I know about the CIA/MI6 backed coup in ‘53. I think it definitely led to the revolution, but I also feel that revolution was co-opted by autocratic religious extremists.

I think the crackdowns during the protests that came in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s murder support my view that they’re autocratic. They have taken no concrete steps to improve women’s rights, and any and all presidential candidates must be approved by the Ayatollah so they’re really just controlled opposition at best.

Don’t interpret any of this as saying the US has any moral high ground to stand on, because what bits of American policy I have been proud of are rapidly evaporating.

While I agree with him in this specific context, I don’t find Khamenei intelligent or honorable either, which is why I said what I said.

I was not happy when Trump unilaterally pulled out of the deal; I have wondered if Hamas’ October 7th attack even happens if rapprochement with Iran continued rather than what ended up happening, but I am also not convinced Iranian leadership was much interested in changing much beyond getting sanctions relief. US actions aren’t the reason why they’re oppressive to women and LGBT folks or why they’re supplying arms to Russia in aid of their invasion of Ukraine. Maybe the latter would be different if Russia wasn’t one of their only options for trading partners, it’s tough to say.

Agreed on all points

I didn’t advocate for any of that. All I did was point out Iran’s leadership also sucks.

Finally found that period key, nice work!

I’m a socialist but go off.

Did the supreme leader steal your punctuation keys? You’re clearly trolling, enjoy your imminent ban.

lol, ok.

According to the constitution (Article 111), the Assembly of Experts is tasked with electing (following Ayatollah Khomeini), supervising, and dismissing the Supreme Leader. In practice, the Assembly has never been known to challenge or otherwise publicly oversee any of the Supreme Leader’s decisions[20] (all of its meetings and notes are strictly confidential).[21] Members of the Assembly are chosen by bodies (the Guardian Council) whose members are appointed by the Supreme Leader or appointed by an individual (Chief Justice of Iran) appointed by the Supreme Leader.

Just elected by a Guardian council that is in turn either appointed by the supreme leader or the Chief justice who is also appointed by the supreme leader. Pretty clearly a circular relationship. Nice name calling, though.

I know. That doesn’t change the fact that Khamenei is an oppressive autocrat, and power ultimately doesn’t preside with the presidency there.

Yeah. At the same time, pot meet kettle

If they encircle a bunch of Russian troops I will laugh my ass off

Yeah. Why are people upvoting something that doesn’t even apply to the story?

I used to party occasionally with the women’s rugby team at my college; one of my roommates was on the men’s team. I’d say at least 75% of the women’s team were gay. Once they realized we were alright and not there to be creeps, it was a real good time. People who play rugby are nuts. The men’s team was actually thrown off campus the year after I graduated for accidentally starting a riot. Ugh, I miss college.