Tonight we watched "Iran: The Next Iraq?" on the History Channel. It popped back and forth between the present day Iran and the history of the Persians. The most famous and beloved Persian was Cyrus the Great. Cyrus's most spectacular victory was Babylon.
After victory over Babylonia, Cyrus The Great presented himself not as a conqueror, but a liberator and the legitimate successor to the crown. He took the title of "King of Babylon and King of the Land". Cyrus had no thought of forcing conquered people into a single mould, and had the wisdom to leave unchanged the institution of each kingdom he attached to the Persian Crown. In 537 BC he allowed more than 40,000 Jews to leave Babylon and return to Palestine
So, Jen turns to me and asks......"How do Iranians reconcile their intense hatred for Jews and Israel with their great hero Cyrus? Good question, Jen.
We had some laughs (we always do) over the descriptions and pictures of the rally that occur every Friday where the shout "Death to America" and march through the streets. They've been doing this for a quarter century. We know it's serious and they could get nukes and attack us.....but it just seems like a Monty Python skit. "Are you going down to the Death-to-America rally Friday, Amir?" "Yes, Firouz, I have a new sign where I spell America with 3 Ks....Amerikkka!" "Ah, very cool Amir!" Jen wants to bring Hanukkah Harry to the rally.
We also saw W. Patrick Lang who blogs here. He was very interesting in the show, but a quick peek at his blog today finds me disagreeing with him. He does not see the wisdom of Fox Fallon taking over as Commander of CENTCOM and most of his readers think the appointment is a precursor to invading Iran. I, of course, just see that "W" has finally realized that what he needs is more Sailors......doesn't everyone? LOL Seriously, I applaud Fox Fallon's appointment as well as that of Admiral Mike McConnell USN(ret) to replace Negroponte.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
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4 comments:
Sorry Maggie but, to rip a page from the feminist quote book, CENTCOM needs a sailor in charge like a fish needs a bicycle.
Oh well, at least Iraq gets Petraeus so one out of two ain't bad.
I think a Sailor in Charge will do great things..
Im kinda bias though..
Anthony - Do I sense another bet coming on? How would you judge success?
Viper1 - There's a lot of that sort of bias here in my world, lol.
Nah, I don't bet on things like this, too many lives possibly at stake, (including my soldiers), so I hope he is able to produce.
The NYT did a good piece on him and the WaPo did a good one on Petraeus. As far as success goes, I'd judge it by increasing the influence in Iraq of other nations, (such as the Saudis), and eliminating the influence of others such as Iran.
I'd also judge success if the following things occur, (not necessarily in order):
Moqtada Al Sadr at room temperature
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Iraq not only exposed but, also comepletely emasculated through joint operations
Ditto the Syrian forces who along with the IRG are doing the same thing along Iraq's western border.
Other members of the Hussein regime being held accountable for all crimes committed not just those committed against Shiites.
An effort by the Iraqis themselves to minimize the influence of shia theocrats on the secular government.
these are just a few thoughts. I hope that Connor is able to produce.
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