Firstly, thanks for the youtube links.
I’m totally aware of Khomeini’s history in Iran as well as his exile in Iraq and later France. The history of that region is & has been an area of interest. Also, know and have known several Lebanese-Christians over the last 30 years, which has been helpful to understand their views regarding matters in Lebanon.
In relation to Lebanon’s history, it’s been a dog’s breakfast, even prior to 1975 start of civil war. Wars between various groups (Secular, Druze, different Christians denominations, Muslims sects, and various foreign groups), and shifting alliances, dating back to 1950s and 1960s.
Not to oversimplify, the influx of Palestinians from various nearby lands including Israel, and later Jordan into Lebanon did contribute significantly to 1975 civil war. Hence, the ground was prepared for further turmoil. Khomeini only added to it, from a shia angle, after 1980. Actually, Khomeini’s best buddy was PLO’s Yasser Arafat and his thugs.
What Mattis has to say is not new. Iran was singled out as “the biggest sponsor of state terrorism” a long time ago.
George W Bush named Iran, Iraq and Syria as “the axis of evil”, remember? Yet, GWB did his best to protect his Saudi friends post-9/11. Actually, it wasn’t only GWB, but also Obama - both bowing to the Saudi king. So, now, we’ve a continuation of the same foreign policy. Saddam is gone, Obama tried to get rid of Assad, and we hear the same beating of drums for Iran now.
IOW, I am not confident that we’ll get rid of global ‘Extreme Islamic Terrorism’ (aka ISIS & AQ), because the real & main culprits behind them are ‘allies’ of the US.
It’s not because the regime in Iran is ideal from my perspective, but because the alternative through an invasion by ‘foreign elements’ will be both catastrophic for Iranians in general as well as the region.
I just want to stuff them all back into the Middle East and then, get the heck out. If we have energy independence and lower oil prices, that should reduce Saudi’s ability to finance their terrorists. Eventually, if we stay out, the people over there might just take care of the house of Saud.
I remember when Iran was a rather modern country, and the people seemed to like America. IIRC, the Shah wanted better terms for Iran when it came to renew the lease on the oil. Carter had other ideas, and also wanted his buddies to get the lease. The USA played a part in bringing down the Shah, and returning the exiled Ayatollah, it’s pretty sad.
I don’t have any sympathy for the Mullahs of Iran, nor the Princes of Saudi Arabia. If they all disappeared tomorrow, it would be fine with me.