All these other countries have refrained from certain discourtesies, like killing our soldiers, kidnapping our diplomats, etc. We don't demand much, as our relations with Saudi Arabia show, but there are certain very minimal standards. Iran doesn't meet them. I don't know about your relations, but would you offer gifts to someone who responds to all greetings by kicking you in the teeth?
You ignore the fact that if we adopt a pro-Iran posture rather than an anti-Iran posture that Iran's interest in killing our soldiers and kidnapping our diplomats would vanish. Iran doesn't kidnap Chinese diplomats, attack Brazilian soldiers, yell out "death to the Russians", nor declare their intention to destroy Australia. Why do you think that is? Iran has no intrinsic need to hate the USA, and it certainly is in the interests of the USA to have relations with Iran similar to (or preferably even stronger than) the relations that those countries have with Iran. There is nothing in the existence of the USA, which includes tens of thousands (if not more) Iranian descendents, and is located a few continents away, that is inherently offensive to Iran. Nothing. The only obstacle to improved relations with Iran is the US will to improve relations with Iran.
Allying ourselves with Iran today would be tantamount to saying, okay, so you kidnapped our diplomats, you are killing our soldiers, you declare your intention to destroy us and our ally Israel, you proudly declare that you sponsor terrorists everywhere and will use them, but what the hey, we like it! We'll bend over and take it some more!
Allying ourselves with Iran today would be tantamount to saying we'd rather kiss and hug the Iranians than fight them. It would be a declaration that the hostilities of the past 28 years between the US and Iran should end, now, and be replaced with a mutually beneficial relationship of cooperation. It is a complete reversal of policy, and it takes time in the real world to steer big ships in a different direction, but US influence over Iran would be muchly improved through the type of relationship that I describe instead of what is currently being pursued by the US. We now have almost ZERO influence over Iran = the current diplomatic path is a loser, for the US. |
