What civilization does Persia have? Or are you talking about 3k years ago?

India? Or are you talking 500 years ago?

China? Or are you talking 1500 years ago?

All failed a long long time ago.

The comment was based on modern times and the absurd “need” to negotiate with the world on their terms.

If we had done that the entire world would still be using whale oil.

GTFOOH.