Iranian Chants

For John, BLUF:  It is scary when you think the other side actually believes what it is saying.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Here is an article from The Hill, by Reporter Jesse Byrnes, "Kerry told Iranians:  'Death to America' chants are 'pretty stupid'".  The dateline is Friday, 24 July 2015.

Here is the lede.

Secretary of State John Kerry says he told Iranian officials during the nuclear talks that "death to America" chants at public rallies in their country were "pretty stupid."

"I told them that their chants of 'death to America' and so forth are not helpful, and they're pretty stupid," Kerry said, lowering his voice, during a question-and-answer session at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, where he sought to sell the controversial nuclear deal.

I am glad the Secretary of State spoke up, because I worry about an Iran that says "Death to America" and "Death to Israel".  Do they mean they want the nation to go away or do they mean they want the people to die?  The second view would suggest a hostility that probably can't be placated.  It would suggest an animosity that could lead to war.  That would not be good.  It is an idea that is especially scary when the chanters are following an apocalyptic religion that sees the return of the 12th Imam and a cataclysmic upheaval.

I am glad Secretary of State Kerry has put them on the right path.

Regards  —  Cliff