W
wade
Guest
The idea that the USA can engage Iran now is ridiculous. We are already over extended in Iraq and Afganistan. Pakistan and other muslim nations are increasingly destablized as it is. Any incursion into another extended war would give North Korea an invitation to attack South Korea, as the USA would have to redeploy forces from SK in order to undertake such an operation. China might even see the time as ripe to reclaim Taiwan. The only US counter option would be full scale nuclear response.
Furthermore, Iran has abundant nuclear material, and sits on or near at least 2/3rds of the worlds readily available oil supply - they could simply threaten to contaminate this oil and then they'd be free to make demands, since they would be the "wronged" party.
Short of a massive surprise nuetron bomb attack on a multitude of threat nations, the USA has very limited military options. And the consequences of such an attack, unless totally successful, would be devestating for the entire world.
And finnaly, we (the USA) simply cannot afford it. The wars in Iraq and Afgan are already putting the USA into the poor-house. Serious recession or even a depression are looming just around the corner. Bush may deny it, but there is no question that TAXES of one form or another are comming in the not too distanct future, unless we simply claim Iraqi oil as payment for "freeing" them... and the consequences of such an action on the world economy would be staggering.
Wade.
Furthermore, Iran has abundant nuclear material, and sits on or near at least 2/3rds of the worlds readily available oil supply - they could simply threaten to contaminate this oil and then they'd be free to make demands, since they would be the "wronged" party.
Short of a massive surprise nuetron bomb attack on a multitude of threat nations, the USA has very limited military options. And the consequences of such an attack, unless totally successful, would be devestating for the entire world.
And finnaly, we (the USA) simply cannot afford it. The wars in Iraq and Afgan are already putting the USA into the poor-house. Serious recession or even a depression are looming just around the corner. Bush may deny it, but there is no question that TAXES of one form or another are comming in the not too distanct future, unless we simply claim Iraqi oil as payment for "freeing" them... and the consequences of such an action on the world economy would be staggering.
Wade.