I will read the links–although I tend to be a little reticent about this kind of information anymore. I have found that any blog that has “facts” in its title is automatically suspect (ha!), and it seems the first link is from people who have a singular perspective (interesting that this sounds like the same group of people who advocated sharp sanctions and violent revolution against apartheid in South Africa!–Ann, remind me later to tell you of an article I wrote in the 80s on this topic that set the education establishment on its ear:) ). I have only found two perspectives online–one puts Iran as an innocent victim, the other puts the U.S. as a champion of the free world. Both of those perspectives seem to be drawn down ideological lines, so who to believe? Are issues that simple-black and white? A person like myself finds himself dismissing either perspective simply because of the emotional noise surrounding the debate (which admittedly is probably the wrong attitude to take–because there may actually be some validity to either side of the argument).

For example, I read recently that Iran was in recent violation of the the deadline imposed by the U.N. to halt uranium enrichment. Of course we all know that U.N. resolutions and deadlines mean nothing, but what puzzles me is that every left-leaner I know is a big fan of the U.N., and I wonder why they have not come out in condemnation of Iran for thumbing its nose at the left’s sacred cow:

-Is it really because Iran is acting defiant towards the United States? Believe me, Ann, we have as many anti-American left in this country, and they routinely support anyone who engages in anti-U.S. rhetoric (Chavez, Castro–fascist dictators are often idolized by these spoiled children of American prosperity).

-Is it because the left really does advocate violence and nuclear proliferation perpetrated by governments with questionable legitimacy–do they think that its just the U.S. who should disarm?

-Is is because Iran engages in overt anti-Semitic rhetoric?

-Is it that the left supports the U.N. and its “peaceful” aims only when it fits their ideological paradigm?

(btw, the above questions are just rhetorical :) )

You can see why I stay puzzled with the contemporary left. I pose the opposite questions on “conservative” blogs–and come away confused there also. I have largely maintained a position of neutrality on the Iraq war (my left friends wonder why I am so blind, just like my right friends do. ha!) and have become too jaded at this point in my life to make any real judgments concerning Iran and its desire to enrich weapons grade plutonium and the U.N. and U.S.’s interest in stopping them.

I guess you can see where I’m coming from…

Have a pleasant day, all!

-Jack

Yes, there are Iranian fascist theocrats (theocons?) as much as there are American ones, and this is not to discount the myriad challenges and human rights issues in Iran. Nevertheless, its not Iran’s elite threatening to invade the US or any of its neighbours, not even Israel, contrary to propagated lies). So what’s the ill intent they have that could possibly justify a ghastly invasion and war?

Much “intelligence” re Iran *is* demonstrably being contrived, yes. And not by the West, not even by the US, but by a small minority within the US administration who have been planning this war for quite a while.

I’d be interested in your views and invite you to have a look at any previous posts, as well as the links Homeyra has featured.

Ann