Iran: The Next War?

[RamblerGambler]

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/05/bush_authorizes.html


Does this seem like madness to anyone else? Iraq is in the midst of a civil war with American soldiers struggling to keep the peace. Afghanistan's goverment is negotiating with the Taliban, though that war is all but forgotten these days. Now we want to add a 3rd front to the GWOT?

I suppose we can be grateful the warhawks didn't get their way, at least this time.

"Vice President Cheney helped to lead the the side favoring a military strike," said former CIA official Riedel...

When will this administration, especialy Dick "Chickenhawk" Cheney learn?

[deftdrummer]

Oh but they will get their way. Soon enough American forces will be so overextended and exhausted trying to fight this BS war all on our own pretty much. We need to return home, hunker down and wait for the attacks to start hitting the homeland - cause they will.

[higher4hockey]

deftdrummer~ well maybe instead of waiting for it to happen, maybe we should do something about it before it does.

ya know kind of like instead of waiting to get smallpox, get vaccinated for it so you dont get it!

[B.Basher]

And the worst part is, i'll bet people are ready to believe Bush all over again.

"How much do I need to spend before I can feel safe again?"

[Jah420]

haha.. not the next war.. probably the fucking last war..

its like batting a big-ass killer bee with a newspaper..

[Psycho4Bud]

We need to return home, hunker down and wait for the attacks to start hitting the homeland - cause they will.

How do ya do that when these people are in the mindset of martyrdom? Blow em' up there so they don't do it here!

As for Iran....even it's Arab neighbors are against it getting the bomb.

Have a good one!:s4:

[RamblerGambler]

Blowing them up over there doesn't seem to be working, judging by Iraq. Instead of fostering democracy, we've only managed to generate a large population angry at America and with nothing to lose. How much longer will we work to destabilize this already volatile region?

[higher4hockey]

rambler~ you watch too much CNN, of all the people i know that have been in iraq, most of the iraqis love Americans. you can say bullshit my ass or whatever and call me an idiot, but ive heard this from people who were there and have seen it first hand.

[Psycho4Bud]

Blowing them up over there doesn't seem to be working, judging by Iraq. Instead of fostering democracy, we've only managed to generate a large population angry at America and with nothing to lose. How much longer will we work to destabilize this already volatile region?

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2007 â?? Coalition and Iraqi security forces have made great improvements to the security situation in Iraqâ??s Anbar province, opening the door for political developments and partnerships, a top U.S. general in the region said today. â??Now is the time, with the improvement in security in the province, to expand our contact to grow closer with the central government in Baghdad and with the provincial government in the province, to grow closer to the municipalities throughout the province, and weâ??re doing that on a regular basis by visiting the municipalities,â?� Army Brig. Gen. John Allen, deputy commanding general of Multinational Division West, said at a news conference in Baghdad. '
PressZoom.com - Global News Service - News and Press Release Distribution (http://presszoom.com/story_131833.html)

These same tribes that were against our presence are now helping us to rid the area of Al-Quada. THIS was considered as a hostile area to not only us but to Saddam when he was in control. NOW their willing to become part of the process.

All the gloom, doom, and dispair can't change the facts.

If anybody thinks that Iran just wants to be left alone should listen to it's Arab brothers to it's west. Iran preaches about it's poor brothers in Palestine and recently Palestine told Iran to shut the hell up!:thumbsup:

Have a good one!:s4:

[RamblerGambler]

higher4hockey rambler~ you watch too much CNN, of all the people i know that have been in iraq, most of the iraqis love Americans. you can say bullshit my ass or whatever and call me an idiot, but ive heard this from people who were there and have seen it first hand.

"I dissaprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

No, I won't call you an idiot. Name calling is reserved for presidential debates and other political nuttery. And I don't make a habit of watching CNN, I prefer to get my news online. Its getting harder these days, especially when the Iraqi government continues to limit the negative information coming out of the country.

As you might expect, I do disagree with the idea that the Iraqi's love Americans. While those you know might hold this idea, I'm also inclined to look at statistics. Starting with the staged toppling of Saddam's statue (documented herehttp://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article2842.htm and here http://newstandardnews.net/content/?action=show_item&itemid=641) there has been a steady increase in casualties. Does this sound like love, or even appreciation for wat we do? Far from it.


November was the deadliest month yet for the American military in Iraq. - November 2003


The deadliest month for U.S. troops in Iraq ended Friday with 137 servicemembers having lost their lives. - April 2004


The U.S. military in Iraq suffered its deadliest month since last year's invasion with more military personnel killed in action in November than in any equivalent period, the Pentagon's figures show. - November 2004


This month, 60 US troops have been killed - 10 in the past three days - making May the deadliest month for the US military since January. - May 2005


That brought to 94 the number of American troops killed in Iraq in October, the deadliest month for Americans since January 2005. - October 2005


An American soldier was killed in a roadside bombing north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said Friday, making April the deadliest month for American forces in Iraq this year. - April 2006


Three U.S. Marines also were killed, making October the deadliest month for American forces this year. - October 2006


Five more US troops were killed in Iraq, the military said, making December the year's deadliest month for US troops with the toll reaching 108. - December 2006


April April was the deadliest month for the U.S. military so far this year, with 102 personnel killed in action. - April 2007

Which brings us to today:


The military said seven soldiers and two Marines were killed in separate attacks Tuesday, bringing the U.S. death toll for the month to at least 80. Last month, 104 U.S. troops were killed in Iraq.

U.S. officials have warned that American casualties were likely to increase as troops made more frequent patrols during the three-month-old U.S.-led security crackdown in Baghdad.



P4B, I know we would all like to see good news coming out of Iraq. But even with the Iraqi government attempting to prohibit negative images from being shown around the world, there's still a distinct lack of noticable progress. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070515/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_media_ban As of late, even the Green Zone has come under fire. Think for a second, if the only heavily occupied and previously "safe" area in this country is under attack, how can the rest of the country be any better?


State Department spokesman Tom Casey downplayed the latest attack, saying "it's been part of the operating environment for our officials there, as well as for other people working there." The recent increase in attacks, however, has raised alarm among U.S. staffers living and working in what was considered an oasis of safety in the turbulent Iraqi capital.

This month, the U.S. Embassy ordered diplomats to wear flak jackets and helmets while outdoors or in unprotected buildings. Later this year, the United States plans to open a massive new embassy inside the Green Zone despite the ongoing security threat. http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-woiraq175216404may17,0,924527.story?coll=ny-worldnews-print


Which brings me to the quote from the Brig. Gen.


WASHINGTON, May 22, 2007 â?? Coalition and Iraqi security forces have made great improvements to the security situation in Iraqâ??s Anbar province, opening the door for political developments and partnerships, a top U.S. general in the region said today. â??Now is the time, with the improvement in security in the province, to expand our contact to grow closer with the central government in Baghdad and with the provincial government in the province, to grow closer to the municipalities throughout the province, and weâ??re doing that on a regular basis by visiting the municipalities,â?� Army Brig. Gen. John Allen, deputy commanding general of Multinational Division West, said at a news conference in Baghdad.

Forgive me for doubting Mr. Allen, but the situation in Anbar does not appear to be much different from the rest of Iraq. Taken out of today's NYT article:

In another devastating attack, a suicide bomber blew himself up in the house of two brothers who were supporting a Sunni alliance opposed to al-Qaida in the Anbar province, killing 10 people, including the men, their wives and their children, police Lt. Col. Jabar Rasheed Nayef, said Wednesday.

The attacker, a 17-year-old neighbor, broke into the house of the two men, Sheik Mohammed Ali and police Lt. Col. Abed Ali, and detonated his bomb belt about 11 p.m. Tuesday in Albo Obaid, about 60 miles west of Baghdad.

The targeted men were part of the Anbar Salvation Council, a group of local Sunni tribal leaders who had banded together with government support to fight al-Qaida, Nayef said

This isn't a case of foreign terrorists fighting America in Iraq, but a continuation of violence against those who side with the west. How much longer will this continue?

[Psycho4Bud]

Hey RG, I'm not saying that they want us there forever or that they have it all that sweet right now.......what I am saying, along with the article, is that they view us right now as their best chance for hope and unlike before were gainging more confidence in the most violent of areas.

And sorry about this being highjacked away from your original post.....so what about Iran??

Have a good one!:s4:

[RamblerGambler]

Ok, back to directly speaking on Iran. How about War Games off the coast of Iran, days before US-Iran negotiations taking place in Baghdad. That should get us back on track.

Navy Launches Show of Force Near Iran | The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070523/gulf-us-navy)

[fishman3811]

When THE Iranians catch these CIA guys well i wouldnt want to be them.More American lives thrown to the wolves for bush/cheney they should sacrafice their own fucking kids for their cause.

[Psycho4Bud]

When THE Iranians catch these CIA guys well i wouldnt want to be them.More American lives thrown to the wolves for bush/cheney they should sacrafice their own fucking kids for their cause.

I agree with Romney on this one...........

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney criticized ABC News on Wednesday for its report about CIA plans in Iran, saying it could potentially jeopardize national security and endanger lives.
www.kansascity.com | 05/23/2007 | Romney: ABC story puts lives at risk (http://www.kansascity.com/449/story/120097.html)


Ok, back to directly speaking on Iran. How about War Games off the coast of Iran, days before US-Iran negotiations taking place in Baghdad. That should get us back on track.

Navy Launches Show of Force Near Iran | The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070523/gulf-us-navy)

There's alot more to it than just that but I do agree that we're making a statement.

Have a good one!:s4:

[medicinal]

Smoke and mirrors, the whole "Iraq is getting friendly to the US" is nothing but smoke and mirrors. I'm sure a few soldiers that haven't been in mortal combat with the Iraqis could see friendly Iraqis, But ask one that has had them shooting and popping IEDs at them how they feel. To a man they hate the Iraqis, especially after they have seen their buddies blown up. Why have over two million fled their homes, love of the US, I don't think so. Why when questioned do most Iraqis say things were much better under Sadam, even though they feared him and his sons. I'll tell you why. They could go to the market without fear of being blown to bits, and when they got there they could actually get something to eat. Iraq is a country divided, shia-Sunni-Kurds three separate entities that want autonomy within their own tribes, Sadam had them under his thumb and they lived side by side without malice. The Middle east was much more stable with Sadam in power And it will never revert to a peaceful place. The Iraqi government is a big joke. We bring in 40,000 more troops to help them and what do they want to do, take a two month Vacation, pathetic.

[RamblerGambler]

I agree with Romney on this one...........

EXCEPT


ABC: White House did not object to Iran story.
Mitt Romney and Tom Tancredo criticized ABC News for reporting on the administrationâ??s covert plan to destabilize the Iranian regime, saying it puts lives at risk. ABC responded with the following statement: â??In the six days since we first contacted the CIA and the White House, at no time did they indicate that broadcasting this report would jeopardize lives or operations on the ground. ABC News management gave them the repeated opportunity to make whatever objection they wanted to regarding our report. They chose not to.â?�

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/05/gop_candidates_.html

[Fengzi]

Smoke and mirrors, the whole "Iraq is getting friendly to the US" is nothing but smoke and mirrors. I'm sure a few soldiers that haven't been in mortal combat with the Iraqis could see friendly Iraqis, But ask one that has had them shooting and popping IEDs at them how they feel. To a man they hate the Iraqis, especially after they have seen their buddies blown up. Why have over two million fled their homes, love of the US, I don't think so. Why when questioned do most Iraqis say things were much better under Sadam, even though they feared him and his sons. I'll tell you why. They could go to the market without fear of being blown to bits, and when they got there they could actually get something to eat. Iraq is a country divided, shia-Sunni-Kurds three separate entities that want autonomy within their own tribes, Sadam had them under his thumb and they lived side by side without malice. The Middle east was much more stable with Sadam in power And it will never revert to a peaceful place. The Iraqi government is a big joke. We bring in 40,000 more troops to help them and what do they want to do, take a two month Vacation, pathetic.

No no, medicinal. Iraq is a much better place now. George Bush say's so and he's the President so he knows best.


Back to the original question: "Iran: The Next War?", I would have to say not likely. The only way Bush could get us into an actual war with Iran would be if Ahmadinejad were to do something so heinous that not only would the Dems not object, but most likely neither would the rest of the world. If this were 4 years earlier things might be different. But with the current congress, should Bush do something stupid again he'd be out faster than you can say "impeachment".

Ironically, Iran appears to be a far greater threat than Iraq ever was. Unfortunately, our dumb fuck "leader" was so gung-ho to get us into a disastrous war with Iraq that we'll probaby overlook any new threat in the region until it comes and bites us on the ass.

[RamblerGambler]

Fengzi I would have to say not likely. The only way Bush could get us into an actual war with Iran would be if Ahmadinejad were to do something so heinous that not only would the Dems not object, but most likely neither would the rest of the world.

Thats the only worry. Cheney has been pushing for a military strike on Iran, but no one in their right mind would authorize a premptive war. But what would happen IF during the latest round of saber rattling something were to happen. Something like the Gulf of Tonkin.

An attack on the US military would have to be met with a strong response. And THAT is what worries me.

[Fengzi]

Thats the only worry. Cheney has been pushing for a military strike on Iran, but no one in their right mind would authorize a premptive war. But what would happen IF during the latest round of saber rattling something were to happen. Something like the Gulf of Tonkin.

An attack on the US military would have to be met with a strong response. And THAT is what worries me.

Cruise missles and B-2's would be my guess. Maybe even take out the nuclear facilities while we're at it. More of a stern spanking than all out war. You know, the kind that looks great on TV. Maybe even give ol' Goergie's approval ratings a point or two.

[Psycho4Bud]

An attack on the US military would have to be met with a strong response. And THAT is what worries me.

An attack on one of them Supercarriers would mean definate destruction for Iran and I don't think their prepared for that. Now if they had a nuke.....I woundn't doubt they'd try taking out both vessels.

Have a good one!:s4:

[fishman3811]

Yeah i could see an airstrike on Iran but i could also see Iran launching their new missiles in retaliation that they just bought from the Soviet Union at U.S warships in the region.The U.S Generals were saying that they dont have a defense against those missilies because they are too fast.So what do u think would happen to Iran if they killed thousands of American sailors?Dont say nuclear bombs because the Soviets and China dont want the Nuclear fallout that will happen killing their people and destroying their lands so whats next?Fuck China and the Soviets and nuke Iran anyway?This is a slippery slope boys and America has a leader thats not the sharpest tool in the shed.