It’s been twenty years since the start of the global war on terror and neither Iraq nor Afghanistan have a successful government.

I mean, we haven’t even been able to effect a successful regime change in South America, let alone the Middle East in decades.

OK. Maybe they’ll turn into a failed state.

They won’t change government unless it’s US backed, so either a monarchy or a right-wing junta.

I think we can agree that the government is more concerned with their interests than America’s.

I meant in Iran, which is also not Arab, but couldn’t think of another third option.

They definitely don’t want Arab Socialism.

Is there a realistic option besides returning the monarchy or Israeli occupation?

It just feels that long term the US wants to move out of the Middle East and short term we want stability. Neither of these goals are served by a war with Lebanon.

Reinstating the Shah can’t be that important to our foreign policy anymore, can it? And who’s the alternative?