What do you make of this?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061216/wl_nm/iran_elections_dc_11
We are referred to as the enemy.Isn't it time we realize that if Iran considers us the enemy that we should consider them the same.

Answer 1

Name calling only creates more enemies for yourself. Remember "axis of evil".


What do you suggest, that we reinstate the draft to double or triple the size of the military and start 2 or 3 more conflicts around the world.

Answer 2

The government of Iran is an enemy, they have basically stated as much. However, we should take a broader view of the Iranian people as they do not necessarily agree with the government. I have known many Iranians and have found them to be honest and intelligent. The problem is that as long as the current powers prevail in Iran they are dangerous to the world.

Juventaussie: The Iranians made themselves our enemy by taking Americans hostage and holding them for 444 days. This is not the action of a friend. The current President of Iran who has called for the destruction the United States was one of the students who was engaged in this activity. Further, we were allied with Iran before the current regime took power. Granted we helped install that Dictator and he was scum, but it was an alliance none the less. If you want to argue that Iran has a right to harbor ill will towards the United States I would say you are correct, but we have not invaded Iran. If Iran wishes peace with the west the path is simple. Discontinue their nuclear ambitions, stop spewing hate towards Israel and the United States. Then maybe we can open a rational dialog with them, but until this happens they will continue to impose enemy status upon themselves in our eyes.

Answer 3

Some of the responses above make good points regarding the past actions of the US against Iran - supporting those opposed to Iran, etc.

My take on this, and it applies to many other countries and situations, is that the Islamic religious leaders are struggling to limit the influence of other cultures on the youth of these countries. They are opposing this influence to prolong and preserve their power and riches to continue their (the religious leaders) life style. After all, they have little income other than that that that provided by controlling the oil revenues of these countries. Therefore, the more that their followers learn of the world and other societies, the less influence and power the Islamic religious leaders can exercise.

In many ways, I consider that the Islamic religious leaders practice a type of brainwashing of their followers from birth. Consider that one facet of brainwashing limits any outside stimuli to the subject - something that this religion does by seeking to limit or prevent any knowledge or contact with "western" society.

Answer 4

I am assuming he has nukes at this point. He should be considered armed and dangerous. He is hoping we will strike first. So that he can gain world sympathy.

I am not in favor of another Iraq. The American people have demonstrated they do not have the patience to stick out the process of democracy.

The Iranian people have not ousted him, and I see nothing from them like what I see here being voiced against President Bush.

Iran is a quandary.

Answer 5

You can't believe everything you read. That reporter may have put his own slant on the story. If the word nemesis was used in the English translation, the story would have a different slant.
The rhetoric that comes out of Iran is not nearly as bad as the rhetoric that once came out of Libya.

Answer 6

During the Iran Iraq war we gave Saddam weapons, money and information to strike Iranian troops. Should they consider us allies? Our President won't even speak to them because he labels them evil. Why do some people ALWAYS fail to see the part we play in creating ill will towards America. I support my country, my troops and our way of living. I don't support lies, by either party or any individual. How about we start to take some responsibility for our actions instead of trying to demonize others.

Answer 7

I think that they have should have been considered the enemy since they took the Americans at the Embaassy hostage and held them for 444 days.

Answer 8

Without supporting Iran or their world view.

You treat them as the enemy for so long, refer to them as part of the axis of evil, give money to Saddam H in Iraq to fight them and you get upset when they refer to you are the enemy ? What have you been to them in the past, allies ?

Answer 9

Iran is the "head of the snake" and it needs to be chopped off. They are a threat and a danger.

Answer 10

Is Iran the enemy or radical Islam?