[Reily]

Two things made the Middle East a problem:

1. Europe (meaning France & the UK) didn’t react to the 1975 oil embargo like they did to the 1956 closing of the Suez,

2. We let Shia Islam have Iran. It emboldened all Islam.

[Leaning Right]

> Two things made the Middle East a problem <

Please permit me to suggest a third.

3. Saddam Hussein was a monster. But he was also a check against Iran. And he was also a check against radical Islam. Bush II removed Saddam. That was just as bad as Carter removing the Shah.

[crz]

One thing made the Mid East what it is today.

Jimmah Carter.

And yes, that led to Shia taking over there.