curt finch
· 1w
How do they benefit exactly?
In different ways. As long as Iran remains isolated from the global banking system, Qatar facilitates money transfers and even money laundering. It is effectively an accomplice of the regime in financing terrorism.
After the Islamic Revolution, organized groups of hardline students attacked the US embassy and took American diplomats hostage. This effectively severed relations between Iran and the US, which had previously been very close allies. Iran was the US’s number one ally in the Middle East. Having cut this link, the regime handed out benefits left and right to China and Russia to secure their support. As a result, both governments benefit from Iran’s isolation.
The regime is first and foremost a puppet of China and Russia. It constantly claims to speak up for any Muslim suffering oppression anywhere in the world, yet it has not said a single word about the Uyghurs in China. Why? Because it fears losing Chinese support. It has also allowed Russia to exploit the Caspian Sea and its resources.
Before the revolution, Iran benefited greatly from tourism, which contributed to the country’s prosperity. Today, Turkey and other neighboring countries capture much of that tourism revenue. Moreover, affluent Iranians, instead of traveling within Iran, often spend their summer vacations or New Year holidays in Turkey or Armenia, where hijab is not mandatory, alcohol is permitted, and discos and other leisure activities are available. (I don’t blame them. I have done so too myself.)
These are only a few examples.
