"And Iran... Iran so far away..."
The US's relationship with Iran is in shambles - much like Flock of Seagulls hair in the 1980s. In 2000, I recommended strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Russia as a way to ameliorate tensions with Iran. Did anyone listen? N-O. Why Russia you ask? Russia is a key trading partner with Iran. Russia already provides Iran with much of its nuclear power while Iran provides Russia with a substantial amount of oil. An imbecile could figure out why it behooves us to make nice with Russia, but that would explain why W hasn't sought to improve relations. Nukes. No Nukes. Enriched Uranium. No Enriched Uranium. Who the hell knows what is going on! The CIA better get their asses in gear... Ah, J-Lo's ass...nice image...

Aside from our current diplomatic crisis, I feel sorry the state of politics in Iran. You have your Supreme Leader Khamenei, who is appointed by a council of uptight religious freaks, saying and doing radical things and causing a commotion; while at the same time you have your docile President Khatami, who is trying his best to be progressive and act in a way that moves Iran into the 21st century. Khatami may be overruled by Khamenei at any time, even though Khamenei was not elected by the Iranian public. Iran is not a backward state, but rather a state in transition (as far as Middle Eastern states are concerned). Women are allowed to hold elected office, drive, vote, attend university, and even wear jeans. Wearing jeans may not be so important, but when you are in a region where many women are confined to bee-keeper suits (as Bill Maher says), jeans are a big deal.
- posted by CosmoChica @ 8:46 PM