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General Discussion

MFrohike

(1,980 posts)

17. Iran

Reply to H2O Man (Original post)

Mon Jan 4, 2016, 01:27 AM

Jan 2016

They act far more like a traditional great power, which makes them somewhat predictable. The Saudis act like a revolutionary power, bent on reshaping the world in their own image. Plus, the Saudis and their proxies can't fight for shit. Nobody in the region would seriously consider fighting the Iranians without serious backing (read the US, Russia, China). That's not to say that I want more fighting in the region, dear God no, but it's always better to have allies/partners/whatever who can hold their own, rather than incompetents.

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20 replies

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H2O Man DU:GD Poll [View all] H2O Man Jan 2016 OP

Isn't there a fairly wise saying that starts out.."Keep your friends close and your enemies... BlueJazz Jan 2016 #1

That was my first thought, though I'm reluctant to use the "enemy" label. Martin Eden Jan 2016 #8

No, not really. I'm no fan of either Iran or Saudi Arabia, The Velveteen Ocelot Jan 2016 #2

Iran. Octafish Jan 2016 #3

Saudi Arabia - we've been close for a long time. Iran - in my opinion.... underpants Jan 2016 #4

I would think Old Codger Jan 2016 #5

I just wish they would all stop chopping heads. Ed Suspicious Jan 2016 #6

We're too close to Saudi; too belligerent with Iran. DirkGently Jan 2016 #7

^^ Best reply so far ^^ Scuba Jan 2016 #19

I guess I'm not sure what you mean by "closer relations". surrealAmerican Jan 2016 #9

Gee, having no relationship with Korea worked so well over the years. Agnosticsherbet Jan 2016 #10

I don't completely subscribe to the Iran as bogey man theory. malthaussen Jan 2016 #11

Iran. ms liberty Jan 2016 #12

It should be Iran but it will be Saudi Arabia. MohRokTah Jan 2016 #13

Not sure what you mean by "closer relations" Martin Eden Jan 2016 #14

Iran. Half-Century Man Jan 2016 #15

let's just say Tehran doesn't insist on grabbing the cans from the bottom of the grocery-store MisterP Jan 2016 #16

Iran MFrohike Jan 2016 #17

like picking the better Menendez brother Skittles Jan 2016 #18

Any investment in wealth or friendship with the Saudi gov't is VERY short term Bucky Jan 2016 #20