Receiving little notice or discussion in the mainstream press, Iran and China have just signed a comprehensive strategic agreement, stretching over 25 years, to the tune of upwards of $500 billion. In other words, this is a permanent agreement, if one thinks in the long term, as do most Asian nations. The agreement will be a boon to both Iran and China – a win-win agreement for sure. It will also mark some serious re-thinking of strategies in the West relative to Asia and especially to the Middle East, now known as West Asia. The Beltway is not happy about the agreement, for obvious reasons given their current animosity to both Iran and to China. This agreement bears a closer look, as it marks the start of big changes to come in the power base in West Asia and American influence therein. Continue reading “The Iran-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”