A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Gulf. Photo: REUTERS file
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U.S. to sanction 5 nations, including Japan, if they import Iranian oil

98 Comments
By MATTHEW LEE

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98 Comments
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Good. Iran is a North Korea in Middle East. As long as Iran continues to develop Nuclear power, Japan should abstain from buying oil from Iran.

-27 ( +17 / -44 )

Would someone please shut Trump up! Playing with American interests abroad is not a game, the crap he is saying and forcing on the world will affect the lives of millions of people who have nothing to do with the US.

Sanctioning countries, is not the path of diplomacy. Trump is leading the world to conflict and he doesnt give a damn about the consequences!

24 ( +40 / -16 )

Trump and Pompeo should make an exception for Japan . Japan is still getting nuclear reactors online, so will continue to rely on oil. Furthermore, Japan has always had good relations with Iran unlike USA and Western Nations. Japan needs reliable oil supply to keep industry ticking along.

-13 ( +15 / -28 )

Japan needs reliable oil supply to keep industry ticking along.

The U.S. is now the number 1 exporter of petrol in the world. Very shrewd move on the U.S. side.

The administration will just make sure Japan gets all the oil it needs as long as they stop buying crude from the Iranian war mongers.

-12 ( +10 / -22 )

So where do we buy it from now?

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Sanctioning countries, is not the path of diplomacy. 

Has nothing to do with Trump. Say that to the last 5 Presidents, Left or Right.

9 ( +18 / -9 )

Bibi Netanyahu hijacking America once again and imposing Israel’s agenda on it. A disgrace!

25 ( +33 / -8 )

 As long as Iran continues to develop Nuclear power, 

Nothing wrong with developing nuclear power! Problem is developing nuclear weapons!

Not all countries that have nuclear power develop them, and the problem with Iran is that they want the weapons too!

0 ( +11 / -11 )

I remember when the Japanese government permitted companies to import virgin hardwood timber from Cambodia cut by the Khmer Rouge. They got the timber so cheap it was being used for concrete foundation forming. It took a concerted effort from GreenPeace and other international organizations to embarrass the Japanese government to haul hardwood timber imports from Cambodia. It looks like the same situation will unfold with the current Iranian oil...

1 ( +9 / -8 )

So this is the gift that Trump is sending to mark the beginning of Reiwa. He had better cancel his trip to Japan for the G20 meeting and meeting the Emperor. He will not be well liked here.

8 ( +14 / -6 )

Iran is correct in that US sanctions are not based on any legal issue. Iran continues to comply with the agreement reached by the countries that negotiated it in good faith, including the US. Trumps actions set precedents for China to also use sanctions against nations to get what it desires politically. Trump is a fool.

The world should boycott all US trade for 30 days to show what can happen if it keeps up with its anti trade actions. It would also send a message to China not to try the same tactics in the future.

23 ( +26 / -3 )

Japan needs reliable oil supply to keep industry ticking along

By Japanese leaders continuing the nation's reliance on foreign oil to keep industry going, Japan remains reliant on the US, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brunei and other states.

One of the best ways for Japan to break chains of reliance on the globe's oil producers is to speed up development of alternatives to burning so much oil and gas - and coal.

And get forward looking leaders who can see beyond burning huge amounts of oil, gas and coal to keep industry going.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Saudi Arabia and Israel have the US in their pockets.

22 ( +24 / -2 )

China, SK, and Japan should collectively call the US' bluff on this.

19 ( +20 / -1 )

I think Japan stopped importing Iranian oil September of last year due to these coming sanctions unilaterally imposed by America

Correct, western alliance members have known and dealt with this for years and so for countries like Japan, this move (which is simply a revision of past mistake by the Obama administration) won't have any adverse material effect.

Is this even news?

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Trump is playing a very dangerous game, and he's just upped the stakes

14 ( +17 / -3 )

Trump is leading the world to conflict and he doesnt give a damn about the consequences!

Unscrupulous rich people often make a great deal of money during periods of global conflict...

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Trump is trying to strong-arm half of the worlds major players. This can potentially backfire on him in the big way. He also needs to get it out of his head that the world doesn't revolve around the United States.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Yes, seriously. Iran has been funding, if not participating covertly in ALL conflicts in the middle east and Persian Gulf. If it wasn't for the fact the world economy is highly dependent on fossil fuel, the western world would have probably let the Arabs sort out their own differences.

Also as you already know, IS has funding and support that traces back to Iran also.

Finally, do you really prefer sanctions over war? Another conflict? If it wasn't for tge US, tge Saudis would have had an all out war with Iran by now. Are you prepared for that?

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

@Aly R - Trump is playing a very dangerous game, and he's just upped the stakes

What stakes is that?

So when countries defend their interest by declaring war on the aggrieved counter party people say isn't there an alternative?

When sanctions is proposed as an alternative to war, it's still not good enough?

Then what is? Let the world run on who can cause the most chaos?

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Question. Where are the sanctions on the Saudis exactly? A journalist was brutally murdered. Where's justice for him? The hypocrisy and selective amnesia trumpo addicts and reactionary lefties have is mind numbingly disgusting. This action amounts to a declaration of war and all you can do is continue to mindlessly regurgitate already prepared talking points. Damn disgusting shame!!

9 ( +11 / -2 )

He also needs to get it out of his head that the world doesn't revolve around the United States.

Not just Trump. The USA has about 300 million people who think that. That's what's dangerous.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

So which, in reality, are the outlaw nations in the Middle East that destabilise the area?

There is one nation in the area that has already produced nuclear weapons and builds illegal settlements in a neighbouring country. Another drops American-made bombs on Yemen, which is the nation that the majority of 911 terrorists came from.

Of course, the country that does most to destabilise the Middle East is the US itself.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

When sanctions is proposed as an alternative to war, it's still not good enough?

Are you saying the alternative to sanctions on China, Japan, South Korea, Turkey would be for the US to go to war with those nations? Silly proposition. If the US wants to sanction Iran that's one thing. For the US to expect the world to do as it says when it says to, that's an attempt to override the sovereign rights of all nations.

Great way to make America everyone's enemy.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

@Wallace

Question. Where are the sanctions on the Saudis exactly? A journalist was brutally murdered. Where's justice for him? The hypocrisy and selective amnesia trumpo addicts and reactionary lefties have is mind numbingly disgusting. This action amounts to a declaration of war and all you can do is continue to mindlessly regurgitate already prepared talking points. Damn disgusting shame!!

Unfortunately that's the majority of people everywhere. So many people seem to lack basic critical thinking skills, Darwin would be rolling in his grave...

 For the US to expect the world to do as it says when it says to, that's an attempt to override the sovereign rights of all nations.

Great way to make America everyone's enemy.

This, exactly this. America has some sort of hero complex. They seriously can't just let people work things out themselves. If I seem to recall, all of this huffing and puffing is just based on what Trump thinks, absolutely no evidence. The nuclear deal, which saw Iran stopping its enrichment of uranium, and was praised across the world as the step towards deescalating tensions in the region was halted by Trump. The entire current situation over there was started by him in the first place..

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Or Japan can reduce it's tax on gas which is nearly 50% of the total price.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

So which, in reality, are the outlaw nations in the Middle East that destabilise the area?

Rhetorical much?

You already knew they are all competing to dominate in the trade of their most treasured asset, OIL. The problem is the middles east has lots of oil. The only question is, can the world sit back and let them destroy each other? No.

Then it leads to taking sides, alliance, what ever you want to call it. You seriously want the world to choose Iran? Sigh....it's buckets of smelly stuff, we just happen to choose the less smelly bucket, it doesn't mean the othe bucket is not smelly.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

The nuclear deal, which saw Iran stopping its enrichment of uranium, and was praised across the world as the step towards deescalating tensions in the region was halted by Trump. The entire current situation over there was started by him in the first place..

Where did you get this from?

The Iran deal incorporates nuke but that is not the objective overall. The objective overall is to get Iran to participate in rather than cause chaos to the world economy. It didn't do that, nor did it stop developing complementary nuke tech. The Iran deal is but one of many Obama mistakes. World affairs does not ride on popularity, it rides on concrete actions.

Take Syria as another example, had Obama committed troops when chemical weapons were first deployed like he threatened he would, IS and Iranian backed agitators would not have moved in.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Again,.

Iran sells the oil to Iraq without tax or control, and those "nations" are buying from Iraq, same oil for higher price and paperwork will say "Iraq" as the source..

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The gas tax is only 2% of total taxes probably should be increased to discourage its use.

I like your thinking....but easier said than done.

The carbon situation illustrates this beatifully, every country wants to save the world, but no country wants to do it alone.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Draconian, extraterritorial measures taken by the United States of American in order to comply with the handlers in Occupied Jerusalem.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

So America has shut down the ability to buy oil from Iran, Syria, Libya and Venezuela, only leaving a primary choice of an oppressive, murdering Saudi kings or a secondary US

market. All this, while avoiding any real focus on developing alternative energies.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Sh1mon M4sada

What stakes is that?

The stakes that can lead to US isolation and confrontation

So when countries defend their interest by declaring war on the aggrieved counter party people say isn't there an alternative?

What makes you think those sanctions will not lead to war?

When sanctions is proposed as an alternative to war, it's still not good enough?

Again, What makes you think those sanctions will not lead to war?

Then what is? Let the world run on who can cause the most chaos?

Isn't that EXACTLY what we are doing by letting Trump run amok?

And finally, the most ridiculous comment of all:

Also as you already know, IS has funding and support that traces back to Iran also.

Really? Where's your proof?

First of all, there is NO WAY that Iran will fund IS. IS is a Wahabi Branch of Sunni Islam. Iran is Shia. There are 2 countries in the whole world that have Wahabism as their official religion: one is Saudi Arabia and the other is Qatar. Qatar has no connection to IS. IS is funded by the Saudis. Anyone who knows ANYTHING about the middle east would know that Iran does not fund IS. They are on opposite sides. They are enemies. Wahabism and Shia.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Why Iran? Why not Saudi Arabia?

Arguably, Saudi Arabia (not the people, but the upper echelons) has a far bigger, significant & devastating role in propagating their hateful, divisive & destructive brand of Islam (read: Terrorism).

Pretty much obvious isn't it. Two big lobbies behind Murica, & their double standard.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Ohhh Business again...

3 years back Saudi Arabia had no. 1 oil production, then Russia and Iran.

Now, The U.S. is now the number 1 exporter of petrol in the world. 

USA stop every one to buy from Iran, result increase oil price and start selling to earn more USD.

So, Trump just confirming USA oil business in higher rate, nothing else.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

philly1Today  08:34 am JST

Unscrupulous rich people often make a great deal of money during periods of global conflict...

Yep.  

All of this news about Iran, supposedly U.S. nuclear policy over another sovereign nation, but haven't heard a peep in the thread about how the U.S. Big-0il, Military Industrial Complex is also similarly trying to further destabilize, isolate, and eventually move into Venezuela, the single largest source of oil — on which the the American dollar and its .01% oligarchy feed.  

But the empire is crumbling at a rapid pace. It appears the 1962 Cuban Missile crisis, and Kennedy's justification based on The Monroe Doctrine, are now just history. Just in the last couple of days, two nuclear capable Russian White Swans (Tupolev Tu-160s) are now engaged in war games with Venezuela — and I say more power to 'em.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Oops ... a few months off on the war games, but the principle stands.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Dummies guide to the axis of evil.

there are 3 main countries.

Run with an iron fist by privileged royalty that have oil flowing out of golden bath taps. Sheep and goats have great human rights, equal or better than women. Expertise: sponsoring radical Islam and terrorism, controlling oil prices and blowing Yemen to bits.

Modeled on South Africa, they believe they are gods chosen people higher than any other human. Expertise: stealing land, killing, maiming and imprisioning civilians, war mongering, regional destabilization, threatening nuclear war, numerous U.N. resolutions, disregard for international law and interference in USA elections and foreign and fiscal policies.

A melting pot of radical Christianity, capitalist greed, world destabilization and both internal and external human rights abuse. Speciality: sanctions followed by destruction of sovereign nations, control of the U.N., arms dealing, drug consumption, using genocidal biological weapons and guns to steal land from natives, nurturing white supremacy and incaserating masses of minorties, invasion of sovereign countries, regime change, financing arming and supporting terrorism, world market manipulation, preventing worldwide cheap medicine, blackmail, unilateralism, corruption, sexual abuse, child poverty, gun violence, discrination, use of nuclear weapons in war and peace times, control of internet and social media, and the believe that a massive world war will come with the second coming and all christians will go to heaven.

sorry, forgot the names of these 3 countries.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

USA dictatorship on whole world

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Yubaru:

Not all countries that have nuclear power develop them, and the problem with Iran is that they want the weapons too!

Exactly. Having Nuclear weapons in the hands of the country which has repeatedly called for the annihilation of a neighboring country is not a good idea.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Not all countries that have nuclear power develop them, and the problem with Iran is that they want the weapons too

The only country to have ever used nuclear weapons still holds the largest stock pile of them.

Seems US isn't afraid to show her hypocrisy anymore, as most of the people here already commented if these sanctions were really for the world's peace why Saudis and Israel isn't in the list.

This is what happens when you have a uni polar world, there is no one to stop the world's bully.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Oil is the bloodline of any economy, every consumer goods use petroleum products we take for granted. WW2 started when oil exports was cut off from Japan.

The same tactics was used on Iraq and Saddam Hussein, create hysteria, no 'WMD' all was a scare tactics to steal Iraqi people's oil. Makes you wonder where all that Shale Oil revenuesis mysteriously coming from suddenly

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Aly

Actually your wrong, Qatar and Turkey does fund IS and the now defunct MB

There was a Japanese report on it

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Really? Where's your proof?

Seriously? When was the last time geopolitics manouevering was proof based. Iran, as with any other nation reacts to developments.

Now despite outward expression of wanting to defeat IS, did Iran join P5 in Paris when invited? No.

Remember also when Iran Deputy FM Amir Abdollahian declared IS posed no threat to Iran? Google it.

I am not saying Iran/IS is concretely, resolutely, permanently friendly, I am saying Iran will do and react to what ever is the latest development to further its own interest, including back channel funding of IS when it suits them. How did you think those Chinese made assault rifles get to IS when China said it didn't sell them to IS?

The adage, the enemy of my enemy...there are lots of enemies in the middle east.

As for religious differences, as you know Iran is a country of minorities, and religion is but another tool for the ruling elites, policiespolicies aren't set in stone, and they change regularly, just look at the pendulum of Iran/Iraq relationship. IMHO, your narrative is derived from the PR machine, but real machinations are derived from pragmatic flexibility, what the US is asking of its allies atm.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Yet only one of the five countries has a leader that endlessly sucks up to Trump. Sad.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Why Iran? Why not Saudi Arabia?

You want to deliver bananas on a bicycle and move the western world into a new era? Banana republic is a nice name for it.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

What makes you think those sanctions will not lead to war?

It's not 'think' is it? It was initiated in lieu of war, and it remained so.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

@osaka. The U.N. is in New York. America decides who can get a visa. As they pay the most they feel it is theirs. They veto anything against their or Israel’s interests.it was started as The League of Nations after the worldwide devastation of WW2. Google USA and Jewish deaths combined. Google Russian deaths. The world is polarizing to America vs China and Russia with EU stuck in the middle. You are right, UN needs reform and more power.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Trump would NEVER sanction Japan. He is coming here with a plane load of waivers for trade and billions to help sumo.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The Americans might find the Japanese a soft touch with this dictate, but good luck in telling the Chinese where to import their oil.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Many countries wish to develop nuclear weapons, may be Iran too.

But historically only USA used that nuclear weapons to human being.

So, who is tread for humanity???

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Also as you already know, IS has funding and support that traces back to Iran also.

This is incorrect: IS has been funded by our "allies" Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Why would a shia muslim country like Iran fund IS when IS (and the Saudis) see shia muslims as heretics who must be killed? Iran has been helping Assad fight IS in Syria.

If we are going to impose oil embargoes on Iran then we should also impose them on Saudi Arabia, a country that also supports international terrorism. I hope other countries will ignore the US and its biased, incoherent foreign policy. The US share of global GDP is declining and I see no need to take any notice of anything half-witted, corrupt US politicians say.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Trump's world/approach is all about 'energy independence'. Countries who depend on others for oil/energy are playing a very dangerous game (and are -unfortunately- losing vs Trump, oil rich nations etc). They need to unite and turn the tables.

All the more reason for europe, japan & co to invest in other energy sources (tidal, wind & other 'clean' energies etc but also nuclear, natural gas etc).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Americans might find the Japanese a soft touch with this dictate, but good luck in telling the Chinese where to import their oil.

Yes +1, in fact some in the industry is saying this could be a mistake because it can force the Chinese to double down on their $50 billion loan to Venezuela and actually barter even more in the form of upgrade to Venezuela's oil production capability.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Has nothing to do with Trump. Say that to the last 5 Presidents, Left or Right.

It has all to do with Israel, which has had a strangle hold on Trump and all past presidents since at least WWII (except perhaps JFK).

If I seem to recall, all of this huffing and puffing is just based on what Trump thinks, absolutely no evidence. The nuclear deal, which saw Iran stopping its enrichment of uranium, and was praised across the world as the step towards deescalating tensions in the region was halted by Trump. The entire current situation over there was started by him in the first place..

Oh no, these are not Trump's thoughts. He is told what to say.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Seriously? When was the last time geopolitics manouevering was proof based. Iran, as with any other nation reacts to developments.

so you are saying you don't need proof? Look, I've explained it to you. Iran is Shia Islam. IS is Sunni Islam. if you can't understand that basic concept you have no place commenting on the conflicts in the middle east AT ALL

7 ( +7 / -0 )

What makes you think those sanctions will not lead to war?

It's not 'think' is it? It was initiated in lieu of war, and it remained so.

That's ridiculous. It was initiated in lieu of PEACE. The one Obama brokered with the blessing and approval of the WHOLE WORLD. These sanctions, alongside designating the Republican guard as a terrorist organization makes war MUCH closer. After all, isn't the US launching a war on terror? Then that gives the US administration a reason to strike Iran now.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Remember also when Iran Deputy FM Amir Abdollahian declared IS posed no threat to Iran? Google it.

Of course they don't pose a threat to Iran. Iran has a population of 81,672,300. AND ISIS was busy fighting in both Iraq and Syria. Of course they don't pose a threat! DUH!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"The goal remains simply: To deprive the outlaw regime of the funds that it has used to destabilize the Middle East for decades and incentivize Iran to behave like a normal country," Pompeo told reporters at the State Department.

In turn, Japan and all other countries must deprive the outlaw regime in Washington the support and trade it has used to destabilise the world for decades and incentivize the US to behave like a normal country.

Currently, it's reverted to it's 80s nostalgic Great Satan guise.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Kenji Fujimori

Aly

Actually your wrong, Qatar and Turkey does fund IS and the now defunct MB

Yes, I know, but the Japanese report got it wrong. Qatar funded the Nusra Front which was allied with Al Qaeda. There was also alot of overlap between the 2 not to mention that IS was originally allied with Al Qaeda and was called Al Qaeda in Iraq- although it functioned completely separately. The split happened when Ayman al-Zawahiri tried to consolidate power and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi decided he wasn't about to let that happen. Its easy to conflate the 2 even though they are bitter rivals. But Qatar never supported IS, and

There was a Japanese report on it

the US state department has come out and said in public that Qatar does not sponsor terrorism. Turkey is a different story. Their role isn't very clear- although you are right in that their activity in the region is very dodgy.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Ally

Qatar bankrolled MB and Isis, Aljazeera is they're propaganda machine for pro MB content and luckily they're crushed. Regarding IS

Was made by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNha3nabZeI

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Aljazeera is they're propaganda machine for pro MB content

And yet they run critical articles about him on a regular basis. How odd.

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/unsuccessful-whitewashing-mbs-image-peacemaker-181216145721202.html

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Qatar bankrolled MB and Isis, Aljazeera is they're propaganda machine for pro MB content and luckily they're crushed.

Kenji, the US state department itself has come out and said that Qatar doesn't support terrorism. Iran hasn't said it either. The only people who claim that it has are Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt- NONE of which are reliable sources.

Regarding IS

> Was made by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNha3nabZeI

Kenji, you and I both know that this video was made after the fall of Mosul to ISIS and this was a response to ISIS gaining territory and Obama talking about what to do about that.

Obama talked about creating a force to combat ISIS. That's what he meant by ISIL force. That eventually became the Kurdish Mlitias which helped the US oust ISIS.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

And yet they run critical articles about him on a regular basis. How odd.

I actually couldn't figure out what Kenji was talking about when he mentioned MB..MBS??

Excellent point Heretic. The idea that the Qataris can bankroll Saudi Arabia is just laughable. That's like saying Canada is going to bankroll the US. Saudi Arabia is FAR MORE rich than Qatar- not to mention that MBS is trying to crush Al Jazeera itself. One of the stipulations for lifting the blockade on Qatar imposted by Saudi Arabia was the closing down of Al Jazeera- which fortunately never happened.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Raw Beer

Has nothing to do with Trump. Say that to the last 5 Presidents, Left or Right.

It has all to do with Israel, which has had a strangle hold on Trump and all past presidents since at least WWII (except perhaps JFK).

I don't usually see eye to eye with you sir, but you are spot on here

4 ( +5 / -1 )

 It was initiated in lieu of PEACE. The one Obama brokered with the blessing and approval of the WHOLE WORLD

LOL, did it achieve peace? NO. Did regional stability improve? No, it got worse, much worse.

So the whole world supported instability and conflict (ie the actual, on the ground result), well congratulation to the world and Obama then.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

One year and nine months until the return to sanity in the White House.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Of course they don't pose a threat to Iran. Iran has a population of 81,672,300. AND ISIS was busy fighting in both Iraq and Syria. Of course they don't pose a threat! DUH!

Are you dismissing your own theory about the religious conflict between IS and Iran now?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

LOL, did it achieve peace? NO. Did regional stability improve? No, it got worse, much worse.

Iran was complying with the deal. EVERYONE knows that. Only YOU and TRUMP disagree.

So the whole world supported instability and conflict (ie the actual, on the ground result), well congratulation to the world and Obama then.

Oh sure. Because YOU and TRUMP support STABILITY?? What a joke!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Of course they don't pose a threat to Iran. Iran has a population of 81,672,300. AND ISIS was busy fighting in both Iraq and Syria. Of course they don't pose a threat! DUH!

Are you dismissing your own theory about the religious conflict between IS and Iran now?

NO. I'm saying that a ragtag militia don't pose a threat to a nation of 81,672,300 GENIUS.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Iran was complying with the deal

Lol, keeping your gun in your holster whilst paying thugs to do your dirty work is 'complying', sure, but what's more important, peace and stability or compliance?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

NO. I'm saying that a ragtag militia don't pose a threat to a nation of 81,672,300 GENIUS

Professor, it was you who tried to convince me that because of the religious conflict between Iran and IS that it's not possible for Iran to be flexibly pragmatic in its dealings.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

enji, you and I both know that this video was made after the fall of Mosul to ISIS and this was a response to ISIS gaining territory and Obama talking about what to do about that.

Obama talked about creating a force to combat ISIS. That's what he meant by ISIL force. That eventually became the Kurdish Mlitias which helped the US oust ISIS.

Yeah because American news sources are always reliable honest and wholesome, just like WMD, Y2K, and every other fallacies

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Lol, keeping your gun in your holster whilst paying thugs to do your dirty work is 'complying', sure, but what's more important, peace and stability or compliance?

You call what Trump is doing now peace and stability??? Calling the Irainian republican guard terrorists while the US is in a war against terror peace and stability? Are you serious??

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Professor, it was you who tried to convince me that because of the religious conflict between Iran and IS that it's not possible for Iran to be flexibly pragmatic in its dealings.

Obviously you were asleep during the lecture. Let me explain it to you again: Iran is Shia Islam. IS is Sunni Islam. Sunni and Shia don't like each other. SO Iran and IS don't like each other. Still with me?

Now, IS doesn't pose a threat to Iran. Why? Because IS is a vigilante group and Iran is a very big country with many weapons. They still hate each other but because Iran is big and strong and IS isn't as big and strong, IS is not a threat to Iran. Do you understand?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yeah because American news sources are always reliable honest and wholesome, just like WMD, Y2K, and every other fallacies

Kenji, if you want to believe that the President of the US created a terrorist group go ahead. If you want to believe that Obama wasn't born in the US go ahead. If you want to believe he is a Muslim go ahead.

I don't subscribe to crazy Alex Jones conspiracy theories. I don't.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Kenji, if you want to believe that the President of the US created a terrorist group go ahead.

You might want to rethink that.

Emmanuel Razavi: First of all, please refresh our memories about what operation Timber Sycamore is.

**Maxime Chaix*: Timber Sycamore* is the codename of a covert operation officially authorized by Obama in June 2013 to train and equip the anti-Assad rebellion, but which actually started in October 2011, when the CIA was operating via Britain’s MI6 to avoid having to notify Congressthat it was arming the rebels in Syria. Originally, the CIA and MI6 (the British foreign intelligence service) set up a rebel arms supply network in Syria from Libya — a plan that involved the Saudi, Qatari and Turkish intelligence services.

“I don't subscribe to crazy Alex Jones conspiracy theories. I don't.”

Ok, then how about a French journalist

ER: What concrete evidence do you have to show that US intelligence services have provided support to jihadist militias in Syria?

MC: The coordination role that the Agency signed off on in the fall of 2011 is now a proven fact, as we know that it was belatedly confirmed in June 2018 by Ben Rhodes, Obama’s chief adviser from 2009 to 2017. During the interview in question, Rhodes argued that the blacklisting of al-Nusra Front on the State Department’s list of terrorist organizations in December 2012 was a “schizophrenic” move, since it was obvious that the jihadist militia was a “big chunk” of the anti-Assad opposition, as he put it in his own words. During that interview, journalist Mehdi Hasan not only elicited from him that the CIA had played a coordinating role in this vast arms trade, but also that US involvement in this shadow war had been much greater than we thought.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

*Maxime Chaix***:*** Timber Sycamore is the codename of a covert operation officially authorized by Obama in June 2013 to train and equip the anti-Assad rebellion, but which actually started in October 2011, when the CIA was operating via Britain’s MI6 to avoid having to notify Congressthat it was arming the rebels in Syria.*

In the beginning of the revolution, the rebels were part of the FSA- the free syrian army. they were not terrorists. The terrorists came later after the FSA disbanded due to lack of support from anyone. That right there is the real tragedy.

The coordination role that the Agency signed off on in the fall of 2011 is now a proven fact, as we know that it was belatedly confirmed in June 2018 by Ben Rhodes, Obama’s chief adviser from 2009 to 2017.

Again see above comment

0 ( +2 / -2 )

However, since you mention Ben Rhodes, here is what he has to say about the Iran deal which trump wants to blow up (which is what this article is about in the first place ,NOT Syria)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJYZaI1eYGw

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Japan, and all countries, need to speed up their production of green energy.

Given its location over the rim of fire, Japan could develop its geothermal potential much more than it has. Currently, Japan has a capacity of about 540 MW of geothermal energy. California, by comparison, currently produces about 2700 MW of electricity from geothermal sources, about 5% of all the electrical energy used in the state.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

The only country to have ever used nuclear weapons still holds the largest stock pile of them.

Russia is well documented as having the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons. They have never used them in anger.

The US is a few thousand nukes behind Russian numbers in nukes. People should fact check before posting.

https://www.icanw.org/the-facts/nuclear-arsenals/

How many nuclear weapons are there in the world?

COUNTRYNUCLEAR PROGRAMMESIZE OF ARSENAL

United StatesThe first country to develop nuclear weapons and the only country to have used them in war. It spends more on its nuclear arsenal than all other countries combined. 6,450 warheads

RussiaThe second country to develop nuclear weapons. It has the largest arsenal of any country and is investing heavily in the modernization of its warheads and delivery systems. 6,850 warheads

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The US is about the knife China, India, Japan, Korea and Turkey in the back! Where are they going to get the oil on which their economies need to function? This is not about preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons but American domination of the world. What happens when nations are pushed back into the corner?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

This is what happens when the incompetent are put in charge of a major super power.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

If they do so, it is probably against WTO rules.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Like it or not the fact is that we are all under the oppressive self centered power grabbers of USRAEL. Money and war mongering keeps them on the top of the chain of the international political terror.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I wonder what American people are thinking. I mean, you see on daily basis protests in Europe against this or that, but I don't remember to have seen any important anti-Trump manifestation, despite all the crap he is doing. Do Americans love to send their young men and women to war just to protect the elite interests? Americans must wake up, because Trump is really bringing their Country in a dangerous path. If they don't care about people in the Countries "bullied" by the U.S., they should care about themselves at least.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The way of thinking of many:

Iraq= evil

Saudi Arabi= wonderful country encouraging democracy

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Yes! EXCELLENT POLICY!! Let's punish our most loyal allies to appease our backstabbing psychopathic PARASITE who controls our political process through intimidation, blackmail, money, murder, and Big Lies. The end of empire and no empire dies quietly. Good luck, kids, your seniors are planning your military draft for when they finally figure out a way to directly attack Iran. It won't be long, given our horrific policies, before Americans are not welcome, OR SAFE, anywhere outside of America and, as we see, few guarantees anymore there either. Does the victim feel the mental illness slowly consuming them or does it just seem 'normal' as they (we) sink into induced psychosis? In America, murdering people for no reason has become...'normal'. How could America have become the World's leading proponent of GENOCIDE otherwise? AND, we choose to try to damage Japan's economy and push the Japanese to support our policies regardless of how they hurt the Japanese People. And cutting off OIL is how the Taiheiyosenso began. HANDS OFF Japan's oil supply!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Boycott Iranian oil, make the price of oil go up, and make Putin absolutely joyful. Over 50% of Russian exports are petroleum products. Without oil, Russia is flat broke. Once again, we are witnessing the Russian pawn in the White House do Putin's bidding.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Have they already asked to be an exception again?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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