Back on topic, I think the best method to "handle" Iran would be a form of soft containment, effectively buying time for the liberal forces in the country to mature and to make their own changes.
I have little doubt that outside forces (the United States in particular) are also operating in Iran, awaiting the time to take action to trigger a revolution. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they've already taken such measures, and things just haven't yet progressed to the tipping point.
As for tackling Iran the hard way - military intervention - I don't see how it could be effectively done. Iran is not Iraq. It is significantly more powerful militarily, and has political connections that Iraq never did. Furthermore, the US can't afford another war, neither can the UK. Israel's position in the mid-East is far too tenuous for it to take any direct action unless it was in response to an attack or clearly imminent attack. Basically, as I see it, the western powers are paralyzed. I don't know what, if any, approach eastern powers (Russia, China) might adopt.
|