All of which is confirming my point. The Iranians are a beautiful people and a beautiful culture that is still run by maniacs.

The original person's implication that the "antagonism" towards the IRGC is novel to America is simply false.

> All of which is confirming my point. No. It refutes your point "They employ surveillance from China to ensure hijabs are worn by women at all times." In addition I would contest other aspects of your statement as well, but that isn't my main point.

> The original person's implication that the "antagonism" towards the IRGC is novel to America is simply false.

You seem to not have understood what my point. What is most determinative of a countries fate in the Middle East isn't domestic policy, but obedience to the United States. Iran's problems are due to the fact that it is an enemy of the United States and hence sanctioned heavily, leading to severe economic problems. There are many other nations headed by regimes that are some combination of socially regressive, highly unpopular, and politically repressive that are counted as US allies and don't face the same set of difficulties (e.g. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain).