[August 9, 2018] In 2002 during his State of the Union address, U.S. President George W. Bush claimed that the country of Iran is part of an “axis of evil” because it sponsors terrorism and seeks to obtain and proliferate weapons of mass destruction. Seen as a threat to peace in the world, Iran is a pariah among civilized nations. But, as of late, something is going on that more closely deserves our attention.
What’s happening in Iran? What leadership issues should we be looking for? Those questions are not difficult to answer but what the end result cannot yet be seen. Due to the reintroduction of tough economic sanctions on the country and U.S. President Trumps’ treat to countries doing business with Iran, a destabilizing element has begun that is causing widespread internal political dissatisfaction.
Like most socialist-based economic systems, the Iranian economy is dependent upon cash from a variety of unethical and illegal activities. It is also heavily reliant on oil exports that provide about 82 percent of its export revenues. Although China, Russia, and Turkey will not honor the sanctions, there will still be a significant sting that has already been felt.
This is where leadership makes a difference. Senior leaders in Iran have taken to the media to show their dissatisfaction with this new development. They have also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz where most of Middle East oil flows through. In addition, Iran has ordered an increase in terrorism in Western nations (the most recent in Germany1).
The Iranian government could change its ways and cooperate rather than resist a worldwide effort to stop terrorism and WMD proliferation. I believe, from reading open-source accounts, they use these methods because the U.S. is perceived as an existential threat to their form of government. Experts on Middle East affairs have said this has been their modus operandi since the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the takeover over of the U.S Embassy in Tehran.
Those of us here at www.theLeaderMaker.com should be following the developments of these developments and what has been called a new style of warfare. How this ends may pave the way for more if it succeeds.
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Thanks General Satterfield. I will be following the news on Iran a little more anyway. I will focus more of my attention on what their leaders are saying. Right now, their senior leaders are blaming the US. Of course, remember that socialist are always blaming others for their mistreatment. In reality, that is usually not the case.
Iranian cities hit by anti-government protests is not new but here is a news story from BBC that gives a little background.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42512946
Many good stories about the people of Iran who are pushing back on their govt, little by little. They want freedom like most of the world’s peoples have. The country of Iran could be a great nation if it stopped its exporting of terrorism. I know they hate the US but why send terrorists to Germany and the rest of Europe like they’re doing now? Crazy. Bad strategy.
Eddie. Good to hear from you again. Yes, I also believe the strategy that is being employed both to export terrorism and to suppress their citizens is going to backfire.
I have a friend who was born and raised in Iran (a small city that I cannot remember the name of). She still has relatives there and gets the “news” that the US media doesn’t want to print. Janna, you have it right. The media is reluctant to report what’s happening on the streets. My friend says things are getting really bad over there. I wish her and especially her family there some truly good luck.
Iranian President Rouhani calls for unity as death toll rises in unrest. Decent article. Here’s the link: https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/01/world/iran-protests-deaths-rouhani-intl/index.html
Yes Janna. We are seeing more protests in the streets of Iranian cities. Not much reporting on it in the American press. The article from CNN you cited is one of the few. Most of the news (in English anyway) is from the UK. No surprise here since most US media is anti-West and pro-anything that makes the US look bad.
… and they blame others for their situation. Maybe they should stop supporting terrorism around the world. Maybe then they will feel less pain.
This is common among leftists. Blame others for your troubles. That is why they are popular. They attract people who are mentally weak and are happy to be excused from any responsibility for their plight.
Iran is an odd nation today that represents most of what is evil in the world. Long ago that was not the case when they produced some of the world’s finest goods. But their history is spotted with tragedy that they inflected on others.
Iran has been a rogue nation since their 1979 “revolution.” Like nearly every revolution since 1900, none have worked out very well for the country. Just look at Cuba and Venezuela to name a few. If we go back further into the past, look at how the French Revolution turned out. The only one that did well was the US Revolution.
Good article and some really good comments so far. I like this webpage on leadership for exactly this reason. And, while I’ve been a long time reader, I only started commenting recently and reading the comment section. I recommend more people do this since it is very educational.
I didn’t realize until a week ago that something was brewing inside Iran. If you all remember back when Barack Obama was the US Pres, there was an uprising that if the US or Europe has supported, we would now be rid of the kleptocracy currently in power.
Same here. I think it might be the lack of reporting from Western media outlets.
Hey, Army Captain. I will propose a third reason and possibly more important. The Iranian people want to be free from the strong-arm tactics of their government. They want to practice their religion peacefully, bring up their families, and live with dignity. Most folks want this too and they are no different. They don’t want to live in poverty while their Mullahs live like kings off the oil profits they get.
Yup! Good point.
Yes, you’re right and I missed it. The people of Iran are the losers and with their efforts, they might just throw off the iron-glove of their govt.
I agree. Good points here. Thanks all.
I agree we should be following what is happening in Iran. I say this for two reasons. First, the one you stated in that it informs us on the issue of senior leadership. But also as it is a threat to the US and its citizens is another reason. Thanks.