Quote:
Originally Posted by flylock shox
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.
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Quoted for agreeance.....if thats a word.
I am a red blooded male so deep down I would love to see NATO bomb to snot out of them.
BUT I think any military action against Iran would be disasterous unless it was a last resort of self defense. Iran is much stronger than Iraq. Also there is a deep rooted historical alliance with Russia.
I am not very well versed in whats going on over there but I believe the people of Iran are better educated and more free thinking than the people of Iraq. Patiently encouraging and awaiting a revolution may be the best way to deal with that oppressive regime.
Probably billions of dollars of resources will have to go into monitoring the situation minute by minute to contain any threat that may spill over to another country, but it is still a better option than destroying all military power and infrastructure. Collateral damage is always a big problem.
The middle east has been a hot bed for tension for thousands of years, and it will probably continue to be for thousands more.