Great research and analysis as always C.

But I still think folks are barking up the wrong tree. Sanctions won’t work and will have the undesirable effect of radicalizing the Iranian populace and consolidating the power of the clerical class.

As far as the military option, what option? We’re out of soldiers and out of bullets and even if we weren’t, Iran is as tough a target as can be imagined. We cannot possibly occupy and nation-build Iran. So what’s left? Airpower? US intelligence agencies admit that they lack the concrete information they would need to target that airpower effectively. That leaves just flying countless sorties over Iran dropping ordinance on anything that looks nuclear. This will not effectively dissuade the Iranians who will only stiffen their necks and harden their facilities. It will however provide countless photogenic civilian casualties that will be broadcast all over the Islamic world. Yet another propaganda coupe for the Jihadists, only now you will have a radicalized nuclear contender who will be disinclined to play by the Marquis of Queensbury rules of nuclear brinkmanship.

Iran was the birthplace of Western civilization. It is a sophisticated nation of almost 200 million well-educated inhabitants. So why do Belgium and Portugal have more to say about global affairs than Iran? Because we continue to perceive this world power as if it were an ill-mannered colonial stepchild. It is not. Iran is going to be one of the world’s most influential players in the 21st century and the sooner we realize this the better. Instead continuing a feeble and fruitless policy of trying to keep Iran a eunuch nation, we should be intent on trying to help develop and direct Iran peaceably into its rightful place as one of the preeminent players in world affairs.

Ciao

L
Libertas | Homepage | 01.16.06 - 6:54 pm | #