Quote:No, the embargo prevented that.

 

The embargo really didn't do anything but solidify the theocratic government.  These types of sanctions don't work, isolating a country and it's people makes the situation worse.  Look at Sadamm in Iraq, and of course the Iranians.  How did the sanctions on Cuba turn out?  It makes the dictator stronger and weakens the the population because the economy dies so they are more beholded to the authoritarian government.  I mean, it's basic politics.

 

We engaged the USSR and China, and things have turned out pretty good for us.  It's when we disengage that causes the problems...

 

Quote:Right, so my argument is that their leadership and street is quite vocal about "DEATH TO AMERICA! DEATH TO ISRAEL!!!!!"

 

Your argument is "Most of em don't really mean it so we should totally do this deal that gives them the bomb in the next 20 years."

 

Great idea.

 

Oh man, you really need to think this through..;  Without the deal, they were much closer to getting a bomb.  I mean, do you even politics?   :blink:

 

Sorry, I was trying to be funny, not rude to you.  But I'm just trying to point out that the common consensus is that Iran was ramping up to a bomb in the very near future.  This buys us time to bring them into the World Community without having to go to war.  I think it's worth a shot.

 

On top of that, lifting the sanctions will help strengthen the citizens, as the citizens get more affluent, a cultural revolution can happen that may move the country away from being a theocracy...  Again, it's worth a shot.

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