The cost of exceptionalism

helped to prolong the Shah’s regime, which was marked by repression, corruption, and lack of political freedom which ultimately led to the iranian revolution in 1979.

The USA also played a notable role in the eight-year war between iraq and iran, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, and its actions were heavily influenced by its parochial outlook. The new islamic republic was viewed as a threat to US interests in the region. The USA saw iraq as a bulwark against the spread of iranian-style revolution and provided iraq with significant military and economic aid throughout the war.

by the belief that israel is an important ally of the USA and that its interests and security should be prioritized over the rights of the Palestinian people.