(11-23-2014 07:25 AM)VolandoVengoVolandoVoy Wrote: 1. There will be no war with Iran, because it does not make strategic sense to do so (no possibility of occupation, no possibility of doing anything more than delaying Iranian nuclear efforts, 100% probability of severe retaliation, and it would ironically reinforce the case for Iran to pursue nuclear weapons).
2. Iran will get a nuclear weapon, because it makes strategic sense to do so (if it isn't obvious why, consider the example of Ukraine, and how different its situation would be if it hadn't given up its nukes).
3. Iran would not use any limited nuclear arsenal in a first strike, it would face obliteration.
4. Iran would not give a nuclear weapon to a 3rd party for use in a terrorist attack, as it is rather easy to look at characteristics of a nuclear detonation and determine origin, and it would face obliteration.
5. What's really happening? Israel is a paranoid security state. It wants to be able to dictate the terms of political issues via overwhelming military force, and the ultimate threat of its nuclear arsenal. A nuclear armed Iran, which would not be subject to Israel's bullying, would afford considerable political strength and physical protection to Hizbollah, Hamas, Palestinians, etc.
This is a long game being played. What is the "strategic sense" behind trying to replace the Assad government in Syria? Why are the USA, NATO Europe, the Israelis, Saudis and Qataris trying to get rid of Assad?
Syria under the Assads was a military ally of the USA during Desert Storm, and an intelligence / torture / rendition ally after 9/11. Please don't give me "human rights" as a reason. There was more personal freedom under Assad than in Saudi Arabia and about as much political freedom. Plus, as I said, we were sending people to Syria to be tortured there.
Even though supporting the rebels against Assad has resulted in a disaster with ISIS in Syria and Iraq, the USA is still supporting the rebels. WTF and why? You are presuming rational conduct in pursuit of the national interest. I say these fuckers are not rational.
What was the "strategic sense" behind upsetting a reasonable modus vivendi with an elected president in the Ukraine and fomenting a revolution against him?
I suppose there was some reason to get rid of Ghaddafi, given his record, but it's questionable given the outcome.
These power grabs have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. All during Obama's term.
I predict a longer, more subtle campaign than with Iraq, Libya or Syria. The talks will fail, there will be no deal. There will be more pressure in Assad, taking him out and isolating Hezbollah is a predicate to any campaign against Iran.
There will be tougher sanctions against Iran, the west and the gulf will try to cut them off from the rest of the world. Then there will be an internal crisis precipitated in Iran, with the excitement of demonstrations against the government like in the time of the "Greens." Bombing will be in the mix eventually.
The goal is regime change, not stopping the nuclear program.