[1rudeboy]

At one time, Iran was our friend, btw.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

Exactly. At times we were more friendly with China or Russia. Whatever served our purposes most. This is the realpolitik that Nixon/Kissinger were so famous for, that is loathed by the righteous neocons.

We were playing the Iraqis against the Iranians and vice-versa. They were both no doubt playing us.

It's ugly and its immoral, if done by individuals, but seems to be the only way for nations to survive in a world full of lying self-serving bastards.