[tjinaz]

America could probably defeat an Iranian army, but then you've got one really...REALLY pissed off Russian bear at your doorstep.

Eh you could make a deal with the Russians in advance like Hitler did with Poland. Let them extend their borders 100mi or so into what was Iran and they wouldn't care a wit.

I doubt that, and I doubt your strategy would work. Bombing Iran into the ground will take the progressives, the youth/students, the women that have been backing Mohammed Khatami in an effort to throw Ahmadinejad out on his ear, and destroy any progress they have made. Unfortunately, with Khatami's backout out of the election, it looks like Ahmadinejad, despite his incredibly low popularity numbers, will gain another term.

There is a silent revolution going on in Iran. It's small things. The traditionalists hard-liners have banned Valentines day, but many young people ignore the laws and buy heart-shaped-boxes of chocolates and flowers for their girlfriends anyway. Following the religious orders of their religious leaders isn't their way of life. It doesn't control them.

But if you carpet bomb their country, it will.

You aren't getting it.... we are talking total war. The WWII mindset where you wipe out everything. Ever read Slaughterhouse 5? That kind of thing. They don't care who is in charge because they will be incapable of doing anything for a very significant period of time.