As most people know by now, the Iran’s Supreme Leader — demonstrating the new era in American-Iranian relations — on Saturday tweeted this:

There’s of course the obvious interpretation: The Iranians obviously have no interest in “joining the community of nations,” “getting on the right side of history,” or whatever other nonsense Iran deal apologists are shoveling to justify our humiliating and dangerous capitulation. But let’s also not forget another interpretation — one just as ominous. In a region where the “strong horse” gains power and prestige not just by winning victories but also by loudly and publicly taunting fallen opponents (ISIS snuff films are a prime example), Iran’s actions — from this tweet to its public declarations that it will continue its anti-American policies — are amplifying its victory at the bargaining table with yet another victory in the court of Middle Eastern public opinion. In the Middle East, popular support tends to flow to the “strongest tribe” — even when the strongest tribe is American (see, for example, Bing West’s excellent book by that name). When we’re weak, that support flows away – often directly to our enemies.

Iran is flexing its muscles for an adoring crowd. And in the Middle East, adoring crowds carry Kalishnikovs. Our strategic loss looks worse every day.