ABSTRACT

A small group of neoconservative Republicans had hoped to invade Iraq for years. This was a group of fiercely right-wing intellectuals, some of whom had once considered themselves leftists. Many politicians criticized the Bush Administration for having no plan for the Iraq occupation. Once Iraq became stable, the United States could affect regime change in Iran, Syria, and Lebanon and force the Palestinians to accept whatever deal the Israelis offered. The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), with its armed Badr Brigades militia, was founded in Iran. A sector of the American ruling elite strongly advocates military strikes against Iran that they hope will topple the government. Any US attack against Iran would outrage Muslims, igniting large demonstrations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. "The only long-term way the United States can coexist with them is if there is regime change." Milani's analysis of the Bush administration applies to Trump and Congressional Democrats today.