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2005-12-06 Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Why is S. Africa helping Iran?
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Posted by Steve 2005-12-06 11:44|| || Front Page|| [7 views since 2007-05-07]  Top

#1 Answer B: The second issue is that South Africa may also be interested in resuscitating the old Non-Aligned Movement bloc with players like China, and possibly even Russia and Brazil, to counter perceived US hegemony and unilateralism. Indeed, China and Pakistan have also made overtures to Iran, which point to destabilization and undermining of US positioning in the region.

Answer C:that there have been stronger relations developing for some years between the Iranian elite and the ruling African National Congress elite. "This will grow stronger as SA searches for more energy resources,"

While an admittedly careless use of the term "elite", both B and C are correct. The SA arms industry has much to gain as well. The Armscor G-5 and G-6 towed howitzers were a big hit in both Iraq and Iran in the early 1990's. The "New Government of Unity" (ANC) toyed with idea of dismantling the nasty old Aparthied defense industry, but after a quick look at the books and some encouragement from friends, mentors, and advisors in the FSU, decided to not only retain, but expand the customer base with the caveat and meaningless promise "arms would not be sold to countries that threatened war with their neighbors." I think we might as well get over it, the West has few friends in Africa, north or south.


Posted by Besoeker 2005-12-06 13:54||   2005-12-06 13:54|| Front Page Top

#2 Answer D is nobody else is likely to invest or deal with either country despite their massive mineral/oil wealth because of their idiot governments (threatening neighbors, threatening white farmers).
Posted by rjschwarz 2005-12-06 14:26||   2005-12-06 14:26|| Front Page Top

#3 As far at the threatening white farmers part goes, rjschwarz, nobody cares. Hell, many American liberals support it as "just deserts."
Posted by Secret Master 2005-12-06 15:21||   2005-12-06 15:21|| Front Page Top

#4 The bitterly sad and totally disgusting commentary is while the US was tied up elsewhere during the "Cold War" the South African Defense Force (SADF) defeated Castro and his thugs in Angola and elsewhere in Africa. From a non-trivial historical perspective, the SADF, Kewi's, Ozzies, and Rhodesians lost a significantly disproportionate number of men supporting the allies during WWII as well. We, along with the frigging Poms, have forgotten all that of course. Instead of helping SA and thanking them for their sacrifices and keeping Castro out of Africa, we've aligned ourselves with the kaffir tribalists, wagged our fingers and embargoed both Rhodesia and South Africa for their white Aparthied regimes (government). Any notion of civilization has long since vaporized from Rhodesia and the same is taking place further south. As for the muzzie alliances currently being made by SA and the ANC we have no one to blame but ourselves. Had we supported a few white men, all this would have never taken place.
Posted by Besoeker 2005-12-06 15:54||   2005-12-06 15:54|| Front Page Top

#5 Is that you RhodesiaFever?
Posted by Shipman 2005-12-06 17:54||   2005-12-06 17:54|| Front Page Top

#6 Folks may not care, but that does not mean they will travel to south africa or invest in south africa.

As the leader of South Africa looks fondly at the policies of Zimbabwae and those with money around the world notice.
Posted by rjschwarz 2005-12-06 18:13||   2005-12-06 18:13|| Front Page Top

#7 What is really sad is that the ANC and Mandela actually acted like they had a brain back in 1994 when they were given power by the SA political establishment. Unfortunately, Mbeki is a total loser and seems intent on destroying what is left of the developed parts of South Africa.
Posted by Shieldwolf 2005-12-06 22:03||   2005-12-06 22:03|| Front Page Top

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