Doc110 Loc: York PA

01/02/2018 The Iranian Explosion of Truth. There are many reasons to fear that the protests will fail to achieve their goal of overthrowing the regime.

Caroline Glick
https://www.truthrevolt.org/commentary/glick-iranian-explosion-truth

If the Iranian regime is unable to brutally stomp out the countrywide protests raging through the country, and if the protesters achieve their goal of bringing down the regime, they will go down in history as the saviors of millions of people not just in Iran but throughout the world.

Given the earth shattering potential of the protests it is extraordinary to see the liberal media in the US and Europe struggle to downplay their significance.

Aside from a lukewarm statement on Twitter from British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, as of Monday morning – five days into the protests – no senior European official had spoken in favor of the hundreds of thousands of Iranians marching throughout their country demanding freedom.

In the US, former members of the Obama administration and the liberal media have determinedly downplayed the importance of the protests.

They have insisted that President Donald Trump should stop openly supporting the protesters and so adopt former president Barack Obama’s policy of effectively siding with the Iranian regime against the Iranian people who seek its overthrow.

These talking points have been pushed out into the media echo chamber by Obama’s former deputy national security adviser and strategic communications chief Ben Rhodes, his former national security adviser Susan Rice and former secretary of state John Kerry.

Obama’s Middle East coordinator Philip Gordon stated them outright in an op-ed in The New York Times on Saturday. Gordon called on Trump “to keep quiet and do nothing” in response to the protests.


In Gordon’s view, no matter how big their beef with the regime, the protesters hate the US more. And they really hate Trump.

Gordon wrote, “Whatever Iranians think of their own government, they are unlikely to want as a voice for their grievances an American president who has relentlessly opposed economic relief for their country and banned them from traveling to the United States.”

Just as Obama’s surrogates have repeated Gordon’s claims, so the Obama-supporting liberal media have gone out of their way to diminish the importance of the protests in their coverage of them and use Obama’s surrogates as their “expert” analysts to explain what is happening (or rather, distort what is happening) to their audiences.

Obama administration officials have been so outspoken in their defense of the Iranian regime because they rightly view the prospect that the protesters will succeed in overthrowing the regime as a mortal threat to their legacy.

Obama’s foreign policy rested on the assumption that the US was a colonialist, aggressive and immoral superpower.

By their telling, the Iranians – like the Cubans and the Russians – were right to oppose the US due to its legacy of meddling in the internal affairs of other countries.

This anti-American worldview informed the Obama administration’s conviction that it was incumbent on the US to make amends for its previous decades of foreign policy.

Hence, Obama traveled the globe in 2009 and 2010 apologizing for the policies of his predecessors.

Hence, Obama believed that the US had no moral right to stand with the Iranian people against the regime in the 2009 Green Revolution.

As he saw it, anyone who stood with the US was no better than an Uncle Tom.

Truly authentic foreign regimes were be definition anti-American.

Since the Green Revolutionaries were begging for his support, by definition, they didn’t deserve it.

Since the current wave on anti-regime protests began last Thursday, the liberal media have parroted the Obama alumni’s talking points because they feel that their war against Trump requires them to embrace Obama’s legacy.

Just as they embraced his talking points and policies for eight years.

After all, if Obama is not entirely infallible, then Trump cannot be entirely fallible.

And if Trump may be partially right and Obama partially wrong, then their dispute may be a substantive rather than existential one.

And so, the New York Times’ coverage of the most significant story in the world has deliberately distorted and downplayed events on the ground in Iran.

The protests are potentially so important because the Iranian regime is so dangerous.

Thanks to Obama, the regime is on a glide path to a nuclear arsenal.

Its proxy armies in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq possess sophisticated armaments most militaries can only dream of.

Its tentacles spread throughout the globe.

The longer the Iranian regime remains in power, the greater the likelihood humanity will soon face a global conflagration that will dwarf World War II.

Nothing any single state does against Iran’s proxies will end Iran’s continued ability to cause mayhem and death on multiple fronts.

Every day the Iranian regime remains in place, it will use its power to continue its direct and indirect wars against its enemies in the Middle East and throughout the world.

Gordon argued that Trump’s pro-Israel and pro-Saudi policies since taking office have made him less credible with the Iranian people.

All you have to do to understand that this is nonsense is listen to what the protesters are chanting. They insist that they want their country’s money spent at home, on them.

They do not want their money used to underwrite Hezbollah, the Assad regime in Syria and Hamas’s regime in Gaza.

In other words, they don’t want to make war with Israel – or, presumably Saudi Arabia.

Their criticism is on point.

In 2016, flush with cash from Obama’s nuclear deal, Iran quadrupled its support of Hezbollah from $200 million to $800m. per year.

In 2012 Iran cut off its funding to Hamas in retaliation for Hamas’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood against Iran’s Syrian proxy President Bashar Assad.

In the wake of Obama’s nuclear deal, Iran became Hamas’s largest financier.

Last August, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar said that Iran is Hamas’s “largest backer financially and militarily.”

The $100 billion in sanctions relief Iran received in the wake of the nuclear deal enabled the regime to give hundreds of millions of additional dollars each year to its proxy militias and armies in Iraq, Yemen and Syria.

It is self-evident that if the protesters get their way and the ayatollahs are overthrown, that money would stop flowing to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and the Shi’ite militias in Iraq.

Instead, that money, and billions more, would be spent developing Iran.

There are many ways that the nations of the world can help the protesters in Iran.

The US and Iran’s other targets can expose the financial corruption in the Islamic Republic, including the bank account information of everyone from Supreme Dictator Ayatollah Ali Khamenei down to local Basij commanders.

They can broadcast anti-regime information into Iran through multiple platforms outside the regime’s control.

They can bypass the regime and unblock Twitter, Facebook, Telegraph and other social media platforms.

Aside from that, the Trump administration can take immediate steps to constrain even further the regime’s access to the international monetary system and force European and US firms to cancel their multi-billion dollar deals with the regime.

There are many reasons to fear that the protests will fail to achieve their goal of overthrowing the regime.

The regime is already sending its forces out to repress the protesters through killing and mass arrests.

But even if the protesters’ prospects of success are small, there is no excuse for not supporting them, as constructively, enthusiastically and unconditionally as possible.

There is certainly no excuse for working to preserve Obama’s foreign policy legacy at the expense of a popular uprising that has the potential to avert a world war.

PeterS

That's what happens when all groups don't share in the countries economic wealth. And it's not a question of what will happen if they fail but what will happen if they succeed. So far the over throw of totalitarianism in the middle east has simply proven to be much the same only worse...

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

The Islamic Regime of Iran is the most dangerous Islamic state on earth. For thirty years, Iran has sponsored terrorist groups, Hezbollah primarily, Today, Hezbollah is no longer just a proxy of Iran; it is in a “strategic partnership” with Iran. More importantly, Iran now has almost carte blanche in developing nuclear weapons, thanks to you know who and his moronic minions.

The Iranian people are going to get a lot of help. If they succeed, it will be a game changer throughout the entire ME, and quite possibly the world.

PeterS

Yes, just like all the revolutions have been a game changer in all the other Middle Eastern countries that have toppled. My point is, if you don't have a plan for the future you better be damn careful how you make it come about...

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Damn, I thought you were smarter than this.

PeterS

So topple the Iranian government. Do you think that those who topple it don't share the same sentiments as those they toppled? This is about economics--the peasants are pissed because the wealth isn't being spread around. That doesn't mean they disagree with other points of their government or that they won't set up one that is even more oppressive. Remember, when they over threw the Shah they were one of the most educated countries in the world and what they chose, they chose to do to themselves. So tell me why you think a good outcome will happen today? Do you think they still won't support terrorism or harbor hatred towards Israel or feel they have as much right to a nuke as anyone else? Had the Ayatollahs directed a tenth of their windfall to the economy this wouldn't be happening today which is why you are dreaming if you think anything good is going to come of this....

Instead of sitting there snipping at those you disagree with why don't you make an argument. I would love to see the Iranian government toppled but I wouldn't love to see something worse take it's place. Have you guys learned nothing from what Obama did? Why are you trying to follow his foot steps now?

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

Good post Doc, we can agree on some things after all. Still can't find any "christian priest" being ordained in the New Testament though. Wonder why?

Doc110 Loc: York PA

Peewee,

You only offer conjecture and ignorance on "Priestly Ordination, Teaching Old Testament - New Testament by "Catholic Christian Priests," It remains so after 1986 years and has been expanded and refined over the years since Jesus's three year ministry to his Apostles.

Your a despicable anti-christian person, Weewee.

You, provide No factual support, with your negative anti-Catholic personal opinions.

Yes I do wonder why? It's because your realigous bigotry against Catholic Christians.

My bad, did you say something ?


[quote=Peewee
Good post Doc, we can agree on some things after all.

Still can't find any "christian priest" being ordained in the New Testament though. Wonder why?[/quote]

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Even a cursory reading of the New Testament will reveal that the Catholic Church does not have its origin in the teachings of Jesus or His apostles. In the New Testament, there is no mention of the papacy, worship/adoration of Mary (or the immaculate conception of Mary, the perpetual virginity of Mary, the assumption of Mary, or Mary as co-redemptrix and mediatrix), petitioning saints in heaven for their prayers, apostolic succession, the ordinances of the church functioning as sacraments, infant baptism, confession of sin to a priest, purgatory, indulgences, or the equal authority of church tradition and Scripture. So, if the origin of the Catholic Church is not in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, what is the true origin of the Catholic Church?

For the first 280 years of Christian history, Christianity was banned by the Roman Empire, and Christians were terribly persecuted. This changed after the “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Constantine provided religious toleration with the Edict of Milan in AD 313, effectively lifting the ban on Christianity. Later, in AD 325, Constantine called the Council of Nicea in an attempt to unify Christianity. Constantine envisioned Christianity as a religion that could unite the Roman Empire, which at that time was beginning to fragment and divide. While this may have seemed to be a positive development for the Christian church, the results were anything but positive. Just as Constantine refused to fully embrace the Christian faith, but continued many of his pagan beliefs and practices, so the Christian church that Constantine promoted was a mixture of true Christianity and Roman paganism.

Doc110 Loc: York PA

Blade Runner,

I'm not going to debate you or retort your incorrect opinions and yourself proclaimed, new-found anti-Christian anti-Catholic revelation.


What I will provide for you factual retort articles, that contradicts your un-knowledgeable and offensive anti-Catholic belief's.


To tell the truth Blade Runner, this anti-Catholic dialogue-retort is not necessary.

If you have a problem with this, send me a private message and we will continue from there.

I'm not here to humiliate you, and get into blows and counter blows with you on the OPP Public forum.

That's because I have respect for your articles posted and your opinions here on the OPP Forum, except for your anti-Catholic statements.


It's just that your religiously misinformed and need apologetics dialogue articles to fully understand.


The Catholic apologetics articles are at my disposal at any time, . . . If you care to read them.

So as far as I can tell in your reply.

a. You don't know your History, of Jesus Christ's scriptural teachings.
b. You don't know your Catholic Church history of 1986 years and Christian Biblical Oral Tradition's, Guided by the Holy Spirit Biblical Teaching for almost 375 years.
c. You don't know your the Apostles history and teaching till 100 a.d.
d. You don't know your Early Church Fathers history and teaching, for over 300 years
e. You don't know your The Holy Bible beginnings, Scriptural teachings, and unfortunately you don't know your Christian Biblical Scriptural facts . . .

Since the Protestant Reformation in 1517 their have been so many and outrageous false claims, against the Christian Catholic Church and they continue to this very hour and day, that you yourself personally perpetuate.

And your false anti-Catholic opinions and incorrect Protestant statements included.

Your clearly on the other side of the Tiber River in theology and Christian teaching and understanding.

Thousands of apologetic articles in the 7 index pages.

1. Fathers of the Church (Index Page)
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2007/03/fathers-of-the-church-index-page.html

2. Development of Doctrine (Index Page)
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2006/11/development-of-doctrine-index-page-for-dave-armstrong.html

3. The [Catholic] Church and Ecclesiology (Index Page)
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2006/11/church-index-page.html

4. Saints, Purgatory, & Penance (Index Page)
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2006/11/saints-purgatory-penance-index.html

5. Eucharist, Sacrifice of the Mass, & Liturgical Issues (Index Page)
http://socrates58.blogspot.com/2006/11/eucharist-sacrifice-of-mass-index-page.html?m=1

6. Baptism and Sacramentalism (Index Page)
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2006/11/baptism-sacramentalism-index-page.html

7. The Papacy and Infallibility (Index Page)
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2006/11/papacy-index-page.html

Blade Runner, "Protestantism," is just a long-winded way of saying "I'm Wrong."


[quote=Blade_Runner


1.Even a cursory reading of the New Testament will reveal that the Catholic Church does not have its origin in the teachings of Jesus or His apostles.

2. In the New Testament, there is no mention of the papacy, worship/adoration of Mary (or the immaculate conception of Mary, the perpetual virginity of Mary, the assumption of Mary, or Mary as co-redemptrix and mediatrix), petitioning saints in heaven for their prayers, apostolic succession, the ordinances of the church functioning as sacraments, infant baptism, confession of sin to a priest, purgatory, indulgences, or the equal authority of church tradition and Scripture.

3. So, if the origin of the Catholic Church is not in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, what is the true origin of the Catholic Church?

4. For the first 280 years of Christian history, Christianity was banned by the Roman Empire, and Christians were terribly persecuted.

5. This changed after the “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Constantine provided religious toleration with the Edict of Milan in AD 313, effectively lifting the ban on Christianity. Later, in AD 325, Constantine called the Council of Nicea in an attempt to unify Christianity.

6. Constantine envisioned Christianity as a religion that could unite the Roman Empire, which at that time was beginning to fragment and divide. While this may have seemed to be a positive development for the Christian church, the results were anything but positive.

7.Just as Constantine refused to fully embrace the Christian faith, but continued many of his pagan beliefs and practices, so the Christian church that Constantine promoted was a mixture of true Christianity and Roman paganism.[/quote]

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

Doc, you get upset so easily, I don't hate any Christian no matter what "qualifier" they put "before" the word Christian. Just think you're stuck on your church teachings and traditions more than the teachings of Jesus. Which means you are serving and worshiping the wrong thing. That's all.

It doesn't help that Francis is loony tunes and getting worse every day. He is going to rewrite the Lord's Prayer now ... that's a lot of gall... seems to imply he is ABOVE... Jesus... doesn't it? Seems to me he is deluded or insane and might proclaim he is "God" any day. Maybe the Pope is possessed and needs a exorcism. More and more priest are accusing him of heresy you know, and no matter how insane Francis is, he knows how to play church politics doesn't he, or is he being controlled by the Jesuit black pope?

Doc you need to take a red pill and wake up. The Catholic church, like any organization, it's made up of good and bad flawed people. The bad people just seem to be winning at the moment and your church really needs another reformation where it's about Jesus and not the Catholic Church.

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

The Shah was our puppet. That's why they got rid of him.

Doc110 Loc: York PA

Not upset at all weewee,

Calling it as I see'm

Now your speaking religious ignorance, with no facts to backup your idiot assertive claims.

Same old rhetoric . . . reread the scriptures see if Jesus's message, faith in your church has changed from his original words in the 4 gospels and in Acts of the Apostles, have changed. . .


Don't really care about the Pope, don't like his style.


When you say the "Our Father" there is a translation problem, Iv'e always said this myself.


If he can get a more accurate translation to Jesus's words, so be it. Big deal, now your talking nonsense.


Just remember that Catholic Church has been around for 1,986 One thousand, nine hundred, and eighty six years and it's teaching on Jesus hasen't changed yet.

Unlike your Protestant churches over 33,000 denominations and still deciding and dividing on e.g.
Abortion,
Contraception,
the Death penalty,
Marriage,
Women priests,
Gay priests,
War. . . . etc. etc. etc.


weewee take a blue pill and you wake up.

"Protestantism," is just a long-winded way of saying "I'm Wrong."

Critics come and go, you haven't made any difference on the OPP Forum, just conjecture and rhetoric, a passing of wind.

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

The people of Iran are mostly Shiite and secular, just like the Syrian leadership. Its a confounding thing when the government has been altered from the will of the people as it was when the CIA took out their elected leader and subed in the Shah.

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

Wow, you speak for everyone on OPP, you're starting to sound like the Pope. The red pill means you want the truth, a blue pill means you buy the propaganda which seems to mean I want you to see the truth and you want me to believe lies.

Keep hiding behind your so called superior knowledge and religious traditions which prevent you from seeing the simple truth of scripture without having it translated by the powerful rich elite who corrupt and monetize everything. Also, my Christian faith predates your catholic church faith and every other protestant sect because it's all and only based on Jesus.

Wish we could have found some common ground.