Military Action against Iran - your opinion?

[Chadman]

I thought it might be interesting to gauge some opinions on military action against Iran. Although I have not looked too closely at specifics, I am quite fearful of the ramification of immediate action, whether it be bombing, invading, etc. I just don't think our military or our country is in a good position to undertake such a decision.

I know there are a handful here who think we should bomb the hell out of any muslim country at this point, but wondering what the others think. For future reference, I suppose we should get on record as to what we support.

The reason I pose this today, was that I was listening to a report this morning that said that all passenger flights from Israel (El-Al airlines) were going to be halted in the coming days, or at least those from Israel to the U.S. Also there were going to be limits of government officials and air travel, etc. The idea seemed to be an attack on Iran was imminent - we've all heard the planning and commentary become tougher in that direction, so it would not be a surprise. Especially given the current administration and it's penchant for "action" in these situations.

So, let's hear it. You for it, or against it? Why? Not looking to have an attack forum, just a give and take of ideas. (Dare to dream, I know... )

 

[Chadman]

Want to be clear, I have not found anything online backing up the flight groundings, etc. It was just something I had heard - not promoting it as being real, just thought provoking. Probably nothing to it...

 

[kosar]

I dunno, Chad.

For one thing, why would El-Al cancel flights, even IF Israel knew of some secret plan of ours to attack Iran?

Whatever the case, to answer your main question, attacking Iran right now would be insane. It certainly would render any and all rhetoric about us wanting to 'win' in Iraq totally and completely useless.

On that note, I was proud of Ambassador Crocker on monday saying that there is no one point in this thing where we will be able to say 'we won.' Boy, does that sound familiar, and I was happy somebody in this administration FINALLY said it.

It could cynically be seen as an 'out', but it's true.

I really *should* know better, but I don't think there's much of a chance that even Bush and co. are that stupid to attack Iran now. The results would be devastating for us.

 

[TonyTT]

I'm with you on that one Kosar. I just don't see it happening.

 

[Chadman]

Selfishly, I'm mainly looking for the opinions of Wayne and Wease...admittedly.

 

[bryanz]

We could drop bombs on Iran if there was a imminent threat. Which is what we should have done in Iraq. We had Iraq contained. We don't have very many other options, we are bogged down and over extended in Iraq. We better hope a ground presence is not required in a major way any place in the world because we can't do it. Nothing like leaving the back door open. When you analyze the occupation and what it takes to sustain and not win, it doesn't make sense !

 

[djv]

I believe we will let others handle this problem.

 

[Cie]

Selfishly, I'm mainly looking for the opinions of Wayne and Wease...admittedly.

I am not Weasel, and I'm afraid I have no idea who Wayne is, but I do not feel an unprovoked attack on Iraq would be in our best interest. I am but a gullible southerner, but am I have been under the impression that the Iranian people are anti-regime. Why wouldn't we deal with the disgusting Iranian tyrants diplomatically, and allow for their regime to crumble from within?

Israel has suffered to varying degrees at the hands of Iran, and their agents, Hamas and Hezbollah. If anyone should attack Iran in the near term, I think it would be them.

 

[bryanz]

I believe we will let others handle this problem.

good answer, do we have a choice ? Vietnam made every president since think 10 x's about going to war. Iraq will make them think 20 x's .....

 

[mw]

The reason I pose this today, was that I was listening to a report this morning that said that all passenger flights from Israel (El-Al airlines) were going to be halted in the coming days

It's a religious holiday.

And, no, the government should not invade Iran, at least not until after the government (1) brings the troops home from Iraq, (2) apologizes to the American people for lying us into war, and (3) presents the facts about Iran, so WE can decide whether Iran is a threat and whether an invasion is necessary.

 

[Chadman]

Thanks for the religious holiday angle. Is this a normal occurance on a religious holiday in Israel, to not have flights?