3 ms·

One is not an apologist for a repressive regime when one dispassionately analyzes the realpolitik of their circumstances. It's not a defense of the Ayatollahs

One is not an apologist for a repressive regime when one dispassionately analyzes the realpolitik of their circumstances. It's not a defense of the Ayatollahs to observe that, from the perspective of the Iranian gov't., the U.S. (among many others) has continuously been a hostile power since at least WW2, and it's silly to place expectations on them as a negotiating partner as if that weren't the case.

recuter 6y ago
One is an apologist for a repressive regime when one knowingly or unknowingly repeats their exaggerated talking points. They are very adapt at exploiting western sensibilities. Their realpolitik is to stay in power at all costs and export terror to deflect from internal instability. The US has attained energy independence and has been leaving the region. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/politics/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/politics/biden-afghani... Turkey, China, Russia, and now Iran will divvy up the spoils. Iran is an expansionist rising power vying for hegemony in the region and a repressive authoritarian religious dictatorship, it is silly to take their negotiations in good faith as if that weren't the case - whatever historical excuse they might try and shame you with.
- fatbird 6y ago
  Yes, they're an expansionist rising power and a repressive authoritarian religious dictatorship. So what? No one at the State Dep't thinks otherwise, or is shamed by Iranian propaganda, except insofar as that propaganda is effective PR that the U.S. has to counter--and PR is where the U.S. history is relevent and problematic, and where a clear-headed appraisal of the circumstances is necessary. When you're playing chess, you're not being an apologist for the other player by imagining their best move.

3 ms·

One is not an apologist for a repressive regime when one dispassionately analyzes the realpolitik of their circumstances. It's not a defense of the Ayatollahs

by fatbird 6y ago

recuter 6y ago
One is an apologist for a repressive regime when one knowingly or unknowingly repeats their exaggerated talking points. They are very adapt at exploiting western sensibilities. Their realpolitik is to stay in power at all costs and export terror to deflect from internal instability. The US has attained energy independence and has been leaving the region. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/politics/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/politics/biden-afghani... Turkey, China, Russia, and now Iran will divvy up the spoils. Iran is an expansionist rising power vying for hegemony in the region and a repressive authoritarian religious dictatorship, it is silly to take their negotiations in good faith as if that weren't the case - whatever historical excuse they might try and shame you with.
- fatbird 6y ago
  Yes, they're an expansionist rising power and a repressive authoritarian religious dictatorship. So what? No one at the State Dep't thinks otherwise, or is shamed by Iranian propaganda, except insofar as that propaganda is effective PR that the U.S. has to counter--and PR is where the U.S. history is relevent and problematic, and where a clear-headed appraisal of the circumstances is necessary. When you're playing chess, you're not being an apologist for the other player by imagining their best move.