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Conflict in the Middle East
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EasternStandard · 14/01/2026 22:19

HepzibahGreen · 14/01/2026 21:56

Maybe racism is the wrong word? Patronising? As if millions of intelligent people would not be capable of protesting the apalling regime imposed upon them without being somehow coerced or tricked by evil Israel/ US. It denies them agency.

I see. I read it as @SpaceRaccoondid

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:22

inamarina · 14/01/2026 20:19

Why should we provide any extra sources? It was a summary from Google.
You said in your previous post: „According to google the vast majority (over 90 percent) are Muslims“.
In response I posted a more nuanced Google result.
You then said what I posted wasn’t the first thing that came up on Google. Well, it was for me 🤷‍♀️

Show quote history

Firstly, no you are misquoting me - I gave a quote from a US report which was the first thing which came up on google. I am not sure why you think your quote is going to be more nuanced than mine?

And secondly, why on earth would you not post a source you have looked at today? It is truly bizarre. Unless when you say "it is a summary from google" you mean AI? That might make more sense but it is unlikely to be more nuanced if so.

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:33

HepzibahGreen · 14/01/2026 21:56

Maybe racism is the wrong word? Patronising? As if millions of intelligent people would not be capable of protesting the apalling regime imposed upon them without being somehow coerced or tricked by evil Israel/ US. It denies them agency.

There seem to be two schools of thought here but I don't think anyone is saying that Iranians are being coerced or tricked by anyone - what is being said is that rioters have been paid to do certain things, and that the/all rioters were not necessarily Iranian. I am just explaining what has been said so don't shoot the messenger.

And another facet to this is that the claim of paid rioters applies to other countries too, people think that some rioters in other countries are paid by outside agencies too. It isn't just Iran.

I am slightly confused why so little attention is being paid to the many Iranians who have protested against the rioters though. Do you not think that denies them agency? It seems to be one rule for those who agree with you and another for those who don't.

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:37

inamarina · 14/01/2026 15:49

True. Ironically, people like that, with their spiraling out of control rage demonstrate perfectly why Jewish people need a homeland.

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Do you think that Palestinians need a homeland too?

I am of Jewish heritage and I support a two state solution. Do you?

Or do you think that those who support a two state solution are antisemetic even if they are Jewish?

keepeofthesevenkeys · 14/01/2026 22:53

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:37

Do you think that Palestinians need a homeland too?

I am of Jewish heritage and I support a two state solution. Do you?

Or do you think that those who support a two state solution are antisemetic even if they are Jewish?

Show quote history

I have never seen anyone say that anyone who supports a two state solution is antisemitic.

HepzibahGreen · 14/01/2026 22:57

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:33

There seem to be two schools of thought here but I don't think anyone is saying that Iranians are being coerced or tricked by anyone - what is being said is that rioters have been paid to do certain things, and that the/all rioters were not necessarily Iranian. I am just explaining what has been said so don't shoot the messenger.

And another facet to this is that the claim of paid rioters applies to other countries too, people think that some rioters in other countries are paid by outside agencies too. It isn't just Iran.

I am slightly confused why so little attention is being paid to the many Iranians who have protested against the rioters though. Do you not think that denies them agency? It seems to be one rule for those who agree with you and another for those who don't.

Show quote history

I have viewed a lot of footage of thousands and thousands of people in Iran walking in the streets and chanting. I haven’t seen any of them rioting?
Not that im saying it’s not happened but I’ve not seen that.
I mean, there are demonstrations in every province of Iran- a massive country. Even if “outside agitators” exist it’s not logical, given the known brutality of the Islamic regime and the sheer numbers, as well as the reams of dead, that the main force is external.
Im confused as to why it seems to be so important to some people that this obvious revolt is somehow fake?!

HepzibahGreen · 14/01/2026 22:59

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:37

Do you think that Palestinians need a homeland too?

I am of Jewish heritage and I support a two state solution. Do you?

Or do you think that those who support a two state solution are antisemetic even if they are Jewish?

Show quote history

Almost all Jewish people in the ME support a 2 state solution. Hamas and their supporters, however, do not.

OpheliaIsntMad · 14/01/2026 23:04

Addybee · 14/01/2026 19:47

Are you Iranian?

I am. My parents lived under this regime and so did I. This isn’t something I picked up from Western media or politicians.

Iranians have been resisting this regime for decades, long before social media or US war hawks suddenly took an interest. The fact that outside actors try to exploit what’s happening doesn’t mean the struggle itself is manufactured. Oppression doesn’t become fake just because opportunists attach themselves to it.

Iran has 90 million people. The reason the diaspora voice is louder is simple. People inside Iran are silenced through internet shutdowns, prison, torture and worse. Expecting perfectly verifiable reporting from a closed authoritarian state is an impossible standard that only ever benefits the regime.

Of course misinformation exists, it does everywhere. A few false or mislabelled clips don’t cancel out the reality of what’s happening on the ground. The lack of “independently verified” numbers also doesn’t mean mass violence isn’t happening, especially when doctors and families inside Iran are risking their lives to say the real figures are much higher- I personally have heard of 3 people close to us who have been killed.

Sanctions have absolutely hurt ordinary Iranians and many of us have criticised them for years. But sanctions didn’t create this regime or its brutality. The repression, corruption and violence came first and are the reason people are protesting.

This isn’t about American or Israeli intervention. It’s about people who have been asking for basic dignity and freedom for decades and are exhausted of being dismissed as propaganda

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Thank you for this post.

I support and hugely admire the bravery of the Iranian protesters.

SharonEllis · 14/01/2026 23:08

keepeofthesevenkeys · 14/01/2026 22:53

I have never seen anyone say that anyone who supports a two state solution is antisemitic.

Show quote history

Me neither. Utterly ludicrous suggestion.

SharonEllis · 14/01/2026 23:10

HepzibahGreen · 14/01/2026 22:57

I have viewed a lot of footage of thousands and thousands of people in Iran walking in the streets and chanting. I haven’t seen any of them rioting?
Not that im saying it’s not happened but I’ve not seen that.
I mean, there are demonstrations in every province of Iran- a massive country. Even if “outside agitators” exist it’s not logical, given the known brutality of the Islamic regime and the sheer numbers, as well as the reams of dead, that the main force is external.
Im confused as to why it seems to be so important to some people that this obvious revolt is somehow fake?!

Show quote history

I've not seen any footage or reports of rioting. 1000s of people peacefully protesting and lots fighting regime supporters and security forces. Not what I would call rioting.

Vivi0 · 14/01/2026 23:44

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:16

Thanks for your responses. It is interesting to hear what you think. For my part I am not Iranian and do not have personal experience but I am extremely, extremely critical of how the US and Israel have been dealing with things and extremely sceptical of Lindsey Graham's interest. Because i am born and bred in the UK perhaps my view of how our country is governed is less rose tinted than yours too.

You will be aware that there are a lot of people from Iran or who live in Iran who regularly post on youtube, showing real footage of people there, who disagree with you, who say different things from you.

But as said I am not from Iran and so I do not have personal experience and so can't comment further on that.

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You will be aware that there are a lot of people from Iran or who live in Iran who regularly post on youtube, showing real footage of people there, who disagree with you, who say different things from you.

I’m not sure what you are trying to get at.

You say there are Iranians who disagree with what that poster says. Disagree with what? With this:

For me, it’s not about him. It’s about my people. I want freedom for them. I want women to be able to pursue any career they choose, travel freely without needing men’s permission, and leave domestic or abusive marriages without needing their husband’s consent. I want our male and female LGBT community to walk the streets safely, without fear of persecution. I want women to dress how they want. I want children to grow up without living in fear for trying to enjoy their lives.
I just want liberation. I just want my people to be free

The Iranian regime is an authoritarian regime that oppresses and commits atrocities against its citizens. That isn’t a matter of opinion; it is a fact.

There are always some who will support the authoritarian regime that they live under because, for whatever reason, it suits or benefits them. That doesn’t mean everyone else needs to endure living under it.

Vivi0 · 14/01/2026 23:48

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:33

There seem to be two schools of thought here but I don't think anyone is saying that Iranians are being coerced or tricked by anyone - what is being said is that rioters have been paid to do certain things, and that the/all rioters were not necessarily Iranian. I am just explaining what has been said so don't shoot the messenger.

And another facet to this is that the claim of paid rioters applies to other countries too, people think that some rioters in other countries are paid by outside agencies too. It isn't just Iran.

I am slightly confused why so little attention is being paid to the many Iranians who have protested against the rioters though. Do you not think that denies them agency? It seems to be one rule for those who agree with you and another for those who don't.

Show quote history

You keep referring to those protesting against the regime as “rioters” and to those in support of the regime as “peaceful protestors”.

That’s a rather curious way to frame the current situation. Why have you chosen to label each side as you have?

You seem very keen to accept the regime’s narrative that those protesting the regime are paid agitators, yet you have an Iranian on here confirming that the Iranian people have been resisting the regime for decades. This isn’t new information. Nor is it a secret.

I am slightly confused why so little attention is being paid to the many Iranians who have protested against the rioters though. Do you not think that denies them agency?

Denies them agency for what? To force everyone else to continue living under an authoritarian regime that oppresses and commits atrocities against its own citizens?

Do you think people should just accept living this way, living without freedom, because it suits or benefits some of the people?

inamarina · 14/01/2026 23:52

keepeofthesevenkeys · 14/01/2026 22:53

I have never seen anyone say that anyone who supports a two state solution is antisemitic.

Show quote history

Me neither. Nice straw man though.

inamarina · 14/01/2026 23:54

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:37

Do you think that Palestinians need a homeland too?

I am of Jewish heritage and I support a two state solution. Do you?

Or do you think that those who support a two state solution are antisemetic even if they are Jewish?

Show quote history

Do you think that Palestinians need a homeland too?

Sure. Do Palestinians support a two state solution?

mids2019 · 15/01/2026 06:34

I think currently if the news is correct the massive pressure the US has applied on Iran seems to have stopped maybe a glut of executions and the cowardly regime has stepped away from cold blooded murder to protect their own skins.

Perhaps the knowledge that there is a potential of external force against the regime may give confidence to future uprisings and I think this is a story that isn't going away.The regime in my opinion would not have resorted to such hideous tactics of it didn't fear for its existence.

EasternStandard · 15/01/2026 06:52

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:33

There seem to be two schools of thought here but I don't think anyone is saying that Iranians are being coerced or tricked by anyone - what is being said is that rioters have been paid to do certain things, and that the/all rioters were not necessarily Iranian. I am just explaining what has been said so don't shoot the messenger.

And another facet to this is that the claim of paid rioters applies to other countries too, people think that some rioters in other countries are paid by outside agencies too. It isn't just Iran.

I am slightly confused why so little attention is being paid to the many Iranians who have protested against the rioters though. Do you not think that denies them agency? It seems to be one rule for those who agree with you and another for those who don't.

Show quote history

what has been said by whom? How are you verifying it or could it be misinformation?

Addybee · 15/01/2026 07:01

ilikepotatties · 14/01/2026 22:33

There seem to be two schools of thought here but I don't think anyone is saying that Iranians are being coerced or tricked by anyone - what is being said is that rioters have been paid to do certain things, and that the/all rioters were not necessarily Iranian. I am just explaining what has been said so don't shoot the messenger.

And another facet to this is that the claim of paid rioters applies to other countries too, people think that some rioters in other countries are paid by outside agencies too. It isn't just Iran.

I am slightly confused why so little attention is being paid to the many Iranians who have protested against the rioters though. Do you not think that denies them agency? It seems to be one rule for those who agree with you and another for those who don't.

Show quote history

Can I ask why you repeatedly refer to those opposing the state as “rioters,” while describing what are claimed to be pro-regime gatherings as “protesters”? That isn’t a neutral choice of language and it carries an implicit judgment.

I’m also interested to know which credible sources you’re drawing on for these supposed pro-regime street demonstrations, as they don’t appear in the many independent accounts and firsthand reports I’m following.

The language used in discussions like this really matters. The terms we choose shape how events are understood, so it’s important they’re applied accurately and consistently rather than reinforcing a particular narrative

38thparallel · 15/01/2026 10:48

Im confused as to why it seems to be so important to some people that this obvious revolt is somehow fake.

I’ve been wondering this. Though I suppose all regimes have useful idiots supporting them.

EasternStandard · 15/01/2026 10:54

38thparallel · 15/01/2026 10:48

Im confused as to why it seems to be so important to some people that this obvious revolt is somehow fake.

I’ve been wondering this. Though I suppose all regimes have useful idiots supporting them.

Misinformation like that is not benign.

Original poster
Ihatetomatoes · 15/01/2026 10:59

38thparallel · 15/01/2026 10:48

Im confused as to why it seems to be so important to some people that this obvious revolt is somehow fake.

I’ve been wondering this. Though I suppose all regimes have useful idiots supporting them.

I agree.

Over the years many people have fled Iran and told how repressive it is there (especially for women). More women are executed there than any other country. I could go.on and on about what happens......

Yet, there are people willing to support this regime from the comfort and freedom of the West. Bizarre.

OP posts:
OpheliaIsntMad · 15/01/2026 11:12

EasternStandard · 15/01/2026 10:54

Misinformation like that is not benign.

Show quote history

No - definitely not benign. I am told by Iranian friends that the Iranian government has spies in this country and they are skilful at sowing misinformation.

inamarina · 15/01/2026 12:17

OpheliaIsntMad · 15/01/2026 11:12

No - definitely not benign. I am told by Iranian friends that the Iranian government has spies in this country and they are skilful at sowing misinformation.

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I can well imagine that.

OP posts:
justasking111 · 15/01/2026 16:00

OpheliaIsntMad · 15/01/2026 11:12

No - definitely not benign. I am told by Iranian friends that the Iranian government has spies in this country and they are skilful at sowing misinformation.

Show quote history

Not just Iranians I suspect.

OpheliaIsntMad · 15/01/2026 16:04

justasking111 · 15/01/2026 16:00

Not just Iranians I suspect.

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You don’t believe that the Iranian government has spies here?