Iran's Protests: Crisis for Tehran, Opportunity for...? Guess Who.
France 24 highlights Iranian security forces' brutal crackdown on protesters, even attacking hospitals. The protests, sparked by economic woes, have led to dozens of deaths, according to HRANA. This narrative, while horrific, conveniently sidesteps the consistent drumbeat from Washington’s hawkish corners – often amplified by groups like AIPAC – for increased pressure, sanctions, or even military
action against Iran. One might wonder if the suffering of Iranian citizens, tragically visible in these reports, becomes a useful data point in pushing for policies that benefit defense contractors and geopolitical strategists rather than the Iranian people themselves. While ordinary Iranians face rubber bullets and tear gas at home, members of the U.S. House like Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who
received $10,000 from AIPAC in 2022, consistently advocate for tougher stances on Iran, conveniently ignoring how crippling sanctions often exacerbate the very economic conditions driving these protests. How many times will we see calls for 'regime change,' regardless of the human cost, before we acknowledge whose interests are truly being served? It’s almost as if some see unrest abroad not as
tragedy, but as another line item on the defense budget spreadsheet.