March 07, 2006
Iranians go wobbly on nuke standoff [posted by Allah]
This'll get some attention in Tehran:
With Iran's nuclear program still in development after 20 years, many people say it's not clear what they stand to gain in the ongoing confrontation. The risks, however, are evident."Of course we're worried about sanctions," said Marieh Shariff, who like Asadi is looking for work, as at least 10 percent of Iranians are. Unofficial estimates suggest twice the rate.
"We don't have a strong economy, and now because of the confrontations of the last five or six months, the market is already down," said Samir Tabatabaei, 20. "Whenever some high official uses harsh words against foreigners, or foreigners use harsh words against us, the business just stops."
A dealer in wedding tiaras, Tabatabaei stood in a mirrored nook glittering with merchandise that costs more since Iran's tone turned belligerent -- and is purchased less, by a population wary of the future.
"Verbally, lots of people are saying they will stand firm, resist," Tabatabaei said. "But if something happens, I doubt people will really stand the pressure."
Could sanctions destabilize the mullahs? Like they did with Saddam in Iraq, I mean.
UPDATE: "Would it be possible for the Americans to invade just for a few days, get rid of the mullahs and the weapons, and then leave?"
Posted by Allahpundit at March 7, 2006 09:46 PM | TrackBackTechnorati Tags:
