> I find this ridiculous back/and/forth sad and depressing. While I'm more
> in Doug's and Lou's corner when it comes to the Iranian state, and am
> somewhat mystified (but not completely surprised) by Yoshie's embrace of
> her "Persian Prince" (good god), I've still learned a lot from Yoshie
> about the inner-workings of present-day Iran. Clearly, she's done much
> homework and has pointed us to sources which can teach us more, if we so
> desire. I suppose my complaint about Yoshie on this front is her
> with-her-or-against-her tone, this drawing a correct line in the Persian
> sand. Surely, we can learn from each other without having to embrace every
> point made, yes? Especially at a brutal moment in time like now?
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Thanks for this. It expresses my own feelings as well. Truth to tell, I've
read and enjoyed all the posts by and between the above three on Iran (and
other subjects). I don't think Yoshie's insistent tone is that unusual;
we've all flogged own pet causes from time to time. That's in the nature of
debate. In fact, as you note, Yoshie is among the most careful in the way
she develops and documents her position, and in steering away from
personal attack and provocation when there is disagreement. She's been
getting a lot of heat lately over her Iran stance, so if she sounds a little
testy, it's understandable.