This is a subject worthy of a dissertation, to see how China and Russia have maintained distance from Iran and refused to let it join the SCO, and now to allow it in.  Granted, for their own purposes, but a signal that the East is acting on what was called by Samuel Huntington as the Clash of Civilizations.  See “Iran to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Modern Diplomacy, August 14, 2021.

Another story today on E versus W.  An under-reported story, how the Supreme Leader doomed his country months ago to many deaths by illogically blocking Western vaccines.  “Iran: Effects of Khamenei’s Vaccine Ban Still Worsening, Eight Months Later,” Mahmoud Hakamian, NCRI, August 14, 2021.

“Iran announces 6-day lockdown amid surge in COVID cases,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, August 14, 2021.