#SaraYafi from Lebanon.
Discussion
I know she was focused on Lebanon, but the story she tells is much the same in Iran. Not too many people will take the Iran story all the way back to before WWI, but you need to to understand where we are now. France had spent 100 years courting the Persians properly but by 1900, the French had no prestige and the Persians turned to the British, who promptly discovered oil in the south in 1908. So then the UK wants to control the oil, but Persia doesn't like that idea. Unfortunately, for almost 35 years, the UK was too powerful resist. Then in 1950, the Persians vote to nationalize their oil holdings. Ooh, big mistake. UK calls the US for help, and Kermit Roosevelt suggests he can orchestrate a coup de tat, which takes place in 1953. The Shah is installed until the Iranian Revolution happens (big surprise). We've been punishing them ever since.
I wonder how Texans would react if this was our story. I bet we'd see it as theft and oppression and would be willing to kick some ass.
exactly. the US fucked up Iran before the Shah, with the Shah and after the Shah. On that note, lemme know your thoughts on my Iran Bitcoin piece here
Your conclusions regarding hashrates are very compelling. Almost immediately after the bombing, the University of Texas announced it would be leasing land for bitcoin mining centers. The Texas University systems are funded in part by oil and gas leases. Imagine if the lands they are leasing for mining are adjacent to gas wells. Because the University system is overseen by the Texas governor, this is essentially the state of Texas chasing the hash power that was lost.
We know that the Texas oil industry set up the Saudi Royal family through the Bushes, so it's no surprise that we'd be involved again. Our senator Ted Cruz is an energy industry lobbyist, but he also understands bitcoin. He said he was in full support of the US and Israel bombing of Iran. He says it's because he reads the Bible, but I think it's because he know it's his job to make Texas rich.
I love my state for many reasons and would love to see it move to a bitcoin standard, but it's also a powerful place with a lot of influence in DC. If Texas leaders can pull it off, Texans will end up controlling a large amount of bitcoin and will continue to have the quiet global influence it currently enjoys.
If Iran agrees to Trump's new nuclear deal, it will be given permission to participate as well, all though as a long-term vassal to the US.