Iran is a complex nation that is deeply divided between religious conservatives and people who want a more western style society. The Mullahs are octogenarians and the future looks somewhat promising for a more democratic and reasonable regime that might replace them soon. This was the bet the Obama Admin made when signing the nuclear deal. Blocking a nuclear Iran for 25 years out was based on the prospect of a future Iran that could become a partner with America once all the old assholes die. On the other hand, our alliance with the Saudis has always been problematic. An illiberal regime, borders created by the British and home of radical Wahhabism. A monarchy in the 21ist Century. Saudi Arabia is not even a real country. Iran is a 4000 year old civilization and a true nation state. A pro-western democratic Iran could be a true partner to the West in the coming decades. We’re a long way from there now but revolutions tend to change things fast.
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June 2009, The Green Revolution, went nowhere.