Yet, as the Iranian government killed thousands of protesters under the cover of an internet blackout in recent weeks, the question of a military intervention to support the Iranian opposition is again on the table—and so is the question of whether it can make any difference in the absence of a more organized Iranian political opposition.
U.S. military interventions to achieve regime change have rarely ended well for the countries involved, including the United States itself. Saddam Hussein was hanged, but Iraq continues to struggle to get back on its feet 20 years later. The Taliban are back in Afghanistan after the United States spent two decades and billions of dollars in the country. Muammar al-Qaddafi was dragged through the streets after a military intervention, but Libya remains split and floundering between parallel power centers.
U.S. military interventions to achieve regime change have rarely ended well for the countries involved, including the United States itself. Saddam Hussein was hanged, but Iraq continues to struggle to get back on its feet 20 years later. The Taliban are back in Afghanistan after the United States spent two decades and billions of dollars in the country. Muammar al-Qaddafi was dragged through the streets after a military intervention, but Libya remains split and floundering between parallel power centers.
Yet, as the Iranian government k
Continue Reading on Foreign Policy
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.