[September 24, 2018] A few months ago in one of my columns on the Middle East, I asked the question, “What’s happening in Iran?”1 My point, in asking the question, was that while Iranian leaders continue to support worldwide terrorism and the proliferation of WMDs, Iran could easily come into the civilized world by stopping their “unethical and illegal activities.”
Historians have noted that when nations use disagreeable methods to win wars, battles, or an advantage over their opponents, there is a point where those same methods will be used against them. Two days ago, terrorists struck an Iranian military parade. The parade was an annual celebration of the end of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).
Terrorism, the unlawful use of violence for political gain, has a history as old as the human will to use violence to achieve political power. Early references to assassins such as the Hashshashin (from which the English word “assassins” is derived) were a secretive Islamic sect active in Iran, Syria, and Turkey from the 11th to 13th century.2 These were not terrorists in the modern sense but assassinations were eventually used against these nations.
Iranian leaders were quick to blame the United States and other regional powers in the Persian Gulf as behind the terror attack. News of the terrorist attack in Iran comes as the country faces turmoil in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers and as sanctions begin to cripple Iran’s economy. But it is Iran that is the supporter of terrorism and now it is being used against them.
Iranian leaders continue to order an increase in terrorism against Western nations and don’t appear to recognize what they have set upon themselves. This terrorist attack shows us both the complexities of the Middle East and that the current Iranian leadership does not know that their policies have set most of the civilized world against them.
We will continue to follow the leadership of the Iranian government in order to learn more about how leadership can fail and that when it fails, people suffer. The Iranian leaders can blame others for the continuous failure of their policies but like any good leader, blaming others only shows the shallowness of their leader character. And now, the terrorist hens have come home to roost in Iran.
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This issue with people blaming ideologies (usually religious or political) is spot on. Leadership is the culprit that drives a nation and its people downward or upward in its affairs with other nations and its prosperity at home. It matters not that it appears to be chaotic or calm. The results are what matter and Iran have done its people a great disservice and history will show that their current “Rulers” (and they are rulers of the worst kind) lead them down a terrible path.
Another great comment Max. I would hope that someone in Iran recognizes what is going on. The problem is that there is no legal means to make a change. That is why, I think, terrorism will be used more against them.
Well said, Max.
Keep bringing us good updates on the leadership of Iran. Thanks.
Iran, a once great nation. That will be its writing on its tombstone of history.
Well put.
🙂 🙂 🙂
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-military-attacks-dialogue/head-of-irans-national-security-council-calls-for-dialogue-with-neighbors-after-parade-attack-idUSKCN1M41E2
Is Iran now changing its tune with the world clearly against them? Or are they just trying out new methods to get over on others?
I don’t think so: “ran Revolutionary Guard chief vows “revenge” on U.S. over Ahvaz terror attack” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-ahvaz-terror-attack-revolutionary-guard-revenge-us-saudi-arabia-israel/
It wasn’t that long ago that Iran was a nation that was economically viable, socially progressive, and was part of the civilized world. What happened? They will write volumes of history books on this for centuries.
I think you are spot on with that comment. We are in the middle of the problem so it is a little hard to see what’s really happening. People are quick to not say anything for fear of being called Islamaphobic or racist. That prevents the problem from being discussed and solutions worked on. Sad.
Another great article on international issues. Keep up the good works.
Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and the list goes on and on. It’s not religion that makes the problem but those who use religion or any ideology to subjugate their citizens. We see the beginning of this in America with the democratic socialist movement.
Good article on Iran and what nations will do with bad leaders. Just look at subsahara Africa and how a string of bad leaders have made the place a hell hole.
I agree. Africa is pretty bad off. And by the way, continue to be that way. Look at South Africa and what the native government has done to destroy the rule of law.
No surprises here with Iran.
Yes, I’m afraid so.
Bad leadership equals bad results. Iran has always had terrible leaders.
Some people blame Islam for the problems here but I think that it continues to be horrific leadership that makes it so. Just my opinion. Look at any socialist nation like Venezuela (see Gen. Satterfield’s “Daily Favorites”) that continue to decline because of bad leadership.
Leadership is the issue. Yes I agree. Religion (or ideology) is the vehicle in which it travels to make the people so miserable.
Iran … another rogue nation that has yet to learn the value of coming into the civilized world.
Yep. Not much more to say.
I have to agree with you and thanks for your servcie.
😉