly hear about actually say: "this regime should be wiped from the pages of history". Well, calling for regime change is not the same as calling for the extermination of a people, no matter how much Netanyahu tries to spin it that way. And Israel could indeed do with some serious 'regime change' (such as finally electing a government that withdraws from the occupied territories).
American politicians constantly call for regime change all over the world, but when an Iranian does it he is suddenly genocidal.
19
Thank you, Elizabeth, for highlighting the mistranslation of Ahmadinejad's words: I have personally gone blue in the face objecting to the Israeli claim that Iran has "threatened to destroy Israel", but my objections have rarely been published and the NYT and other supposedly responsible publications have never published an Op-Ed discrediting the Israeli clarion call.
Here were Ahmadinajad's oft repeated words: "The Zionist regime will disappear from the pages of time." This was never a threat but a forecast, just as many foresaw the end of the South African regime without the need for violence.
But the heavily Zionist-influenced media have strengthened the myth through endless repetition. Why? Because Israel needs a bogeyman in order to continue plundering the U.S. Treasury and detract global attention from its barbaric treatment of the Palestinians.
NYT Editorial Board: Will you one day pluck up the courage to publish an Editorial with the banner headline: "Israel's Mythical Claim of an Iranian Existential Threat"?
Now is as good a time as any.
Here were Ahmadinajad's oft repeated words: "The Zionist regime will disappear from the pages of time." This was never a threat but a forecast, just as many foresaw the end of the South African regime without the need for violence.
But the heavily Zionist-influenced media have strengthened the myth through endless repetition. Why? Because Israel needs a bogeyman in order to continue plundering the U.S. Treasury and detract global attention from its barbaric treatment of the Palestinians.
NYT Editorial Board: Will you one day pluck up the courage to publish an Editorial with the banner headline: "Israel's Mythical Claim of an Iranian Existential Threat"?
Now is as good a time as any.
3
Thank you Hamid. Your translation is of course the better one; I was just quoting from memory.
Let us hope this smear will eventually be known for that it is: Nonsense.
Let us hope this smear will eventually be known for that it is: Nonsense.
I would like to think that there will be a tweet expressing sympathy with the people of Iran.
9
As I write this, it has been 17 minutes since you posted your comment. If you have been holding your breath, you will by now have expired and what Trump tweets is no longer a concern for you. Pax vobiscum.
There might be -- But only to be quickly followed by another one attacking the Mayor of Tehran.
2
My condolences to the families of the victims, to my countrymen and to the rest of the humanity
16
Trump mucking around in the Middle East....good idea. Trump plays checkers and the Middle East is 3-D Chess.
1
This is not a Sunni Shia conflict. Per Obama ISIS has nothing to do with Islam. In fact many of its members have been radicalized in churches and synagogues and this attack has-nothing to do with religion. Please realize this when discussing this. The previous administration has made it clear this is not a religious thing so don't go there.
1
Must correct the notion that ISIS members have been "radicalized in churches and synogogues."
Plainly untrue and the Times should note this as such.
Plainly untrue and the Times should note this as such.
1
You'll be following up with the names and life-stories of all the dead, right? If not, why not?
4
"King Salman of Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of “spearheading global terrorism.” Saudi officials say Iran is plotting to control the region."
The House of Saud and the morally and spiritually bankrupt Wahhabi version of Islam ARE the spearheads of global terrorism, and our allies. I wish I were making this up.
The House of Saud and the morally and spiritually bankrupt Wahhabi version of Islam ARE the spearheads of global terrorism, and our allies. I wish I were making this up.
7
Right after Trump's visit to Saudie Arabia Quatar has been accused of bad things,and now Isis attacks probably ordered by Saudie arabia..So Trump is leading the way to go to war on Iran.Trump does not have the brains to figure this out so the US military industrial complex will figure a way to move into Iran ..as Peace Keepers.. Go to Democracynow.org
8
The prophecy of the George Bush Iraq invasion is coming true.
8
The source of all these evil terrorists attacks by ISIS is the doctrine of Wahhabism The leaders of this religion enjoy the patronage of the Saudi Royal family and they spread their hate for anyone who in not a Wahhabist through madrassas .
Why does our Government remain silent about the evil of Wahhabism in fact by supporting the Saudi Royal family they give comfort to Wahhabism and ISIS
Wahhabism is our sworn enemy in fact it is also the enemy of all Moslems who are not part of their evil sect
Why does our Government remain silent about the evil of Wahhabism in fact by supporting the Saudi Royal family they give comfort to Wahhabism and ISIS
Wahhabism is our sworn enemy in fact it is also the enemy of all Moslems who are not part of their evil sect
16
Has Trump picked a Twitter fight with the mayor of Tehran? Or is he saving his powder for Comey?
9
I think they might have bound his fingers, this one is way more volatile a situation.
Trump praises Putin, Kim (N. Korea), Duterte, and the Saudi Wahabis. Saudis finance ISIS. In other words, Trump made coalition with terrorists, while Iran fights terrorism in the region.
The US policies in the middle east has been a failure for the past several decades and we have seen the results of that since 9/11. Terrorists will ultimately lose. Trump, as usual, stands on the wrong side,
The US policies in the middle east has been a failure for the past several decades and we have seen the results of that since 9/11. Terrorists will ultimately lose. Trump, as usual, stands on the wrong side,
6
Iran should be our ally, not Saudi Arabia.
26
I've been saying this for a long time! Take Women for instance, they can vote and have their own business in Iran !
2
We're quickly moving into the territory of an IS terrorist act du jour.
It will soon not be as alarming to us, numbed, like mass shootings in the US.
It will soon not be as alarming to us, numbed, like mass shootings in the US.
3
Trump the Unready gets played. Fill in the blank by whom and what week. Not sure he knows but surely 140 characters will resolve things or keep his base happily foaming at the mouth.
4
Since the 1979 revolution, Iran is a well-known sponsor of terrorism, funneling money to Hamas & Hezbollah, terrorist organizations that squander financial assistance on weaponry instead of hospitals, residential housing and community services. They also finance terrorist cells throughout the world. And if I’m not mistaken, aren’t they also supporting Syrian President Assad?
When I say “Iran” I really mean Iranian government. The Iranian people, unfortunately, suffer for the extremes of its government. On the other hand, they have allowed current leadership for 38 years. Electing leaders like Ahmadinejad who publicly called for “wiping Israel off the face of the Earth.” On the other hand, they are in many respects the most modern and progressive Muslim Republic in the world. And certainly their culture is a treasure to mankind.
Iran is a classic example of extreme rule that does not represent or reflect the majority of its people. We see this regularly throughout history, and to some extent we can even say that about the United States currently. Do you feel the Trump Administration represents your sentiments and politics? When President Trump toured the Middle East recently did you feel he represented your beliefs?
When I say “Iran” I really mean Iranian government. The Iranian people, unfortunately, suffer for the extremes of its government. On the other hand, they have allowed current leadership for 38 years. Electing leaders like Ahmadinejad who publicly called for “wiping Israel off the face of the Earth.” On the other hand, they are in many respects the most modern and progressive Muslim Republic in the world. And certainly their culture is a treasure to mankind.
Iran is a classic example of extreme rule that does not represent or reflect the majority of its people. We see this regularly throughout history, and to some extent we can even say that about the United States currently. Do you feel the Trump Administration represents your sentiments and politics? When President Trump toured the Middle East recently did you feel he represented your beliefs?
11
"...organizations that squander financial assistance on weaponry instead of hospitals, residential housing and community services."
Sounds like the stated policies of someone a lot closer to home.
Sounds like the stated policies of someone a lot closer to home.
3
The 1979 Revolution would never have happened had we not engineered the ouster of Mossadegh, Iran's popular, democratically elected president, in 1953 and returned the exiled Shah to the throne. His brutality and corruption led to the Islamic Revolution and establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
2
Grifterization. Hold on to your hats!
Full panic at Netanyahu headquarters aka the Israel Lobby, about how to spin this story to make Iran look worse than ISIS. Israeli-Saudi propaganda is wrong and has been wrong about Iran for over a decade. The biggest state sponsor of terror around the world is Saudi Arabia and the Gulf state despots, not Iran. Everyone in DC know the truth, but is forced to use false, canned political lines to maintain their personal survival in this deceptive system, and the media is a large part of the problem.
Our involvement in this decades long anti-Iran effort has been an historical blunder of epic proportions rivaling Operation Ajax in 1953, which arguably created it all in the first place.
American foreign policy has been turned against the interests of average Americans. Instead, our foreign policy and our very military itself, has been repeatedly deployed for the benefit of the very few international mega-billionaires who wash our elections with cash and pay for presidential libraries.
Wake up America.
Our involvement in this decades long anti-Iran effort has been an historical blunder of epic proportions rivaling Operation Ajax in 1953, which arguably created it all in the first place.
American foreign policy has been turned against the interests of average Americans. Instead, our foreign policy and our very military itself, has been repeatedly deployed for the benefit of the very few international mega-billionaires who wash our elections with cash and pay for presidential libraries.
Wake up America.
32
"American foreign policy has been turned against the interests of average Americans. Instead, our foreign policy and our very military itself, has been repeatedly deployed for the benefit of the very few international mega-billionaires who wash our elections with cash and pay for presidential libraries. "
Eg. In 2003, NYT`s journalist Thom Friedman counted 25 members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations saying, “if you had exiled them to a desert island a year and half ago, the Iraq war would not have happened”.
Only Israel has benefited from the Iraq invasion. Ie It ended Iraq`s support for some measure of justice for the indigenous people of Palestine. Now these same people are pushing the US to do the same to Iran.
It is time to change the US election campaign funding laws so that a lobby can no longer game the system & thereby control Congress against the interests of the nation.
Eg. In 2003, NYT`s journalist Thom Friedman counted 25 members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations saying, “if you had exiled them to a desert island a year and half ago, the Iraq war would not have happened”.
Only Israel has benefited from the Iraq invasion. Ie It ended Iraq`s support for some measure of justice for the indigenous people of Palestine. Now these same people are pushing the US to do the same to Iran.
It is time to change the US election campaign funding laws so that a lobby can no longer game the system & thereby control Congress against the interests of the nation.
4
You've got to hand it to ISIS for knowing how to make a big footprint with a pretty small shoe.
8
Trump's efforts to stir up trouble in the middle east are working. With the Russian scandal closing in on him, a distraction is needed. The insanity and irresponsibility of Trump is beyond comprehension at this point.
34
Two quote myself (from only 2 weeks ago!):
The U.S. has no business picking sides in the Sunni / Shia conflict. We have no dog in that fight and it can only end badly.
Whatever beef the U.S. has with Iran (and there's plenty), Iran (nor Iranians) does not sponsor terrorism targeting Americans. The same cannot be said of other states in the region.
Iran has factions and politics not unlike democratic societies. We should be aligning with those internal groups that we find to be as closely aligned to U.S. interests as, say, the House of Saud. (That is, we need not be too picky!)
As always when civilians are targeted and killed to bring political terror, I denounce the terrorists and stand with the victims.
The U.S. has no business picking sides in the Sunni / Shia conflict. We have no dog in that fight and it can only end badly.
Whatever beef the U.S. has with Iran (and there's plenty), Iran (nor Iranians) does not sponsor terrorism targeting Americans. The same cannot be said of other states in the region.
Iran has factions and politics not unlike democratic societies. We should be aligning with those internal groups that we find to be as closely aligned to U.S. interests as, say, the House of Saud. (That is, we need not be too picky!)
As always when civilians are targeted and killed to bring political terror, I denounce the terrorists and stand with the victims.
22
What does our Glorious Leader, DJT, have to say about this? Will he condemn this attack on Iran, or is ISIS our friend when it kills innocents in Persia?
25
One could be forgiven for seeing the recent moves by the Saudis and their ISIS friends against Qatar and Iran as a result of their playing Trump a few weeks ago. If their actions weren't so dangerous, I would say they were brilliant. The Saudis certainly knew how to manipulate "our" venal, simpleminded president. Now the base in Qatar is in danger as is the U.S. campaign against ISIS. My only question in all of this is the role of Russia, an ally of Iran and Syria. What do they have to gain through this chaos? Did their American puppet go rogue and inject himself into a situation he knows less than zero about? One could be forgiven for thinking that too.
7
No problem. Just leave us out of it.
6
There are two places you will not see iSIS condemned: the Palestinian Territories and Qatar. Many Palestinians have expressed their love of ISIS but liberal opponents of Israel in the US and Europe would never acknowledge this.
8
....and in Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are big backers of ISIS, which is a Sunni group.
Politics in the Middle East is like wrestling an octopus. You finally fight off one arm and three more arms attach their suckers to you.
Obama was right, stay engaged, but keep our distance and avoid choosing sides because no matter who you deal with in the Middle East, including Israel, they will bite your hand when it serves their purpose.
Politics in the Middle East is like wrestling an octopus. You finally fight off one arm and three more arms attach their suckers to you.
Obama was right, stay engaged, but keep our distance and avoid choosing sides because no matter who you deal with in the Middle East, including Israel, they will bite your hand when it serves their purpose.
5
That's absurd. Israel has always been the sole consistent friend our country has in the region. And while Trump lied when he said that Muslims in the US were dancing in the streets after 9/11, there were most credible news reportage noting that the Palestinians in the W. Bank were ardently celebrating the fall of the Twin Towers.
Meanwhile, Qatar has supported terrorist groups throughout the region, including Hamas-an organization whose charter pledges the murder Jews everywhere on the planet.
But you are right about the Saudis. They have spent billions of oil money financing madrassas throughout the Muslim world whose religious leaders advocate jihad vs the "infidel." To give them billions of dollars in sophisticated arms as Trump just did defies good sense.
Meanwhile, Qatar has supported terrorist groups throughout the region, including Hamas-an organization whose charter pledges the murder Jews everywhere on the planet.
But you are right about the Saudis. They have spent billions of oil money financing madrassas throughout the Muslim world whose religious leaders advocate jihad vs the "infidel." To give them billions of dollars in sophisticated arms as Trump just did defies good sense.
Fact: there were no Iranians on the planes that hit the WTC or the Pentagon; and there have been no Iranians implicated in any attack on American or EU civilians in recent memory.
If ISIS is at war with Iran, and we at war with ISIS (and Al Qaeda), then the United States and Iran must have more in common than commonly assumed.
While the logic behind "enemy of my enemy is my ally" can be problematic, what is infinitely more problematic is an alliance with a nation that fiscally and spiritual supports monsters who describe everyone not like them as a infidel.
I shudder to think what will happen to all the weapons we sold Saudi Arabia once the House of Saud falls?
If ISIS is at war with Iran, and we at war with ISIS (and Al Qaeda), then the United States and Iran must have more in common than commonly assumed.
While the logic behind "enemy of my enemy is my ally" can be problematic, what is infinitely more problematic is an alliance with a nation that fiscally and spiritual supports monsters who describe everyone not like them as a infidel.
I shudder to think what will happen to all the weapons we sold Saudi Arabia once the House of Saud falls?
51
The best we can do is stay out of it.
1
No, there just have been iranians who have killed thousands of americans elsewhere, like Beirut 1983 and iraq 2006.
1
sfdasdfasd, Matthew Carnicelli was careful to say "...American or EU CIVILLIANS..."
Emphasis mine.
Emphasis mine.
Time after time governments announce their decision to attack the symptoms of terror but rarely their cause. When are we going to figure out that we must address family health, wealth inequality, living standards, religious tolerance, disease, nutrition, and education? Otherwise we will continue reading about more headlines involving new attacks, men and women blowing themselves up, and the decline of our civilization?
Charlie Savage, Scott Shane, and Alan Binder's article on the arrest of Reality Leigh Winner isn't set up for comments, so I'm commenting here. As someone who has, in the past, had to rely on members of the journalism community to keep identities a secret for an urgent reason, the fact that the article completely deletes the role of The Intercept's reporting in the arrest of this woman is chilling to the bone. Mr. Savage did say there was a role played by The Intercept when he was interviewed on TV yesterday, but apparently, the NYTimes will circle the wagons with their kin when those kin throw a source to the wolves.
Like I said, if you've ever needed anonymity from the Press, this is more of a "chilling effect" than any pronouncement the government would ever make. Don't expect support on your next editorial calling for a Shield Law.
Like I said, if you've ever needed anonymity from the Press, this is more of a "chilling effect" than any pronouncement the government would ever make. Don't expect support on your next editorial calling for a Shield Law.
11
This can't be true. President Trump promised to eliminate ISIS within a month after taking office.
20
True, just as former President Obama declared that al Qaeda is on the path to defeat.
1
Please note that Qatar is currently being blockaded by the surrounding Arabic states (led by Saudi Arabia) for committing the crime of wanting to have diplomatic relations with Iran and for recognizing the previous, elected government in Egypt (as opposed to the current government which came to power in a coup).
Saudi Arabia is clearly a destabilizing power in the region. The idea that the Trump administration gave this feudal relic $100 billion in weapons and Trump is personally giving this fundamentalist and absolutist monarchy his stamp of approval is danger to us all. Trump is making us LESS safe.
Saudi Arabia is clearly a destabilizing power in the region. The idea that the Trump administration gave this feudal relic $100 billion in weapons and Trump is personally giving this fundamentalist and absolutist monarchy his stamp of approval is danger to us all. Trump is making us LESS safe.
21
I'm sure Trump's keen insight into the labyrinth of Sunni-Shia internecine warfare will quickly resolve this ancient squabble over who was the rightful heir to the Prophet, peace be upon him.
14
As far as we should be concerned, it's none of our business who is (or isn't) a rightful heir to the founder of Islam.
3
This is a serious matter. but I still had to laugh at your comment.
Peace be upon him; indeed.
Peace be upon him; indeed.
1
1400 years of peace.. indeed!
Through Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump has established an alliance with ISIS. Is it not notable that at the time this article was written the US had not condemned this example of "Radical Islamic Terrorism"?
13
We need to step back from the Middle East, other than fighting ISIS. The rest of the area has been fighting amongst themselves forever. Like a friend of mine has said, they fight like we play a pick-up game of basketball, skins and shirts one day, shirts and skins the next. There are no loyalties to the US there, and Iran is our best fit.
5
We the citizens of the US might not have any interest in the region but our military industrial complex benefits greatly from instability and wars in the region
Wondering if Trump has businesses in Iran. This, NOT who fights ISIS, obviously has much more to do with who is our ally.
I have never had a Saudi friend in my life. I have had plenty of Iranian friends and I feel that reflects that country's long history of interacting with the world and being an interesting and educated cultural force.
Saudi Arabia is a closed society that truly treats it's people as subjects. If Saudi Arabia didn't have oil. It would be like a living experiment in what life was like 2000 years ago. Not so for Iran.
Look at the difference between Tehran and Riyadh. Tehran is a world class city in which most women feel comfortable in public being who they are even with the overall leadership pressuring more Islamic traditionalism.
Saudi Arabia still cuts people's heads of for some pretty minor offenses.
We picked the wrong side years ago when we backed Britain's push to overthrow Iran's duly elected democratic leader, Mosaddegh and our right wing has been foisting Iran-hate for years. I mean for Pete's sake, we picked Saddam Hussein over Iran in Iraq's long war with them. Those two example (Mosaddegh and Saddam) should tell you all you need to know about the history of US Middle East policy failures. Let alone the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
I believe ISIS was behind these attacks for now they feel they have nothing to lose playing everyone off of everyone else. If they can create even more Saudi/Iranian hate I'm sure they're all for it. And we'll continue to make all the wrong choices on our end.
Saudi Arabia is a closed society that truly treats it's people as subjects. If Saudi Arabia didn't have oil. It would be like a living experiment in what life was like 2000 years ago. Not so for Iran.
Look at the difference between Tehran and Riyadh. Tehran is a world class city in which most women feel comfortable in public being who they are even with the overall leadership pressuring more Islamic traditionalism.
Saudi Arabia still cuts people's heads of for some pretty minor offenses.
We picked the wrong side years ago when we backed Britain's push to overthrow Iran's duly elected democratic leader, Mosaddegh and our right wing has been foisting Iran-hate for years. I mean for Pete's sake, we picked Saddam Hussein over Iran in Iraq's long war with them. Those two example (Mosaddegh and Saddam) should tell you all you need to know about the history of US Middle East policy failures. Let alone the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
I believe ISIS was behind these attacks for now they feel they have nothing to lose playing everyone off of everyone else. If they can create even more Saudi/Iranian hate I'm sure they're all for it. And we'll continue to make all the wrong choices on our end.
34
WE also foolishly created a monster out of disgruntled Osama bin Laden.
1
Sit back, make some popcorn, and watch two evil empires duke it out. Perhaps at the end there won't be an Ayatollah or a Wahabi left standing.
"In 2012, (Mujahedeen Khalq) was taken off the United States’ list of terrorist organizations with the support of conservative Republican politicians."
I guess they were good terrorists in the GOP's eyes.
I guess they were good terrorists in the GOP's eyes.
26
First of all, In 2012 Hillary Clinton wa the Secretary of State.
Second, This attack was done by Saudi backed group, ISIS. The organization that you mentioned is an opposition group in Iran and not affiliated with ISIS, or any Wahabis.
Second, This attack was done by Saudi backed group, ISIS. The organization that you mentioned is an opposition group in Iran and not affiliated with ISIS, or any Wahabis.
1
Maybe I was wrong about Trump being a bull in a China shop and not knowing what he was doing, especially after his Tweets about Qatar. This may all be part of Trump's grand plan of starting a (bigger) war in the Middle East/Iran and getting us in deeper. As he learned from George W. Bush the country won't want to change presidents in the middle of a war. So, the world will have 7 more years of Trump, unless the Grim Reaper deems otherwise.
8
We have already lost the war in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. We also fail to deal wth Iran properly. Supporting terrorism is certainly not a good approach for America in dealing with Iran.
So far, Russia is the big winner.
The interests of free world is at stake. Let's hope, Britain, Germany, and France do something about it. Since January 20th, 2017, we are no longer the leader of the free world.
So far, Russia is the big winner.
The interests of free world is at stake. Let's hope, Britain, Germany, and France do something about it. Since January 20th, 2017, we are no longer the leader of the free world.
So the country that exports terror is now getting a taste of what it has brought to others, while I am sure some innocents got hurt or killed is that not what terror attacks are all about.
No feelings of concern or sympathy from Iran over the numerous attacks on the west so none given here.
No feelings of concern or sympathy from Iran over the numerous attacks on the west so none given here.
6
Can you remind us about those 'numerous attacks?'
2
The country that supports terror, including the attack that killed thousands here in New York, is Saudi Arabia. Trump just sold them $100 billion of lethal weapons
5
"No feelings of concern or sympathy from Iran over the numerous attacks on the west so none given here."
In fact, Iran has always been vocal in its condemnation of ISIS terror acts in the West. Those condemnations just doesn't get a lot of publicity in the Western media.
In fact, Iran has always been vocal in its condemnation of ISIS terror acts in the West. Those condemnations just doesn't get a lot of publicity in the Western media.
5
We all know - Trump's recent visit had a direct hand in what is happening with the Isolation of Qatar!
Stupid Trump - the largest US Military base in the world is in Qatar. There are 11.000 American soldiers & personnel stationed in this US base in Qatar.
Trump's tweet to disgrace the Emir of Qatar was a statement of how he views all world leaders with himself as Supreme & Untouchable!
Stupid Trump - the largest US Military base in the world is in Qatar. There are 11.000 American soldiers & personnel stationed in this US base in Qatar.
Trump's tweet to disgrace the Emir of Qatar was a statement of how he views all world leaders with himself as Supreme & Untouchable!
12
"...the largest US Military base in the world is in Qatar." No, it's the largest military base in the middle east, not the world.
2
This is why I don't talk politics with friends and coworkers, people only want to remember what fits their narrative and you will never get them to agree to facts. Those of you harping Trump, you think ISIS and this war against Iran started under him?
Who started Al-Qaeda and Taliban? CIA and ISI in the 80s' to fight Soviet Afghanistan. Who destabilized Iraq? Bush Jr. Who destabilized Libya, Mali, Egypt and Syria? Obama and Hillary. Who is using ISIS to fight Iran? Saudi Arabia, UAE, US. Who is funding ISIS? Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and remittances from foreign sympathizer. Who is providing safe haven for ISIS? US, Turkey and European governments turning a blind eye to their inner city.
There is no way to defeat ISIS because US and allies have a stake in ISIS. It is a useful tool against enemies that comes with complete deniability. There is a reason why Hillary was so gleefully when Gaddafi was dead without lost of US life and Obama insisting on calling ISIS moderate rebels.
Who started Al-Qaeda and Taliban? CIA and ISI in the 80s' to fight Soviet Afghanistan. Who destabilized Iraq? Bush Jr. Who destabilized Libya, Mali, Egypt and Syria? Obama and Hillary. Who is using ISIS to fight Iran? Saudi Arabia, UAE, US. Who is funding ISIS? Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and remittances from foreign sympathizer. Who is providing safe haven for ISIS? US, Turkey and European governments turning a blind eye to their inner city.
There is no way to defeat ISIS because US and allies have a stake in ISIS. It is a useful tool against enemies that comes with complete deniability. There is a reason why Hillary was so gleefully when Gaddafi was dead without lost of US life and Obama insisting on calling ISIS moderate rebels.
19
Come on! This line of thinking will eventually lead you to deny that Trump is causing climate change.
2
I believe Obama called them the JV Team. How quaint. Just love sports metaphors from people in high places when describing people who want to kill us.
1
Great news! Sustained conflict between Iran and ISIS (or the Sunni states) will take a lot of pressure off the U.S. military.
5
Syria has for years been sustained conflict between Iran and ISIS.
4
Who do think has been fighting ISIS dorectly in Iraq and Syria since before the US had a label for the terror group? Google: Podesta email ISIS Qatar Saudi Arabia for the source of the terror money.
3
Exactly!
This is why Syrians and Iraqis welcome Iranians but not Americans.
Trump desperately supports terrorists in the region.
This is why Syrians and Iraqis welcome Iranians but not Americans.
Trump desperately supports terrorists in the region.
2
It is time for us to step away from the ME and let the Arabs sort this out for themselves. The Saudis have been exporting terror and terrorists for decades and I venture a guess the Iranians are no better. Be that as it may, let them sort this out themselves. No support should be given to either side.
5
Iranians are not Ayrabs.
Iranians are Persians, not Arabs.
2
Iranians are not Arabs. Although, letting them sort this out themselves is not a bad idea. However, it may be complicated by the fact that we need their oil.
These are exactly the times when we need a level headed captain at the helm, rather than a chauvinist, inexperienced twitter addict who can't control his own instincts.
28
Yes, because Obama's strongly worded statements of condemnation and lines in the sand were so effective in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Iran, etc.
2
At the same time, Obama didn't place this country in danger by getting it involved in a full-fledged war.
And say what you want, but at least he was level-headed and not an erratic tweet-brain like Trump.
And say what you want, but at least he was level-headed and not an erratic tweet-brain like Trump.
2
"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest." - Elie Wiesel
As much as the Iranian government hates Israel and as much as Iran has funded and given money to the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations for use of terror against Israel, the Iranians are not blaming Israel. Israel does not promote terror, they are leaders in the fight against terror.
Regarding terror there is no middle ground. Whether American, Israeli, French, British, Saudi, Chinese, Russian, ... a government must be 100% against terror. No government is immune. There has to be zero tolerance for terror anywhere.
It is not enough to not actively promote terror, we must heed Elie Wiesel's words and speak actively against terror no matter where it is. When countries like Iran promote terror in Israel and European countries are silent about it then it allows terror to grow everywhere including in their own counties.
The Palestinian are using US and European money to fund the families of terrorists and those terrorists in jail spending over $300 million per year. The Palestinians name women's centers, children's school houses and streets after terror.
Iran should be pressed to stop funding terror. The US and the EU should withhold Palestinian funding until the funding of terrorism and the naming of schools after terrorists stops.
When it comes to terror, there can be no middle ground. There must be zero tolerance.
As much as the Iranian government hates Israel and as much as Iran has funded and given money to the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations for use of terror against Israel, the Iranians are not blaming Israel. Israel does not promote terror, they are leaders in the fight against terror.
Regarding terror there is no middle ground. Whether American, Israeli, French, British, Saudi, Chinese, Russian, ... a government must be 100% against terror. No government is immune. There has to be zero tolerance for terror anywhere.
It is not enough to not actively promote terror, we must heed Elie Wiesel's words and speak actively against terror no matter where it is. When countries like Iran promote terror in Israel and European countries are silent about it then it allows terror to grow everywhere including in their own counties.
The Palestinian are using US and European money to fund the families of terrorists and those terrorists in jail spending over $300 million per year. The Palestinians name women's centers, children's school houses and streets after terror.
Iran should be pressed to stop funding terror. The US and the EU should withhold Palestinian funding until the funding of terrorism and the naming of schools after terrorists stops.
When it comes to terror, there can be no middle ground. There must be zero tolerance.
6
Wait a minute. Iran is the victim of terrorism and you're blaming...Iran?
Israel has recently honored the people who bombed the King David Hotel over the objections of the British who viewed that act correctly as terrorism.
I agree. There should be no middle ground. The US should stop funding the Israeli terrorist ethnic cleansing of the West Bank.
But all of this has NOTHING to do with ISIS' attack on Iran. I know the neo-cons are eager to attack Iran and so can't deal with the reality of Iran being a victim of Sunni (Saudi) inspired terror.
Israel has recently honored the people who bombed the King David Hotel over the objections of the British who viewed that act correctly as terrorism.
I agree. There should be no middle ground. The US should stop funding the Israeli terrorist ethnic cleansing of the West Bank.
But all of this has NOTHING to do with ISIS' attack on Iran. I know the neo-cons are eager to attack Iran and so can't deal with the reality of Iran being a victim of Sunni (Saudi) inspired terror.
2
@Lilo:
“You reap what you sow.“ - you eventually have to face up to the consequences of your actions.
By funding and providing weapons including missiles to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, the Iranians have helped to create an environment of terror. Thus, by making Israelis the victim of Iranian terror and that of Irans terrorist surrogates Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran has experienced terror, although not from the Israelis.
I sincerely hope that Iran and other countries learn that there must be zero tolerance for terrorism and that you must speak out against it otherwise it will only get worse for them.
If Iran and Europe and the US are truly serious about combatting terror, 1. Iran must stop funding Hamas and Hezbollah and providing them weapons. 2. The US and Europe must stop funding Palestinians that use $300 millions of taxpayer funds to pay terrorists and their families and that name schoolhouses and women‘s centers after terrorists.
The only way to crush terror is to have zero tolerance for it anywhere.
Israel does not promote terror, rather it combats it and provides important weapons and intelligence to foreign nations, including the US to stop our citizens from being victims of terrorist attacks. Israeli satellites provide photos for combatting terror in the Middle East.
“You reap what you sow.“ - you eventually have to face up to the consequences of your actions.
By funding and providing weapons including missiles to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, the Iranians have helped to create an environment of terror. Thus, by making Israelis the victim of Iranian terror and that of Irans terrorist surrogates Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran has experienced terror, although not from the Israelis.
I sincerely hope that Iran and other countries learn that there must be zero tolerance for terrorism and that you must speak out against it otherwise it will only get worse for them.
If Iran and Europe and the US are truly serious about combatting terror, 1. Iran must stop funding Hamas and Hezbollah and providing them weapons. 2. The US and Europe must stop funding Palestinians that use $300 millions of taxpayer funds to pay terrorists and their families and that name schoolhouses and women‘s centers after terrorists.
The only way to crush terror is to have zero tolerance for it anywhere.
Israel does not promote terror, rather it combats it and provides important weapons and intelligence to foreign nations, including the US to stop our citizens from being victims of terrorist attacks. Israeli satellites provide photos for combatting terror in the Middle East.
Apparently some in Israel are not too worried about ISIS, as far as Israeli's security goes, but have a pretty good understanding of sunni/shia relations. At least better than William Kristol did as he promoted the Iraq war as a cake walk circa 2002.
"Israeli Officers: You’re Doing ISIS Wrong"
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/05/22/israeli-officers-to-tr...
These darned ancient tribal skirmishes just never end.
"Israeli Officers: You’re Doing ISIS Wrong"
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/05/22/israeli-officers-to-tr...
These darned ancient tribal skirmishes just never end.
So, Saudis and Israel are our partners in the region. Now we can also call ISIS a friend to complete Trumps' amazing foreign policy.
7
I'm just guessing that a significant bulk of Americans and possibly all of Trump voters think and have always thought ISIS and Iran are the same thing. The attack this morning will not put a dent in that "belief."
15
Like it or not, Iran is an ally against ISIS. They deserve our support where appropriate, and we certainly should acknowledge their suffering.
26
Sending thoughts and strength to the good people of Iran - New York stands with you.
47
Hopefully, this unfortunate event will wake up many Americans on the truth of our hapless, regressive, despotic middle east policy. It's time to cut the Saudis loose and ally with nations not run by royal families.
Now, that would be American.
Now, that would be American.
33
It would be nice to cut loose the Saudi royals but are you suggesting we align with the despotic Iranian theocrats?
1
If ISIS is our biggest enemy. shouldn't their enemy Iran be our friend? The biggest sponsor of the Islamic terrorism in the world is Saudi Arabia. Trump is their best friend.
Our Middle-East policy has gone nuts, just like our president.
Our Middle-East policy has gone nuts, just like our president.
14
Grifter in Chief? Where is your secret plan to destroy the Islamic State?
You promised the whole world and especillay your religious base.
Do we still have to think of you as the Liar in Chief?
I guess so.
You promised the whole world and especillay your religious base.
Do we still have to think of you as the Liar in Chief?
I guess so.
15
Is ISIS doing Trump's bidding? We need to find out what is going on!
This kind of idiotic association is what Trump would push
This kind of idiotic association is what Trump would push
3
I know what Trump should do. He should get T.E. Lawrence to help out with his Middle East Policy. I hear that he really knows his stuff, he and Frederick Douglass. Wonder what will happen to the price of oil? Maybe that's what this is really all about?
8
The psychological toll from all of this is really becoming more and more evident all the time. The comments like this are getting more and more interesting everyday.
1
It was the FIRST and the END terrorist attack in Iran !! we are so stronger than you think!!!!!!
7
By far the most motivated implacable foes of the Sunni Muslim Arab terrorist likes of al Qaeda and ISIS and their affiliates are Shia Muslim Persian Iran, Shia Muslim Arab Iraq along with the Sunni Muslim Turks and Kurds.
By far the most natural allies of the Sunni Muslim Arab terrorist likes of al Qaeda and ISIS are the Sunni Muslim Arab royal theocratic fossil fuel autocrats based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the military dictators in Cairo, Egypt and the Zionist Jewish leaders in Tel Aviv,Israel.
Iran has been the victim of American and British imperialism. Iran did not attack the American homeland on 9/11/01 nor any time since.
By far the most natural allies of the Sunni Muslim Arab terrorist likes of al Qaeda and ISIS are the Sunni Muslim Arab royal theocratic fossil fuel autocrats based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the military dictators in Cairo, Egypt and the Zionist Jewish leaders in Tel Aviv,Israel.
Iran has been the victim of American and British imperialism. Iran did not attack the American homeland on 9/11/01 nor any time since.
18
you are forgetting the attack on the American Embassy in Teheran, the embassy is (was) US soil, by attacking it, Iran attacked he United States of America. So, yes Iran did attack the US and did take US citizens prisoners. Iran is not free of supporting terrorist activities, Hizbollah is only one example. it is unfortunate, but there is no Moslem majority country that is fighting Moslem terrorism, only ONE version over the other.
3
Perhaps this will spur the Muslim states to band together and stop the money flow and freedom of movement that ISIS has enjoyed. My heart goes out to the citizens of Iran who have shown themselves to be working toward better lives in the global society. Seems the "rulers" of all the nations of the world need to start listening and acting toward the benefit of their citizenry lest chaos become the norm worldwide.
155
ISIS (Sunni) and Iran (Shi'a) have been enemies for as long as ISIS has existed. ISIS does not enjoy 'freedom of movement' in Iran nor is there any evidence of Iranian support for ISIS.
ISIS is supported almost solely by the Saudis.
In fact, in the battle for Mosul, the US exerted its influence with the Iraqi government to restrain Iranian backed militia from the battle fearing that those militia would be too brutal in attacking ISIS. Good luck with that now.
ISIS is supported almost solely by the Saudis.
In fact, in the battle for Mosul, the US exerted its influence with the Iraqi government to restrain Iranian backed militia from the battle fearing that those militia would be too brutal in attacking ISIS. Good luck with that now.
Obviously Iran does not support ISIS. Iran fights ISIS. Some in sunni majorities countries fund ISIS - including royals in Saudi and UAE. For Trump to think ISIS gets support from anyone in shia majority Iran just shows how woefully ignorant he is on the subject of terrorism and Middle East affairs. We are in real trouble here.
1
And just when you thought it couldn't get worse...
This is a pot that has been boiling for some time, but no doubt the recent $100+BILLION dollar arms sale by the U.S. to Saudi Arabia has helped to turn the flame up a little higher.
And lest we forget, Iran is not only a country with large designs on the region, but one with nuclear capabilities as well.
If Mr. Trump is truly spoiling for a fight with ISIS, he may have just gotten his wish.
This is a pot that has been boiling for some time, but no doubt the recent $100+BILLION dollar arms sale by the U.S. to Saudi Arabia has helped to turn the flame up a little higher.
And lest we forget, Iran is not only a country with large designs on the region, but one with nuclear capabilities as well.
If Mr. Trump is truly spoiling for a fight with ISIS, he may have just gotten his wish.
64
For decades, the most powerful military in history has threatened Iran's destruction. It's not hard to imagine why Iran might desire a nuclear deterrent. It's possible that self-preservation is Iran's primary goal.
3
You are confusing Iran which has no nuclear weapons nor empire with Israel.
There was no $100 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia. There was a discussion about that future possibility.
Since the end of World War II America has given, not sold, more arms to Israel than any other nation. Yet in any Middle Eastern military conflict Israel has always been America's most worthless military, diplomatic and moral 'ally'.
No Trump has ever spoiled for a fight in the military uniform of any American armed force.
There was no $100 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia. There was a discussion about that future possibility.
Since the end of World War II America has given, not sold, more arms to Israel than any other nation. Yet in any Middle Eastern military conflict Israel has always been America's most worthless military, diplomatic and moral 'ally'.
No Trump has ever spoiled for a fight in the military uniform of any American armed force.
2
@mamba
No. I am not confusing Iran with Israel.
But what you are forgetting is that one of the reasons the U.S. posed sanctions against Iran, is because it was thought to be developing nuclear capabilities.
And no one can say with any amount of real certainty just how far they've advanced. So it's a possibility.
As for that Saudi arms "sale", it's a done deal no matter what you call it.
Trump can't resist having that much pomp and glitz thrown in his face, only to back down -- besides, he's probably trying to build a new golf gourse there, and he's not exactly keen on Israel at the moment.
Another thing.
Trump is always spoiling for a fight no matter what uniform is involved -- just as long as he doesn't have to wear one.
No. I am not confusing Iran with Israel.
But what you are forgetting is that one of the reasons the U.S. posed sanctions against Iran, is because it was thought to be developing nuclear capabilities.
And no one can say with any amount of real certainty just how far they've advanced. So it's a possibility.
As for that Saudi arms "sale", it's a done deal no matter what you call it.
Trump can't resist having that much pomp and glitz thrown in his face, only to back down -- besides, he's probably trying to build a new golf gourse there, and he's not exactly keen on Israel at the moment.
Another thing.
Trump is always spoiling for a fight no matter what uniform is involved -- just as long as he doesn't have to wear one.
2
The Saudi's gamed Donnie big time. He "SOLD THEM STUFF" or thinks he did. All puffed and bloviated, In reality the Military Industrial Complex sold Donnie, the Saudis get protection for their Wahib sharia law jihad, Lockheed Boeing teal get big sales, bonuses and money. The American people get left out in the cold flipping burgers, shopping at Walmart.
How we repeat over and over, take Saudi money, Saudis finance their fanatics, Wahibianism terror is at the core of the Middle East mess. Sunni Shiti hate, meanwhile the Combover bloviates, military contractors pop corks from their wine bottles.
SAD
How we repeat over and over, take Saudi money, Saudis finance their fanatics, Wahibianism terror is at the core of the Middle East mess. Sunni Shiti hate, meanwhile the Combover bloviates, military contractors pop corks from their wine bottles.
SAD
24
And it had to happen just days after the royal treatment of Trump and the big weapons deal and just a day after the Arab states cut diplomatic contacts with Qatar, a friend of Iran.
No telling what kind of deals Trump made on his own, he is crazy enough to destabilize the last stable state in the ME and turn it into another Syria. As long as the Saudis pay he will be happy.
No telling what kind of deals Trump made on his own, he is crazy enough to destabilize the last stable state in the ME and turn it into another Syria. As long as the Saudis pay he will be happy.
1
We need to stand with the people of Iran and against this kind of barbarism.
17
No we need to get out of it. Let them resolve their difference.
2
Umm, you do realize the US has no relationship with Iran, so your statement of " we need to get out of it" doesn't make any sense. Do you tell the British or the French to resolve their differences with ISIS themselves when they are under attack?
Terrorist attacks on civilians, whether it be in Iran or anywhere else, is not acceptable and should be condemned by anyone with a heart.
Terrorist attacks on civilians, whether it be in Iran or anywhere else, is not acceptable and should be condemned by anyone with a heart.
2
Let's see.... President Trump visits Saudi Arabia, during his trip he gives them unqualified support and vilifies Iran. A couple of weeks later Qatar is embargoed and Iran is attacked. What a coincidence!
I could just imagine the Saudi King talking to some of his advisers. "What if we attack Iran? What will be the repercussions!" "Don't worry, the US is our friend, if Iran tries anything to us, the US will help us!"
I could just imagine the Saudi King talking to some of his advisers. "What if we attack Iran? What will be the repercussions!" "Don't worry, the US is our friend, if Iran tries anything to us, the US will help us!"
19
So ... "In the view of many in Iran, the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, is inextricably linked to Saudi Arabia. Hamidreza Taraghi, a hard-line analyst with ties to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, “ISIS ideologically, financially and logistically is fully supported and sponsored by Saudi Arabia — they are one and the same.” (...) Iran and Saudi Arabia are the leading nations on the opposing sides of the Middle East split between Shiite and Sunni Islam. Iran has military advisers in Iraq and Syria, and it controls and finances militias in those countries and in Lebanon. Tehran also has some influence over the Houthis fighting the government in Yemen, and it often speaks out in support of Shiites in Bahrain, a majority group that Iran says is repressed by the Sunni monarchy."
So, this has been going on since when, forever? Yet knowing this, the US supports Saudi Arabia?
Obviously the US has known that there is a religious civil war happening in the Middle East that has no end except nuclear, yet it participates on the fence trying not anger either side happily selling its weapons and allowing US troops to act as referees.
Amazing revelations are coming out of the region. Everybody knew we were in bed with Israel but now it appears we play all sides. So this is what the US State Department really does, play all sides against the other? This is what diplomacy really is? Happy to see that their budget is slated to be on the chopping block.
So, this has been going on since when, forever? Yet knowing this, the US supports Saudi Arabia?
Obviously the US has known that there is a religious civil war happening in the Middle East that has no end except nuclear, yet it participates on the fence trying not anger either side happily selling its weapons and allowing US troops to act as referees.
Amazing revelations are coming out of the region. Everybody knew we were in bed with Israel but now it appears we play all sides. So this is what the US State Department really does, play all sides against the other? This is what diplomacy really is? Happy to see that their budget is slated to be on the chopping block.
7
As long as the Sunni - Shia split continues to be expressed in violence - and those backing each side continue to pour money towards that violence (often for their own political ends) - this will be the world we live in. What would be wise for the United States to do, would be not to pick sides - but with complications over backing Israel, our continued love and dependence on oil - and the outsized influence of arms dealers (how much did we sell in Arms to Saudi Arabia just now and under Secretary Clinton?) It will take a charismatic, intelligent leader -with bold new ideas - who thinks about the greater good - to help set the region right.....and right now I can't think of one person to fill those shoes.
4
Sunni Islam is a problem the world have to solve one day and the first step is to stop its spread. Ban Sunni muslim immigration now.
2
just so sick of these nutjobs.
4
What a great time for Tillerson to have emptied out the career diplomats in the State Department! They would have understood what was occurring in the Middle East and that Saudi Arabia just played Trump. Guess the Saudi's understand the definition of the Art of the Deal.
Iran our sympathies are with you in this tragedy.
Iran our sympathies are with you in this tragedy.
14
The Saudi backed group, a.k.a ISIS claimed responsibilities.
It seems Trump's coalition with Saudis who were involved in 9/11 attack is paying off.
Mission accomplished!
It seems Trump's coalition with Saudis who were involved in 9/11 attack is paying off.
Mission accomplished!
6
Any day now, after he's done revealing what his investigators found out President Obama's birth, trump is going to let us in on his secret plan to eliminate Daesh. Meanwhile, people die.
Any. Day.
Any. Day.
7
While I regret the deaths of all innocent lives in this terrorist attack in Iran, let us not forget that Iran is an enemy state to the United States. "Death to America" is practically their national motto.
2
It's understandable why Iran would consider the US its enemy. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians died in a war in which the US overtly backed Iraq and Saddam Hussein. For decades, US sanctions have smothered the Iranian economy. And, yet, the Iranian people still embrace political reformers and try to shed their conservative clerics. You don't see Iranian women forced to smother themselves head to toe; instead, they go to school and learn that there is a big, complex, and sometimes beautiful world out there worth joining. They're even allowed to dance! Imagine that!
Iran's not perfect, the US is not perfect, nobody is perfect, but there is no reason to hold Iran to any different status than we hold other countries in the region.
Iran's not perfect, the US is not perfect, nobody is perfect, but there is no reason to hold Iran to any different status than we hold other countries in the region.
14
Iran is now and will always be our enemy of the State for the unpardonable sin of thinking their oil fields and their notion of self rule aren't part and parcel of the manifest destiny of the western military industrial complex. How dare them.
1
Let's see, according to Republicans, the infamous "Axis of Evil" (Iraq, Iran, North Korea) touted by George W Bush, in a speech written by a Neocon, David Frum, Iran (Shiite) has now been attacked by Isis (Sunni extremists). Perhaps it is because Iran now fights alongside Iraqis to expel Isis from Iraq, and fights Isis in Syria as well.
The real threat is now Isis, created by America's firing of Saddam's Sunni military, created by invading Iraq under pretenses because of Al Qaeda, a terrorist group who's leader Osam Bin Laden (Sunni Extremist) was funded by the US to attack the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. Got that?
So now we fight essentially as allies with Iran to aid Iraq. However, Saudi Arabia continues to support Isis financially and now seeks to undermine America's alliance and airpower with Qatar. Neocons like Frum got it wrong in 2002, Iran is not the threat, Saudi Arabia the benefactor or Al Qaeda, and Isis remains the troublemaker in all of this.
As for North Korea they are still awaiting the arrival of the apparently wind powered US Navy task force, to do what--- not even Trump knows.
The real threat is now Isis, created by America's firing of Saddam's Sunni military, created by invading Iraq under pretenses because of Al Qaeda, a terrorist group who's leader Osam Bin Laden (Sunni Extremist) was funded by the US to attack the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. Got that?
So now we fight essentially as allies with Iran to aid Iraq. However, Saudi Arabia continues to support Isis financially and now seeks to undermine America's alliance and airpower with Qatar. Neocons like Frum got it wrong in 2002, Iran is not the threat, Saudi Arabia the benefactor or Al Qaeda, and Isis remains the troublemaker in all of this.
As for North Korea they are still awaiting the arrival of the apparently wind powered US Navy task force, to do what--- not even Trump knows.
2
This is why those overrated activities like reading books and knowing facts are important on the world stage. Two things that the buffoon sitting in the Oval Office holds in so little regard.
9
Can't we just let the Saudis and Iran just fight each other without outside support. I wonder who would win, a country who's citizens don't lift a finger and employ millions of immigrants to perform their daily work. Or a country run by megalomaniac mullahs. We tried this once when we stoked the Iran Iraq war, we can do it again. Are we great yet.
4
Instead of dancing with the Saudis..unclench your tiny fist toward the country which ISIS has proven it considers an enemy.(aybe because they are fighting along side the US ?)
4
I for one feel better knowing that our benevolent, compassionate Commander in Chief will convey America's condolences to the families of the innocent dead and wounded, and - along with the Talented Mr Kushner, will guide the Middle East Nations and factions towards a lasting mutual peace accord with the greatest patience and respect.
^^^ That's enough dripping sarcasm for one day. Since Trump won't do so, I hereby convey my heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran for the tragedy they have suffered here. Our governments have such differences but terrorism and its effects are not biased. We feel your pain.
^^^ That's enough dripping sarcasm for one day. Since Trump won't do so, I hereby convey my heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran for the tragedy they have suffered here. Our governments have such differences but terrorism and its effects are not biased. We feel your pain.
6
Under Trump, America's Mideast policy is supposedly "America First" and focused against ISIS terrorism. Trump claims all his dallying with Putin is supposedly to counter ISIS in Syria. Funny, Iran fights ISIS in Syria too, and now Iran is attacked by ISIS terrorists, but Trump claims Iran is America's enemy because Israel says so and Saudi Arabia says so. Now the Israelis and Saudis claim Qatar is sponsoring terrorism so Trump chimes in with them, too, even though Qatar hosts America's most important air base in the Mideast. Meanwhile the Saudis continue financing extremist mosques everywhere and Israel goes on building settlements on Palestinian lands stoking Mideast conflict. Where is the America's first part? I see what Trump gets for himself, a pretty gold necklace and no problems for his hotel deals from the Saudis and a big welcome on his really big First Trip Abroad from the Saudis and Israelis. I see the Israelis and Saudis get more American arms, protection, and subsidies. I see what Putin's kleptocrats get, lifting of sanctions so they can launder their stolen money everywhere including America. But what does America get other than used by the Saudis and Israelis, pointless enmity with Iran, pointless tension with Qatar, pointless cuddling up to Putin's kleptocracy, and more ISIS terrorist attacks everywhere? Looks to me Americans will never get a real America First policy until America first gets rid of everybody else's patsy in chief---Donald J. Trump.
555
At least with Pence the cringe factor will go down.
I think when Trump says "America First" that is code for "Trump First", but that is classified information and not something the public is supposed to know.
2
Well said sir!
My heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran, who treated me with unforgettable hospitality when I traveled there many years ago.
If our government does not condemn this attack, please know that many Americans do condemn senseless violence wherever it occurs and whoever perpetrates it.
If our government does not condemn this attack, please know that many Americans do condemn senseless violence wherever it occurs and whoever perpetrates it.
645
Every journalist in the media should be required to travel to Iran and witness its hospitality first hand.
2
Assuming they can get in...
The same people attack us and Britain and France and Iran. They tell us Iran is our enemy. They blockade our main fleet base in the region.
Maybe they are our real enemy, and the enemy of our enemy is our real friend.
Maybe they are our real enemy, and the enemy of our enemy is our real friend.
10
This morning was horrible to my people. We were sadly following the news and counting the number of casualties. To those who lost beloved ones, to those who are suffering, I should say we are together, we will pass it by and we will defeat terrorism.
I was reading the comments mostly submitted by my American fellows, most of them were blaming Trump administration and/or Saudis. To me, it doesn't matter in what extent Trump or Saudis are involved in these heinous attacks, the support and sympathy we received from Americans is too much.
I have a message for those who can't hide their happiness after these assaults. During the last four decades, we have been isolated mostly by Westerners. We experienced 8 years of relentless war with Saddam Hossein, the one you were applauding him those times, we have experienced harsh and inhumane sanctions posed by you. Now, we are here, sound and safe, united and willful. We don't care what you are feeling about our culture, our thoughts, and our future. We don't care if you want us dead or alive. We will clean up our beloved country from these terrorist insects soon. Promise.
David,
Tehran, Iran.
I was reading the comments mostly submitted by my American fellows, most of them were blaming Trump administration and/or Saudis. To me, it doesn't matter in what extent Trump or Saudis are involved in these heinous attacks, the support and sympathy we received from Americans is too much.
I have a message for those who can't hide their happiness after these assaults. During the last four decades, we have been isolated mostly by Westerners. We experienced 8 years of relentless war with Saddam Hossein, the one you were applauding him those times, we have experienced harsh and inhumane sanctions posed by you. Now, we are here, sound and safe, united and willful. We don't care what you are feeling about our culture, our thoughts, and our future. We don't care if you want us dead or alive. We will clean up our beloved country from these terrorist insects soon. Promise.
David,
Tehran, Iran.
19
David nice attempted to cover up for a country that has state sponsed terror across the world for over 30 years. Frankly, yes of a lot of us could care less.
2
So sorry that your nation is enduring this David, and it's a shame that there has been so much bad blood and mistrust between our governments for so long. It is difficult to reconcile thousands of years of 'he said, she said' between Islamic sects and nation-states, and of course the USA has inserted itself directly and indirectly. into those disagreements for decades now...sometimes with the best intentions and sometimes nowhere close to honorably.
It seems to me that many if not most Iranians are similar to many if not most Americans - we want to be safe and secure, raise our children, work hard and sacrifice when we must and generally enjoy our lives. At some point, we must bring our governments to the table to talk, reconcile and move forward for the good of all. For this reason I was happy to see a slight thawing of relations under our last President and I am disheartened to see a reversal under the current one. I wish you all the best in affecting change on your side. Please know that lots of us here in the US are doing the same here.
It seems to me that many if not most Iranians are similar to many if not most Americans - we want to be safe and secure, raise our children, work hard and sacrifice when we must and generally enjoy our lives. At some point, we must bring our governments to the table to talk, reconcile and move forward for the good of all. For this reason I was happy to see a slight thawing of relations under our last President and I am disheartened to see a reversal under the current one. I wish you all the best in affecting change on your side. Please know that lots of us here in the US are doing the same here.
4
Putin's master plan seems to be coming to fruition.
His manipulations are unmatched in the modern world. Trump is a lump of clay in Putin's deft and nefarious hands.
If there is a war in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran, oil prices will exponentialize.
When that happens, who will come in to fill the void for the United States and Europe? Russia.
Russia is a petroleum based economy. The Russian economy has been in a tailspin for years due to oil over production in Saudi Arabia and Iran.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to put the pieces together. We have only to look toward Moscow.
His manipulations are unmatched in the modern world. Trump is a lump of clay in Putin's deft and nefarious hands.
If there is a war in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran, oil prices will exponentialize.
When that happens, who will come in to fill the void for the United States and Europe? Russia.
Russia is a petroleum based economy. The Russian economy has been in a tailspin for years due to oil over production in Saudi Arabia and Iran.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to put the pieces together. We have only to look toward Moscow.
18
This has nothing to do with Putin. The same people are attacking him at every opportunity.
2
Exactly. And that has been the strategy in play since the first anti Russian sanctions were putt in place in 2011. That is the 'why' behind Putin's Syria war. But, because of plentiful natural gas the market was able to absorb that easily. A war between the US and Iran would have major impact, however.
2
Iran has been having problems with its border with Pakistan. Tensions have escalated as it accuses its neighbor of infiltration. This might escalate tensions between those two countries and one of them is nuclear armed and the other a wannabe. The consequences of this attack could be grave.
2
Pakistan and Iran share a long history (as does India). They are like cousins, India Pakistan being siblings. Persian influences in the official language Urdu is far greater than Arabic language (of the Quran). It is foolish for them to fight, just as it is crazy for India Pakistan to fight each other over territory and religion. Look in the mirror and they (Iran and Pakistan; India and Pakistan) and they will see themselves reflected in it.
1
Goodness, what was in that glowing orb? Whatever it was, Iranian democracy and moderation, much further along than Saudi Arabia's, seems to be the target for what looks like a half-baked scheme to go to war with Iran. First have Saudi Arabia, the US, and a few other Arab states band together to isolate Qatar for the sin of having diplomatic relations with Iran. Then what? Israeli air strikes against Tehran? My heart goes out to the 80 Million people of that storied nation, which has four times the population of Syria. I hope Trump's beautiful bigly military team has a plan for a refugee crisis of that size. Or perhaps he's assigned the planning to his T. Rex State Department, with its population of 2.
16
It's 1953 all over again.
2
ISIS attacks Iran, Iran blames Saudi Arabia and retaliates. A general Sunni-Shia Middle Eastern War breaks out (it's been brewing for a while). Trump, facing impending impeachment and wanting to boost his poll numbers, gets involved on behalf of his new friends in Riyadh (war will always be popular with the GOP base even if they can't locate Tehran on a map) and Russia, aligned with Iran, returns in kind. The two may fight a proxy war for a while, the most dangerous one the world has ever seen, but rallying the troops saves Trump from political humiliation and the military emergency even gives Steve Bannon carte blanche to destroy what remains of American democracy and the "administrative state." Ultimately Russian and American troops engage in direct combat, and in a moment of injured pride, misplaced bravado or senile delinquency, Trump, reckless and unbalanced at the best of times, and now with no-one to stop him, turns to his nuclear arsenal. A devastating hit in Iran is returned by a missile from Russia straight to Riyadh. Not to be outdone, the next American missile hits Moscow, and 15 minutes later, human civilization has come to an end.
I certainly hope this sounds far-fetched, and there are many ways to avoid it, but I worry we are closer to nuclear apocalypse than we may realize. Crises like what is evolving in the Middle East need a skillful and intelligent diplomat in the oval office, and on this score, we come up short.
I certainly hope this sounds far-fetched, and there are many ways to avoid it, but I worry we are closer to nuclear apocalypse than we may realize. Crises like what is evolving in the Middle East need a skillful and intelligent diplomat in the oval office, and on this score, we come up short.
3
My wife and I brought our two kids, 3 and 1, to Iran last summer for a month. As Americans, we travelled a vast swathe of the country and found the people to be the warmest and most hospitable people we have ever encountered through our many travels. My heart goes out to the people affected by this terrible event, and only hope people can come to there senses that Salafis in Saudi Arabia are the real proponents of global terrorism. One of the places in Iran we found most heartening was the conservative religious city of Qom where we were greeted by mullahs, ayatollahs, and various religious clerics, again, as Americans, with open arms, a smile, and an invitation to break bread. I only hope that people can educate themselves to know what is really happening, but I digress, as many people, including our president, don't know the difference between Sunni and Shiite, or for that matter, Arab and Persian.
24
In a rare and stunning move, ISIS released video from inside the parliament building while the attack was under way. The video, circulated online, shows a gunman and a bloody, lifeless body of a man lying on the ground next to a desk. A voice on the video praises God and says in Arabic: "Do you think we will leave? We will remain, God willing." Another voice repeats the same words. The two appeared to be parroting a slogan used by ISIS spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, who was killed in Syria last year.
George W. Bush and his Republican led attack on Iraq has really stirred the pot. I wonder how George is doing living his safe life in a secured Dallas condo with his big government pension all the while peddling his story for big, big dollars and rubbing our nose in it? Any stress?
3
For most Republicans, it's still the 1970s and Iran is still holding our diplomats hostage, so we have to be against them. Never mind that the cradle of Islamic extremism is in Saudi Arabia, funded by the Saudis. Never mind that at all.
So, now that Islamic extremists have attacked what they say is the heart of Islamic extremism, Iran, who are the GOP going to blame? Kathy Griffin? Hillary Clinton? Or just liberals in general?
So, now that Islamic extremists have attacked what they say is the heart of Islamic extremism, Iran, who are the GOP going to blame? Kathy Griffin? Hillary Clinton? Or just liberals in general?
7
Human nature being what it is, the traitor is worse than the enemy and the apostate or heretic is worse than the infidel. Shiite X Sunni hatred greatly exceeds any either has for the rest of us. That aside, Iran, whether a theocracy or a liberal democracy, is a vastly more important place than Saudi Arabia by any objective measure.
2
President Trump:
What have you done?
What have you done?
5
ISIS has struck more times since Trump came to power than any time in recent history. The single terror act near Notre Dame in France, hasn't even made top news yet.
Trump could have used the visit as a back door way to create an excuse to attack Iran. Wow, is he that clever? NO
ISIS could be the uniting factor for the whole region? Maybe, the Saudi support of ISIS is clear, but Trump must have missed that part of the lecture.
What a mess, and with our uninformed leader calling the shots, he may yet get us all killed.......
Incredible
ISIS could be the uniting factor for the whole region? Maybe, the Saudi support of ISIS is clear, but Trump must have missed that part of the lecture.
What a mess, and with our uninformed leader calling the shots, he may yet get us all killed.......
Incredible
28
Wait till the xxx in chief call Rohani to present his excuses for being ignorant. Nobody tell him! Right? Tremendous!
So they hate everyone, huh! Wow, this is a game changer for ISIS. It's like the Germans attacking on 2 fronts in WWII. We know what happened with that strategy.
5
Iran has been supporting the Iraqi efforts against ISIS for several years now.
Iranian forces have been directly fighting ISIS, among others in Syria for years now.
Conflict between ISIS and Iran is nothing new.
Iranian forces have been directly fighting ISIS, among others in Syria for years now.
Conflict between ISIS and Iran is nothing new.
1
I don't think the timing of this terror attack against Iran comes right on the heels of the Trump visit to Saudi Arabia.
Trump has clearly taken sides in the Sunni/Shia conflict and the Sunni terror groups feel emboldened.
Trump was an idiot in taking sides in this centuries old religious and regional war between Sunnis and Shias. He has compounded the problems 10 fold with the help of the Russian hackers who wanted to further destabilize the region.
Note to Putin- you didn't need to hack Qatar in order to destabilize the region and drive a wedge between our so called allies in the ME.
Trump has managed to destabilize the region all by himself by his sheer stupidity and ignorance.
Trump has clearly taken sides in the Sunni/Shia conflict and the Sunni terror groups feel emboldened.
Trump was an idiot in taking sides in this centuries old religious and regional war between Sunnis and Shias. He has compounded the problems 10 fold with the help of the Russian hackers who wanted to further destabilize the region.
Note to Putin- you didn't need to hack Qatar in order to destabilize the region and drive a wedge between our so called allies in the ME.
Trump has managed to destabilize the region all by himself by his sheer stupidity and ignorance.
9
Much like Germany and Japan in 1945, when Allied bombers brought to the German and Japanese people what their military had wrought in other countries, Iran can now experience the kind of terrorism it has gleefully and wantonly exported and fostered.
My condolences to those who've died, but as a nation, Iran deserves no sympathy.
My condolences to those who've died, but as a nation, Iran deserves no sympathy.
2
Trump allowing Saudi Arabia to run the cyber effort to fight extremism and stoping the money flow to terrorist is like putting Al Capone in charge of the Internal Revenue Service. Trump didn't know, which is not surprising in itself, that a civil war has been going on between Sunnis and Shiites with ISIS and al-Qaeda being a Sunni creation and a scourge on Islam. I cannot believe that H. R. McMaster did not educate Trump. It does indicate that Trump is not up to the job. What will it take for his supporters to realize that evident truth?
12
American foreign policy over the last 30+ years has gradually maligned Middle East players to the point of total confusion on the the part of the American public.
The over leveraging of ALL identity politics has created a perfect storm of public confusion, distrust and outright hatred towards a new "other". Following long established geopolitical conventions, The Obama Administration deftly maintained an equilibrium that is now coming unraveled. The disconnect between what we know and what we understand becomes increasingly painful. Our trust in our institutions has been eroded.
The over leveraging of ALL identity politics has created a perfect storm of public confusion, distrust and outright hatred towards a new "other". Following long established geopolitical conventions, The Obama Administration deftly maintained an equilibrium that is now coming unraveled. The disconnect between what we know and what we understand becomes increasingly painful. Our trust in our institutions has been eroded.
9
Trump is playing a horribly dangerous game, cozying up to the Saudis ... then thundering out of the other side of his little rosebud mouth about how "I will defeat Isis." Yet it is entirely deliberate. It's the PT Barnum/Trumpian doctrine of world domination: grab literally everyone's attention with explosively ignorant but fantastical posturing and pronouncements, keep their attention with wild flailing and flashy braggadocio, then pull the rug out from under them with wide-eyed fat-baby charm as he entirely switches gears. And -- by the way -- we are all falling for it with our inability to walk out on the show.
15
I think we would all GLADLY walk out if we could. The question is, how?
Such a perplexing paradox that two different sects originating from the same great and beautiful faith seem to have such relentless enmity toward one another.
However, we're extremely fortunate that we have such a capable, deep thinking president like Trump in office at a delicate juncture such as this.
The right man at the right time, certainly.
He's probably the only one that can summon at will the type of methodical, nuanced thinking required to bring this very explosive and dangerous situation to a satisfying conclusion for all parties.
I don't know about you, but I feel good about it.
However, we're extremely fortunate that we have such a capable, deep thinking president like Trump in office at a delicate juncture such as this.
The right man at the right time, certainly.
He's probably the only one that can summon at will the type of methodical, nuanced thinking required to bring this very explosive and dangerous situation to a satisfying conclusion for all parties.
I don't know about you, but I feel good about it.
13
Jonathan Swift could not have said it better.
2
And I am waiting for s nuanced tweet.
That's very nice, thank you.
I was shocked this made it into the thread, I had to tamp down the first paragraph more than I would have liked.
I was shocked this made it into the thread, I had to tamp down the first paragraph more than I would have liked.
Oh, the irony, the irony
1
Trump doesn't even know that Israeli is in the Middle East. Bannon, Sessions, and Trump=Moe, Larry, and Curley in that order.
3
"Hey look, Khuram, we're making headlines again!"
The enemy of my enemy is my friend....so Iran is our friend....incredible irony!
3
ISIS is a cancer that needs to be eradicated by the nations of the world who need to unite in this common cause.
Then we can all go back to hating each other.
Then we can all go back to hating each other.
7
The radical terrorist al Qaeda and ISIS threat to America lives and thrives in the Sunni Muslim Arab states led by the royal fossil fuel autocrats in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the military dictators in Cairo, Egypt. While Shia Muslim Persian Iran has been the victim of American and British imperialism and a target of the Sunni Muslim Arab states.
Iran along with Shia Muslim Arab Iraqis and Syrians, the Sunni Muslim Kurds and Turks is among the most motivated implacable foes of al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. Zionist Jewish Israel and the Sunni Muslim Arab states are the least motivated and effective foes of al Qaeda and ISIS.
Iran along with Shia Muslim Arab Iraqis and Syrians, the Sunni Muslim Kurds and Turks is among the most motivated implacable foes of al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. Zionist Jewish Israel and the Sunni Muslim Arab states are the least motivated and effective foes of al Qaeda and ISIS.
I'm so glad we've isolated Qatar to end the scourge of terrorism.
4
It's a shame. In 2015 I spent two weeks driving through/visiting this beautiful country of generally wonderful people. I felt very safe, and was impressed that the fires of extremism and subsequent chaos that almost engulf the surrounding nations have not touched it. The trip also made me question why we are allied with Saudi Arabia- a gender oppressive nation whose theocratic rulers fund Wahhabism- and not the surprisingly more tolerant Iran. I hope this attack is not the beginning of Iran falling into a death spiral that seems to be consuming the Middle East.
29
We, as a nation, are very stupid, as we are not aware this entire affair in the mIddle East, is a staged war by Saudi Arabia to eliminate all Shiia Moslems, so Sunni Sauds can control everything.
All ISIS is supported finacially and philosophically, by Saudis. Ask any soldier, or Mercenary soldier and the will tell you.
Trump is not capable of fighting the Saudis. They have the support of the entire British Commonwealth. And everyone hates Iran!
Demand that the truth be told of the supposed "Arab Spring", and denounce it, as it was a grandiose springboard for the Sunnis to committ genocide on the Shiia.
All ISIS is supported finacially and philosophically, by Saudis. Ask any soldier, or Mercenary soldier and the will tell you.
Trump is not capable of fighting the Saudis. They have the support of the entire British Commonwealth. And everyone hates Iran!
Demand that the truth be told of the supposed "Arab Spring", and denounce it, as it was a grandiose springboard for the Sunnis to committ genocide on the Shiia.
4
Here we go...Trump's in office six months---visits the Middle East--and presto, the makings of another gulf war. The entire Saudi reality TV show, you know the one all the pundits were saying was the successful part of the trip--really. As always, anything Trump does, he is the literal bull in the china shop.
9
Violent attacks by fundamentalist religious fanatics, demanding allegiance to an extreme interpretation of Islam, are the jihadists, trying to maintain and even expand their coward and irrational validity by killing innocent people, all in the name of an all-loving God. If there were a God, he/she/it would be crying out of despair for using him/her/it's name for a criminal enterprise. This must be condemned and fought against, no matter where it occurs. Aside the hypocrisy of the Saudis, exporters of religious extremism via salafism and wahhabism, comes our unscrupulous ignoramus Trump, who ought to know better to avoid further divisions in the Middle East. Any potential solutions to this regions' upheaval must include Iran. Trump's stupid remarks about Qatar, insofar financial support of jihadism, goes much beyond that country, and must be confronted as such. Isolating Qatar now is extremely shortsighted, especially when demagogue Trump has forgotten there is a U.S. military base there. Having a runaway government in our midst is a huge problem as well. Are we going to condemn these attacks on Iran...or not? Sure hope we can go beyond petty and narrow interests, and try to support our common humanity by speaking up and coordinate efforts to stop the mayhem. And this includes all Muslims as well. In Spanish we say, "La unio'n hace la fuerza" (United, we win).
4
the only good thing is maybe these suicide bombers or Islamic radicals in England and france after their death wake up in heaven.i doubt it but they believe it.
"...some of them dressed as women..." How horribly ironic that the way the misogynists ruling Iran control the women of that country comes back to bite them.
1
Just this a.m. on Morning Joe, there was an ad full of the most unbelievable, totally dishonest praise of this so called president. Due to utter astonishment the exact words fail me, but it stated that he he's creating jobs, restoring American leadership/respect around the world, etc. ad nauseum, bringing peace and stability to the middle east as he vanquishes ISIS. This ad was preceded by another one stating his new ACHA has already saved lives, made great healthcare affordable and available to everyone. Talk about alt-facts - I thought I'd waked up in the twilight zone.
Now this. Right on the heels of his "fantastic, amazing" trip to Saudi. This is what happens when you send a totally incompetent, ignorant, would-be-king, who's a slave to his ego, out to do a job he is doesn't understand nor remotely capable of doing. Flatter him, give him a gold bauble, his daughter a 100 million $$$, and call it a win-win.
This has to end. It just has to.
To the Iranians - my sincere condolences.
Now this. Right on the heels of his "fantastic, amazing" trip to Saudi. This is what happens when you send a totally incompetent, ignorant, would-be-king, who's a slave to his ego, out to do a job he is doesn't understand nor remotely capable of doing. Flatter him, give him a gold bauble, his daughter a 100 million $$$, and call it a win-win.
This has to end. It just has to.
To the Iranians - my sincere condolences.
20
Trumpuppet is back a mere week and a half "from the middle east" and bullets are flying..., as he stated yesterday in regard to Qatar, this is what he discussed. These 110 billion of arms were not sold, -albeit with a generous discount, grace to Jared's direct line to Lockheed-, to decorate the desert with shiny objects. As Iraq was layed to waste already and enjoys basically the same street terror as Raqqa in Mossul and other places, it was time to find another replacemnet to attack Iran. Aren't we glad we found the Saudis to be as easily distracted by glitz as our current national disgrace-in-chief?
This attack will go down as the Sarajevo starting shot for the great middle eastern war, make no mistake about that, the writings were clearly on the wall for this before this goof was inaugurated.
Once the Saudi background of the attackers is established, the republicans will officially be allies with Wahabist terrorists, sponsered by an autoractic monarch who still beheads people, way to go, GOP!!!
This attack will go down as the Sarajevo starting shot for the great middle eastern war, make no mistake about that, the writings were clearly on the wall for this before this goof was inaugurated.
Once the Saudi background of the attackers is established, the republicans will officially be allies with Wahabist terrorists, sponsered by an autoractic monarch who still beheads people, way to go, GOP!!!
7
It must be hard at times to be a reporter for the NY Times. You write a good story, giving the facts. You might even question assertions made by those you interview when it's clear that their remarks are simply inaccurate or one sided.
Then you submit to your editor and the ideological lens gets applied. The source says that ISIS is funded by Saudi Arabia. It's offered in quotes, as it should be, but our own State Department cables that support that position are never mentioned. This slight of hand leaves that statement as an opinion, not a fact.
The conflict in the region is once again characterized as a struggle between Shiite and Sunni Islam. Again, this is accurate, but only partially so. Iraq's invasion of Iran in 1980 was geopolitical, not religious. And India's 140 million Muslims including Shia are rarely involved in internal conflict.
The article finally acknowledges that a core difference between Iran and the Saudi's is that Iran established an Islamic state that's also a republic. The Saudi's have for decades told the Muslim world that only the monarchy can protect the holy sites of Mecca and Medina.
And the monarchy is on shaky ground as conditions in the region shift and change.
But one fact supported by considerable evidence is that it is the Saudi's that have been the main supporters of terrorism. This leads to the inevitable question, why do we, who suffer from terrorist attacks still support the very government that sponsors them? Any answers Mr. Trump?
Then you submit to your editor and the ideological lens gets applied. The source says that ISIS is funded by Saudi Arabia. It's offered in quotes, as it should be, but our own State Department cables that support that position are never mentioned. This slight of hand leaves that statement as an opinion, not a fact.
The conflict in the region is once again characterized as a struggle between Shiite and Sunni Islam. Again, this is accurate, but only partially so. Iraq's invasion of Iran in 1980 was geopolitical, not religious. And India's 140 million Muslims including Shia are rarely involved in internal conflict.
The article finally acknowledges that a core difference between Iran and the Saudi's is that Iran established an Islamic state that's also a republic. The Saudi's have for decades told the Muslim world that only the monarchy can protect the holy sites of Mecca and Medina.
And the monarchy is on shaky ground as conditions in the region shift and change.
But one fact supported by considerable evidence is that it is the Saudi's that have been the main supporters of terrorism. This leads to the inevitable question, why do we, who suffer from terrorist attacks still support the very government that sponsors them? Any answers Mr. Trump?
172
Because it is we, the United States who really support ISIS. ISIS is our proxy. And we, fill in the rest.
2
the Saudis are OK with Israel, Iran is not, though they are very far away from being an existential threat for Israel. So the US is against Iran, though it is the Saudis who support the killing of western civilians and soldiers alike. Not only the Israel issue, Saudis are also the biggest purchaser of US arms by far. So the behemoth US is like a jukebox, Saudis put in gold coins, the Israelis just kick its sides and it plays the tunes they choose.
2
Follow the money. Connect the dots. Protect your sources.
We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people today as they stood with us after 9/11.
60
No we don't stand with the Iranian people, who routinely chant "Death to America" as their national slogan. Nobody likes terrorism, but I'm not going to lose any sleep about one terrorist group bombing another.
1
No, we don't. And no, they didn't.
1
"Candlelight vigils were held throughout Iran and professions of sorrow and sympathy for the United States citizens who lost family and friends were ubiquitous. This was even more impressive when one notes that these were not government organized events, but were the spontaneous outpouring of Iranian citizens. On an official level, many Iranian religious leaders condemned the attacks, despite their differences with the United States administration. It was also noteworthy that no Iranian was involved in any way with the 9/11 attacks. "
3
I'm looking forward to all the "thoughts and prayers" and Iranian flag icons on my social media feeds today. Because it's about solidarity in the face of terrorism, right?
19
Not when the victim sponsors terrorism.
1
Your sarcasm should hit home. But then again, maybe not...
It is astonishing that the Times even permits comments on the immediate aftermath of a terror attack, particularly when the stated culprit is a global terror chaos organization. The prudent response of those who hate death and hate those whose cult of death seems to know no borders is to pray for the victims, regardless of whether or not the government and State in which these victims resided is a friend or foe of the United States of America. There has been way too much terror attributed to ISIS in the past few days, for reasonable and rational consumers of news to know which way this wind is blowing.
We are all bereft and at sea in the choppy waves of this dangerous world in which we live.
We are all bereft and at sea in the choppy waves of this dangerous world in which we live.
8
How dare the NY Times allow commentary.
4
This is why the Saudis and other Sunni governments won't go after ISIS. They consider terrorists "defenders of the true faith" in their feud with the Shiites (Iran).
11
It speaks to the inherent barbarism, frozen in the middle ages, of both their culture and faith.
3
The Persian Gulf just got wider, and the temperature in the region went up by three degrees overnight. Before Climate Scientists and the NYT EB rise up in self-righteous "I told you so" unison to connect it to their scientifically-proven global warming and blame Trump for dumping Paris, consider how the unfurling events in Iran benefit the world at large and the USA in particular:
- better a controlled mid-east war than shaky peace with impossible goals
- great news for U.S. oil and natural gas producers
- easy excuse to rip Iran peace agreement, delay Boeing deliveries
- reduced nuclear threat in region
- reduced terror threat outside the region
- bye bye to Doha bribery-won 2022 World Cup
- reduced importance of the ME as international air-travel hub, a constant thorn in U.S. airlines
The bad news is that nobody has any brakes once Iran is drawn into conflict, and Iran is always ready for conflict. Except those outside the ME, who'll play a game of watch from air, and stir things up every now and then.
That's also the good news. The US has mostly upside and very little downside, which is great for Trump.
Tomorrow, the British will elect Theresa May and separately, Iran will rattle saber. Ah, yes, Comey will testify. The Times will splash-cover Comey with minimum of one story and two opinions, everything else buried in fine print. Zzzzzzzz
- better a controlled mid-east war than shaky peace with impossible goals
- great news for U.S. oil and natural gas producers
- easy excuse to rip Iran peace agreement, delay Boeing deliveries
- reduced nuclear threat in region
- reduced terror threat outside the region
- bye bye to Doha bribery-won 2022 World Cup
- reduced importance of the ME as international air-travel hub, a constant thorn in U.S. airlines
The bad news is that nobody has any brakes once Iran is drawn into conflict, and Iran is always ready for conflict. Except those outside the ME, who'll play a game of watch from air, and stir things up every now and then.
That's also the good news. The US has mostly upside and very little downside, which is great for Trump.
Tomorrow, the British will elect Theresa May and separately, Iran will rattle saber. Ah, yes, Comey will testify. The Times will splash-cover Comey with minimum of one story and two opinions, everything else buried in fine print. Zzzzzzzz
5
There were a lot of people who used to question Bill Clinton's policy of "Dual Containment" with regards to suppressing both Iran and one of the major ill Sunni actors of the time, Iraq. The question being: Why would you not want to pick a side?
It's dismaying that we're making a horrible pick of a side now with the most recent visit to Saudi Arabia, and it feels like a great question to revisit: Why not dual containment? These "Muslim Brothers" have been stabbing each other in the back for so long, and have brought little of value to the civilized world but terrorism and the human waste that they fail so utterly to prepare for any kind of life.
These people deserve each other, and our policy should be designed to give them precisely that.
It's dismaying that we're making a horrible pick of a side now with the most recent visit to Saudi Arabia, and it feels like a great question to revisit: Why not dual containment? These "Muslim Brothers" have been stabbing each other in the back for so long, and have brought little of value to the civilized world but terrorism and the human waste that they fail so utterly to prepare for any kind of life.
These people deserve each other, and our policy should be designed to give them precisely that.
Middle East Peace depends on US strengthening ties with Iran and encouraging liberalization, while being firm. You know, the direction Obama was going with the Iran nuclear deal. It was having positive effects.
That's why Saudi Arabia was unhappy with Obama. And, THAT only has its origins with the sectarian divide over something theological in nature, that has nothing to do with anything in real life (other than belief). A centuries-old religious dispute -- played on for too long by the west -- is now playing Trump.
That's why Saudi Arabia was unhappy with Obama. And, THAT only has its origins with the sectarian divide over something theological in nature, that has nothing to do with anything in real life (other than belief). A centuries-old religious dispute -- played on for too long by the west -- is now playing Trump.
38
Please remind me again on why ridding ourselves of our dependency on foreign oil is not a top priority? The sooner we distance ourselves from the Middle East in general, the better off everyone will be. We have no true 'friends' there, just acquaintances with benefits. If we focused on eliminating this dependency, it would create many new jobs and foster new technology growth in the US. Note to America: Mixing religion and politics is disasterous. We seem to be forgetting this even here at home.
10
President Trump is on the right path with his Travel ban, which will keep the Radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States and in their homeland.
I am so happy Trump is out President.
No w we need him to drain the swamp, and get term limits on Congress.
Thank you President Trump
I am so happy Trump is out President.
No w we need him to drain the swamp, and get term limits on Congress.
Thank you President Trump
4
Term limits will never happen, congress/senate will see to that. They love the good life too much and mooching off the public. They'd last 10 minutes in the private sector.
1
Always good to hear from another graduate of Trump University!
We can only hope that the recent American meddling in the Middle East cauldron does not churn up more long term enemies for us from whatever short term miscalculations the clumsy Trump foreign policy team created. Mr. Trump's warm embrace of Saudi Arabia runs counter to his oft proclaimed campaign slogans to go after that country for sponsoring terrorism. The $110 billion menu of choice military hardware offered to Saudi Arabia is only going to encourage the militant Sunni theocracy to engage in more mischief. Qatar is just a pawn in the Saudi Iran power play. Israel may reap some short term security benefits but no lasting recognition of its right to exist in peace. Let's not forget that the Middle Eastern worldview Sunni or Shia is quite different from ours. All it takes is an offensive Islamic cartoon in the Western press to reunite these adversaries to go on an anti West rampage. Our continuing greed for oil and the Trump family's real estate deals there dictate our short sighted foreign policy in the Middle East.
My heart breaks for my fellow Iranians who've been the victims of this tragedy. Will Trump ever condemn this ISIS attack on Iran? I doubt it. He was the one encouraging Saudi Arabia, which by the way is the biggest sponsor of terrorism, to increase attacks on Iran. Iran is not our enemy. Saudi Arabia is. How long would it take for our government to understand this?
47
Saudi Arabia allows private individuals to donate to charities supportive of radical Islamic causes. The government itself is against terrorism but buys off tolerance from religious wack jobs within Saudi Arabia. The goal of this support is to keep the religious crazies within Saudi Arabia to allow the status quo, whereby the 8000 or so members of the royal family are allowed to live their wealthy lives without threat.
Iran is also far from innocent. It has initiated state sponsored terrorism around the world. They supply Hamas and Hezbollah with missiles, the sole purpose of which is to be aimed at civilians in Israel. The Iranians have used their intelligence agencies to target Jewish civilians in far away places like Buenos Aires. If the Iranian government thought it would be strategically advantageous to target Christians in the US, it would do the same.
If Saudi Arabians overthrew their monarchy, an extremist government would rise in its place. In contrast, if Iranians could rid themselves of their theocratic government, they would prefer good relations and business opportunities with the western world. Of the entire Middle East with the exception of Israel, the US is most popular on the streets of Tehran.
Iran is also far from innocent. It has initiated state sponsored terrorism around the world. They supply Hamas and Hezbollah with missiles, the sole purpose of which is to be aimed at civilians in Israel. The Iranians have used their intelligence agencies to target Jewish civilians in far away places like Buenos Aires. If the Iranian government thought it would be strategically advantageous to target Christians in the US, it would do the same.
If Saudi Arabians overthrew their monarchy, an extremist government would rise in its place. In contrast, if Iranians could rid themselves of their theocratic government, they would prefer good relations and business opportunities with the western world. Of the entire Middle East with the exception of Israel, the US is most popular on the streets of Tehran.
1
Trump has decided that the best way to defeat terrorism is to line up with the Saudis and attack Iran, which is an arch enemy of Al Qaeda and ISIS???
53
And who founded ISIS? Oh yeah, Hillary and Obama when they decided to overthrow Libya and Syria using foreign mercenary.
1
This is fallout from Trump's renewed embrace of hr Saudis, and the arms package, which according to other sources isn't what he claimed it was.
The terrorism from IS and related groups has targeted Shiites more frequently than any other group; they have suffered so many more losses than we have, even including the horrific attacks we have suffered.
The terrorism from IS and related groups has targeted Shiites more frequently than any other group; they have suffered so many more losses than we have, even including the horrific attacks we have suffered.
45
I am sorry I don't buy this argument. These people have been at war over the ages and over RIDICULOUS religious beliefs
2
My condolences to the Iranians.
252
Same here. Now what? All those people in Yemen facing the onslaught of high tech war backed by the United States.
2
“Now they have shown that they are more than capable of taking the fight to Tehran," says one U.S. scholar. Apparently we have already devolved into a state of barbarism in which we accept attacks on unarmed civilians as a normal form of military action.
22
London's Mayor Khan said terrorism is part of life living in major cities. I disagree but facts proved the mayor right.
2
"Apparently we have already devolved into a state of barbarism in which we accept attacks on unarmed civilians as a normal form of military action."
You mean as in the USA`s invasion & trashing of Iraq ? Which in 2003, NYT`s journalist Thom Friedman wrote that " if 25 members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations had been exiled to a desert island a year and half ago, the Iraq war would not have happened”.
You mean as in the USA`s invasion & trashing of Iraq ? Which in 2003, NYT`s journalist Thom Friedman wrote that " if 25 members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations had been exiled to a desert island a year and half ago, the Iraq war would not have happened”.
2
I'm no rocket scientist, but isn't Isis the byproduct of the extream Wahhabism that the Saudis so graciously promote?
491
Action =!reaction. For every extremist of any flavor there's an opposing extremist.
Not just Saudi. For whose benefit were Wahhabist fighters fighting for when they overthrew the government of Afghanistan, Libya and Syria? ISIS is the creation of Saudi Arabia, Gulf states and the US. It is a paramilitary force the US can call upon to fight for US interest with full deniability.
2
Yes definitely.
'Nobody knew the Middle East was so complicated.' Donald J. Trump.
Actually, many, many people long have known. Unfortunately, those people did not include the President of the United States, who believes that he alone can solve the world's problems, instantly, through self-aggrandizing pomp, circumstance, cheap showmanship and a used car salesman's patter.
Pathetic.
Actually, many, many people long have known. Unfortunately, those people did not include the President of the United States, who believes that he alone can solve the world's problems, instantly, through self-aggrandizing pomp, circumstance, cheap showmanship and a used car salesman's patter.
Pathetic.
292
Julius Caesar knew it way back and so did other rulers of huge Empire. You get tangled in the Middle East. you lose! That is that simple.
1
You mean President Obama when he backed the Arab Spring movement to overthrow Libya, Egypt and Syria thinking ME will turn democratic overnight? Yeah, I agree. We should have left those dictators in place to keep extremism down.
1
@ Amateur, you hit the nail on the head. Sure looks like the JV team has graduated. Obama and Clinton never saw this coming.
2
Sincere condolences and sympathy to our friends in Iran. Please ignore our very temporary President and look to the State Department for our official messaging.
185
Let's see if State Dept condemns ISIS attack in Iran. If they don't we'll know terrorism is OK if it's against your adversaries - in which case we're implicitly supporting ISIS and terrorism. To make it easy they can just search and replace Baghdad and Iraq with Tehran and Iran.
'We condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent barbaric attacks carried out by ISIS terrorists in Baghdad. These brutal attacks, whose victims included innocent children breaking the Ramadan fast and elderly Iraqis collecting their pensions, demonstrate once again the wanton savagery of the enemy we face.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hope for a speedy recovery of those wounded.
And we underline, as the President said recently, “All people who cherish life must unite in finding, exposing, and removing these killers and extremists.”
The United States reaffirms its commitment to support the government and people of Iraq in their struggle against ISIS.- Statement from State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert, May 30, 2017."
'We condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent barbaric attacks carried out by ISIS terrorists in Baghdad. These brutal attacks, whose victims included innocent children breaking the Ramadan fast and elderly Iraqis collecting their pensions, demonstrate once again the wanton savagery of the enemy we face.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hope for a speedy recovery of those wounded.
And we underline, as the President said recently, “All people who cherish life must unite in finding, exposing, and removing these killers and extremists.”
The United States reaffirms its commitment to support the government and people of Iraq in their struggle against ISIS.- Statement from State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert, May 30, 2017."
Then Iran recalls our wonderful Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was the person that overthrow Iran friendly Libya and Syria and unleashed ISIS to the world. No win there.
2
"Please ignore our very temporary President and look to the State Department for our official messaging."
Or, more accurately, what's left of our State Department.
Or, more accurately, what's left of our State Department.
3
The USA is the largest arms dealer in the world. I'm starting to believe we choose sides because conflict supports our budget priorities, arms dealers and private military contractors who make up the bulk of our current military.
This isn't about religion, it's a human tragedy that is self feeding and fulfilling. There has to be a major change in our priorities if we are going to create a more civil society. When are we going to say enough and stop profiting off human tragedy?
This isn't about religion, it's a human tragedy that is self feeding and fulfilling. There has to be a major change in our priorities if we are going to create a more civil society. When are we going to say enough and stop profiting off human tragedy?
103
It is about religion for them they have been fighting with the world for 800 years. BELIEVE them when they say it is about religion.
1
I am afraid it is about religion, big business strongly rooted tribalism and the miserably failed patriarchal leadership. I happen to know because I grew up in that world. I hated it and I still do. It is unredeemable, for as along as they treat their women like hogwash their chance of surviving long-term is close to zero.
Any society that destroys half of its genius is doomed to die sooner or later.
Any society that destroys half of its genius is doomed to die sooner or later.
1
We should start by banning alcohol, tobacco, gambling and weed here at home. Have you ever see a happy drunk? We are enabling those people killing themselves slowly all in the name of tax revenue.
1
If making money is the driving force of Trumpism, it makes sense to sell arms to Saudi Arabia, cut off Qatar and raise oil prices, ask the oil sheiks to cause trouble in Iran, and make oil expensive again. Of course, it will backfire because alternative energy is going full speed ahead.
27
Making oil expensive and alternative energy going full speed is a good thing is it not? Looks like the US can pocket the money while supporting alternative energy.
2
A lot of commenters here are blaming Trump instead of the terrorists. Are you people listening to yourselves?
4
Did you pay attention to Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia and the reversal of the Obama policies? He gave the Saudis and their acolyte ISIS a green light to attack Iran.
9
Trump just visited the terrorist headquarters in Saudi Arabia and gave them hundreds of millions of dollars. People are pointing out this clear discrepancy in anti-terror policy.
4
Green light!
1
In spite of the rantings of our Fearless Leader (The Donald), categorizing good and bad is the Middle East isn't so easy. Yes, Teheran has a history of sponsoring terrorism, particularly its support of Hezboallah in Lebanon. However, attempts to link Iran to Al Quaida and the IS have been misleading as those organizations are Sunni in nature, whereas Iran is Shi'a.
Ironically, the extreme fundamentalist ideology of IS much more closely aligned to the Wahhabism of our dear Saudi friends, who have funded Islamic fundamentalists for years. I suspect these subtle aspects are lost on the Trump administration, which seems determined to implement a foreign policy based on whatever strikes Donald's fancy at the moment.
Ironically, the extreme fundamentalist ideology of IS much more closely aligned to the Wahhabism of our dear Saudi friends, who have funded Islamic fundamentalists for years. I suspect these subtle aspects are lost on the Trump administration, which seems determined to implement a foreign policy based on whatever strikes Donald's fancy at the moment.
32
I have many friends and colleagues in the high tech industry with Persian descent. Iranians are generally very forward-looking modernists. I do not understand why Iran is lumped with the heads-chopping Wahhabists hailing from Saudi Arabia, who sprouted most of the 9-11 terrorists. I thought Donald Trump can think outside the box on this issue, but he is worse than the worst of the American conservative establishment.
117
"I do not understand why Iran is lumped with the heads-chopping Wahhabists hailing from Saudi Arabia,"....Because Obama concluded a nuclear agreement with Iran and backed away from unquestioned support of the Saudis. Trump has as a guiding policy the necessity to tear down everything associated with Obama.
16
I agree with you 100% except the part about believing Trump could think outside the box on this. His thoughts are only centered on what will make him the most money. If that is the Saudis and their Wahhabi beliefs leading to mayhem, oh well. As long as the money flows...
3
DT has shown a total inability to "think outside 'his' box."
1
Yet another reminder that most of the victims of Islamic extremism are primarily Muslims. Our thoughts and prayers should be with a country that not only faces the same struggles against terrorism, hate mongering, and political manipulation, but that was also the country that was the first natural democracy in the Middle East...at least until we destroyed it for money and oil.
In a just world this would be an event that brings Iran and the West together. In the world we live in, this will likely inspire hate and finger-pointing. I am hope I am wrong in my cynicism.
In a just world this would be an event that brings Iran and the West together. In the world we live in, this will likely inspire hate and finger-pointing. I am hope I am wrong in my cynicism.
26
I am afraid you are not. This has nothing to do with cynicism it has everything to do with ignorance, screwed up religious believes and loose and fluid tribal allegiances that can shift on the time. It is difficult for anyone who hasn't lived in the heart of these societies to even begin to comprehend the intractable believes that anchors them to their own nightmares .
Can't agree more
Well, if we ever needed another proof point that ISIS et al are a foreign policy arm of Sunni extremism, especially the Wahhabism centered folk in the Saud tribes, this is a pretty good indicator.
Just as the Pakistani sanctioned Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists needed the collusion of the Pakistani government, so too is it likely that ISIS needed such support from Saudi Arabia in order to penetrate Tehran.
It really doesn't matter whether or not the Sunni terrorists receive direct support from the Saudi government or its leaders or its clergy or the Sauds whose wealth and power are outside the formal circles of government. The fact is that Sunni terrorists who inflict the vast majority of terror attacks receive sustained support from the Wahhabist powers. We should not forget the 9/11 Commission findings that it was likely that lower level officials and non government Saud power brokers likely played key financial and logistical support to the 9/11 terrorists.
We are not likely to find a smoking gun that links the Saud royal family to ISIS, Al Qaeda, Lashkar, et al. But the circumstantial evidence is piling up.
We don't have to like the Shiites in Iran. But to this point, they have not sponsored terror strikes against the US or Europe, or Russia for that matter. The Wahhabists and Salafists of Sunni theocracies have done so. Repeatedly. The donald might want to brush up on the region before jumping so firmly into bed with his Saudi finance buddies.
Just as the Pakistani sanctioned Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists needed the collusion of the Pakistani government, so too is it likely that ISIS needed such support from Saudi Arabia in order to penetrate Tehran.
It really doesn't matter whether or not the Sunni terrorists receive direct support from the Saudi government or its leaders or its clergy or the Sauds whose wealth and power are outside the formal circles of government. The fact is that Sunni terrorists who inflict the vast majority of terror attacks receive sustained support from the Wahhabist powers. We should not forget the 9/11 Commission findings that it was likely that lower level officials and non government Saud power brokers likely played key financial and logistical support to the 9/11 terrorists.
We are not likely to find a smoking gun that links the Saud royal family to ISIS, Al Qaeda, Lashkar, et al. But the circumstantial evidence is piling up.
We don't have to like the Shiites in Iran. But to this point, they have not sponsored terror strikes against the US or Europe, or Russia for that matter. The Wahhabists and Salafists of Sunni theocracies have done so. Repeatedly. The donald might want to brush up on the region before jumping so firmly into bed with his Saudi finance buddies.
116
Of course no terrorist group could sustain itself for any length of time, if it didn't have a strong support from some sectors of the government. As long as religion dominates, the Middle East be a cesspool.
2
Astute readers will know that ISIS has been proven beyond doubt to be a proxy militant army of the West, armed & trained by Israel, Saudi Arabia, & the US, & funded by Qatar & Saudi Arabia, with arms supplied from the remaining weaponry left behind in Libya after the overthrow of their government & death of Gaddafi, as well as weapons we have airlifted & dropped for them to use, & acting as our (the US) go-to militant group aka moderate terrorists (see Ratline, Hillary Clinton & ISIS by Seymour Hersh) to help overthrow Assad in Syria, there's no reason why we shouldn't see them doing our bidding in Iran & the rest of the Middle East. Other Western countries will see their attacks (or should see them) as blowback from the West's interference in the ME - interference a fine & dandy word that belies the death & destruction we have caused, as well as the displacement of millions of families, & targeting of hospitals, schools, wedding parties, etc. etc. The List is long & bloodied. As long as our foreign policy is focused upon taking what we consider rightfully ours (natural gas, oil) from under their sands and leaving chaos and depleted uranium toxins behind, well, that's too bad, & the wars will be prolonged & expanded. Profiting, of course, those who contract the weapons, make the bombs & are rewarded any reconstruction projects to "rebuild" what we have destroyed. The simpleton will think we're fighting terrorism - not creating it. And, we'll blame Russia for it all…
Things are going to get more complicated and dangerous in the Middle East.
Trump visits the region and Saudi Arabia/UEA declare a wartime economic embargo against Qatar, host of the largest American airbase outside the continental USA. The Islamic State carries out an unprecedented suicide attack against high visibility targets in Teheran.
As an NYT columnist once wrote at the beginning of Trump's administration: The system of checks and balances will somehow protect Americans from Trump's excesses. Foreigners, however, will be on their own.
Trump visits the region and Saudi Arabia/UEA declare a wartime economic embargo against Qatar, host of the largest American airbase outside the continental USA. The Islamic State carries out an unprecedented suicide attack against high visibility targets in Teheran.
As an NYT columnist once wrote at the beginning of Trump's administration: The system of checks and balances will somehow protect Americans from Trump's excesses. Foreigners, however, will be on their own.
16
"The system of checks and balances will somehow protect Americans from Trump's excesses. Foreigners, however, will be on their own."
I think stealing the healthcare from 23 million US citizens in order to give a $880 billion tax cut to Trump & friends is not protecting Americans from the GOP. There will be more if the GOP & Trump are not removed from office quickly.
I think stealing the healthcare from 23 million US citizens in order to give a $880 billion tax cut to Trump & friends is not protecting Americans from the GOP. There will be more if the GOP & Trump are not removed from office quickly.
2
This is barely news anymore, certainly not top-of-the-fold, big letter news.
A bit fishy given the events of the week in the M.E.
3
One of the reasons for Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia was to create a Arab NATO, to prepare the Sunni Muslims of the Middle East for war against the Shia Muslims with the help of Israel, Last month he promised the sale of a whopping $110 billion to Saudis which include tanks,helicopters,ships for coastal security,intelligence gathering aircraft,missile defense radar system,,cyber security and more. Trump wants to beat ISIS with the help of Saudi Arabia. Now ISIS is attacking Iran.. “ISIS ideologically, financially and logistically is fully supported and sponsored by Saudi Arabia.”
11
Trump simply did not know that the Saudi's support ISIS....it does not matter anyways
My head just spun. Is this for real? I thought Iran was an enabler of ISIS. Why would ISIS attack Iran? This doesn't make sense. Either the CIA or Israel or Saudi Arabia or all three are mixing it up to sow dissension.
I've lived in the U.S. all my life. Why does no one-not the papers, not elected officials, not the people-talk about our involvement in what is essentially a religious war in the Middle East. We side with a 'coalition' of Saudi Arabia, etc., against terrorism and specifically name Iran. But how are the acts of Iran to be distinguished from the acts of Saudi Arabia? And aren't they both just in what is obviously a territorial war to control the Middle East, and its oil riches? Why are we picking sides in a religious war? Isn't it antithetical to our democracy that we are involved in a religious war? How soon outside the borders of the USA do we jettison our belief in democracy and the separation of church and state?
21
Because it is what Israel wants, and because the Saudis have agreed to use our dollars.
9
"But how are the acts of Iran to be distinguished from the acts of Saudi Arabia?"....Iran has never been behind terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States.
10
All of the 9/11 terrorists were from Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are not our friends. They are back-stabbing religious fanatics who spread hate of westerners in their schools and mosques. Trump is too stupid to see this.
2
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
By Robert Frost - A Group of Poems - 1920
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
By Robert Frost - A Group of Poems - 1920
11
This has hallmarks of Mojahedeen Khalgh, the terrorist cult's operations. Are they working with ISIS now?
With a fool in the white house, Saudi Arabia is agitating for an all out war with Iran. This will cause oil prices to skyrocket. Who would benefit? You guessed right, oil companies and Russia.
In the meantime Trump is pushing for a travel ban against iranians! Will he tweet in praise of the attacks? I won't be surprisedl
With a fool in the white house, Saudi Arabia is agitating for an all out war with Iran. This will cause oil prices to skyrocket. Who would benefit? You guessed right, oil companies and Russia.
In the meantime Trump is pushing for a travel ban against iranians! Will he tweet in praise of the attacks? I won't be surprisedl
14
Think again about who benefits.
Who gains from these actions?
5
war profiteers, and the oil biz?
1
I don't think Trump is aware that the main sponsor of Sunni extremism--first al Qaeda, then ISIS--is Saudi Arabia. Is he aware that the terrorists that Qatar is being accused of sponsoring are not ISIS? Is he aware that a key military base for fighting ISIS is in Qatar?
45
He operates in a universe of his own imagination.
The Trump Administration backed by the GOP puts on the wrong side of any situation.
9
Joe S. - Chicago
We've "picked sides" from time immemorial.
Moros y Cristianos ? 11th century ?
Yes, DJT is a bull in a (global) china shop & we've gotta' find a way to get him out.
We've "picked sides" from time immemorial.
Moros y Cristianos ? 11th century ?
Yes, DJT is a bull in a (global) china shop & we've gotta' find a way to get him out.
I am weary with all the death and destruction in the news lately.
It is telling that the terrorists targetted the two pillars of power of the Iranian regime: the civilian one at the parliament and the religious one at the shrine. This is a highly symbolic attack on Iran's democracy and religion at a time when the tensions in the region are escalating. These are dangerous times. Iran seems torn between democracy and authoritarian theocracy and the former should definitely be supported. I can only hope that all warmongers turn their tongues 147 times before speaking.
Almost every analysis of Trump's Middle East policy in recent weeks has described Trump as wanting to confront "ISIS and Iran." Despite the accuracy of this statement, the framing of it (i.e., linking Iran with ISIS in short literal proximity) presents a false impression to the American people that Iran (as the "number one sponsor of terror") must be supporting ISIS. While a terrible way to learn the complicated facts on the ground, perhaps this attack will clarify for the American people that Iran is on the same side as the US in our fight against ISIS.
15
This has all the trappings of our idiot in chief's nonsense statements in Saudi Arabia, coupled with the faked outrage of the Saudis at Qatar yesterday. ISIS in Iran makes no sense whatsoever, it is more likely that it is the same crowd that came from the 9/11 schooling in Riyadh, again. The Wahabist fools are ready to throw the world another "kicker" moment to twist the complicated times even further. Now who could possibly be interested in more shattering alliances, upheaval in the ME, and possibly the (long wished for) use of nuclear weapons?? Secret President Bannon, who has been eerily silent the past few weeks somehow races to the top of contenders. He can be easily envisoned laughing his alcoholic red nose up to purple hue right now in his dark room at the WH, his plan to get the world to another armageddon is lining up nicely, as long as the Trumpuppet is allowed to break all the china.
8
Trump is like a match to a gasoline can in the Middle East. Trump has no skills in diplomacy, thinks he knows it all when he knows nothing, has no use for career diplomats. We are going to be in another war in no time defending Saudi Arabia against whoever to rally the US around him as a big diversion from the Russian investigations. How can we possibly throw out a sitting President in wartime?
9
" Trump has no skills in diplomacy, thinks he knows it all when he knows nothing, has no use for career diplomats."
When Tillerson either accomplishes his Exxon objectives* or comes to realize that they will not be accomplished he will be out the back door of the WH as fast as you can say "SCAM".
* 1/ To remove the sanctions on Russia so Exxon can resume drilling in the Russian artic & elsewhere.
2/ To recover some of the Exxon assets that Venezuela nationalized. Venezuela is in great turmoil & ripe for a US CIA takeover.
When Tillerson either accomplishes his Exxon objectives* or comes to realize that they will not be accomplished he will be out the back door of the WH as fast as you can say "SCAM".
* 1/ To remove the sanctions on Russia so Exxon can resume drilling in the Russian artic & elsewhere.
2/ To recover some of the Exxon assets that Venezuela nationalized. Venezuela is in great turmoil & ripe for a US CIA takeover.
1
POTUS is not smart enough to understand the difference between Sunni and Shia. He just hates Islam. Let's see how he ignorantly addresses this one.
16
I just hope and pray that crooked Kushner will broker peace in the Middle East as his father-in-law promised he would, before he gets indicted.
5
Now Mr Trump can claim that he has introduced terrorism into the country he hates most. His dramatics in Riyadh, after flailing against Muslims through his campaign and after, will fool nobody, certainly not those in the Middle East. If only these issues are handled by Tillerson and other professionals.
2
DJT > visit & "gifts" to Riyadh > isolation of Qatar > events in Tehran.
I think we need to "get the bull out of the (global) china shop" & quickly.
I think we need to "get the bull out of the (global) china shop" & quickly.
8
Obviously, ISIS members and supporters hate Iran for continuing to prop up non-Sunni governments in both Iraq and Syria. This attack marks a major escalation in the Sunni-Shi'a dispute, pitting Saudi Arabia against Iran. Sunni extremists, aka the people who have controlled Saudi Arabia ever since the country's establishment nearly a century ago, have been itching for a fight like this against Iran ever since the Shi'ite Muslim extremist Ayatollah Khomeini seized power in that country 38 years ago in 1979.
Americans and especially those Americans who voted for Donald in November, ask yourselves: Do you wish to see U.S. armed forces get further involved in Islam's interminable civil war from hell? I'd like to think that even the most belligerent, reactionary white male living adjacent to a military base in MIssissippi or South Carolina would answer that question with a resounding "no way." Unfortunately, defense contractors based in northern Virginia may be the ones who matter more in deciding what moves America makes next.
Americans and especially those Americans who voted for Donald in November, ask yourselves: Do you wish to see U.S. armed forces get further involved in Islam's interminable civil war from hell? I'd like to think that even the most belligerent, reactionary white male living adjacent to a military base in MIssissippi or South Carolina would answer that question with a resounding "no way." Unfortunately, defense contractors based in northern Virginia may be the ones who matter more in deciding what moves America makes next.
203
The problem is not White men in Miss. or SC, but Jewish men in NYC and LA, etc., who want war for Israel. Middle class White men by and large want no more wars in the ME.
3
"Islam's interminable civil war from hell?" Have you ever bothered to research the roots of the "interminable civil war from hell?" Or are you too afraid of what you might find?
Parliament, Monument to a leader. ISIS is determined to bring civilization back 1,000 years. To a time when the big weapon was sharpened chunks of metal.
They hate people, want to kill as many as possible, so they use human shields. This is not going to be pretty, but civilization has to execute a form of genocide on the idiots who follow the warped religious leaders.
Within a year or two, air travel will be impossible. Then trains and cars will be stopped. I guess next horse's feed will get poisoned by these perverts.
Is it time? I hope the Raqqa surrounding does capture the hard-liners and I pray the Caliph. Driving them out is no answer.
They hate people, want to kill as many as possible, so they use human shields. This is not going to be pretty, but civilization has to execute a form of genocide on the idiots who follow the warped religious leaders.
Within a year or two, air travel will be impossible. Then trains and cars will be stopped. I guess next horse's feed will get poisoned by these perverts.
Is it time? I hope the Raqqa surrounding does capture the hard-liners and I pray the Caliph. Driving them out is no answer.
3
Does the adage "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" apply here?
8
Yes it does. ISIS is the enemy of our enemy Iran & Syria, so they are our "friends"…conveniently, too. They do the heavy lifting and we get to crow about fighting terrorists, and the military industrial corporate complex gets more money for building more weapons of mass death and destruction, and everyone profits…except for those who are killed, maimed, displaced, and exiled from their own country. It's a great way for us to fight "wars" - a term loosely used here because what we are doing to those countries is simple terrorism - something they all understand. And when we experience blowback for our crimes in the ME, we cry crocodile tears about terrorists and the need for more security, more surveillance and better ways to fight them. It's a great cycle of profiteering and destruction with the added bonus of keeping Russia and China at bay and denying them access to the EU with their natural gas. Which, of course, is the real reason behind it all. Just ask Bloomberg News…their eyes have finally been opened to the truth behind the propaganda that has dominated the news cycle for the past umpteen months - perhaps years.
3
Another tragic and sick set of crimes committed by bankrupt, mindless terrorists who add nothing of value to this world. Any countries or entities that support such criminal idiocy are on the wrong side of history. Sadly, innocent people around the world have perished due to Saudi financed ISIS extremism and yet Trump had a great time there... Bad.
88
What will the Saudi royals do when ISIS shows up at their front door? Ask us for help? And of course we'll give it to them because we want their oil. The Saud's are a waste of energy and resources. Time for reality to come knocking. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
1
And, lest ye forget, our funding and arming ISIS with weapons from Libya's stash, sent through Turkey on what Seymour Hersh calls the Ratline…all to do our bidding in Syria and with Iran as a bonus. If these two countries fall to the west, then we will control all the largest reserves of oil and natural gas in the globe, and will have checkmated Putin by keeping his gas pipelines from sending their gas to the EU - and profiting from it. Game, set, match,
1
Donald: Huuuuuuge tour, diplomatic splash, Must See T.V. :
Fail. Lame, useless spectacle. Just like your " administration ".
Fail. Lame, useless spectacle. Just like your " administration ".
48
I have no doubt that Iran already knows that the attack was a direct result of the new Trump and US policies against Iran by encouraging Saudi Arabia and Israel to attack Iran.
This specific case has all the hallmarks of Saudi finance, together with Israeli planning and the mercenaries from Mojahedeen Khalgh executing this murderous terrorist act.
The evidence:
1- The targets were political and not major streets with public presence
2- Parliament attack was to undermine the growing development of democracy in Iran and the mausoleum was clearly to attack the clerical rule
3- At least one terrorist took a cyanide which has been the hallmark of Mojahedeen khalgh....Not something ISIS has or would do....
Looks like Trump and US with support from Saudi financiers of terror across the world, Israeli opportunists and Mojahedeen Khalgh mercenaries have finally managed to achieve their objective of hurting Iranian people in Iran.
History shows that no evil goes unpunished!
This specific case has all the hallmarks of Saudi finance, together with Israeli planning and the mercenaries from Mojahedeen Khalgh executing this murderous terrorist act.
The evidence:
1- The targets were political and not major streets with public presence
2- Parliament attack was to undermine the growing development of democracy in Iran and the mausoleum was clearly to attack the clerical rule
3- At least one terrorist took a cyanide which has been the hallmark of Mojahedeen khalgh....Not something ISIS has or would do....
Looks like Trump and US with support from Saudi financiers of terror across the world, Israeli opportunists and Mojahedeen Khalgh mercenaries have finally managed to achieve their objective of hurting Iranian people in Iran.
History shows that no evil goes unpunished!
47
I have no doubt that anything Trump does is with Putin's blessing. Will Iran be able to figure that out, and if they do, what will they weigh as their best option?
No. 2 is self-contradictory.
Israeli planning?Evidence please.
1
Let's see, that's roughly 165 days it took our proud, new administration to completely unglue the Middle East. Record time, I should say!
"America First!" has nothing to do with international leadership, obviously.
Regards,
JV
"America First!" has nothing to do with international leadership, obviously.
Regards,
JV
80
So, you're saying that the Middle East was perfect before Trump got elected?
Seriously? You're pinning this all on Trump, because killing Qadaffi with no plan B in sight and creating a vacuum (Obama and Clinton) did much to ease tensions in the Middle East. These savages have been fighting for centuries and won't stop. And ISIS was hailed as the JV Team by our ex Dear Leader Obama. How's that working out for us?
5
Queens Grl, don't forget Bush II gets the blame for much of the mess in the ME when he invaded Iraq on false pretenses.
1
We do not always know the motives and history of assailants until much later, after the attacks. There seems to be much speculation without evidence and prejudiced opinions. How transparent do we believe the Iranians can be?
1
This article is shocking.
We have been told repeatedly that Iran is in the center of all the terrorisim in the Worrld today. Then to wake up and see Iran suffering the same anonymous type attacks the West has suffered makes you wonder if anyone knows anything about anybody.
I also read today that the British Government knew an attack was coming and they had been tipped off about these particular men repeatedly.
Disgraceful.
We have been told repeatedly that Iran is in the center of all the terrorisim in the Worrld today. Then to wake up and see Iran suffering the same anonymous type attacks the West has suffered makes you wonder if anyone knows anything about anybody.
I also read today that the British Government knew an attack was coming and they had been tipped off about these particular men repeatedly.
Disgraceful.
12
Yes, Iran and Syria - bad. West - good. The use of terrorists by all governments to either stage attacks within their own country or without - then used as justification for more money to fight terrorism and increase the surveillance/police state - is actually a booming (sorry - pun intended) business opportunity. Those corporations and establishments that profit from war, doubly profit from terrorism, and cause fear within their own country with a population kept on edge by the "known unknowns" (see Donald Rumsfeld). It's a great business cycle that repeats itself ad nauseum. The idea is to prolong the conflicts and make them spread - not win the "war/terrorism" - and thereby creating instability, chaos, and the opportunity to overthrow governments who don't do our bidding - and watch your stock price soar and profits flow sweetly into your coffers.
3
"We have been told repeatedly that Iran is in the center of all the terrorisim in the Worrld today."....Who told you that? Please quote a source. You will find that you have been listening to the wrong people.
2
another day, another boon doggle, brought to you by the inept in chief.
10
I believe that in a Woody Allen movie (Bananas) half of the troops we sent to a country in revolution were to fight for the government, and the other half was to fight for the rebels. It seems that is now our policy.
And, as far as understanding the Middle East, the last line of another famous film is appropriate: "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."
And, as far as understanding the Middle East, the last line of another famous film is appropriate: "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."
16
I'm so confused. I do not know who the enemy is anymore!
3
The enemy is ignorance ... wherever and whenever it rears it's head. It truly has no boundaries and can be found in all, and trying to destroy all, "tribes".
3
We have met the enemy and he is us.
3
And you thought it was Iran?
1
While the Saudi’s & Iran are busy killing each other, i’m hoping the destruction they cause each other, will reduce the terrorism they both sponsor.
6
Well, it will not reduce violence in the Middle East, but maybe the time has come to hope that the tornado takes out the house of the guy across the street rather than your own, since the tornado of violence apparently cannot be stopped.
Well, I for one do not think of Iran as an enemy or as the "biggest sponsor of terror" as we are so often told to believe here in the States. I think America is on the wrong side (if only because we are on any side at all), and I am ashamed of the hateful rhetoric directed at Iran from our right wing.
The Iranian people and Persian culture are wonderful, and I wish our politicians of the past 40 years had found another way. Perhaps a future generation will. In the meantime, if the US goes to war against Iran (as many in Trump admin would like to see), then I won't be able to stomach it. I'll have to say enough is enough and find a more suitable place to live out my days.
I'm thinking of the last shreds of hope for world peace this morning, vanishing...
The Iranian people and Persian culture are wonderful, and I wish our politicians of the past 40 years had found another way. Perhaps a future generation will. In the meantime, if the US goes to war against Iran (as many in Trump admin would like to see), then I won't be able to stomach it. I'll have to say enough is enough and find a more suitable place to live out my days.
I'm thinking of the last shreds of hope for world peace this morning, vanishing...
1042
Agree with you 100%. I travelled to Iran last year, and was struck by the graciousness and civility of the people I met. Their government is a reflection of a an old mindset, kind of like ours. Yet, when they're being constantly 'picked on', they have taken a defensive stance. Digging deeper, they only want peace and prosperity for their families and country.
10
I agree. They need to take back their country from the fundamentalist zealots and the sharia police.
They don't get it. They still call it I-ran!
2
Iran does not have much home grown terrorism. Most attempts by ISIS to attack Iran were successfully thwarted by Iran until this attack. ISIS does not hold any territory in Iran unlike Syria and Iraq. this is really incredible that ISIS has been successful in attacking Iran most notably their parliament and Ayatollah Khomeini's mausoleum..Sunnis are a minority in Iran and more moderate than their Saudi counterpart. ISIS ideology, Wahhabism sponsored by Saudi Arabia , our close ally is not taught in Iranian schools. So it is unlikely that this is home grown terrorism .Moreover, ISIS has claimed responsibility.
28
Does this act of terrorism by ISIS mean that Trump supports that organization? That is what his tweets imply, or is he the uninformed head of state that doesn't know the difference between Iran and Iraq? God save America, please!
62
Of course we support ISIS - a silly question - since we have effectively created, funded and armed them from the start to do our proxy bidding and killing in the ME - thereby keeping our noses clean and giving us the opportunity to cry "wolf" every time ISIS does something (that we secretly approve) yet publicly decry.
2
Is there even an echo of factuality in the news?
1
When you like what the news says, then you believe. If you don't, it's fake news. That's the number one problem in the world today - learning how to critically think and expecting honest reporting, even if it doesn't agree with our own perspectives.
4
It is inevitable that the Islamic attack in Iran is a battle between Shia Islamic Terrorism and Sunni Islamic Terrorism. This will distracts evil Iran from blowing up Israel with its nuclear ambitions. Hopefully this attack by ISIS will cause Iran to use up ALL its nuclear weapon power on them instead.
1
And here, with this comment, we have the epitome of it all, for many in America will praise death of innocents in Iran, as if Iran is Israel's only enemy, and as if Israel is the only thing that matters. I have nothing against Israel, but there is an unholy if not evil dynamic brewing right now, and a push for war to end all wars in the Middle East. America's soul is gone if a majority of our people cannot think beyond the 8000 square miles of Israel.
15
Your hopes are foolish and your view leaves out the strategic elements being played by world powers. What is ISIL at this point is the question, and whose interests are they being paid by?
Are you crazy? Iran should nuke Saudi Arabia and ISIS? And when the winds blow the nuclear dust around the globe and it lands on you what will you say then?
3
ISIS is supported by our good friends the Saudis, many of whom attacked us on 9/11. Iran has a VERY large, young, educated (even women! imagine!) population. Soon enough they will, maybe even peacefully, depose the conservative mullahs. We are friends with the wrong country. The Saudis are not our friends. We need, at a minimum, to stop doing all business with them. Of course our war profiteers would lose money. I guess we can't have THAT!
747
Yes, stop transferring Western wealth the the Middle East. The only way to do that in a uniform and internationally agreed upn manner is through climate change agreements that limit the use of fossil fuels and they carbon foot print. That is the best idea ever, and obviously a National Security issue which needs to be adopted by the entire world. Then the Sunni-Shia fight can take up its old form, swords and guns, from the 18th century!!!! That would be hte best idea EVER!!!! Oh, wait, DJT just threw that baby out the window!!!! Great thought though with 7 years of effort behind it!!!!
2
Soon enough we will peacefully depose our conservative right wingers.
1
"Soon enough they will, maybe even peacefully, depose the conservative mullahs."
No doubt.
Probably tomorrow, maybe the day after at the outside.
A very predictable trajectory after 1400 years or so.
No doubt.
Probably tomorrow, maybe the day after at the outside.
A very predictable trajectory after 1400 years or so.
Wait, I thought Iran was the biggest sponsor of terrorism?!
You mean Saudi Arabia, the country that we've designated our best pal, is actually ideologically and financially linked to all these terror attacks?!?!
Shocker
You mean Saudi Arabia, the country that we've designated our best pal, is actually ideologically and financially linked to all these terror attacks?!?!
Shocker
Reading this, it's so confusing. What a dystopian world the cradle of civilization has become. Is it really rooted in religion or is it some ancient tribalism manifesting itself in modern times? Well, one thing is certain: many NYT's readers will draw their own conclusions, which obviously start and end with DJT. Boring...
2
It appears that terrorist attacks are now anybodies "coin of the realm" in the political protest world. I have no guess as to what group is responsible. Certainly any group that feels offended have seen the effectiveness of this tactic and start using it. No entity will be immune, from the most controlled societies, like North Korea to the apolitical like Nike, Apple, BP (Oh yeah BP blew itself up). Any one with a grievance will feel justified- my shoes didn't fit right, my iPhone died, gas prices are too high.
Our puny efforts at security to stop this are laughable. All they do is inconvenience the normal people. Our fearfulness bring us Donald Trump and Bebe Netenyahu.
Our puny efforts at security to stop this are laughable. All they do is inconvenience the normal people. Our fearfulness bring us Donald Trump and Bebe Netenyahu.
9
The U.S. must condemn this horrific attack on civilians by ISIS in Tehran exactly as we have in London and elsewhere. ISIS can never believe such atrocities are sanctioned by civilized people anywhere against anyone.
385
We await a tweet from the President that he arranged for this during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Enjoy.
17
Is Trump going to denounce the ISIS terrorism of innocents in Iran or does that only apply to acts of terrorism against allies?
173
My thoughts are with the victims of this attack in Tehran. When attacks like these happens in your own home, it really hurts
39
Thank you,
I was reading the comments, found most of them reassuring. I don't know why few people from US and Israel are welcoming these terror attacks in Iran!
I was reading the comments, found most of them reassuring. I don't know why few people from US and Israel are welcoming these terror attacks in Iran!
2
Qatar is not the only gulf country that maintains diplomatic relations with Iran.
6
Condolences to all this affected by the action of these terrorists.
It amazes me that the US continues to support the Saudis despite everything we know about their support for extremist Islam (e.g. 9/11 attackers). Green lighting this terror attack in Iran and the embargo on Qatar is a direct consequence of president Chump emboldening the terror-sponsoring Saudis on his recent visit. Now that their efforts to destabilise Syria seem to have come to nothing, this is a new major push to reshape the middle east's geopolitical landscape. It is going to be interesting to see how Iran responds.
It amazes me that the US continues to support the Saudis despite everything we know about their support for extremist Islam (e.g. 9/11 attackers). Green lighting this terror attack in Iran and the embargo on Qatar is a direct consequence of president Chump emboldening the terror-sponsoring Saudis on his recent visit. Now that their efforts to destabilise Syria seem to have come to nothing, this is a new major push to reshape the middle east's geopolitical landscape. It is going to be interesting to see how Iran responds.
68
It appears that this will not be as 45 said yesterday, “the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism!” Rather, it seems that his trip and unconsidered tweets are further stirring up horror and aggression throughout the world. We in America must mourn the deaths of those killed by terrorism in the Middle East as well as those in Europe. We must also quickly figure out a way to turn our government toward real diplomacy and peace.
18
Well put. Whoever is counting, please mark my vote FOR intelligent diplomacy to increase peace, at the expense of war profiteers.
I am sorry the people of Iran experienced these acts of horror. I wish this violent madness everywhere to stop.
I am sorry the people of Iran experienced these acts of horror. I wish this violent madness everywhere to stop.
4
Can the fighting between Shia and Sunni Muslim leave other people on earth at peace, that is a question today?
4
It is all too familiar: the carnage, the upheaval, the pain, the grief. And the sudden Declaration of Murder Inc., a.k.a. IS. But this time another culprit is named by Iran: Saudi-Arabia. The timing is perfect. Five Arab states have just cut all ties to Qatar, which they suspect to support terrorists and lean too much to Iran. Saudi-Arabia is leading this coalition.
6
I was indeed surprised at the news that Iran was attacked. Iran and Israel are two countries untouched by the terrorists, be it Al queda or Islamic State. (Of course, Israel has its own problems with Palestine and comes under constant attack from them).
The apprehension of Iran that Saudis were behind this attack cannot be brushed aside easily. Saudis are still seen in the U.S. with suspicion about their role in sponsoring some of the attackers of 9/11. Saudis are not truly holy when it comes to tackling terrorism. They have all along clandestinely supported Al Queda.
The world leaders should condemn this terrorist attack the same way as it is done when West is attacked.
The apprehension of Iran that Saudis were behind this attack cannot be brushed aside easily. Saudis are still seen in the U.S. with suspicion about their role in sponsoring some of the attackers of 9/11. Saudis are not truly holy when it comes to tackling terrorism. They have all along clandestinely supported Al Queda.
The world leaders should condemn this terrorist attack the same way as it is done when West is attacked.
42
Raj: Really, Israel has been "untouched by the terrorists"? That they are "Palestinians" does not mean the bombing of a school bus full of young children is not an act of terrorism.
For shame.
For shame.
2
Welcome to WWIII. Thank you, Donnie.
15
Unfortunately president Trump's recklessness and direct support of terrorism (Saudis) have made terrorists more powerful and ubiquitous. Republicans should swallow their proud and do what is right to save our world before it is too late.
22
Hillary took in millions from our friends the Saudis for her "foundation", did that fly with you are did you get angry? Thought so.
6
"Republicans should swallow their pride"
They did that a long time ago swallowed whole with any integrity, intelligence, wisdom or care they may have possessed and none appear to have the slightest degree of indigestion, yet!
They did that a long time ago swallowed whole with any integrity, intelligence, wisdom or care they may have possessed and none appear to have the slightest degree of indigestion, yet!
Tragic.
Thoughts go out to the people of Iran and the millions of people worldwide impacted by terrorism.
Thoughts go out to the people of Iran and the millions of people worldwide impacted by terrorism.
242
I am very curious to see what President Trump will tweet about these attacks. Is he now going to claim credit for turning ISIS into an ally in the war on terror? Is he going to try to enlist Iran in the war against ISIS? Or is he going to go to West Virginia and blame the whole thing on Hillary?
49
Unfortunate but deserved.
As Bruce Willis's character said in "Die Hard",
"Welcome to the party, pal".
Perhaps time for Iran to stop sponsoring "proxy terrorism", much as our "ally' Saudi Arabia does, and start to join the world of progressive nations.
First step for both?
Recognize Israel, exchange ambassadors and, by doing that, knock out one of the pillars of recruitment for more terrorists.
Until then, endless warfare; great for arms manufacturers, devastating for civilians.
As Bruce Willis's character said in "Die Hard",
"Welcome to the party, pal".
Perhaps time for Iran to stop sponsoring "proxy terrorism", much as our "ally' Saudi Arabia does, and start to join the world of progressive nations.
First step for both?
Recognize Israel, exchange ambassadors and, by doing that, knock out one of the pillars of recruitment for more terrorists.
Until then, endless warfare; great for arms manufacturers, devastating for civilians.
4
Recognize Israel within which borders? Is there a current and final map of the Jewish state?
7
You are talking media points that have been fed to Americans for generations. We have Israel and AIPAC to thank for that (considering many media outlets are Jewish owned, ahem).
10
Right now, in Mid-Eastern country "geography books" used by their children, Israel isn't even on the map. Hard to come up with "borders' when your neighbors won't even mention your name.
This communique supports my thesis that Trump is unilaterally pursuing Putin's strategy of spreading and fomenting the war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia acting as the U.S. surrogate and provocateur in these actions.
The tell was Trump being unable to contain himself on the isolation of Qatar by the Saudi bloc yesterday. He's aching to take public credit for something from his 10 day sojourn and as a distraction from the unraveling cover up.
Putin's motivation for moving through Trump against Iran is simple: he needs a major disruption in the ME to tick up oil prices which have proven impervious to years of Russia's fomenting Syrian chaos. The momentary uptick upon the world learning of the Qatar imbroglio reflects their strategic impact upon the world's flow of natural gas. But, Iran is one of the world's largest sources, along with . . . Russia. If Iran is suddenly in a 'hot war' guess who the major beneficiary is: Russia, which can ship its energy products without passing through the ME including the Gulf of Hormuz.
Russia is also the major beneficiary of all arms sales to the Iranian bloc. ISIL at this point is several disbanding bands of terrorist mercenaries, and most of their systemic revenue streams are drying up. This leaves Saudi Arabia as the branch that feeds the snake while blaming Qatar and "playing offense" in the small and ill-informed strategic mind of Donald Trump.
The tell was Trump being unable to contain himself on the isolation of Qatar by the Saudi bloc yesterday. He's aching to take public credit for something from his 10 day sojourn and as a distraction from the unraveling cover up.
Putin's motivation for moving through Trump against Iran is simple: he needs a major disruption in the ME to tick up oil prices which have proven impervious to years of Russia's fomenting Syrian chaos. The momentary uptick upon the world learning of the Qatar imbroglio reflects their strategic impact upon the world's flow of natural gas. But, Iran is one of the world's largest sources, along with . . . Russia. If Iran is suddenly in a 'hot war' guess who the major beneficiary is: Russia, which can ship its energy products without passing through the ME including the Gulf of Hormuz.
Russia is also the major beneficiary of all arms sales to the Iranian bloc. ISIL at this point is several disbanding bands of terrorist mercenaries, and most of their systemic revenue streams are drying up. This leaves Saudi Arabia as the branch that feeds the snake while blaming Qatar and "playing offense" in the small and ill-informed strategic mind of Donald Trump.
183
Sorry to say your theory makes a lot of sense.
10
Russia is probably playing both sides. Both Russia and India are chummy with Iran, have always been so, for practical and historical reasons. Picking a fight with Iran is the last thing for that region. We all saw what happened to Afghanistan after Soviet occupation and American involvement with mujahideens and rebel militants, we are yet suffering..
1
It would seem that Russia is playing both sides of the conflict, but due to the current depressed oil prices and the fact its biggest competition comes from its Arab OPEC counterparts, Russia alone would benefit from the strategy being outlined. Which is rather to the point of Putin running Trump, no?
1
Saudis accuse Iran of spearheading terrorism. The pot calling the kettle black. How many Iranians were on the planes in 9/11? How many terrorist attacks have been been conducted by Iranians? Young Iranians, who were born after the Ayatollah Khomeini's days are agitating for change.
324
Iran gives billions of dollars in cash and ammo to the worst terrorists on the planet every day. They send weapons to Hizbollah and Hamas. Israel has captured countless ships and trucks loaded with weapons sent from Tehran to the terrorists. They foment terror everywhere. Their fingerprints are all over the terror of others. They are like the Dons in a Mafia movie. They rarely kill, but they give the money and the orders.
2
"Saudis accuse Iran of spearheading terrorism"
The USA is worlds largest supplier of arms and uses them to invade or carry out regime change around the world. If Iran/Saudi Arabia are black pots then the USA is a black vat.
The USA is worlds largest supplier of arms and uses them to invade or carry out regime change around the world. If Iran/Saudi Arabia are black pots then the USA is a black vat.
2
Quote: How many terrorist attacks have been been conducted by Iranians?
Thousands too many to count... The problem they have caused in other countries Like Iraq has come home to roost.
Thousands too many to count... The problem they have caused in other countries Like Iraq has come home to roost.
I think people don't know what to say here. This is certainly a twist. Sympathies to the victims. Terror must always be condemned!
7
Well republicans and trump have made Iran look like the bad guy because of its involvement with Israel (negative) and Syria (civil war). Fortunately countries like India and Russia know the importance of Iran well and maintain good relations with Iran.
Trump inflamed the Sunni/Shia civil war by fawning all over the Saudis and offering them ever more weapons. Isn't Iran (Shia) helping to fight ISIS (Sunni)? Shouldn't Trump's warm embrace of the Saudis give even his most die-hard supporters pause, given the most of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi? Trump has succeeded in emboldening the extremists sponsored by the Saudis abroad and the white supremacists here at home. The Saudis can pretend Qatar is responsible for extremism, but really, as they wage all-out war sponsored by the US on the Shia in Yemen. Please: convince me Saudi Arabia is not behind these attacks in Iran. Does Trump know the difference between Sunni and Shia?
29
"Does Trump know the difference between Sunni and Shia?"
W. explained it to him.
W. explained it to him.
2
Turning on each other - the best news for the day.
5
This is really going to confuse our so-called president.
50
Iran: a country with a history of art, science, and democracy, is our enemy. Saudi Arabia: a country with a history of NONE of those is our ally. Also, 75% of the 9/11 terrorists were from Saudi Arabia, zero from Iran.
But yeah, we should keep doing what we've been doing. It's really working.
But yeah, we should keep doing what we've been doing. It's really working.
1520
Thanks to the American media, people are clueless about how sophisticated ancient Iran is. Media members should be required to tour Iran before they write a single word against it. Anthony Bourdain is not enough.
Democracy in Iran?Ask the dissidents in prison.Still it is far better than Saudi Arabia
4
Hypocracy, falsehood dominates world politics. Everything is up in the air. There is no credible authority to look to in this mad world.
Certainly Trump makes things worse. Mr. Trump please go back to maintaining golf courses and buildings. You are not made for US presidency.
I am 100% positive that Trump organization will receive contracts from the Saudis.
Certainly Trump makes things worse. Mr. Trump please go back to maintaining golf courses and buildings. You are not made for US presidency.
I am 100% positive that Trump organization will receive contracts from the Saudis.
5
My guess is this incident will fade quickly form the public consciousness as many in the west are capable only of seeing the fight against terror as a binary good versus evil. Of course, this ignores the fact that the victims of "Islamic terror" are primarily Muslims.
We desperately are in need of more nuance and detail in discussing these issues, but our discourse is about as far from that as can be imagined.
We desperately are in need of more nuance and detail in discussing these issues, but our discourse is about as far from that as can be imagined.
707
Nuance doesn't sell US arms or keep our private military employed. If you think of choosing sides as a government jobs program instead of a foreign policy position, it almost makes sense.
I can't stand when people use that tired deceptive statistic, "the victims of Islamic terror are primarily Muslims."
If a greater percentage of casualties turn out to be of Muslim faith, that only means the terrorists are surrounded by more Muslims than any other faith. As far as targeted, planned get-on-a-plane terrorist acts go, the overwhelming majority are directed at Western Judeo-Christian targets.
And we all know this.
If a greater percentage of casualties turn out to be of Muslim faith, that only means the terrorists are surrounded by more Muslims than any other faith. As far as targeted, planned get-on-a-plane terrorist acts go, the overwhelming majority are directed at Western Judeo-Christian targets.
And we all know this.
5
As long as Donald John Trump is our one and only President there will be no nuance nor wisdom nor discourse nor detail about the ethnic sectarian civil war conflict in this region.
As long as the Muslim victims of American and British colonial imperial misadventures are faceless and nameless statistics we are doomed by destiny to face the whirlwind blowback consequences of our callous cruel cynical inhumane hypocrisy.
As long as the Muslim victims of American and British colonial imperial misadventures are faceless and nameless statistics we are doomed by destiny to face the whirlwind blowback consequences of our callous cruel cynical inhumane hypocrisy.
192
Trump stepped in it this time. This is why we have a professional State Dept. staffed with career diplomats. Trump got rid of those people and has hundreds of unfilled positions. Without that expertise, how can we enact policy? In Trump's case, we have no policy so it doesn't matter.
In the Middle East, a nation is your friend on Mon., Tues. and Sat. and your enemy on Wed. Thursday and Sun. On Friday, they are both. Most of your friends are enemies of each other. Trump's simple mind cannot grasp this reality.
Instead, he takes sides and has allowed the Saudi's to butter him up by stroking his massive ego. As soon as he returns home, Iran is attacked. Qatar has been isolated because they fund terror groups. Everyone over there funds terror groups. It all depends which day of the week it is.
President Obama tried to juggle the Middle East and was not successful, the carnage in Syria being the black mark on his legacy. Trump won't juggle anything. He will break the place into a thousand pieces. The smashing has begun.
In the Middle East, a nation is your friend on Mon., Tues. and Sat. and your enemy on Wed. Thursday and Sun. On Friday, they are both. Most of your friends are enemies of each other. Trump's simple mind cannot grasp this reality.
Instead, he takes sides and has allowed the Saudi's to butter him up by stroking his massive ego. As soon as he returns home, Iran is attacked. Qatar has been isolated because they fund terror groups. Everyone over there funds terror groups. It all depends which day of the week it is.
President Obama tried to juggle the Middle East and was not successful, the carnage in Syria being the black mark on his legacy. Trump won't juggle anything. He will break the place into a thousand pieces. The smashing has begun.
507
Well, perhaps Israel and Saudi wanted Iran to be attacked? The move against Qatar appears to send a message to Iran that they are now under notice from those 5 countries who think Qatar and Iran are sponsors of terrorism (talk about kettle calling the pot black). Trump is probably gloating that his intrusion into pitching one ME country against another, will lead to Iran being pulled into a battle of sorts. All this during the holy month of Ramadan when these guys are supposedly fasting during the day? What is so holy about any of this?
6
In addition, Trump is now mired in his obsession with Comey, and the domestic investigation into Russia's meddling. The juggling of interests in the Middle East is a challenge to the best informed, deft and diplomatic, and we we have a clown, focused on his costumes.
17
Good comments. Trump's actions will lead to more chaos and violence which will be a rationale for getting us more deeply involved in the Middle East and more attempted Muslim bans.
ISIS and terrorism are serious problems but Trump has blown them out of proportion. He would sacrifice the rest of our foreign policy just so he can concentrate on ISIS. China is a greater long term problem than ISIS.
ISIS and terrorism are serious problems but Trump has blown them out of proportion. He would sacrifice the rest of our foreign policy just so he can concentrate on ISIS. China is a greater long term problem than ISIS.
3