Almost all of US foreign policy has favored Sunni Muslims (Saudi Arabia) instead of Shiites (Iran) but looking at many factors I think it’s a misguided policy. Almost all terrorist attacks originated in Sunni territories or countries. Most extremism comes from those regions and when Shiites settle in America they usually call themselves “Persians” so they can blend in better. They are more liberal and more accepting of western values.

So shouldn’t the western world, and of course the US in particular, start to become more friendly with Shiite regimes? With Biden about to enter as the world’s most powerful figure I’m wondering if a sea change could be ushered in.

I understand the bad blood in the past and I understand that our alliances with Saudi and other Sunnis was for oil but Iran has lots of oil too.

Can someone explain why we wouldn’t ever shift towards more moderate Muslim factions? Maybe there’s something I don’t understand but I’ve studied history extensively and met lots of Persians. They are all very progressive. The saudis I met were very conservative and not really in line with any American values.

I understand the bad blood from the past with Iran but shifting the policies could potentially defuse some of the tension in the Middle East right now which seems anti-Shiite.

Getting back with the Iran deal would be a first step but I’m thinking a wholesale policy shift. Thoughts?