Iran is not a threat

... to the United States

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Iran is not a threat
by Jack Hunter
02-Sep-2011
 

Why is it that during the last decade, when Republicans controlled all three branches of government, the national debt still exploded? Why is it that the last time a real conservative sat in the White House — Ronald Reagan — government grew astronomically?

If you asked the average conservative during the Bush years why government continued to grow so rapidly, the typical answer would have been that we were fighting two wars. When conservatives are asked why Reagan did not fulfill his promise to scale back the federal government during his tenure, they typically give one of two answers: either that the Democrats did not follow through on their pledge to cut spending or that we were in the middle of the Cold War.

"Wars cost money," Franklin Roosevelt once said, and no doubt any nation would pay virtually any cost to protect itself against a real threat. Conservatives almost unanimously supported Reagan's defense build-up because they believed the Soviet Union was a serious threat to our safety. Most conservatives gave Bush a pass on his profligate spending because they believed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were priorities. However, when it comes to today, are there any actual threats on the horizon that warrant what we currently spend on our military adventures?

Iran is certainly no such threat. To say that Iran may get a nuclear weapon and become a potential threat to its neighbors is one thing; to say that it is a threat to the United States is another. Yet too many conservatives continue to confuse the two, or as the former head of the U.S. Central Command retired Army General John Abizaid explained in 2007: "I believe the United States, with our great military power, can contain Iran ... Let's face it: We lived with a nuclear Soviet Union, we've lived with a nuclear China, and we're living with nuclear powers as well."

Gen. Abizaid then put the notion of a potential nuclear Iran into even clearer context: "[The U.S.] can deliver clear messages to the Iranians that makes it clear to them that while they may develop one or two nuclear weapons, they'll never be able to compete with us in our true military might and power."

Abizaid makes an important and glaring point: No nation on earth can currently compete with America's military might. Iran is even near the bottom of the list. Foreign Policy's Stephen Walt explains: "One of the more remarkable features about the endless drumbeat of alarm about Iran is that it pays virtually no attention to Iran's actual capabilities and rests on all sorts of worst-case assumptions about Iranian behavior."

Walt then points out that the U.S. spends $692 billion on defense, while Iran spends only $9.6 billion, before noting that currently America has 2,702 nuclear weapons in deployment and 6,000 in reserve, while Iran has zero. "By any objective measure ... Iran isn't even on the same page with the United States in terms of latent power, deployed capabilities, or the willingness to use them," Walt says. "Iran has no powerful allies, scant power-projection capability, and little ideological appeal. Despite what some alarmists think, Iran is not the reincarnation of Nazi Germany and not about to unleash some new Holocaust against anyone."

Walt adds, "The more one thinks about it, the odder our obsession with Iran appears."

Odd indeed. There is a debate within the GOP right now between Tea Party members who recognize the need to cut government spending across the board and Republicans, like Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Tim Scott, who are willing to cut everything but the military. The problem is that second only to entitlements, you can't even begin to substantively balance the budget or reduce the national debt without addressing the black hole that is Pentagon spending.

There is no reason America can't have the strongest military on earth while still being fiscally responsible. Part of this balance necessarily means favoring foreign policy sobriety over constant hyperbole. It also means recognizing practical security realities.

The reality is that Iran is not a threat to the United States. Not even close. To the degree that conservatives actually believe that Iran is some great "threat" takes the Right straight back to the Bush era, when a zeal for spending cuts took a backseat to war fever. That some in the Tea Party are occasionally the loudest in desiring U.S. action against Iran makes the prospects for smaller government even dimmer.

Wanting to limit government and police the world simultaneously is a maddening yet enduring contradiction conservatives simply can no longer afford. Neither — quite literally — can this country.

First published on www.charlestoncitypaper.com.

AUTHOR
Jack Hunter is the official campaign blogger for GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul, and he co-wrote Rand Paul's The Tea Party Goes to Washington.

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Delavar1

Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

by Delavar1 on

I think you are making me somewhat convinced. You are right. The leaders like themselves and watch after themselves; But I still don't think that a terrorist regime such as  that should be allowed to have Nukes. 


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Delavar

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

IRI may have Hezbollah in its employ and use them as dog meat. But they don't risk themselves. Khomeini was happy to send young kids to die over mine fields. But he kept the trained soldiers in the back in relative safety.

Of course the Japanese did the same thing. Send cannon fodders as kamikaze. But the leaders were not going to do it. This goes for IRI and their support of Hezbollah is no proof of them being suicidal. I trusted them to watch after their sorry a***es


Delavar1

Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

by Delavar1 on

As much as I respect you and your comments, I disagree with you on this one. The regime in Iran (IRR) is suicidal. IRR is synonymous with HEzbollah that is a terror organization based on suicidality. All terrorist groups established by IRR i,e Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad are suicidal. Look at the # of suicidal bombings they have performed. Look and see that they don't care about themselves or family members being killed. Same Ideology exists with Al Qaeda. How could a regime that rapes political prisoners (whether male or Female, teenager or adults) be trusted with Nukes?


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Delavar

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

I am not buying your argument one bit you are grasping at straws. IRI may be brutal and evil but not suicida. AN is already positioning himself for post IRI. So it Rafsanjani. The reason they killed the communists was to eliminate a threat. That is rutless and evil just like Stalin. But not suicidal. In fact the opposite very pragmatic. If Stalin was able to hold on to nukes without using them so will IRI. They just want insurance so they could mess around without worry.

This whole nuke things is made up by Neocon and supported by MEK. No one with a real unbiased analysis thinks it si a real issue. It is an excuse to pressure IRI and we all know it.


Delavar1

Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

by Delavar1 on

Actually it does make a difference when a theocracy aquires Nukes. They (the IRR govt of Irann) will use them once they aquire them They don't care if any other nation will nuke the whole country of Iran in revenge. They have this suicidal mentality. The IRR has been training suicide bombers for the past 30 years i,e Hezbollah , Hamas, Islamic Jihad etc. They believe they will become martyrs and go to heaven ( not to mention the thing about 72 V.). Infact IRR is more of a threat to Russia than Israel or Europe because the Russians arereligiousless and considered more or a "kafir". The only reason they are friends with Russia and China for now is the economic as well as military reasons. Don't you remember the # of communists executed by the IRR since the rev. of 1979?


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Dear Siavash

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

You are mixing government and people. All the nations you name have governments which do not represent people. It is like saying Poland was pro Russia in the Soviet times. Yes their government was but not the people.

I am not going to waste more time on this because it is obvious. Iran has the most "pro American" people in the region. Of course unless American mess it up!

Over and done!


Siavash300

Iraj khan question, VPK generalization

by Siavash300 on

"Why 300?

Is it a reference to the Persian/Greek war?" Iraj Khan 

I wanted to write comment in I.C as Siavash, but that user name was taken previously by another user. So I decided to use Siavash1000 as I write in YouTub under that user name. It was fine for a while. One day I couldn't log in. I tried many times, but log in failed. I decided to delete one zero and log in under siavash100, but I thought it might get associated with previous rejected user name siavash1000 because of similarity. So the first number came to my mind was 300 instead. I didn't want to change my real name. Therefore, I changed the number.

My name has been extracted from Avesta which is a holy book of Zorasterian faith. The book had been estimated to be written 3800 to 4000 years ago. The original name is "Sayyavakhshah" (SA-YA-VAKH-SHAH) or later on Sayavakhsh means Khoshnoodi-e- shah. (king gratification or happiness). My father was nationalist. He was fully aware of his racial and culture identity, so he called me and my siblings all Persian names. For example, my older brother is Kaykavous.

Anyway, we have to be very carefull about generalization. We have expression in Farsi that says: with blossoming one flower the season doesn't change to spring. One deal with underdeveloped conutry such as Tajikestan is NOT indicator of Iran developing commerce with it's neighbores. Or once we come across one person from arab world who bad mouthing western countries doesn't represent the whole arab's world. Or some Islamic foundamentalist from pakistan who was not happy with president Mosharaf didn't reflect the Pakistani foreign policy which was compeletly pro america. Below is reality and real world configration.

Iran with shia clergies on power has foundamental hate toward western world.

Pakistan has always been pro-westerners. Their ties with Brits and U.S goes back to the time of Zia-Al Haq and Botto.  At one point in history the country was united with India. It was divided by Brits. That is the source of their conflict with India over Kashmir these days. Long history of slaverly and colonization with Brits. But their foreign policy never been against westerners.

Afghanistan is pro-west since Karzi took office with the help of westerners. That is common knowledge. The establishment is on power because of U.S, U.K  support although opposition is strong. The pro west establishment might fall once U.S troops leave Afghanistan.

Turkey is German worshiper. They are admirer of westerners since Kamal Attaturk.  There is an expression saying: Attaturk was standing on east and his hand was extended toward west.

Iraq is compeletely pro- west since the establishment came on power by help of U.K and U.S.

Russia is allien of west in sanction against Iranian clergies.

All Persian gulf countries such as Dhubai, Emarat, Qatar, Kuwait, AbuZabi all are pro west. In Iran Iraq 8 year war, all took side with Iraq over clergy in Iran. All are predominantly Sunni and they hate shia and shiiasm.

Islamic criminal gang who took power in Iran since 1979 had only Syria as allien. They both are followers of Ali and consider him the first successor after Mohammad. Other supporters of Islamic gang in Iran are Hezbollah, Hamas, Jihad Islami in southern Lebanon. These are not establishments, they are just terrorist gang and groups.  

The above is reality of what is happening in Iran neighborhood. Now, you might come across many people from different ideas, but those doesn't represent the establishment. For example, Iran during shah days was pro america. Now, you might have come across many people who hated western world in those days such as mullahs, but they were NOT representives of Iran government. Shah was representative of Iranian people in those days. On the other hand, you may see many iranains who love westerners and U.S, but they are not representative of Iranian people. At this time Mullahs are representing Iranians internationally. They are the only ones who hate America and western world. Why ? Mostly because of Mullahs' view of the live and death which is originated from Arabian idea of Islamic shia. One country ideology is based on shiaism and the other one's ideology is based on Christainity. These are facts.

 Now, after fall of Asad in Syria, Iran would be only anit- west country in the middle east regardless of some Iranians who are pro U.S or western world. Ruling stinky Mullahs in Iran would be very vulnerable once they lose their buddy Asad in Syria. Mullahs could would have fallen any day after that. Present of U.S soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan give strength to mullahs' opponents. Mullahs will eventually will fall one day by forces who are receiving support from westerners. Any resonable person can see that day is coming soon.  

Siavash


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Siavash and Iraj

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

By the way you both have real Iranian names! Good for you. Now to business. You are mixing a lot of different issues here. I will just touch upon a few.

  • Afghanistan is not pro American. In fact there is not even a single Afghanistan. There are at least three distinct groups: Tajik (pro Iranian); Hazara (pro Iranian); Pashtun (Taliban; anti Iranian and anti American). The government of "Afghanistan" run by Karzai is barely able to hold to Kabul. Karzi is protected by American guards! He is so corrupt that makes the bankers look good!
  • Tajikistan and Iran have very close ties. It is not based on Shia Islam. It is based on Persian identity. This was recognized even by AN. Who said "it is like one soul in two bodies". I strongly approve of Iranian help to Tajikistan. I hope the next regime increases it. Iran should reintegrated or at least federate with Tajikistan. We are one nation and that is it. I would add the Afghan Tajik and Hazara regions as well.
  • Arabs have mixed feelings towards Iran. On one hand there is old rivalry and some animosity with Iranians. On the other hand they admire IRI "standing up" to the West. I know many Arabs and they don't like their governments. Arabs tend to feel their governments are stooges of West. They are probably right. However if their governments went they probably will be worse off. Would Egypt really want to turn into IRI?

iraj khan

Siavash,

by iraj khan on

Why 300?

Is it a reference to the Persian/Greek war?

But that's beside the point.

Let's read Bloomberg's article about Iran's commerce published today and see what it's been doing recently:

"Tajikistan is one of the most vulnerable economies in Central Asia as it doesn’t have the energy resources of other countries in the region, the International Monetary Fund said in April. Iran will invest $180 million and Tajikistan $40 million in the plant, which has two units with an output capacity of 110 megawatts each, according to IRNA.

Construction started in 2006 by an Iranian company, according to IRNA. The plant’s revenue will go to Iran for 12 years after which its ownership will be transferred to Tajikistan, it said. Annual trade between the nations amounts to about $200 million, according to Iran’s foreign ministry."

//www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-05/iran-tajikistan-start-220-million-hydro-power-plant-irna-says.html

As far as commerce in Middle East and beyond is concerned Iran is doing it all over the place, all the way to Venezuela.

I'm just saying.

Iraj


Siavash300

Iraj Khan misjudgement.

by Siavash300 on

"Iran has established good relationship with all her neighbors through diplomacy, culture, religion and commerce." Iraj Khan

Iran's neighbors are predominantly Sunni and disapproving these none sense Shia and their superstitious believe system. Turkey is admiring U.S and west. Just travel to Turkey and you will see how highly they look at Germany and U.S with a sense of admiration. Afghanistan is another country which is pro-America. Even during Taliban they hated shia criminal gang in Iran. Just remember those 12 diplomates who wee killed by Talibans in Mazar-e-Sharief. All the neighbors such as Persian Gulf countries are also pro-democracy and pro-America. Those countries include Kuwait and Saudi, Qatar, Abu Zabie, Dhubie. Needless to say Iraq was liberated by U.S troops and Saddam was sent to hell by westerners, not by shia in Iran. Getting rid of Saddam was big relieve for Iraqi people. That job was done by westerners. Persian Gulf countries and their establishments always hated ruling clergies shia in Iran. All of them took side with Saddam once the war broke out. I don't know what Iraj khan is talking about. Any rational person can see arab's true feelings toward Iranian shia criminal gang. As far as commerce, the all neighbhore countries took side with U.S as far as sanction concerned. Mullahs will go to hell sooner or later and any resonable person can see that. It is just matter of time. About culture,  Persian culture is distinctively different with Arab culture which is rooted on Mohammad's idea of life and death. Persian culture is predominantly rooted on Zorasterian instructions such as Norouz and Chaharshanbeh Suri and concept of "Fire" in these holidays. The other holidays such as Mehregan, Sadeh has embeded in each Iranian "collective unconscious" and their hearts even though they don't celeberate those holidays publically. Seems Iraj Khan alienated himself with our great Persian culture which is distinctively differs with Arabs.


ayatoilet1

Fair Enough VPK

by ayatoilet1 on

I think we're sort of almost at the same place ...I agree with your approach and attitude. I think I am a littel bit more inclined to accept the BAM and Indian Ocean tests only because I have read some very persuasive articles about them...but lets face it I wasn't there ... But its a fascinating issue. I mean why did they detonate (if they did) exactly the same minute/hour one year ahead of the first detonation? Why did navy ships seal off the area (not allow journalists there)? Preshocks/After shocks in both cases were absent! I mean its simply a cool mystery to solve and think about ...and in my case write about.

But I think generally you and I are on the same page - you seem to be a very rational and sensible soul. With a sense of humor. I like your namesake on the internet - it sort of takes the piss like mine does - yet has a serious undertone to it. Multi-dimensional piss taking is best ...makes the reader think.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Dear Ayatoilet

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

You bring up a lot of different facts. I agree with some; don't know about some other ones. Of course I don't have to believe everything I read.

  • The Reagan hostage deal is almost 100% definite. I don't know the details like when they met. But there is no question in my mind a deal was made. Which by the way would make Reagan a traitor to United States.
  • Iran buying nukes I believe but have no real evidence. It makes sense both for buyer and seller. I am not sure if they tested them but they probably did.
  • Bam I don't see why would they do that. I mean why not do it somewhere less conspicuous. It makes little sense to  me; same about Indian ocean.

Whenever I hear or read something without proof I look for a few things. Motive; ability and whether it make sense. The first two fit the bill the last one does not. Why would India or Israel cause that kind of damage to Indonesia?

Does Iran have nukes either home made our bought: probably. Will it use them: I doubt it. Should IRI go: Yes. Not because of nukes but because they represses people. I rather worry about IRI treatment of Iranians not nukes.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

RB

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Yup! The difference is that most Iranian American know better. Vast majority of Iranian Americans I know hate IRI. Many go back to Iran to visit but know what is going on. Because of 33 years of Islam we know better.

The non Iranian Muslims in America tend to be more hard core. That is the way things are! I have got a lot more hope for Iran than others. At least Iranians have learned about real Islam. Others are still thinking it will solve their problems.


ayatoilet1

Facts are Facts ...

by ayatoilet1 on

Dear Vildemouse and Veiled Prophet of Khorasan: Facts are facts. Find them outlandish or unbelieveable if you want; but these are absolute facts. Undeniable facts.  

Its like saying Reagans camp met with Karroubi and co in Paris on Oct 10th 1980 to finalize a deal for Iran to hold the embassy hostages until after the U.S. presidential elections. Called the october surprise. You tell this to most americans they don't believe you. Yet something like 4 books have been written on the subject, 19 people directly involved with the negotiations were killed (who threatened to spill the beans). Bush (senior) has not verifiable alabi for where he was that weekend (that the books say he was in Paris), I mean you just put it all together and you realize very quickly that it absolutely happened.

Samething with these rogue nukes and the indian ocean tests. The Iranian side has been verifiably established inside and outside Iran - that Iran purchased rogue nukes, and tested one. Published US intelligence reports on Iran nuclear program are very clear that Iran's 'program" as they say stopped in 2003! They don't go into detail what exactly happened in 2003 ...but they say it stopped in 2003. There are first party reports about the transit of the warheads to through Georgia and Azerbaijan to Iran, and some 'incidents' along the way to Iran. Immediately after the 'transit' US set up a special fund to secure all the war heads in Uzbekistan, etc. to make sure this does not happen again.  I mean I could go on and on.

As for the Indian Ocean tests; navy ships moved to the test site very quickly and stopped access by journalists to the "supposed" center of the tsunami. Noone was allowed within 50 miles othe epicenter. The size of the blast is exactly equivalent in "force" to 5x hydrogen bombs (current size of Israeli Nuke bomb design). There were no - "pre-earthquake"- vibrations or indications (which is normal). It was a 'complete' surprise. The pattern of aid donors is also very interesting with Israel playing a very prominent role in the region. Since when have the Israeli pumped billions of dollars into earthquake or even famine relief? Again, I could go on and on.

Why do I have this information? I am writing books and researching for the books. Two of my screenplays are already on sale on Amazon (under the ayatoilet pen name). 

Whether you find the facts outlandish or not, these are just simply irrefutable facts. I wish they were refutable. But for the purposes of a response to Ron Paul gang ...he (ron) can say anything he wants for political theatre in the U.S. but Iran does have nukes, and there is a cold war going on in the region. And U.S. could get sucked into a pissing match between Israel and Iran. If that happens it will be very expensive and awkward for the U.S. - its energy supplies, its alliances, etc.

The sooner they get rid of the regime in Iran the better. My only fear is that Iran might get splintered in the process. 


Reality-Bites

Ah, to be admired by such exalted populace

by Reality-Bites on

"Most the Muslim Arabs or Pakistani I know in USA admire Iran."

Then maybe the US residing, but IR admiring, Arabs and Pakistanis should swap life in America for one under the Islamic Republic of Iran.

But they won't, will they?

Just like their IR supporting (which often = US hating) Iranian brethrens who live in the Great Satan's nest, our US residing Pakistanis and Arabs would never dream of leaving their comfortable lives in the "Islamophobic/War mongering/Chief Imperialist/Infidel" US of A. No sireeee!

Yeah baby, they love their lives in the US. But while enjoying living under the relative freedom afforded to them there, they also like taking pot shots at it while admiring its enemies.

VPK jaan, I haven no doubt you are right. I have met my share of West residing Pakistanis and Arabs who wax lyrical about the IR. When I can be bothered to answer, I just shrug my shoulders and say: "go to Iran and trying openly admiring the US and/or criticizing the Islamic Republic and see how long you last." (I normally get a anti-western, you are brainwashed (i.e. me) sermon fired back at me).


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Iraj Khan

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Well you got a point there. As much as I don't like IRI they have done much better with "hearts and minds". I know this because of personal experience. Most the Muslim Arabs or Pakistani I know in USA admire Iran.

The funny thing is the IRI is hated in Iran but admired by many non Iranian Muslims. If the West tries to go with its "dissolution" of Iran it may backfire. Right now Iraqi Shia; Bahraini Shia and Northern Afghans would gladly reunify with Iran.

So if the West goes for "referendum" Iran would turn around and say fine. Let them all have referendums. Why not Bahrain? Why not Nakhchivan? I heard an Azari man saying he preferred Iranian TV because it was more "family" oriented.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Re: Dear Ayatoilet: How do

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

I have to agree with Vildermose. I find these allegations outlandish at best. Maybe IRI did buy some nukes from Ukraine. But I see absolutely no reason or evidence for a Bam or Indian Ocean test. I mean come on now! 

If either side wanted to test there are more orthodox ways of doing it. You dig a real deep hole then drop the nuke in it and blow it up! American and Russian have been doing it for decades. Israeli are partial to Orthodox solutions :-)


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Faramarz

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

If you want Johnson to work do NOT look at AN of VF they have the opposite effect. If still in trouble I guess the "Johnson" is not so magical after all :-)

Then I suggest the little blue pill; rhino horns don't work and are too hard! to get.


iraj khan

Iran is not

by iraj khan on

a military threat to United States.

But if we are talking about Iran's 'Soft Power' in the region then that's something else.

Iran has established good relationship with all her neighbors through diplomacy, culture, religion and commerce.

How about United States? Can one say the same about United States and people of Middle East?


vildemose

 Dear Ayatoilet: How do

by vildemose on

 Dear Ayatoilet: How do you know all these information??

 Iran already has nukes, they purchased "rogue" warheads from former soviet republics (Ukraine) before 2003 and tested one warhead in BAM ..which they called an earthquake. That was the last test Iran performed in December 2003. US 'aid' aircraft were immediately flown to Iran - with additional staff handed geiger counters!!

- Israel and India performed a joint test in response to Iran's warhead test exactly one year after in December 2004. That was called the Indian Ocean Tsunami!! (Israel was the first, and largest donor of humanitarian aid to muslim Indonesia.)

Reform requires the consent of the corrupt


vildemose

Unaffordable The

by vildemose on

Unaffordable

The march toward a nuclear Iran

 

//www.iby Ray Takeyh
04-Aug-2011 


 ranian.com/main/2011/aug/unaffordable

Reform requires the consent of the corrupt


ayatoilet1

Some Additional Facts

by ayatoilet1 on

- Its not simply that US spends 100 times more on defense than Iran, but US spends more on defense, than the whole rest of the world combined! And by the way this has been the case since 2001. The US defense budget under clinton was some 600 Billion dollars LESS per year. So basically US has invested over 6 Trillion ADDITIONAL dollars into defense since 2001...(can someone let the Tea Party crowd know this...that is why there is a federal debt issue).

- Iran already has nukes, they purchased "rogue" warheads from former soviet republics (Ukraine) before 2003 and tested one warhead in BAM ..which they called an earthquake. That was the last test Iran performed in December 2003. US 'aid' aircraft were immediately flown to Iran - with additional staff handed geiger counters!!

- Israel and India performed a joint test in response to Iran's warhead test exactly one year after in December 2004. That was called the Indian Ocean Tsunami!! (Israel was the first, and largest donor of humanitarian aid to muslim Indonesia.)

- So basically there has been a mini- heated 'cold war' in the region - that has actually diminished most recently.

- The strategic issue with Iranian Nukes is not that they could be a threat to the U.S.; but that a major regional war could break out (and in turn draw in the U.S.). And that such a war would have serious consequences on things like oil supply out of the Persian Gulf; and regional stability. Of major concern too, is that Russia and China could get drawn in with Iran now a member of the Shanghai "protocol" (a regional defense pact involving China, Russia and Iran).

- Given Israeli-Indian tests in the Indian Ocean; obviously both states feel 'insecure' about Iranian nukes, and were preparing accordingly AND there is real belief that Israel will not stand idol while Iran continues to enhance its own capability. The transition from 20% enrichment fuel to making a bomb is really not that difficult, and arguably as Iran increases its fuel volume ...many could argue that they really de facto building an arsenal. If Israel strikes, the U.S. will have to get involved.

- Whatever the size of Iran's defense budget, of one thing everyone can be sure they are almost one order of magnitude bigger, greater, stronger ...more potent than Saddam's army or maybe a few orders of magnitude bigger ...more potent than the Taliban. A war with Iran will not be a 1 trillion dollar enterprise...it will be much more expensive. Iranians are after all fighting on their own soil, Americans will have to be flown there...tanks, soldiers, trucks and all. Just moving all these folks over to the Persian Gulf AGAIN, and setting up regional offices etc. would be a MASSIVE cost to the US (before one bullet is fired and there is engagement between the parties).

- Iranians have now become well versed in what they call "assymetric" warfare and in fact the recently appointed head of the IRGC 'wrote the book' on Assymetric warfare (another Patereus inside Iran). You can inflict a great deal of damage on a larger enemy by using low cost assymetric techniques. Sun Tsou's field manual for generals describes many assymetric techniques too...most US military folks have awareness of Sun Tsou and fully appreciate this reality.

Bottom line, the threat from Iran to the U.S. is not a direct one. The author is correct on that point. BUT, there is a very serious INDIRECT threat that must be taken seriously and there must be some 'contigency' plan to deal with that threat. The Israeli's might surprise everyone and the U.S. could get drawn in!! If that happens everyone knows the IRGC will put up a very big fight and all hell could break loose.

While Israel is being 'tamed', US strategy is to mitigate Iran's threat by increasing Iran's isolation. Syria will fall away from the IRI. Russia just made a probably the largest oil deal in history with Exxon-Mobil (NOT BP..) and Russia's National Security chief flew to Iran to tell the regime they would not be supplying SS-34 missiles now. With the Bushehr plant completed now, Russia is falling squarely into the US fold...away from Iran. 

If peace can be held in the region (Israel held back), Syria cleaned up, and the war in Afghanistan transferred into a more of a civil war handled by Afghan forces alone ...time will actually play against the regime in Iran...there will be systematic weakening of the IRI...to a point where Iranians will simply have to run to the streets to fight the regime to simply feed their families. A strategy very similar to the one employed to break up the soviet union. And it will be a long-term effort beyond Obama's current term.

Given that Iran actually has nukes (remember they bought some from Ukraine) and have tested them...and can easily make more. The only viable strategy for diminishing this threat going forward is to precipitate a "domestic" war inside Iran. The regime after all will NOT use nukes against its 'own' people, on its own cities. It will be a larger version of what just happend in Libya, except the regime will be fighting multiple forces in different areas of the country. (Talk about assymetric warfare ...Iran will be at the other end of if). A broken up Iran, and new "regimes" installed in Al Ahwaz, Azerbaijan Joonoobi, Kurdistan, Baluchistan, Turkmenistan Joonoobi, etc. simply will NEVER be able to put the pieces together from fuel production in Araq, to Enrichment in Ghazvin, to war hear assembly in Isfahan, to testing in Baluchestan.... One reason why there is not one "major"leader being groomed to lead Iran's opposition, is that in fact the U.S. is grooming new "mini-state" regimes in places arround the world with their radio stations and all!!

This, my friends, is current US strategy vis a vis Iran. Meanwhile the U.S. needs to be vigilant, and prepared in case all hell breaks loose. Israel could really screw things up if they attack prematurely. What ever Ron Paul says, or Perry Says, or Obama Says ... it is clear this strategy is being followed and will play out regardless of who is in power in the U.S.

Everything else is simply political rhetoric...and theatre in  the U.S.

As far as Iranians are concerned, I personally, fear the break up of Iran. The IRI is giving the world no other options....and without broad 'democratic' support are creating the conditions for Iran's eventual break up....with all Iranians secretly harboring hate and anger at the regime. Whether the Mullahs can accept that or not. In the end, no government can govern without the consent and support of its people.

Puting all the pieces back together in decades to come will be a monumental challenge for some great Iranian leader. Not a single mini-state will want it or support it, since their own governing mafia's will be milking direct sources of revenue (their own oil fields, ports etc.) like the Aliev Mafia in Azerbaijan today.


Faramarz

VPK, Magic Johnson Needs Some Coaching!

by Faramarz on

As you suggested to Simorgh, I looked at Ahmadi's and Rahbar's pictures, but Magic Johnson is not cooperating!

Please advice.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Faramarz

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

does have a point about isolationism. And I agree Ron Paul is living in a dream. However this does not immediately translate into war. If US wants to go to war it needs to have a very good reason.

Besides for our sake their aim should match good of Iran. Recently I see US promoting more Islamic Republics than anything. So why should I trust them to do anything but another maybe a bit milder version of IRI.


Faramarz

برو قوی شو اگر راحت جهان طلبی

Faramarz


 

برو قوی شو اگر راحت جهان طلبی

که در نظام طبیعت ضعیف پایمال است

 

این طرفداران ران پال هم از دنیا بیخبرند!

در تاریخ معاصر دو بار امریکا خودش را از دنیا جدا کرد، نتیجه اش شد جنگ اول جهانی و حمله به پرل هاربر.

باید رفت و دهن هر چی آخوند و بسیج و سپاهی رو سرویس کرد که بفهمن ضعیف کشی یعنی چی. 


Reality-Bites

Nuclear weapons should be

by Reality-Bites on

eradicated from ALL countries on the planet, the US, Russia, China, India, UK, France etc, period, and especially from the likes of North Korea, Pakistan, Israel and (when they acquire them) the Islamic Republic.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

bahmani

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Of course Iran could get nuclear weapons; they probably have them right now. Maybe they got some from an ex-Soviet republic. There is a difference between having a few nuclear weapons vs an arsenal.

You need a delivery system and then what? Who would they use it against. There is no target; specially not Israel. Here are the reasons:

  • Israel has massive retaliation ability.
  • Israel is too close so radiation itself will be a threat by itself.
  • Iran claims to be worried about Palestinians who will also perish.

Therefore I just don't see them having any use for it. The only possible thing is as a deterrent. In which case it is probably justifiable. You don't need many and never plan using it and no cold war.


bahmani

Question of Could vs Should

by bahmani on

There is absolutely no doubt that Iran will achieve the easily achievable goal of getting nuclear weapons. I mean how hard could it be if utter failed states like North Korea and Pakistan can get them? Iran, even under the stupefying and stupidifing effect of a religion that has so many flaws it's not even funny, can still muster enough IQ power to get them, if it hasn't done so already.

So it;s not a question of could Iran get nukes, but should Iran get nukes.

The costs of maintaining an arsenal, and the constant political and social fears it will spawn, of an entire people waiting in total horror, every day, for a most certain holocaust to be visited upon them by an opponent in the new cold war.

While I am sure that it is fun for the writer to discuss implications for the US, or how much more powerful the US is compared to the next army in line for the award, the real debate ought to be, is it right for Iran to get into a game that has no end. The Soviet Union lost the Cold War through defaulting on their credit cards. Not because the US was so much better. Meanwhile all you need to do to get an entire full generation of Americans' hearts to flutter is merely say, "Duck and Cover".

Will an oil-rich Iran lose this next Cold War the same way as the CCCP? You can add another PP to that and it won't. And what possibly could the point of mutually assured destruction be? Other than keeping both peoples in line from too much objecting.

"Yahoo! We Won! Now where's all my hair gone and why I am I coughing up so much blood?"

Iranians are smart people historically, we've more than proven our moral worth, even if this fucking rock is only spinning aimlessly towards a certain fiery doom when this sun explodes just like the millions of suns before it have exploded in this universe. According to the best experts, at least.

While we are waiting to fry in a millisecond, you'd think we'd be smarter than to allow retarded, ugly, untalented, boring, and utterly useless unelected leaders, to put us in an accelerated path to a fiery doom, through what ends up being nothing more than un-confident men, compensating for their penis envy.

No wonder God never shows up. He must be truly disgusted with Man.

To read more bahmani posts visit: //brucebahmani.blogspot.com/


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Theocracy or whatever

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

All of them are subject to internal rot. I am old enough to remember the domino theory. Once a communist always a communist. Well not quite. No one in Iran accepts that VF represents God. Or Allah or whatever deity you want.

Plenty of people have claimed power in name of false gods. Or falsely in name of God. The stuff does not stick and people get wise to it. Even the dumbest *** in Iran know Khamnenei is about as close to God as my ***,

Please do not make it sound more powerful than it is. I know the Pope also ruled with the name of "God". Where is he now in a little part of Italy named Vatican. IRI won't remain one way or other.


Bavafa

Dear Mr. bparhami: Just in case you felt offended by me

by Bavafa on

I had meant no offence towards you nor I had taken your comment as a semi approval for any military action against Iran. Your position was clear enough vise a vie war but left room for speculation as what threat means.

Again, If it had not been clear, please let me clarify that my comment had meant no offence or any associated name calling towards you.

Perhaps I was wrong to call those who advocate war with Iran an "idiot", but I believe their logic reaffirms my thought.

Good day and hope you don't stay away

'Hambastegi' is the main key to victory 

Mehrdad