Since beginning their assault on Iran, that United States and Israel have been explicit that their ultimate goal is regime change.
The attacks are supposed to present a historic opportunity for Iranians to overthrow an authoritarian state and embrace democracy.
Yet, as the Iraq war in the early 2000s made clear, regime change does not necessarily bring a liberal alternative. It first destroys the existing order and creates a political vacuum. This is fertile ground for rival factions to fight it out and settle scores.
