Quote Originally Posted by graymatter
I can't believe I'm agreeing with you, Torog. That article is a great example of hippie speak... we might as well hand out free granola and peace symbols while we're disarming.

I have no evidence to back up my opinion but I suspect the world was a lot safer during the cold war than it is now. M.A.D was brilliant (You kill me, I kill you). And it's based on the assumption that human beings are rational creatures.

Where I disagree with you and every neo conservative is in the assumption that Iran's leadership is irrational; fanatical, yes, but not irrational. The most important thing the west (ideally, the U.S.) can do right now is to begin a dialouge with Iran. Analysts say they have ~10 years before they can produce weapons (and that assumes that's their intent). In the meantime, there's lots of diplomatic and clandestine buttons and levers, carots and sticks, to leverage on Iran.

Most important is they have a culture that likes western stuff.
Howdy graymatter,

Yup..it is hard to believe ! lol

You do bring up a good point--that being we must not under-estimate Iran's leadership and think of them as being irrational..they are in fact,very rational and sober,when it comes to accomplishing their goals..it would be easy to dismiss them as nuts and therefore likely to make stupid mistakes,when in reality,they are probably gittin advice,help and material support,from russian and/or chinese,military strategists.

While Iran is supposedly '10 years' away from fielding and deploying their own nuclear weapons,that time could be drastically shortened,if someone simply sells em the nukes that they want.

You're also right,when ya point out,that there are many of the younger generations in Iran,that do want to lead a free'er and more western lifestyle. I think that we should give them and those who are a part of the resistance there(against the current leadership),a chance to overturn the fundy muslim leadership.

However,Iran's leadership has warned of dire consequences,if it's found out that we are supporting the movement to overturn them,and if we try applying sanctions against them..mcuh less,if we or Israel,bombs em back to the 7th century.

Have a good one ...