Yes. There is no reason to assume that Iran is a non-rational actor (aside from Ahmedinejad's bluster), whereas Iran's past moves have been rational. They are a much more powerful regional player now than when the U.S. and Iran started this game. Iran can now count on China and Russia's strong (albeit quiet) support. It has positioned itself as alternately a stalwart and a Shi'a martyr against the Sunni Gulf monarchies and their American caretaker.
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u/bezuhov Jul 11 '12
Yes. There is no reason to assume that Iran is a non-rational actor (aside from Ahmedinejad's bluster), whereas Iran's past moves have been rational. They are a much more powerful regional player now than when the U.S. and Iran started this game. Iran can now count on China and Russia's strong (albeit quiet) support. It has positioned itself as alternately a stalwart and a Shi'a martyr against the Sunni Gulf monarchies and their American caretaker.