John Mearsheimer is such a dumbass

[Gargamel]

This guy gets so much praise on the web for his views on Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Iran.

He argues that Russia is justified in its attack of Ukraine because they wanted to join NATO and that it poses a threat to Russia and its circle of influence. Remember NATO is a defensive alliance.

On the Middle Eastern conflict he argues that Israel is the aggressor and that they have no right to bomb Iran and they must negotitate with the Ayatollahs. Remember Iran has declared its intent to wipe Israel off the map and they are building an atomic bomb.

Now, if you look at his arguments on these 2 conflicts in isolation you might agree in some hidebound manner and I would say you can have an opinion on that. BUT! How can you reconcile these 2 views and say Russia is entitled to attack but Israel is not. It irks me that Mearsheimer never gets called out on this obvious contradictions when everyone pretends that he is such a smart professor. But in fact, he is a dumbass who only talks to people who kowtow to his BS. Makes me think he is probably a shill for Russia who gets a monthly paycheck from them. And don't get me started on this Oompa Loompa judge.

[Raymondo]

He is a Chinese shill.

[GymnJuice]

He argues that Russia is justified in its attack of Ukraine because they wanted to join NATO and that it poses a threat to Russia and its circle of influence. Remember NATO is a defensive alliance.

I think NATO is defensive in name only. They've conducted operations in the Balkans and in Libya, but I don't think any member nations were attacked there, right?

To your other point I don't think Russia is entitled to invade Ukraine, but I do think they have reasons to be wary of their neighbor joining NATO. Of course, Ukraine should be free to do so in an ideal world too. I just don't see a reason for the US to feel obliged to send money and arms over there to defend them.

[Van_Bilderass]

Mearsheimer has certainly duped me and I don't mind.

He wrote that wonderful and much needed book on the lobby.

Remember Iran has declared its intent to wipe Israel off the map and they are building an atomic bomb.

LOL and Iran is antagonistic for no reason whatsoever.

[BigRo]

Good point about how it's ok for Russia but not Israel, both the aggressor unless you factor in Irans funding of Hamas to carry out Oct 7th.

[Van_Bilderass]

Good point about how it's ok for Russia but not Israel, both the aggressor unless you factor in Irans funding of Hamas to carry out Oct 7th.

Israel has funded and currently funds ISIS, al Qaeda, HTS and a multitude of adjacent radical Islamist groups, all Iran's enemies. Israel built up Hamas itself.

Iran isn't waging war of aggression anywhere, hasn't invaded another country. Iran isn't a genocidal country unlike Israel. Iran doesn't want the bomb, they've had the capacity to do it for years, but they clearly would need one. There's currently a Fatwa against it. Israel has an undeclared nuclear arsenal in violation of all international laws, Iran is fully legal to have a nuclear program for civilian use. Now the security wrt nuclear proliferation is much worse than before the war.

In the end it's all opinions and I'm on the side of the Mearsheimer adjacent factions.

[illuminati]

Blow israel completely off the map - 1 big step to making the world a better place.
Bunch of whinny Untrustworthy Khvnts.

[Phantom Spunker]

Yes, of course, the widely respected professor and expert in his field is the dumbass; certainly not the retard bodybuilder posting rambling misrepresentations of his views on Getbig!

There is no contradiction. You're just a dingbat who listened to a few YouTube clips and suddenly thinks he knows better than an international relations scholar with a PhD from Cornell. But, sure, please don't get started on the 'Oompa Loopa' former jurist and adjunct professor next! Neither of them could possibly survive further evisceration from 'Gargamel' LOL.

Mearsheimer is strategically analyzing the actions of both actors through a realist IR framework, not making moral judgements. He argues that Russia's response can be explained as a predictable defensive move against NATO expansion and provocation, whereas Israel is driven by the desire for regional dominance as opposed to a genuine belief that a nuclear Iran poses an existential threat to them.

Iran as another regional power wants nukes for deterrence, and it is rational to pursue them given the US and Israel's (both nuclear powers) constant threats to wipe them off the map, along with Israel literally doing just that to Palestine. Of course, no one wants Iran to have nuclear weapons, but he sees Israel's actions as needlessly escalatory and likely to trigger a regional war while only delaying Iran's nuclear ambitions at best. It is therefore not in America's interests to kowtow to pro-Israel lobbying and risk getting drawn into another Middle Eastern conflict when they would be better served returning to diplomacy and negotiating with Iran.

[BigRo]

Defensive move lol.

[Raymondo]

Yes, of course, the widely respected professor and expert in his field is the dumbass; certainly not the retard bodybuilder posting rambling misrepresentations of his views on Getbig!

There is no contradiction. You're just a dingbat who listened to a few YouTube clips and suddenly thinks he knows better than an international relations scholar with a PhD from Cornell. But, sure, please don't get started on the 'Oompa Loopa' former jurist and adjunct professor next! Neither of them could possibly survive further evisceration from 'Gargamel' LOL.

Mearsheimer is strategically analyzing the actions of both actors through a realist IR framework, not making moral judgements. He argues that Russia's response can be explained as a predictable defensive move against NATO expansion and provocation, whereas Israel is driven by the desire for regional dominance as opposed to a genuine belief that a nuclear Iran poses an existential threat to them.

Iran as another regional power wants nukes for deterrence, and it is rational to pursue them given the US and Israel's (both nuclear powers) constant threats to wipe them off the map, along with Israel literally doing just that to Palestine. Of course, no one wants Iran to have nuclear weapons, but he sees Israel's actions as needlessly escalatory and likely to trigger a regional war while only delaying Iran's nuclear ambitions at best. It is therefore not in America's interests to kowtow to pro-Israel lobbying and risk getting drawn into another Middle Eastern conflict when they would be better served returning to diplomacy and negotiating with Iran.

I suggest listening to Stephen Kotkin and Peter Zeihan.

Mearsheimer has some value for his offensive realism and Great-power analysis, but his defenses of Russia/China verge on apologism.

[Phantom Spunker]

I suggest listening to Stephen Kotkin and Peter Zeihan.

Mearsheimer has some value for his offensive realism and Great-power analysis, but his defenses of Russia/China verge on apologism.

I'd agree with listening and reading widely. People are certainly free to refute his points and propose alternatives but they should at least understand what his arguments are in the first place. Hopefully then they can do better than 'defensive move lol' and 'he is a dumbass'.

[Raymondo]

Iran as another regional power wants nukes for deterrence, and it is rational to pursue them given the US and Israel's (both nuclear powers) constant threats to wipe them off the map, along with Israel literally doing just that to Palestine. Of course, no one wants Iran to have nuclear weapons, but he sees Israel's actions as needlessly escalatory and likely to trigger a regional war while only delaying Iran's nuclear ambitions at best. It is therefore not in America's interests to kowtow to pro-Israel lobbying and risk getting drawn into another Middle Eastern conflict when they would be better served returning to diplomacy and negotiating with Iran.

I am sorry but this is bullshit. What basis has Mearsheimer to make this claim?

Iran wants nuclear weapons to annihilate Israel. What basis do I have to make this claim? Iran's own words. This is a good starting point. The destruction of Israel is enshrined in their foreign policy and their leaders, most of whom are thankfully now fucking dead, repeat this constantly.

[BigRo]

I'd agree with listening and reading widely. People are certainly free to refute his points and propose alternatives but they should at least understand what his arguments are in the first place. Hopefully then they can do better than 'defensive move lol' and 'he is a dumbass'.

Brutal meltdown. Russia/Pootoon considers Ukraine to belong to Russia, is Russia, he was not making a defensive move and now he has more Nato on his borders not less. Phantom Spunker is that a gay porn stars name? 

[Raymondo]

Also, I remember seeing a video from Mearsheimer where he was detailing how afoul he has fallen of the Israel lobby in the US. I think something to the effect that he has been boycotted in certain circles, and that there has been a significant professional as well as personal cost

It gives a different spin to his motivations when you see him give talks entitled "Israel will fall"

[Phantom Spunker]

Brutal meltdown. Russia/Pootoon considers Ukraine to belong to Russia, is Russia, he was not making a defensive move and now he has more Nato on his borders not less. Phantom Spunker is that a gay porn stars name? 

Savage display of shame-induced aggression from Big Ro after the infamous punch bag video. Is it a gay pornstar's name? I don’t know… you tell me. Did any of your co-stars go by that moniker when you were shooting those videos with your cock out? 

I’m not Mearsheimer, Ro, and I don’t support Russia’s actions, but there's a difference between and explanation and a justification. Do you completely deny the role of NATO and the US in engendering the conflict?

[BigRo]

Savage display of shame-induced aggression from Big Ro after the infamous punch bag video. Is it a gay pornstar's name? I don’t know… you tell me. Did any of your co-stars go by that moniker when you were shooting those videos with your cock out? 

I’m not Mearsheimer, Ro, and I don’t support Russia’s actions, but there's a difference between and explanation and a justification. Do you completely deny the role of NATO and the US in engendering the conflict?

I am feeling quite peaceful actually no shame or roid induced aggression here. So if your neighbor starts to build his shit up and get fit and capable will you attack him because you get afraid? Does he not have the right seeing as there is a long history of conflict and oppression and he wants nothing more to do with you? But I do not deny there is any role in Nato and the US stimulating the conflict also.

Who the fuck chooses a name like Phantom Spunker, it makes me think of some dude with a balaclava on in a dick shelf scenario.

[Van_Bilderass]

Also, I remember seeing a video from Mearsheimer where he was detailing how afoul he has fallen of the Israel lobby in the US. I think something to the effect that he has been boycotted in certain circles, and that there has been a significant professional as well as personal cost

It gives a different spin to his motivations when you see him give talks entitled "Israel will fall"

There's always a degree of subjective bias no matter who you listen to. In this instance him being shut out strengthens his argument about the lobby. Isn't it notesworthy how almost every congressman has an AIPAC 'handler' and takes their money? If a politician expects to go anywhere he assumes he has to smooch up to Jews and Israel, do that sponsored trip, with lavish gifts, and take pics at the wailing wall wearing a kippah.

Did you see what Tammy Bruce just said?

"The US is the greatest country in the world... next to Israel"

Someone told me I'm reading biased sources. Well give me an objective source then.

[Donny]

I am feeling quite peaceful actually no shame or roid induced aggression here. So if your neighbor starts to build his shit up and get fit and capable will you attack him because you get afraid? Does he not have the right seeing as there is a long history of conflict and oppression and he wants nothing more to do with you? But I do not deny there is any role in Nato and the US stimulating the conflict also.

Who the fuck chooses a name like Phantom Spunker, it makes me think of some dude with a balaclava on in a dick shelf scenario.

Ro.. Iran is a Radical Islamic state & i am sure the normal people there want more freedoms but while the Radical idiots are running the show they are a risk.
No one wants a Nuclear biological Holocaust not even Putin or Israel

[Phantom Spunker]

I am feeling quite peaceful actually no shame or roid induced aggression here. So if your neighbor starts to build his shit up and get fit and capable will you attack him because you get afraid? Does he not have the right seeing as there is a long history of conflict and oppression and he wants nothing more to do with you? But I do not deny there is any role in Nato and the US stimulating the conflict also.

Who the fuck chooses a name like Phantom Spunker, it makes me think of some dude with a balaclava on in a dick shelf scenario.

Sure, it's clearly a complex issue and I agree with some of your points but Mearsheimer views the world as an IR realist, where power is the final arbiter of international relations and the West's actions were always going to guarantee a rational, strategic response from Russia aimed at defending itself from what looks like aggression. My only point is that he's not a dumbass and he's not contradicting himself with what he's said regarding Russia and Israel.

As to your last point, I have no doubt that many things make you think of balaclava-clad men resting their penises on one another. Indeed, I've literally seen you use an innocent hallway mirror as a makeshift dick shelf when no man's buttocks were available; however, I cannot be held responsible for every deviant fantasy that pops into your head. I suggest more magic mushrooms and less 'semen retention' to unfetter your mind from such filthy thoughts. 

[Van_Bilderass]

Ro.. Iran is a Radical Islamic state & i am sure the normal people there want more freedoms but while the Radical idiots are running the show they are a risk.
No one wants a Nuclear biological Holocaust not even Putin or Israel

Which country has a contingency plan called the 'Samson Option'?

It's true that the diaspora doesn't care for the clerics, not at all. But when an outsider comes and bombs them in the name of peace even the most fervent critics support the regime. Basic psychology. Some Iranians have said even kurds, even people in prison, are in support of the regime now. I read that Iran is 60% Persians and 40% is other ethnic groups.

It doesn't sound logical to me that if Iran had the bomb they would immediately use it against the US and Israel as that would mean suicide. Reportedly, with 60% enriched uranium they could race towards a finished product in 8 days. Sounds to me like they could have done that and fired a few off and brought the whole world down with them. Like I said, Israel has the plan, if Israel is existentially threatened, they will bring down all of humanity with them. It's unthinkable and evil in my view. As Bibi said, they will not get into an extended attrition war with Iran. Not with conventional weapons because they would lose, so they needed this largely performative PR stunt US bombing to bring things to a close, for the time being.

What do you think about what I said here?

[BigRo]

Sure, it's clearly a complex issue and I agree with some of your points but Mearsheimer views the world as an IR realist, where power is the final arbiter of international relations and the West's actions were always going to guarantee a rational, strategic response from Russia aimed at defending itself from what looks like aggression. My only point is that he's not a dumbass and he's not contradicting himself with what he's said regarding Russia and Israel.

As to your last point, I have no doubt that many things make you think of balaclava-clad men resting their penises on one another. Indeed, I've literally seen you use an innocent hallway mirror as a makeshift dick shelf when no man's buttocks were available; however, I cannot be held responsible for every deviant fantasy that pops into your head. I suggest more magic mushrooms and less 'semen retention' to unfetter your mind from such filthy thoughts.

I like women's buttocks. Your very name on here is a filthy thought.

[Donny]

Which country has a contingency plan called the 'Samson Option'?

It's true that the diaspora doesn't care for the clerics, not at all. But when an outsider comes and bombs them in the name of peace even the most fervent critics support the regime. Basic psychology. Some Iranians have said even kurds, even people in prison, are in support of the regime now. I read that Iran is 60% Persians and 40% is other ethnic groups.

It doesn't sound logical to me that if Iran had the bomb they would immediately use it against the US and Israel as that would mean suicide. Reportedly, with 60% enriched uranium they could race towards a finished product in 8 days. Sounds to me like they could have done that and fired a few off and brought the whole world down with them. Like I said, Israel has the plan, if Israel is existentially threatened, they will bring down all of humanity with them. It's unthinkable and evil in my view. As Bibi said, they will not get into an extended attrition war with Iran. Not with conventional weapons because they would lose, so they needed this largely performative PR stunt US bombing to bring things to a close, for the time being.

What do you think about what I said here?

Iran was a more tollerant land until the Radical Khomeini took over. It´s not the people of Iran who are a danger it´s their Leaders

[Phantom Spunker]

I am sorry but this is bullshit. What basis has Mearsheimer to make this claim?

Iran wants nuclear weapons to annihilate Israel. What basis do I have to make this claim? Iran's own words. This is a good starting point. The destruction of Israel is enshrined in their foreign policy and their leaders, most of whom are thankfully now fucking dead, repeat this constantly.

I missed this while responding to Ro.

I suppose the basis is a logical one based on the fact that other nuclear powers sought these weapons as a deterrent too, and that it would be rational to pursue this goal when nuclear-armed neighbors have been threatening war for decades.

As to Iran's own words, I'd like to put forward a more careful reading of what was actually said:

We consider the destruction of the Israeli regime to be the solution to the Palestinian issue.” [Aug. 8, 1991] Of course, the "elimination of Israel" and the downfall of this child-killing, racist regime is not an anti-Semitic position, because the official view and stance of the Islamic Republic on this issue is related to the usurpation of the Palestinian land by the occupying Zionists, “From the very start, the Islamic Republic has never said such a thing [throwing the Jews into the sea].” [June 10, 2018] “That is not the Islamic Republic’s opinion that people should be thrown into the sea." [Nov. 29, 2023]

The Islamic system has presented a clear, democratic solution to the world in order to solve the Palestinian issue and to put an end to the fallacious regime that is a source of terrorism and insecurity in the region, "The logical solution is a solution that all the people in the world with awakened consciences and all those who believe in today's concepts have no choice but to accept. ... The solution is to ask the Palestinian people themselves for their opinion, as well as all those have been displaced from Palestine – that is, the people who wish to return to the land of Palestine and their homes. … And those who were in Palestine before 1948, which is the year when the fallacious Israeli regime was formed, should be asked for their opinion – whether they are Muslims, Christians, or Jews. These people should determine in a public referendum the regime to rule over the Palestinian land. That is democracy. ... That regime and that government should be formed and decide about the people who came to Palestine after 1948.”  [Apr. 5, 2002] And this is exactly what the Islamic Republic means by the "elimination of Israel." It means the downfall of the illegitimate, fallacious regime through a mechanism based on the vote of the people, “This is the destruction and elimination of the invalid, fallacious Zionist regime that is ruling today.” [June 15, 2018] In fact, "the elimination of the Zionist regime does not, in any way or form, equate to the massacre of the Jewish people in that region. ... What it means is that a referendum should be held and the regime to rule this region should be determined by the referendum and by the people. That is what we mean by eliminating the Zionist regime. That is what needs to be done.” [July 23, 2014]

[Phantom Spunker]

I like women's buttocks. Your very name on here is a filthy thought.

Ro, please. Straight men are talking here.

[Kwon]

He is a Chinese chill.

Like Sub-Zero?