We talk to good friend of the show Kevork Almassian of Syriana Analysis about the "ceasefire" between Iran and the US, Israel's genocide of the Palestinians, and the Gulf States' devious games.
That was an awesome hour of insights from Kevork. Thanks to BettBeat for making that possible. I wrote down some random things as I was watching:
So if the Iranians were offered substantial Russian military support when the two countries forged a political, economic partnership, and turned it down, does that suggest that Iran is more concerned with being righteous than with successfully defending its sovereignty?
Iran appears to be channeling India in its prioritization of not burning any bridges. Their membership in BRICS may come to be seen by Africans and other targets of the west, as a liability. Not to mention Russia and China.
One scenario that I believe disqualifies Saudi Arabia from being a reliable ally of most BRICS members is the prospect of losing billions of dollars if the dollar loses international currency status.
During the peak of the Iran-Israel “12 day war,” I regretted that Iran didn’t target IDF soldiers that have been murdering Palestinians for 20 months.
Kevork is absolutely right. If Iran had had a military pact with Russia, Mossad would have never been able to devise so devastating an invasion.
If Iran is morally opposed to possessing nuclear weapons, what about getting one for protection and leverage? If Iran announces that it will give up its nuclear weapons if Israel does likewise, this turns the hot lights on the hegemons.
I sincerely hope that this failed attempt at regime change wakes up Pezeshkian and his trusted advisors. If he can see that Russia tolerates religious diversity as Iran does, what is the appeal of the West that deludes him into believing that the West has anything of worth to offer? Iran cannot afford to be as slow as Russia was in recognizing that the West is a desert mirage in the eyes of the beholder.
I wish more people would listen to the discourses between you Karim, Kevork and Cyril. The parochial and wider political perspective that I have gleaned from your discussions, is invaluable to my understanding of how, especially the leaders of the Middle Eastern countries think. The historical enmity between the various Islamic sects and how this is interwoven with kinship forming between supposedly old foes, the Western formation and support of Islamic so-called “terror” groups and their recreancy, the unmitigated sell-out of the Islamic Middle Eastern countries to the adornments of vulgar capitalism, is made manifest. Sadly, the exposure of these unholy alliances that are formed between the Western powers, Israel and these Islamic countries shatters any lingering hopes of a united Islamic intervention in the Palestinian genocide.
On your first question: “Is Iran more concerned with being righteous than with successfully defending its sovereignty? “
In my opinion, Iran refused the military cooperation with russia not because of their strict principles, but because they considered it a net liability. Let’s not forget that - especially in the beginning of the Ukraine war - the optics of cooperating with Russia is terrible in the West. Iran considers lifting the sanctions in its strategic interest and judged that a military cooperation with Russia would not bring them any closer to that objective. And back then Assad was still in place, so the risk of a military cooperation conflict with Israel was not that high then.
With the recent developments, they may have changed their mind though.
Very interesting. A lot of new information and definitely a different way of looking at the world. Thank you! it's like a master class in international politics with a leftist view. I do agree with much that was said and educated about so many different aspects of the Mid East.
It's ALL about money, guys. Everyone is afraid of my horrible US genocide supporting government. The gulf states are playing the money game. They figure the crazy US will 'win' the end game.
I am I must say, over the “ Iran should” , emerging camp already. Mostly stated by people who 1) have never been to Iran & 2) are making such proclamations from the safety of couches, in homes, with food!! 3) There had been a military component in the @ Strategic Agreement”, with Russia, it was Raisi’s govt that negotiated it. Remember when people were wondering why the delay re the signing of said agreement? This was when Raisi had been assassinated, & the Reformists won the election, that is when the military part was removed as yet again the Reformists wanted to turn to the West!
Also I am old enough to clearly recall who Russia supplied arms to during the vicious 8 year long Iraq-Iran war, & it was not Iran. The relationship with Russia will be built on pragmatism alone. Quick question why are the Africa Corp (so now named, Vag na’s crew) doing in East Libya?I am forever being told Russia has no imperialist intent!?
That was an awesome hour of insights from Kevork. Thanks to BettBeat for making that possible. I wrote down some random things as I was watching:
So if the Iranians were offered substantial Russian military support when the two countries forged a political, economic partnership, and turned it down, does that suggest that Iran is more concerned with being righteous than with successfully defending its sovereignty?
Iran appears to be channeling India in its prioritization of not burning any bridges. Their membership in BRICS may come to be seen by Africans and other targets of the west, as a liability. Not to mention Russia and China.
One scenario that I believe disqualifies Saudi Arabia from being a reliable ally of most BRICS members is the prospect of losing billions of dollars if the dollar loses international currency status.
During the peak of the Iran-Israel “12 day war,” I regretted that Iran didn’t target IDF soldiers that have been murdering Palestinians for 20 months.
Kevork is absolutely right. If Iran had had a military pact with Russia, Mossad would have never been able to devise so devastating an invasion.
If Iran is morally opposed to possessing nuclear weapons, what about getting one for protection and leverage? If Iran announces that it will give up its nuclear weapons if Israel does likewise, this turns the hot lights on the hegemons.
I sincerely hope that this failed attempt at regime change wakes up Pezeshkian and his trusted advisors. If he can see that Russia tolerates religious diversity as Iran does, what is the appeal of the West that deludes him into believing that the West has anything of worth to offer? Iran cannot afford to be as slow as Russia was in recognizing that the West is a desert mirage in the eyes of the beholder.
Money is the root of all evil.
I wish more people would listen to the discourses between you Karim, Kevork and Cyril. The parochial and wider political perspective that I have gleaned from your discussions, is invaluable to my understanding of how, especially the leaders of the Middle Eastern countries think. The historical enmity between the various Islamic sects and how this is interwoven with kinship forming between supposedly old foes, the Western formation and support of Islamic so-called “terror” groups and their recreancy, the unmitigated sell-out of the Islamic Middle Eastern countries to the adornments of vulgar capitalism, is made manifest. Sadly, the exposure of these unholy alliances that are formed between the Western powers, Israel and these Islamic countries shatters any lingering hopes of a united Islamic intervention in the Palestinian genocide.
Appreciate that!
I agree this was a terrific conversation.
On your first question: “Is Iran more concerned with being righteous than with successfully defending its sovereignty? “
In my opinion, Iran refused the military cooperation with russia not because of their strict principles, but because they considered it a net liability. Let’s not forget that - especially in the beginning of the Ukraine war - the optics of cooperating with Russia is terrible in the West. Iran considers lifting the sanctions in its strategic interest and judged that a military cooperation with Russia would not bring them any closer to that objective. And back then Assad was still in place, so the risk of a military cooperation conflict with Israel was not that high then.
With the recent developments, they may have changed their mind though.
Very interesting. A lot of new information and definitely a different way of looking at the world. Thank you! it's like a master class in international politics with a leftist view. I do agree with much that was said and educated about so many different aspects of the Mid East.
It's ALL about money, guys. Everyone is afraid of my horrible US genocide supporting government. The gulf states are playing the money game. They figure the crazy US will 'win' the end game.
I was thinking about it the past days... What is the Iranian airforce capabilities?
Pretty much nil
Hummm... That is bad news...Thank you!
How come and why?
I have more to add, ask, etc. I'll return soon.
I am I must say, over the “ Iran should” , emerging camp already. Mostly stated by people who 1) have never been to Iran & 2) are making such proclamations from the safety of couches, in homes, with food!! 3) There had been a military component in the @ Strategic Agreement”, with Russia, it was Raisi’s govt that negotiated it. Remember when people were wondering why the delay re the signing of said agreement? This was when Raisi had been assassinated, & the Reformists won the election, that is when the military part was removed as yet again the Reformists wanted to turn to the West!
Also I am old enough to clearly recall who Russia supplied arms to during the vicious 8 year long Iraq-Iran war, & it was not Iran. The relationship with Russia will be built on pragmatism alone. Quick question why are the Africa Corp (so now named, Vag na’s crew) doing in East Libya?I am forever being told Russia has no imperialist intent!?