As far as I can tell, the major infraction of Iran is being Shia rather than Sunni.** And therefore a rival of Saudi Arabia. We remain allies of the Saudis, and adamant goes of Iran. This despite Saudi Arabia also being a theocracy (albeit with a subservient monarchy as cover), and a far more fundamentalist and repressive one. Iranian women, for example, have rights and freedoms that Saudi women can only dream of.
Once upon a time, the Saudis controlled the price of oil, and that gave them a bargaining chip. We ignored little details like the oil price shock of the mid-70s, and continued the relationship because we felt we had to, lest they ramp up the price of oil on us again. (We also ignore the fact that the perpetrators of 9/11 were Saudis. Iranians have never done anything like that to us.)
Now, of course, we are a net oil exporter. If the price of oil goes up, we make money. But inertia is a powerful force. Someday, I hope, we cut the Saudis off. Not to switch to allying with Iran necessarily. But at least shifting to neutrality in their theological dispute.
** Not that most Americans know. Or have the least clue what the difference is. (For comparison, think Catholics and Protestants during the wars of religion.)
As far as I can tell, the major infraction of Iran is being Shia rather than Sunni.** And therefore a rival of Saudi Arabia. We remain allies of the Saudis, and adamant goes of Iran. This despite Saudi Arabia also being a theocracy (albeit with a subservient monarchy as cover), and a far more fundamentalist and repressive one. Iranian women, for example, have rights and freedoms that Saudi women can only dream of.
Once upon a time, the Saudis controlled the price of oil, and that gave them a bargaining chip. We ignored little details like the oil price shock of the mid-70s, and continued the relationship because we felt we had to, lest they ramp up the price of oil on us again. (We also ignore the fact that the perpetrators of 9/11 were Saudis. Iranians have never done anything like that to us.)
Now, of course, we are a net oil exporter. If the price of oil goes up, we make money. But inertia is a powerful force. Someday, I hope, we cut the Saudis off. Not to switch to allying with Iran necessarily. But at least shifting to neutrality in their theological dispute.
** Not that most Americans know. Or have the least clue what the difference is. (For comparison, think Catholics and Protestants during the wars of religion.)