Lol, I meant Tony doesn't have a leg to stand on. Because stuff you said. I think that is a really interesting idea, but not one I would in any way trust Hollywood (and a super-hero movie at that) to see through. (This might make for a better Avengers plot msybe, but I find even Ults a little infuriating when it tries to do that) So best to let sleeping fishes lie, imo. As for 'things Tony says', I personally feel, movie!Tony is not quite done growing up and behaves immaturely a LOT, so it would definitely be awesome to see his words come bite him in the ass. Just not in a way as major as the Mandarin not actually being a villain. (Though it might be interesting if the Mandarin uses these word, 'privatise World peace' to *present* himself to the International public on his initial 'unveiling')

And again, I think the Mandarin is not really Mandarin if he's not thinking / monologuing about how as the Last Khan he is entitled to rule the world! And I just can't see that as a non-evil (or atleast supremely misguided) motivation.

As for Ten Rings, sure they could do that. (Though wasn't The Mandarin mentioned by Raza in one scene? I admit, I could be totally wrong, since I don't remember the movie that well) But setting this up so awesomely from waaay back in movie1 and then not using it? Seems like serious waste of plot and potential, story-telling wise to me. *shrugs*

Also, can I ask why you feel the Mandarin's villainy is so tied to his *ethnicity*?