Bombing that country would, in addition to generating many casualties, significantly strengthen the hand of the hardliners. It would poison public opinion against the West and stifle reform efforts. And on the flipside, if the reformers succeed and the result is a more democratic Iran, there's little reason to think Iran's elected leaders would abandon the country's nuclear program. In functioning democracies, elected leaders tend not to kill programs that are massively popular. To truly embrace democracy in the world, you have to understand that people in other countries will often see things differently than you see them.
Wednesday, June 17
Lesson in democracy for neocons
Via Andrew, AL points to the fact that the nuclear program has an 84 percent approval rating within Iran:
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"the nuclear program has an 84 percent approval rating within Iran"
ReplyDeleteWhy is that at all surprising? If I were an Iranian I'd certainly be in favor of developing nuclear weapons.
If I were Iranian, I certainly would NOT be in favor of developing nuclear weapons. But also, I'm able to distinguish between nuclear weapons and nuclear power.
ReplyDelete" But also, I'm able to distinguish between nuclear weapons and nuclear power."
ReplyDeleteWho isn't? I'd be in favor of both.
The approval ratings are for the later. Moreover if you think 84% of Iranians are in favor of nuclear weapons, you're nuts.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it would be 84% (polls in a country like Iran are highly suspect anyway), but I'd bet a solid majority supports acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has some excellent reasons for wanting them. When/if Iran succeeds in its first nuclear test there will be plenty of cheering and celebration -- and not just regime orchestrated.
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