[refurb]

Indeed it’s an odd argument. The regime is immensely unpopular. If it weren’t for the murderous crackdown they would have been overthrown long ago.

[don_esteban]

There is a good case to be made that if it weren't for the consistent pressure, sanctions and assassinations from US/Israel, the moderates would have prevailed in Iran.

[expedition32]

Saddam was immensely unpopular. The Taliban was immensely unpopular.

It doesn't mean that people like America- or Israel.

Every country has it's own elite who have their agenda independent from whatever the White House wants.