2025年12月27日星期六

誰能解決伊朗的許多問題？總統說，不是我。

在通貨膨脹居高不下、水和能源供應短缺以及與美國達成協議的前景黯淡的情況下，總統馬蘇德·佩澤什基安顯然已經束手無策。

誰能解決伊朗的許多問題？總統說，不是我。

在通貨膨脹居高不下、水和能源供應短缺以及與美國達成協議的前景黯淡的情況下，總統馬蘇德·佩澤什基安顯然已經束手無策。

收聽本文· 8:20 分鐘了解更多

美國襲擊伊朗核設施後，伊朗總統馬蘇德·佩澤什基安於6月在德黑蘭參加抗議活動。信用...阿拉什·卡穆什 (Arash Khamooshi) 為《紐約時報》撰稿

經過法爾納茲·法西希和萊莉·尼庫納扎爾

法爾納茲法西希 (Farnaz Fassihi) 三十年來一直報道伊朗，她在伊朗生活和旅行，並在中東生活了 15 年。

2025年12月18日

請用西班牙語閱讀

伊朗總統馬蘇德·佩澤什基安執政的第一年被形容為「災難之年」。這一年裡，盟友和高級指揮官遭到暗殺，以色列和美國發動空襲，核設施被摧毀，更不用說日益惡化的經濟以及持續不斷的能源和水資源短缺。

但如果伊朗人指望總統來解決問題，他會第一個說別費勁了。

佩澤什基安先生最近在一系列坦率得令人驚訝的公開演講中表示，伊朗正面臨無法克服的問題，而他已經沒有辦法解決這些問題了。

「如果有人能做某件事，那就一定要去做，」佩澤什基安先生在12月初對大學生和學者們說。 “我什麼都做不了；別怪我。”

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在與官員的會面中，他承認政府「陷入了困境，而且困境非常嚴重」。他還補充說：“從我們上任的第一天起，災難就接踵而至，而且一直沒有停止。”

他甚至表示，伊朗的問題是咎由自取——是腐敗、派系內鬥以及數十年來政府支出方式造成的，他稱這些支出方式是「瘋子才會做的事」——而不是美國或以色列的錯。

鏡頭拉遠，馬蘇德·佩澤什基安站在大廳的講台上講話，他身後是一面金色的牆和聯合國標誌。 — Mr. Pezeshkian addressing the United Nations in September.信用...Dave Sanders for The New York Times

「問題出在我們身上，」他在多次會議上都這樣說過，其中包括與學生的會議。

本月，佩澤什基安先生告訴各省省長和地方官員，要想像中央政府“不存在”，並“自己解決你們的問題”。

“我為什麼要解決這些問題？”他說道，“你不應該指望總統能創造奇蹟。”

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這些演講影片在網路和伊朗新聞媒體上迅速傳開。「佩澤什基安根本沒有執政；他只是開啟了自動駕駛模式，放任不管，」著名電視主持人阿里·齊亞週二在社交媒體上發布的一段影片中說道。 “這就是民眾的感受。”

據兩名在佩澤什基安政府任職的伊朗官員和兩名反對派保守派成員透露，佩澤什基安的一些盟友和對手都私下對他的言論表示不滿，認為這會讓政府在國家關鍵時刻顯得軟弱無能。由於討論的是敏感問題，這四人均要求匿名。

在伊朗的政治體制中，總統對內外政策有一定的影響力，但最高領袖、86歲的阿亞圖拉·阿里·哈梅內伊對所有重大國家事務擁有最終決定權。歷任總統很少承認自己受到體制的掣肘。

佩澤什基安先生則不然。他似乎毫不避諱地公開表示，在解決與美國的核僵局等棘手外交政策問題上，他服從哈梅內伊的命令。他也公開表示，他未能像承諾的那樣解除對Instagram等熱門社群媒體應用程式的限制——如今伊朗人可以透過虛擬專用網路存取這些應用程式。

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前副總統、改革派政治家穆罕默德·阿里·阿卜塔希讚揚佩澤什基安先生沒有粉飾太平。「坦誠地與公眾對話是一種新現象，」阿卜塔希先生在電話採訪中說。 “這並非頭腦簡單，而是有其政策考量的。他不想隱瞞真相，吊足民眾胃口，最後卻無法兌現承諾。”

兩人走過一個寬敞的露天庭院，庭院上方是一塊巨大的廣告牌，上面印著伊朗最高領袖阿亞圖拉·阿里·哈梅內伊的畫像。 — The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has the final say in all major state matters.信用...Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times

然而，保守派人士要求佩澤什基安先生下台。上個月，強硬派保守派議員卡姆蘭·加贊法裡在一次電視訪談節目中質問道：“你為什麼要當總統？你的職責是解決社會問題，而不是到處抱怨‘我們沒有這個，我們沒有那個’。”

現年 71 歲的佩澤什基安先生是心臟外科醫生，曾任議員和衛生部長。 2024年 9 月，在總統易卜拉欣·萊希因直升機墜毀身亡後，他接任總統職位。

麻煩幾乎立刻就出現了。在佩澤什基安先生就職典禮當天，以色列暗殺了哈馬斯政治領袖伊斯梅爾·哈尼亞，他當時前往德黑蘭參加就職典禮。

六月，以色列襲擊伊朗，兩國爆發了一場持續十二天的激烈戰爭，最終以美國轟炸並嚴重破壞伊朗核設施而告終。佩澤什基安先生本人也險些喪命，當時以色列轟炸了他主持的一場在地下掩體舉行的秘密國家安全會議。

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多年來，美國自2018年川普總統對伊朗實施制裁以來，一直嚴重削弱伊朗的經濟。這些制裁旨在限制伊朗的石油收入和銀行系統。目前，與華盛頓達成協議的前景黯淡，這種協議本應讓伊朗獲得急需的製裁豁免，以換取其限制核計劃，而與以色列再次發生衝突的威脅仍然迫在眉睫。

「伊朗現在陷入癱瘓，國內局勢癱瘓，與美國的對峙也陷入癱瘓，」倫敦國際事務政策研究所查塔姆研究所中東和北非主任薩納姆·瓦基爾說。「佩澤什基安公開表達他的沮喪之情，這真的很有意思，」她補充道。 “他試圖以這種間接的方式掌握一些主動權，公開表達他所受到的束縛和限制。”

馬蘇德·佩澤什基安站在講台上，講台後擺放著三排綠色、白色和紅色的花。 — Mr. Pezeshkian during his swearing-in ceremony last year at Parliament in Tehran.信用...Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times

“但這能解決問題嗎？”瓦基爾女士繼續說道，“我不這麼認為。”

伊朗民眾眼睜睜地看著本國貨幣裡亞爾對美元每日暴跌。週三，1美元在公開市場上兌換130萬裡亞爾，是佩澤什基安先生就任總統時匯率的兩倍多。

隨著市場調整，包括基本食品和建築材料在內的物價也大幅上漲。例如，一位發言人11月告訴官方媒體，乳製品價格最近翻了三倍。根據經濟學家和當地媒體報道，通貨膨脹率徘徊在60%左右。

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「情況糟透了，」38歲的工程師索赫爾說。他住在伊朗中部城市伊斯法罕，和本文中提到的其他一些伊朗人一樣，他堅持不透露自己的姓氏，因為他擔心遭到報復。 “如果沒有銀行卡系統和電子轉賬，我們現在就得拎著大包大包的現金才能買到日常必需品。”

伊朗社會事務部上週發布的一份報告稱，自 2020 年以來，隨著通貨膨脹飆升，伊朗的「糧食不安全狀況」一直在惡化，報告指出，伊朗成年人現在每天攝取的熱量比最低建議攝取量 2200 卡路里少了 400 卡路里。

70歲的德黑蘭退休教師瑪希德表示，通貨膨脹迫使她變賣黃金，動用積蓄維持生計。「現在只有在非常特殊的情況下才會買雞肉和牛肉，很快我們連雞蛋都買不起了。」她在電話中說道。

農產品和其他食品擺放在擁擠的桌子和攤位上，購物者從旁邊走過。 — The Tajrish Bazaar in Tehran. Prices for basic food items have spiked, and inflation hovers around 60 percent.信用...Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times

嚴重的能源和水資源危機加劇了這些問題，迫使居民區、商業區和工業區週期性地停電停水。

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伊斯法罕經濟學家阿米爾·侯賽因·哈萊吉在電話訪談中表示，伊朗面臨的多重危機相互交織，任何短期或易於實施的方案都無法解決。「我們無法應對重大的經濟挑戰，因為我們需要的是一項極其嚴肅的策略，」他說。 “如果我們的外交政策不發生重大轉變，我們在國內也無法取得任何突破。”

伊朗改革派政治派別領導人阿扎爾·曼蘇裡(Azar Mansouri)週日在社交媒體上發帖警告佩澤什基安(Pezeshkian )，通貨膨脹已達到臨界點：“人民很憤怒，這樣治理下去是行不通的。”該派別支持佩澤什基安先生作為其候選人參加選舉。

目前，哈梅內伊已公開支持總統，總統任期還有三年。上個月，哈梅內伊在一次演講中稱讚佩澤什基揚「正直」且「勤奮」。分析家認為，哈梅內伊此舉意在鞏固總統的地位，並向批評者發出訊號：任何要求罷免總統的呼聲都將破壞政局穩定。

儘管佩澤什基安先生自己也預言了厄運和悲觀，但他表示他會「堅持到最後」。

法爾納茲·法西希是《泰晤士報》聯合國分社社長，負責領導對該組織的報告。她也通報伊朗問題，並從事中東衝突通報長達15年。

本文的另一個版本刊登於2025年12月19日《紐約郵報》A版第10頁，標題為：《伊朗總統稱他無法創造「奇蹟」解決國家諸多困境》。訂購重印版|今日報紙|訂閱

更多關於阿里·哈梅內伊的信息，請參閱：阿里·哈梅內伊

評論區已關閉。如需向編輯投稿，請發送電子郵件至 letters@nytimes.com。

讀者精選全部

麥可於12月18日發表評論

麥可

紐約市

12月18日

I guess we should be happy for even small miracles, because this as close as any Iranian president can get to saying the religious leaders have destroyed that country.

12條回复345 推薦

旗幟

J O'Kelly 於 12 月 18 日發表評論

J·奧凱利

北卡羅來納州

12月18日

If Iran would stop spending billions and putting so much effort into funding terrorist groups to attack Israel, and instead use all that money and energy to improve life for its citizens, they and the rest of the world would be much better off.

3則回复269 推薦

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哈茲利特於12月18日發表評論

哈茲利特

卑詩省溫哥華

12月18日

Who can blame him? The real power is in the hands of Khameni, who is hiding away in his bunker like all autocrats.

227 推薦

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John O 於 12 月 18 日發表評論

約翰·O

英國

12月18日

Iran can stop obsessively and one-sidedly throwing money and energy into destroying Israel, a country thousands of kilometers away who just wants to live in peace with its neighbours. Maybe that would be a start.

179 推薦

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瑪麗於12月18日發表評論

瑪莉

明尼蘇達州

12月18日

Aren't theocratic autocracies great?

1則回复164 推薦

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匿名用戶於12月18日評論

一個

匿名的

華盛頓特區

12月18日

Iran should have left Israel alone and built its economy. What a waste of Iran’s people and resources. Especially since the drought and water shortages Iran is facing will require even more infrastructure to ensure a water supply for its now 90 million people.

6則回复149 推薦

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E Pluribus Unumb 於 12 月 18 日發表評論

E Pluribus Unumb

美國內華達州韋爾迪

12月18日

Iran's problems are not insurmountable. Here is a path to success: get religious leaders out of politics, end the nuclear program, end support for Hamas and Hezbollah, stop the oppression of free speech and women, and restart relations with Europe and the United States. Oh, and stop with the "Down with America" chants and signs. They are not helping. Of course, you keep your rich culture and faith, just don't mix religion and politics. It is a toxic brew that never results in any good.

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Tom G 於 12 月 18 日評論

湯姆G

佛羅裡達州克利爾沃特

12月18日

Interesting approach. The huge image of the supreme leader in the photo brings to mind those of Trump hanging in DC. Appropriate because Trump has no idea of what to do either.

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莉安娜於12月18日發表評論

莉安

洛杉磯

12月18日

"But I suppose the most revolutionary act one can engage in is... to tell the truth."

Howard Zinn

107 推薦

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理查德·布萊恩於12月18日發表評論

拉

理查德·布萊恩

不是紐約市

12月18日

Well, at least it is refreshing to see a public figure making a candid admission of the truth.

That is rare enough in any country.

100% 推薦

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Josh於12月18日發表評論

喬許

12月18日

Perhaps if Iran hadn't spent billions over 30 years attacking Israel and the West with proxy armies it might be able to feed, clothe and employ its people. But no, instead it followed a fanatical and ideological quest down a rabbit hole. The Iranian people will now carry the consequences.

79 推薦

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crabby 於 12 月 18 日評論

倔

吉伯特

12月18日

Iran is yet another example (as if we needed one) of why aggressive religious zealotry and government do not mix, they only do one thing well and it is not governing. Our forefathers knew that all too well.

79 推薦

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哈里於12月18日發表評論

哈利

北卡羅來納州新伯爾尼

12月18日

Stop trying to run a 21st century country based ion a 7th century religion. Does not take a genius. "Let your people go." No dress codes, no mandated religion, no travel or education bans, stop all religious indoctrination in public and private schools. Let people make their own decisions.

1則回复76 推薦

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sssur 於 12 月 18 日發表評論

sssur

紐約

12月18日

Maybe after admitting he can’t solve any problems, would it hurt if he could make some helpful recommendations? Like suggestions to dismantle the country’s support of the houthis, Hezbollah, and the Shiite terrorist militias in Iraq? And the Iranian nuclear weapons effort?

2條回复68 推薦

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pbcal於12月18日發表評論

pbcal

加州

12月18日

I have a suggestion. Give the Iranian people more freedom. Freedom of press, freedom to travel, and freedom of speech and give women freedom to live like humans.

1則回复66 推薦

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蘭迪於12月18日發表評論

拉

蘭迪

匹茲堡

12月18日

@Mary Just look at photos of Iran before the 1979 revolution that put in place that theocracy. It's amazing how much they have lost.

在回覆貼文中65 推薦

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劉易斯於12月18日發表評論

路易斯

德州奧斯汀

12月18日

Iran's problems all have one source -- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Get rid of the ayatollahs and begin the road to recovery

59 推薦

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瑞秋於12月18日發表評論

拉

瑞秋

密西根州

12月18日

@Sam

At some point, people everyone need to take responsibility for their own destiny. If their country is so easily influenced by the U.S. and our desires, the people should stand up and demand something different.

在回覆貼文中47 推薦

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JG於12月18日發表評論

世界

12月18日

“The problem is us,” You got that right!

42 推薦

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馬克法爾於12月18日發表評論

馬克法爾

舊金山

12月18日

I read the paper every day, but this is the first time I can remember reading an article that left me with my mouth hanging open. Wow.

42 推薦

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洛登於12月18日發表評論

洛登

紐澤西州

12月18日

"He doesn’t want to hide the truth and raise expectations and then not be able to deliver.”

I can't even imagine what it's like to live in a country w/ politicians like that.

42 推薦

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希臘總督於12月18日發表評論

希臘 GG

賓州

12月18日

@Andrew King I think that's exactly what Pezeshkian is actually saying. without really saying those exact words. I think he's really saying, "the status quo will not be able to fix Iran's problems".

Sounds pretty gutsy to me!

在回覆貼文中42 推薦

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麥克於12月18日發表評論

麥克風

美國

12月18日

PRO TIP: Ditch the religion and just have a secular government. The mullahs have no idea of what the populace wants or needs, so send them to the sidelines.

41 推薦

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中西部地區於12月18日發表評論

中西部

印第安納州南本德

12月18日

Note to the Iranian people: it is your country; make it your country

40 推薦

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PatD於12月18日發表評論

專利

華盛頓州耶爾姆

12月18日

Theocratic Nations represent a circle that can never be squared.

39 推薦

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John commented December 18

John

Dec. 18

@Richard Blaine the Shah has not ruled Iran for nearly 50 years. It is the mullahs who have sent Iran down this path of destruction and ruin. We can argue about why and how the mullahs gained power, but what they have done with the power they have gained is 100% on their plate.

In Reply Thread38 RecommendShareFlag

G commented December 18

Edison, NJ

Dec. 18

It is interesting that in spite of all of these troubles, iran’s leaders are not suggesting they stop funding Hamas or Hezbollah or the Houtis.

Now is exactly the right time for Israel to destroy Iran’s oil industry.

The oil fields, the refineries, the pipelines, the shipping: alll gone.

No money, no axis of terrorism.

And that would also pressure Russia and china, as they would have to pay full price for their oil.

37 RecommendShareFlag

Shamrock commented December 18

Shamrock

Westfield

Dec. 18

@John Dirlik

Today’s Iranian leaders are Shia. The Persians leaders more than 2,000 were not Shia. It’s a big difference. Nobody thinks Americans today that live in Cincinnati are similar to southeastern Ohio Native Americans from just 300 years ago.

In Reply Thread37 RecommendShareFlag

Andrew King commented December 18

Andrew King

Columbus Ohio

Dec. 18

How about the very old theocratic leadership being shoved aside that funds terrorism and Never delivered in almost 50 years of ignorant hostilities towards the western countries? Basically in the late 70's theocratic rule rose up to pave the way for a better life for Iranians.

How's that working out for the old guard that enriched itself at the expense of common Iranians? Another load of misplaced criminal leadership disguised as religious allegiance.

1 Reply37 RecommendShareFlag

David commented December 18

David

Dec. 18

Perhaps the worst job in the world is to be president of Iran. You’re essentially a powerless figurehead who gets all the blame for the country’s woes while the one who’s actually calling the shots, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sits back behind the curtain living large.

36 RecommendShareFlag

Dr. Cazmando commented December 18

Dr. Cazmando

Far From Trump

Dec. 18

News Flash. The Iranian people can depose the mullahs, end theocracy and return to civilization or they can chose to starve.

36 RecommendShareFlag

Trent commented December 18

Trent

Pittsburgh

Dec. 18

I have zero sympathy.

32 RecommendShareFlag

SRMT commented December 18

SRMT

Gainesville, Florida

Dec. 18

This article doesn't mention the elephant in the room: the Revolutionary Guards. They dominate much of the economy, corruptly and incompetently, and they're the ones with the guns. If it came to a showdown between the Revolutionary Guards and the Supreme Leader, the Revolutionary Guards would win easily. A dictatorship under the Revolutionary Guards without a Supreme Leader is much easier to conceive than the Supreme Leader ruling without the Revolutionary Guards.

2 Replies30 RecommendShareFlag

John Dirlik commented December 18

John Dirlik

Montreal

Dec. 18

“The problem is us,’ he (Iran’s president) said.”

He would have been right to blame Iran’s economic woes on crippling UN sanctions. Correct to point to foreign actors for assassination of scientists. Accurate to cite Israel’s two-decade attempt at regime change.

Instead, the president garnered the humility (and statesmanship) to take responsibility for his country’s problems instead of just blaming others. If only Western leaders could do the same.

“What would Iran do with a nuclear bomb,” an Iranian commentator asked rhetorically, “polish it?”

Persia survived 2500 years not because its leaders were suicidal (to attack a nuclear-armed Israel with a “Sampson Option” on the table) but rational.

Pounding war drums on Iran are the Kahanists in the Knesset and the US evangelicals. The latter’s eschatology regards a triumphant Greater Israel as a necessary precursor to the Second Coming when all - including Jews - will convert or perish).

It is not Iran that rational people need to be concerned about. Considering their president’s statesmanship, some of its qualities merit imitation.

5 Replies29 RecommendShareFlag

Shamrock commented December 18

Shamrock

Westfield

Dec. 18

@Sam

Comparing religious leaders in the US with religious leaders in Iran?

Now that’s comedy.

In Reply Thread29 RecommendShareFlag

niobe commented December 18

niobe

Dec. 18

Obviously, the ayatollah at the top is the problem. Iran will continue to suffer until it faces the reality that it is a little country with nothing but oil to offer to the world. If they would just join the family of man, stop funding terrorism, stop trying to destroy Israel (why?) and stop trying to build a bomb, all the sanctions would be lifted, the people could live normal lives, and only the grumpy old men who want to run everything would be unhappy.

29 RecommendShareFlag

JDJ commented December 18

JDJ

Michigan

Dec. 18

This started in 1979. Iran needs a secular government with no official role for Islam. Believers should worship in peace and leave what should be civil society alone. Only then can Iranians see progress in their daily lives.

28 RecommendShareFlag

Gabe commented December 18

Gabe

Vancouver

Dec. 18

Perhaps a good start would be to stop supporting Hezbollah and all other international terrorism, give up on its nuclear ambitions, recognize Israel (while still supporting Palestinians - renounce any support for Hamas) and allow for social freedoms. The Iranian people deserve so much better than a theocracy of old men.

27 RecommendShareFlag

Michael commented December 18

Michael

Massachusetts

Dec. 18

@John Dirlik

Pounding war drums are Iranian leaders who call for elimination of Israel and build a nuclear program to do so despite world sanctions against this.

Iran's problems are self-made. Blaming them on those who want to stop this regime from spreading Shiite Islam worldwide through war is a distortion of reality.

In Reply Thread26 RecommendShareFlag

Timothy Anderson commented December 18

Timothy Anderson

California

Dec. 18

The problem is the supreme leader and his ideology for the last 50 years. Hate will eventually eat you up and so we have Iran of today.

26 RecommendShareFlag

NYT reader commented December 18

NYT reader

94947

Dec. 18

These are all indications the mullah regime in Iran experiencing last stage of a terminal disease and collapsing. It is so sad to see the people of Iran had to endure this misery under mullahs corrupt, brutal, and backward regime.

25 RecommendShareFlag

Practical Thoughts commented December 18

Practical Thoughts

East Coast and

Dec. 18

Every societal structure has advantages and drawbacks. Iran prizes religious orthodoxy and homogeneity. Given most people in Iran are Shia Muslims and are socially conservative, you probably do not as much social friction as you would see in a multi-cultural society.

Unfortunately, when you yield authority to an unaccountable bureaucracy with an extreme religious test, you create special class. That special class enables corruption and prevents merit based decisions.

The Iranian President should have know the challenges of leading such a country that prioritizes hierarchy and religious purity over economic growth.

The President of Iran should resign.

As a note, MAGA aspires to a Christian Nationalist version of Iran. Trump, or someone like him, effectively acts as a Supreme Leader and economic and human rights interests are subverted for cultural and social homogeneity and purity.

23 RecommendShareFlag

John Lee but Does Provide Airs Life commented December 18

John Lee but Does Provide Airs Life

Chicago

Dec. 18

As with every other religious state, they are doomed to fail as a political state. Fantasy and reality collide.

22 RecommendShareFlag

Home commented December 18

Home

San Francisco

Dec. 18

Honesty these days is very impressive.

It might only come from one not groomed for the role.

If only our leaders could speak honestly, particularly in times of difficulty. Then we could avoid fighting and chasing false promises and instead work together on actual solutions.

22 RecommendShareFlag

goose droppings commented December 18

goose droppings

Ottawa

Dec. 18

There is a third, unmentioned party in this disaster, after the religious directors and the elected government: the Revolutionary Guard. I seem to recall reading years ago that it had acquired much of the economy, and that the ayatollahs were unable to control it and were fearful of it. So any change would involve the national armed forces taking it down.

22 RecommendShareFlag

Sam commented December 18

Sam

Brooklyn

Dec. 18

@Michael The religious leaders?!? Not America, which put those religious leaders in play while also directly attacking the economy in a way that eternally keeps those religious leaders in power?

In Reply Thread21 RecommendShareFlag

Don Ledes commented December 18

Don Ledes

New York

Dec. 18

@John Dirlik

A thoughtful and objective analysis. My only comment is that rational people do need to be concerned about an Iran that's run by irrational people. Just as rational people should be concerned about any leadership that legitimizes itself by claiming God's will.

In Reply Thread20 RecommendShareFlag

SAJ commented December 18

SAJ

Washington

Dec. 18

People who think that Iran's instability is a good thing have fallen victim to Israeli propaganda. It is true that Iran is allied with Shia in other countries like Lebanon, but it is false that they supported or took part in the Oct 7 attack. In fact, Hamas asked them and they declined.

Their support for Hezbollah was born of Israel's occupation of Lebanon which is mostly Shia area and which exacerbated civil strife there (along with Israel's complicity in a massacre and rape of innocents in a Palestinian refugee camp that is still remembered.)

As far as hoping for the fall of Islamic rule, it is that rule that has thus far prevented Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

And in Farsi, "Death to Israel" is most accurately translated to "Down with Israel."

The problems Iran has in terms of monetary policy and environmental stressors can be pinned on failed Trumpian policy of ripping up the nuclear deal that Netanyahu didn't like, doubling down on violence, and global warming thanks to Exxon et al.

Iran is far from perfect but they are not the evil Israel insists. It is a pity that Americans are so vulnerable to cheering on dumb bombs and destabilization of the Middle East and our once benign climate. Diplomacy and cooperation and regulation of heat-trapping gas is a much better foreign policy, including for Israeli security.

3 Replies20 RecommendShareFlag

Cupric commented December 18

Cupric

Dec. 18

I mean, he isn't wrong. Tapping all of the groundwater out was tactically insane. Funding terrorism while also having a staggeringly expensive nuclear program dropped civic spending significantly, and came with the curse of turning them into a hermit state, collapsing their economy.

To make no mention of corruption, religious extremism in government, or an antiquated political structure.

I'm no expert on Iran, but they hosed themselves six ways from Sunday. I don't know exactly how they will get themselves out of their situation without moving the capital and citizenry, massive government reforms and civil liberties, disarmament and cutting spending on terror, and broad reconnections to the world economy.

Even then, climate change is set to destroy the middle east in general, from the wealthiest petrostates down to cash-strapped countries like Iran.

20 RecommendShareFlag

Deniz commented December 18

Deniz

Dec. 18

This article is one example of many NYT articles where the headline does not reflect the text below. Iran's problem is that the Mullahs are choosing to rearm Hezbollah rather than address the problems. The problems are surmountable.

20 RecommendShareFlag

Michael commented December 18

Michael

NYC

Dec. 18

I guess we should be happy for even small miracles, because this as close as any Iranian president can get to saying the religious leaders have destroyed that country.

12 Replies345 RecommendShareFlag

J O'Kelly commented December 18

J O'Kelly

Dec. 18

3 Replies269 RecommendShareFlag

Hazlit commented December 18

Hazlit

Vancouver, BC

Dec. 18

Who can blame him? The real power is in the hands of Khameni, who is hiding away in his bunker like all autocrats.

227 RecommendShareFlag

John O commented December 18

John O

Dec. 18

179 RecommendShareFlag

Mary commented December 18

Mary

minnesota

Dec. 18

Aren't theocratic autocracies great?

1 Reply164 RecommendShareFlag

Anonymous commented December 18

Anonymous

Washington DC

Dec. 18

6 Replies149 RecommendShareFlag

E Pluribus Unumb commented December 18

E Pluribus Unumb

Verdi, Nevada USA

Dec. 18

136 RecommendShareFlag

Tom G commented December 18

Tom G

Clearwater FL

Dec. 18

Interesting approach. The huge image of the supreme leader in the photo brings to mind those of Trump hanging in DC. Appropriate because Trump has no idea of what to do either.

109 RecommendShareFlag

Leanne commented December 18

Leanne

L.A.

Dec. 18

"But I suppose the most revolutionary act one can engage in is... to tell the truth."

Howard Zinn

107 RecommendShareFlag

Richard Blaine commented December 18

Richard Blaine

Not NYC

Dec. 18

Well, at least it is refreshing to see a public figure making a candid admission of the truth.

That is rare enough in any country.

100 RecommendShareFlag

Josh commented December 18

Josh

Dec. 18

79 RecommendShareFlag

crabby commented December 18

crabby

gilbert

Dec. 18

79 RecommendShareFlag

Harry commented December 18

Harry

New Bern NC

Dec. 18

1 Reply76 RecommendShareFlag

sssur commented December 18

sssur

Dec. 18

2 Replies68 RecommendShareFlag

pbcal commented December 18

pbcal

Calif

Dec. 18

I have a suggestion. Give the Iranian people more freedom. Freedom of press, freedom to travel, and freedom of speech and give women freedom to live like humans.

1 Reply66 RecommendShareFlag

Randy commented December 18

Randy

Pittsburgh

Dec. 18

@Mary Just look at photos of Iran before the 1979 revolution that put in place that theocracy. It's amazing how much they have lost.

In Reply Thread65 RecommendShareFlag

Lewis commented December 18

Lewis

Austin, TX

Dec. 18

Iran's problems all have one source -- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Get rid of the ayatollahs and begin the road to recovery

59 RecommendShareFlag

Rachel commented December 18

Rachel

Michigan

Dec. 18

@Sam

In Reply Thread47 RecommendShareFlag

JG commented December 18

World

Dec. 18

“The problem is us,” You got that right!

42 RecommendShareFlag

Mark Farr commented December 18

Mark Farr

San Francisco

Dec. 18

I read the paper every day, but this is the first time I can remember reading an article that left me with my mouth hanging open. Wow.

42 RecommendShareFlag

Loden commented December 18

Loden

Dec. 18

"He doesn’t want to hide the truth and raise expectations and then not be able to deliver.”

I can't even imagine what it's like to live in a country w/ politicians like that.

42 RecommendShareFlag

Greek GG commented December 18

Greek GG

Dec. 18

@Andrew King I think that's exactly what Pezeshkian is actually saying. without really saying those exact words. I think he's really saying, "the status quo will not be able to fix Iran's problems".

Sounds pretty gutsy to me!

In Reply Thread42 RecommendShareFlag

Mike commented December 18

Mike

USA

Dec. 18

PRO TIP: Ditch the religion and just have a secular government. The mullahs have no idea of what the populace wants or needs, so send them to the sidelines.

41 RecommendShareFlag

Midwest commented December 18

Midwest

South Bend, IN

Dec. 18

Note to the Iranian people: it is your country; make it your country

40 RecommendShareFlag

PatD commented December 18

PatD

Yelm, Wa

Dec. 18

Theocratic Nations represent a circle that can never be squared.

39 RecommendShareFlag

John commented December 18

John

Dec. 18

In Reply Thread38 RecommendShareFlag

G commented December 18

Edison, NJ

Dec. 18

It is interesting that in spite of all of these troubles, iran’s leaders are not suggesting they stop funding Hamas or Hezbollah or the Houtis.

Now is exactly the right time for Israel to destroy Iran’s oil industry.

The oil fields, the refineries, the pipelines, the shipping: alll gone.

No money, no axis of terrorism.

And that would also pressure Russia and china, as they would have to pay full price for their oil.

37 RecommendShareFlag

Shamrock commented December 18

Shamrock

Westfield

Dec. 18

@John Dirlik

In Reply Thread37 RecommendShareFlag

Andrew King commented December 18

Andrew King

Columbus Ohio

Dec. 18

How's that working out for the old guard that enriched itself at the expense of common Iranians? Another load of misplaced criminal leadership disguised as religious allegiance.

1 Reply37 RecommendShareFlag

David commented December 18

David

Dec. 18

36 RecommendShareFlag

Dr. Cazmando commented December 18

Dr. Cazmando

Far From Trump

Dec. 18

News Flash. The Iranian people can depose the mullahs, end theocracy and return to civilization or they can chose to starve.

36 RecommendShareFlag

Trent commented December 18

Trent

Pittsburgh

Dec. 18

I have zero sympathy.

32 RecommendShareFlag

SRMT commented December 18

SRMT

Gainesville, Florida

Dec. 18

2 Replies30 RecommendShareFlag

John Dirlik commented December 18

John Dirlik

Montreal

Dec. 18

“The problem is us,’ he (Iran’s president) said.”

Instead, the president garnered the humility (and statesmanship) to take responsibility for his country’s problems instead of just blaming others. If only Western leaders could do the same.

“What would Iran do with a nuclear bomb,” an Iranian commentator asked rhetorically, “polish it?”

Persia survived 2500 years not because its leaders were suicidal (to attack a nuclear-armed Israel with a “Sampson Option” on the table) but rational.

It is not Iran that rational people need to be concerned about. Considering their president’s statesmanship, some of its qualities merit imitation.

5 Replies29 RecommendShareFlag

Shamrock commented December 18

Shamrock

Westfield

Dec. 18

@Sam

Comparing religious leaders in the US with religious leaders in Iran?

Now that’s comedy.

In Reply Thread29 RecommendShareFlag

niobe commented December 18

niobe

Dec. 18

29 RecommendShareFlag

JDJ commented December 18

JDJ

Michigan

Dec. 18

28 RecommendShareFlag

Gabe commented December 18

Gabe

Vancouver

Dec. 18

27 RecommendShareFlag

Michael commented December 18

Michael

Massachusetts

Dec. 18

@John Dirlik

Pounding war drums are Iranian leaders who call for elimination of Israel and build a nuclear program to do so despite world sanctions against this.

Iran's problems are self-made. Blaming them on those who want to stop this regime from spreading Shiite Islam worldwide through war is a distortion of reality.

In Reply Thread26 RecommendShareFlag

Timothy Anderson commented December 18

Timothy Anderson

California

Dec. 18

The problem is the supreme leader and his ideology for the last 50 years. Hate will eventually eat you up and so we have Iran of today.

26 RecommendShareFlag

NYT reader commented December 18

NYT reader

94947

Dec. 18

25 RecommendShareFlag

Practical Thoughts commented December 18

Practical Thoughts

East Coast and

Dec. 18

The Iranian President should have know the challenges of leading such a country that prioritizes hierarchy and religious purity over economic growth.

The President of Iran should resign.

23 RecommendShareFlag

John Lee but Does Provide Airs Life commented December 18

John Lee but Does Provide Airs Life

Chicago

Dec. 18

As with every other religious state, they are doomed to fail as a political state. Fantasy and reality collide.

22 RecommendShareFlag

Home commented December 18

Home

San Francisco

Dec. 18

Honesty these days is very impressive.

It might only come from one not groomed for the role.

If only our leaders could speak honestly, particularly in times of difficulty. Then we could avoid fighting and chasing false promises and instead work together on actual solutions.

22 RecommendShareFlag

goose droppings commented December 18

goose droppings

Ottawa

Dec. 18

22 RecommendShareFlag

Sam commented December 18

Sam

Brooklyn

Dec. 18

@Michael The religious leaders?!? Not America, which put those religious leaders in play while also directly attacking the economy in a way that eternally keeps those religious leaders in power?

In Reply Thread21 RecommendShareFlag

Don Ledes commented December 18

Don Ledes

New York

Dec. 18

@John Dirlik

In Reply Thread20 RecommendShareFlag

SAJ commented December 18

SAJ

Washington

Dec. 18

As far as hoping for the fall of Islamic rule, it is that rule that has thus far prevented Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

And in Farsi, "Death to Israel" is most accurately translated to "Down with Israel."

3 Replies20 RecommendShareFlag

Cupric commented December 18

Cupric

Dec. 18

To make no mention of corruption, religious extremism in government, or an antiquated political structure.

Even then, climate change is set to destroy the middle east in general, from the wealthiest petrostates down to cash-strapped countries like Iran.

20 RecommendShareFlag

Deniz commented December 18

Deniz

Dec. 18

20 RecommendShareFlag

Cheryl commented December 18

Cheryl

Yorktown

Dec. 18

Now this is gutsy. Gutsy because it is a sane statement. And yet the horror is that he is President but without any power to change the conditions relegating the country to medieval conditions or worse, and at a time when climate change is also a major problem . All of the resources wasted on religious fanaticism, on military spending and on suppressing its own population.

20 RecommendShareFlag

Sam commented December 18

Sam

Dec. 18

Maybe the Glorious Islamic Revolution is finally running out of steam. One can only hope so for the good people of Iran.

2 Replies20 RecommendShareFlag

Reba Turner commented December 18

Reba Turner

Lancaster

Dec. 18

Pedal to the metal in crushing this regime and taking out every one of its IRG militants. They should not be safe anywhere.

1 Reply19 RecommendShareFlag

Jude commented December 18

Jude

Portland, OR

Dec. 18

@SRMT The article also doesn't mention the regular executions of Iranian citizens -- about 1000 this year so far, including at least 60 women. It is evidence of the regime's desperation.

In Reply Thread19 RecommendShareFlag

NS commented December 18

Dec. 18

I have wondered what a country like Iran would look like if it did not spend most of its money on its armed forces, building missiles and bombs, financing groups all over the world, and a massive internal security force to oppress its people. All that brain power and money directed elsewhere? In a free Iran?

1 Reply19 RecommendShareFlag

PBJ commented December 18

PBJ

San Francisco

Dec. 18

@SAJIran’s problems are of its own making. True, they did not take part in the Oct 7 massacre, but they supplied the much of the weapons and expertise, to enable the attack. Iran spent billions on attempting to undermine Israel and the West, instead of channeling these funds to their own people. The weapons used in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, the West Bank, all contain Iran’s fingerprints. I have to commend Mr. Pezeshkian for being so candid. He left out the obvious, which the Iranian people clearly see: It’s the myopic, racist, sexist, homophobic, theocracy that has been destroying Iran. It took two generations for the religious leaders to run this once beautiful country into the ground (I spent time there in the 70’s). Israel and the US are not their enemy, but the masses have been led down the primrose path by the Mullahs and now the chickens have come home to roost. Iran is at a crossroads — and maybe they can reassess their priorities away from self-destruction and begin to rebuild a more peaceful nation.

In Reply Thread19 RecommendShareFlag

AZ commented December 18

Dec. 18

Iranian expats around me see Pezeshkian as someone who ran in pursuit of harm reduction. The other candidates posed such extreme threat, and had a real chance of winning because a large part of the electorate was likely to opt out of voting, out of disgust with the system. We recoil to think of where we could be now, with one of them at the helm...

He's an retired administrator, uninterested in glory or fame, and seemingly allergic to promise-making or optimism. His personal life has been punctuated with tragedy. Ultimately, a tempermentally gloomy technocrat, rather grimly motivated by duty.

19 RecommendShareFlag

Rational Person commented December 18

Rational Person

USA

Dec. 18

The result of waging relentless jihad, creating armed militias that are states within a state like in Lebanon, funding terror groups Hamas, PIJ, Hezbollah, Houthi’s and meanwhile their citizens are suffocating under religious and political oppression. And huge corruption while neglecting basic infrastructure like water management systems. Iranians are sick and tired of their Islamic dictatorship.

The Iranian people freed from the theocracy would be a leading nation in peace, culture, economy and science. They yearn for freedom and democracy, good relations with all.

Will the IRGC, the ayatollahs, allow a peaceful transition? Will it be like Berlin Wall falling, or the Tiananmen Square slaughter in China where oppression still rules?

19 RecommendShareFlag

Eric commented December 19

Eric

USA

Dec. 19

I haven't had the privilege of meeting many, but if what I've heard the Iranian people are a proud, cultured, and educated one. When thinking of nations that truly deserve and need better leadership they are amongst the first that come to mind

19 RecommendShareFlag

AKJersey commented December 18

AKJersey

New Jersey

Dec. 18

The Tehran water shortage is the most critical problem, and is likely to lead to the collapse of the Iranian Regime soon!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehran_water_shortage

18 RecommendShareFlag

Rosalie Lieberman commented December 18

Rosalie Lieberman

Chicago, IL

Dec. 18

@Shamrock

Correct. The Shias took over in Iran in the 16th century. For Jewish people, life got immediately worse. For the record, many in Iran are not Shia, are not of Persian descent, and feel oppressed. Or, disregarded as minorities.

In Reply Thread17 RecommendShareFlag

AS commented December 18

Dec. 18

Another example of a failed autocracy. Autocracies exist to keep the powerful in power. Governance is secondary. Truth is nonexistent.

17 RecommendShareFlag

DonQ commented December 18

DonQ

Albany NY

Dec. 18

The Iranian people are caught between the corrupt rock of the West and the corrupt and theocratic hard place of the ayatollahs. They deserve better.

17 RecommendShareFlag

Cynick commented December 18

Cynick

Angel Fire, NM

Dec. 18

Iran's sphere of influence was dismantled by Israel and the US. Now it appears Iran is about to extend an olive branch. This is big. Trump deserves credit for his role. Netanyahu does, too.

1 Reply17 RecommendShareFlag

kwb commented December 18

kwb

Cumming, GA

Dec. 18

@Anonymous

Once could say the same about Hamas.

Aside from the drought, converting too much land to farmland has eaten up the water supply.

In Reply Thread16 RecommendShareFlag

AR commented December 18

Virginia

Dec. 18

"He has gone as far as to say that Iran’s problems are self-made — a result of corruption, factional infighting and decades of government spending practices that he described as 'what crazy people do' — and not the fault of the United States or Israel."

Interesting development. One lesson here is that no matter who you are or what has happened to you or what has been done to "your" people, wallowing in a "woe is me" victim mentality is neither helpful nor appealing.

As they say, the best form of revenge is living well and (I would add) not going out of your way to brag about it. Iranians don't sound like they are living well.

16 RecommendShareFlag

Observer commented December 18

Observer

Dec. 18

@Sam Moral inversion at its best

In Reply Thread15 RecommendShareFlag

DennisMcG commented December 18

DennisMcG

Boston

Dec. 18

@Observer

Sam is 100% correct. That doesn't absolve Iran, but anyone with even a slight understanding of 20th century history knows the US and Britain (probably the latter even more) played majorly detrimental roles in Iran being what it is today, it is just a fact.

In Reply Thread15 RecommendShareFlag

Barry commented December 18

Barry

Palo Alto

Dec. 18

@J O'Kelly Perhaps if the West was as supportive of every day Iranians, as they are of Palestinians, life would be better for both groups.

In Reply Thread15 RecommendShareFlag

RM Chicago commented December 18

RM Chicago

Chicago, IL

Dec. 18

“In a series of remarkably candid public speeches recently, Mr. Pezeshkian has said that Iran is facing insurmountable problems and that he is out of ideas to fix them.

“If someone can do something, by all means go for it,” Mr. Pezeshkian told university students and academics in early December. “I can’t do anything; don’t curse me.””

Idea number one is to get the clerics out of politics and give the elected President and parliament of Iran, along with the trained experts, the actual power to manage the country. But it seems, even now, few are ready to force the issue and risk a civil war.

14 RecommendShareFlag

Carolyn commented December 18

Carolyn

California

Dec. 18

An obvious and major problem is the fact that the president is subservient to the religious leader. Mixing religion and politics is always a bad idea. So the president has his hands tied on many important issues. No wonder he’s speaking the truth of the situation.

14 RecommendShareFlag

Pat commented December 18

Pat

Ohio

Dec. 18

When society denies half the population of civil rights and choice of course it will eventually fail. Free Women, Free the Country.

14 RecommendShareFlag

Mark McIntyre commented December 18

Mark McIntyre

Los Angeles

Dec. 18

That's Theocracy for you: loads of dogma, lacking loads of common sense. I don't entirely blame the mullahs since it was Trump who unilaterally tore up JCPOA that by all accounts was working.

The way out for Iran is give up its nuclear ambitions, work out a new deal and cooperate with international monitors to rejoin the civilized world. If they don't, Iran's future looks very bleak indeed.

2 Replies14 RecommendShareFlag

Chairman Meow commented December 18

Chairman Meow

Seattle

Dec. 18

Their leaders need to get the same memo that so many others do, including places like like the US: stop using public resources and political capital to fight your petty battles, enrich yourselves and your cronies, and bludgeon your country and the world with the world with your ideological and cultural agendas, and starting doing things things that actually make people’s lives better. It’s that simple.

13 RecommendShareFlag

A Science Guy commented December 18

A Science Guy

Ellensburg, WA

Dec. 18

In a world that seems to have gone full-bore toxic masculinity for its leaders, this is refreshing. I think it says something that even Khamenei seems to respect the courage it takes to stand up there and not just do the politician-speak thing.

Of course it's predictable that, after so many decades of what is basically a theocratic dictatorship, the country is experiencing the effects of a million 'little dictators' and their corrupt ways.

This is the gist of all the warnings of the left in our own march toward a corrupt theocratic dictatorship. Theocracies are backward, corrupt, and abusive, and have virtually nothing to do with the religions they profess to follow. Sadly, the right in the US labels all such comparisons as 'liberal hysteria,' and calls what Trump and the Republicans are doing a mere 'course-correction.'

12 RecommendShareFlag

Clyde Cortright commented December 18

Clyde Cortright

Weymouth Ma

Dec. 18

@P.S.

Iran is still actively trying to destroy Israel. Until Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran give up their fanatical ambitions and devote their resources to their own people, their people will suffer greatly.

In Reply Thread12 RecommendShareFlag

William commented December 18

William

Austin, TX

Dec. 18

It's a start. To solve a problem you first have to admit there is a problem. Iran's aggressive and antagonistic Middle East foreign policy has cost Iran a lot and the president is admitting it.

1 Reply12 RecommendShareFlag

Mac7429 commented December 18

Mac7429

Tavernier, Florida

Dec. 18

Why doesn't this article talk about how dire the lack of water is? They are discussing evacuating Tehran. Nothing could be more critical than a total lack of water in Tehran.

12 RecommendShareFlag

ka kilicli commented December 18

ka kilicli

Pittsburgh

Dec. 18

I wish we had a president as forthright and honest as him!

12 RecommendShareFlag

DL commented December 18

Dec. 18

Let this become a resignation heard round the world. Mr. Trump – if you’re listening, it’s not to late resign, your constituents will reward you mightily.

1 Reply11 RecommendShareFlag

Sam commented December 18

Sam

Brooklyn

Dec. 18

@Rachel It's very easy to say people "need to take responsibility for their own destiny". But somehow, it's always the other party that needs to take responsibility, while the US is a responsibility-free zone.

Especially because we're continuously locking them into that destiny through our own bad behavior. At this point, Iran is the adult in the room between the US, Israel, and Iran.

In Reply Thread11 RecommendShareFlag

BD commented December 18

Dec. 18

@DL ... and if Trump does indeed resign, who is it that becomes president?

In Reply Thread11 RecommendShareFlag

Dan commented December 18

Dan

PNW

Dec. 18

The history of Iran since 1979 (and perhaps in the modern era) has been a tragedy bearing in mind the deep history, culture and influence of Persia. Unlike the other gulf oil titans, Iran has been, and has the potential to be, a sophisticated country that serves the needs of its common people. Perhaps even a liberal prosperous country . But their religious and zealous obsession with the “big and little satans” of the USA and Israel (who, admittedly, have given Iran reasons to be wary) has derailed efforts to integrate the country into the modern world.

11 RecommendShareFlag

Observer commented December 18

Observer

Dec. 18

@DennisMcG Anyone with slight understanding of 20th century history will also recognize positive role US played in Iran and thru the world, like insuring Soviet Union withdraws it's troops from Iran after WW2. Critique of WW2 and Cold War foreign policy decisions without context are moral inversions. So are not seeing the difference between Iran's and US clergy.

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Charlemagne commented December 18

Charlemagne

USA

Dec. 18

The time is ripe for a Lexington/Concord moment. This is a country with massive potential. Time to join the 21st century.

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RAP commented December 18

RAP

Dec. 18

@P.S.

I am truly gobsmacked by your post, and that others have recommended it.

The only rational answer for such a post is a case of a Rip Van Winkle 40-year slumber.

Olive branches and cash galore have been offered / provided (first nuclear deal, elimination of sanctions and freeing up of huge amounts 'sanctioned' cash). In return, the US / West have been repaid with unending terrorism and disdain... and their constant threat of destroying Israel and all of its populace.

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Charles commented December 18

Charles

Midwest

Dec. 18

@Curt Carpenter

The national debt has gone up a fair amount since it was $33 trillion in September of 2023. At present, it is $38.5 trillion and still climbing fairly rapidly.

Just wait until the American people are forced to live with what they've chosen. In retrospect, recent years' political upheavals will quite likely look like child's play.

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Richard Blaine commented December 18

Richard Blaine

Not NYC

Dec. 18

@Anonymous

Actually, historically, the instigator of that dispute is predominantly Israel. Israel backed the Shah. Undoubtedly the government of Israel thought it was a good idea at the time.

But oh, boy, has that decision led to endless grief.

Let us not suggest that either of them are angels.

Nonetheless, in this long, complicated story, this profoundly sad tragedy, Iran has clearly been far more sinned against than sinning.

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Mark commented December 18

Mark

New york

Dec. 18

@P.S. you want Israel to give aid to a country that actively funds terrorist organizations (Hamas. Hexbollah. Houthis) that pledge to wipe them off the map? Why?

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Eric commented December 18

Eric

nyc

Dec. 18

Finally some good news. Can they eat oil?

9 RecommendShareFlag

Jer commented December 18

Jer

Dec. 18

@John Dirlik

Why wouldn't rational people need to be concerned about a government that chants "Death to America" and "Death to Israel"; supports Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Russia; and enriches uranium beyond what is needed for nuclear power?

What about a president admitting to being powerless and that the theocratic leader has final say merits imitation? It's not humility, it's capitulation.

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Eric commented December 19

Eric

USA

Dec. 19

@J O'Kelly not only that, but the palestinians, Lebanese, Yemenites, and Syrians would be better off too without their respective Iranian proxies' boots on their necks

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Bob commented December 18

Bob

Texas

Dec. 18

Of course he can't fix the Iranian problems.

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Richard Blaine commented December 18

Richard Blaine

Not NYC

Dec. 18

@Reba Turner

Yes, sure.

Because that has worked so well in every country it has been tried in the past...

In Reply Thread8 RecommendShareFlag

Michael commented December 18

Michael

Massachusetts

Dec. 18

@sssur

Or allow free elections, not just cleric-approved candidates being allowed.

In Reply Thread8 RecommendShareFlag

Neil Bellinson commented December 18

Neil Bellinson

Forest Hills, NY

Dec. 18

And how is capitalism doing in the United States. Who is solving our problems?

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Can Things Get Any Worse? commented December 19

Can Things Get Any Worse?

Nope.

Dec. 19

@Cynick

If Trump ever does anything good, it's like the broken clock being correct twice daily. He has no sense or understanding of foreign affairs, economics, fidelity, truth, justice, or humility. He's a fish out of water, a bull in a china shop. He has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. And I'm not gloating; I'm lamenting, because he's president of the most powerful nation on Earth. If that doesn't trouble you deeply, I don't know what would. He's a man without honor, shame, or compassion; and he can't help it: He's a narcissist, formed by his DNA and his environment, especially his childhood home and development. He was such a bully and troublemaker that his parents shipped him off to a military academy, but it was too late. Now we are all paying for his bad upbringing, as we are with so many others: We have more prisoners than any other nation. A lot of our worst are in big business and government, not yet caught. A lot of truth in the Biblical trope, It's harder for a rich man to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (which was actually a small entrance in an ancient city wall, where a camel could get through, but only with great trouble, by design.)

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Curt Carpenter commented December 18

Curt Carpenter

Dallas, Texas

Dec. 18

“The notion of speaking honestly with the public is a new phenomena,...”

Yes indeed -- and kudos to Mr. Pezeshkian for daring to speak honestly to the people of Iran -- and to the people of Iran for being willing to hear it.

Iran's situation is unique -- all unhappy countries are unhappy in their own way -- but NOT all countries are prepared to confront their realities resolutely and with honestly. In Europe and God knows the United States -- the denial and demand for lies is palpable. Anything but an honest assessment of broken government and the people's responsibilities for it in the 21st century.

Better to turn everything over to hucksters and thieves than face reality of a 33 Trillion dollar debt.

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Thomas commented December 18

Thomas

Texas

Dec. 18

Iran should call the USA's bluff. Give up nuclear power generation and disavow attacking Israel. Allow inspections. Call the wests' bluff. Then the Iranian people will learn the truth. Western oil giants have no interest in Iranian oil and gas ( They have a lot. like top 5 in natural gas reserves) hitting the market. Iran has enough energy to crash prices which would take the economic power away from uber rich, US libertarian oil men who are using that profit implement Project 2025. US oilmen need oil above $60 to stay in business. They could care less what gas prices trump is selling to US voters. Iran needs to stop playing the pawn in Israels' victim game and work for her people.

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Arif commented December 18

Arif

Albany, NY

Dec. 18

@Gordon How does one power a desalination plant? It requires some sort of power supply.

In Reply Thread7 RecommendShareFlag

Eric W commented December 18

Eric W

Ohio

Dec. 18

(Somewhat) honest politicians can be found anywhere, it seems.

Good to know.

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Gordon commented December 18

Gordon

Carrboro NC

Dec. 18

How about funding desalination plants instead of a misplaced (solar? Natural gas?) nuclear program?

2 Replies6 RecommendShareFlag

P.S. commented December 18

P.S.

Dec. 18

Could you imagine a world where the United States and Israel recognized this humanitarian crisis as an opportunity to provide aid and stabilize the country. Israel could offer incredible tangible help in terms of water desalination technology, the US could ease sanctions, in return Iran could provide security forces in Gaza and pressure Hamas to give up their weapons.

The only thing that makes the statement above seem absurd are the stories we tell ourselves, not the merit of the argument.

4 Replies6 RecommendShareFlag

Atllaw commented December 18

Atllaw

Atlanta, GA

Dec. 18

@Richard Blaine

The US (CIA) overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and put the Shah in power in the first place. Israel would take any friend in the Moslem world they can get.

The US also worked to overthrow Salvador Allende who was democratically elected in Chile. We don't have Chilean terrorists targeting the US and Chile developing nuclear weapons to target the US 50 years later.

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Mac7429 commented December 18

Mac7429

Tavernier, Florida

Dec. 18

@Sam

I know blaming everything on the U.S. is knee jerk among all progressives, but, seriously, the U.S. did not install the Mullahs/theocracy that is Iran. The Shah was bad in many ways and good in some, but the Iranian people wanted this theocracy. And now they are paying the dire price that always comes with supporting a theocracy.

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Sam Cortez commented December 19

Sam Cortez

Miami

Dec. 19

@Mark McIntyre

CORRECTION: The way out for Iran is to stop funding global terror and focus on building a functioning economy and society that can join the world community.

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Bob commented December 18

Bob

New York

Dec. 18

America should keep the boot on the regime's neck with the public objective of regime change. Further, we should overtly support the Iranian people so they can take back their country. Enough is enough.

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LKR commented December 18

LKR

Saanich BC

Dec. 18

@Arif solar is ideal - just follow Perth's example. Intermittent power but you can store the water,

In Reply Thread5 RecommendShareFlag

Thomas Zaslavsky commented December 18

Thomas Zaslavsky

Binghamton, N.Y.

Dec. 18

@sssur

He's doing a lot, in terms of the Iranian situation. If he did anything you suggest, he would lose his position and his voice at once.

In Reply Thread5 RecommendShareFlag

Eddie commented December 19

Eddie

Austin

Dec. 19

@Barry

You mean creating an UN agency just for Iranians, granting them perpetual victim status and persisting eternal grievance against Israel while supplying terrorist groups with funding in the disguise of humanitarian aid?

The eternal grievance is already there and Iran’s terror funding already exists thanks to the flawless Obama/Biden foreign affairs appeasement policies.

Let’s not forget an important distinction. The everyday Iranian (and Syrian, Lebanese) despises the Iranian religious leadership (and by extension Hez and other affiliates) which makes it easy to spy and cripple Iran. Unlike the Palestinians who are heart and soul supportive of Hamas and it’s ilk.

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Rachel commented December 18

Rachel

Michigan

Dec. 18

@DennisMcG

If we’re all victims of history for eternity, why should anyone strive for better? I’m so sick of the victim mentality that’s taken hold in the 2020’s. Allowing religious nut jobs to stay in power because it’s easier or less scary than fighting is at some point consenting to the circumstances created by that government. I’m lucky to be an American but if things go south here, which looks more and more likely, you bet I’m taking to the streets.

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Rachel commented December 18

Rachel

Michigan

Dec. 18

@SAJ

Every side can point to history as a reason for their issues today, but it is odd seeing an American use history to try to explain away a hostile country supporting a terrorist organization.

It’s really this simple: someone in the Middle East needs to be a real leader and stop trying to right the wrongs of history and decide today’s needs are more pressing.

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Skeptical Professor commented December 18

Skeptical Professor

Dec. 18

@NS funny, I had the same thoughts about our own nation, the good'ol USA who decides to cut research in all areas except for the military. Who just passed a ridiculous spending package to boost the military and yet can't provide us with healthcare.

We love to condemned others as uncivilized yet are one of the most uneducated industrialized nations. My graduate students can't even locate Iran on a map and believe that it's a barren land where ppl ride camels.

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Brian Lancaster commented December 18

Brian Lancaster

New York

Dec. 18

Dubai, Abu Dhabi are a few hundred miles from Iran. The contrast and reasons why couldn’t be greater to Iranians. Just as Dheng Joao ping looking at the wealth of Singapore vs the poverty of communist China abruptly shifted Chinas policies from Maoist communism to state capitalism it seems inevitable Iran will either change or explode. Saudi Arabia has already undergone massive change due to this UAEdemonstration effect.

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CM commented December 18

Elsewhere

Dec. 18

@P.S. You don’t need to imagine.

Despite Iran plotting to wipe Israel off the face of the earth and targeting Jewish civilians around the world, Israel, as recently as 2017 has offered aid to Iran and Iraq after devastating earthquakes - only to be rebuffed.

Their hatred for the other eclipsed care and concern for their own people.

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Can Things Get Any Worse? commented December 18

Can Things Get Any Worse?

Nope.

Dec. 18

I like his approach: Tell the truth, which often hurts.

Iranians outside government, from what I've read, are wonderful people that love Americans. Yes! I was surprised, too.

Iran needs a complete self-makeover, but their beloved religion makes for a lousy government; it has acted in such a way as to draw the sustained ire of nations stronger than them. And the chickens have come home to roost.

Why deny the facts? Pollyanna-ism won't save you. Maybe when the pain becomes great enough, enough powerful Iranians will make the difficult changes required.

If you get a diagnosis of cancer, don't deny it by saying that you feel fine or that you're too young and healthy to get it. Take the treatment. Yes, it's going to be very discomfiting, but it beats the alternative. Just like needing to go to the dentist, you can run, but you can't forever hide. Consequences are always ready to take the stage -- the one you are standing on.

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Curt Carpenter commented December 18

Curt Carpenter

Dallas, Texas

Dec. 18

@Mark McIntyre I think the people of Iran are realists that have come to learn the real problems in marrying the state to religion. I can think of another country in the region that could benefit from a strong dose of that same realism.

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L. G. commented December 18

L. G.

Kalifornien

Dec. 18

@Observer The Soviets left, but the British stayed there. And when Mossadegh tried to nationalize the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co., why would the U.S., who doesn’t have a significant stake there (because by that time the U.S. already struck a deal to acquire fossil fuels from Saudi Arabia and funnel them through oilers and pipelines to Turkey), intervene in this matter?

Mossadegh was not leaning towards the Tudeh (that is the communists) then, especially since the Soviets just recently invaded their country because Iran’s/Persia’s crazy Shah saw Nazis as an opportunity through which he can obtain some agency and break from British influences. The fall of Shah and, generally, West-oriented ideologies, started with Operation Ajax. What’s more infuriating is that in 1953 the clergymen were also opposed to Mossadegh’s plan, for which they supported his removal, but in 1979 they successfully rebranded themselves as defenders of traditional values, through which Iran could redeem itself. Utter hypocrisy.

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J. von Hettlingen commented December 18

J. von Hettlingen

Switzerland

Dec. 18

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s blunt speech about the state of the nation felt like rubbing salt into Iranians’ wound.

Their country has endured an “annus horribilis” marked by a horrific drought, severe water shortages, energy crisis and soaring inflation.

They were expecting to hear from their president – at least – some words of comfort, offering solutions that instill hope. Instead, he told them not to bother, telling them the country was facing insurmountable problems and that he had run out of ideas for how to solve them.

He was inviting someone from the public to step forward and help put the country back on track.

Blaming the problems on “corruption, factional infighting and decades of government spending practices”, that he descried as “what crazy people do” – and not the fault of the US or Israel, he rued: “I don’t know what to do, please don’t curse me.”

He also said he couldn’t make miracles happen to address the myriad woes that bedevil the country, and acknowledged Israel’s military edge over Iran.

At the same time, he rejected calls for Iran to give up its nuclear programme, seeing it as crucial for its national defence, while “they arm Israel to the teeth.”

His candid speech earned disdain from hardliners, who accused him of making the regime look “weak and incompetent” at a vulnerable moment when the country is facing severe internal and external challenges.

3 RecommendShareFlag

Albro commented December 18

Albro

Wellington, ON,Canada

Dec. 18

@pbcal

Great idea, why not suggesting it to Trump?

In Reply Thread3 RecommendShareFlag

DennisMcG commented December 18

DennisMcG

Boston

Dec. 18

@Observer

I made no comment about Iran or US clergy, and I can't see how Sam did either. You're right though, criticizing coups that led to slaughters, assassinations, the mass murder of Vietnamese civilians with things like Agent Orange, etc., is just "moral inversion" and doesn't take "context" into account. My Lai just needs to be viewed through the lens of the Cold War and then it's great!!

In Reply Thread2 RecommendShareFlag

Robert commented December 18

Robert

Midwest

Dec. 18

No special animosity towards Iran. Still, as a hydraulic engineer, have to wonder why the country is so bereft of counsel. There are means an methods to manage a drought condition which appears to be systemic.

2 RecommendShareFlag

Robi commented December 18

Robi

Dec. 18

@SAJ, I read your post 3 times because I thought surely I must be missing some finer points related to Iran's dire situation. But I'm still confused as to why the following are not problems to be considered:

- a fanatical theocracy, that may have been appropriate to rule in the 7th Century, but definitely not in the 21st; the mullahs have run Iran into the ground and destroyed a great civilization.

- billions of dollars funneled (and wasted...) to terrorist organizations (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis), to dictators (Assad in Syria) and to Shia militias (Iraq).

- tapping dry the water source for Tehran; what were they thinking? At this point there is no other solution but to literally move the capital.

- pervasive misogyny, racism, homophobia and repression.

It is nothing less than a tragedy how the Mullahs have managed to destroy a country and a people that once were leaders in literature, mathematics and philosophy. Unforgivable!

In Reply Thread2 RecommendShareFlag

Curt Carpenter commented December 19

Curt Carpenter

Dallas, Texas

Dec. 19

@WilliamSounds remarkably like the core problem in our own country. But I'll tell you frankly that I don't think the American people today are capable of hearing a message like that from Mr. Pezeshkian. The whine would be loud enough to collapse cities.

In Reply Thread2 RecommendShareFlag

Curt Carpenter commented December 18

Curt Carpenter

Dallas, Texas

Dec. 18

@Sam Our founding fathers were right in seeking to force the separation of church and state. But that wisdom is begin or has been lost in several countries -- not least our own.

Perhaps it will take another century of religious wars to make the lesson real again to a lot of people.

In Reply Thread2 RecommendShareFlag

Richard Blaine commented December 19

Richard Blaine

Not NYC

Dec. 19

@John

When democracy is overthrown, it is extremely difficult to restore.

The problem is that people who gain power at the point of a gun are rarely willing to give it up any other way.

Which means that the only people like to replace them are people who are even more violent and even more reliant on guns.

This has happened in many, many countries.

It is almost impossible to break that cycle.

Iran has the further complication of oil.

For 160 years, the oil industry has been the mortal enemy of democracy everywhere the oil industry has done business.

And in Iran, any time Iran makes any progress, either the Oil Industry, (or its wholly-owned subsidiary the US Republican Party,) or Israel, then throws a wrench in the works.

Only President Obama had the wisdom to see and pursue a path out of that endless nightmare.

Yes, the religious authorities in Iran are responsible for many mistakes. This is a cruel and vicious regime.

But they are certainly not responsible for Saddam Hussein's war.

And they are not responsible for America's apparently utterly lawless sanctions regime.

The enduring problem here is that Iranians would love to see the back of their government and restore democracy.

But the foreigners who want regime change only want oil. They have no desire to restore democracy in Iran or to help the people of Iran.

They just want to install another of their own murderous dictators so they can take Iran's oil.

Which is 1953 all over again.

In Reply Thread2 RecommendShareFlag

Richard Blaine commented December 18

Richard Blaine

Not NYC

Dec. 18

@Atllaw

Chile is not a major oil exporting power.

See the difference?

America and Israel simply refuse to let Iran alone. They keep doubling down on their determination not to let Iranians choose their own government.

And it is all about oil.

The overthrow of the Chilean government was recognized as a mistake almost as soon as it happened, and it was opposed by many of America's western European allies.

It was about copper, rather than oil.

But, after 20 years, Chile was able to restore democracy because it no longer had foreign governments determined to prevent Chile from being governed by leaders chosen by Chileans.

There will come a time when people will read about what happened in Iran, and be ashamed.

America put oil ahead of democracy.

As it has done many times.

And every time America favors oil over democracy it turns out really badly.

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