Putin warns against Iran attack

The only way any nuclear missile will get to Iran is if Russian and America allow it.

Both have the capability to shoot down a single missile using satellites in orbit.

Israel: 'launches missile'

*Missile Destroyed over Israel, radioactive fall-out*

Russia/America: Shrugs shoulders, and mutters something about 'big toys for big boys' in their respective languages....

Japan: Lauds the effectiveness of the technology. Hiroshima/Nagasaki remembered

Canada: Her majesty regains control of the state from zionist influence. Canadians rejoice/write letters/send iodine to Israel.

Vatican: Says maybe it was a miracle. Blames meteor, hires astronomers to confirm it/siccs them on the media. Praises God.

[edit on 12-9-2009 by Exuberant1]

reply to post by mmiichael


Oh my dear friend Michael, I certainly can empathize with all of what you are saying. It’s not uncommon at all for a lead and starring performer to get stage fright and become nervous so close to opening night. Don’t worry Israel and Jerusalem will do well, I have every faith in them, after all they passed the audition and secured the role. The walk on and extra characters have no contract with management but all the lead players do. Bowing out of such a lavishly staged and hyped production at the last moment is not only likely to result in endless lawsuits but possibly even ruin the actor’s career! Poor Gideon has been worked to exhaustion printing, correlating and distributing billions of copies of the script and has gone to the expense to even provide them in brail and for the hearing impaired! Waiting to the last moment to demand a rewrite is just poor form and highly unprofessional.

It is much too late to back out, or write in substitutions since the Cast Lead Production in January went so well. Plus to be honest with you we all ready have Mahmoud Ahmadinejad signed and under contract to take over the lead role in Thomas the Tank Engine starting January 1st, 2011 and need to get this wrapped up and in the can before then or we are going to have a heck of a problem with our sponsors!

I tell you what if you think it will help the opening night jitters management likely would not be opposed to sending a dozen roses, oh what the heck, two dozen roses!

I know what you are thinking the star of the show might not do as well during the actual performance as it did in the rehearsals.

This is probably just the temperamental nature of the star and those simple insecurities that most performers feel on opening night when they realize how vast the audience is and how embarrassing it would be to flub their lines or play their part poorly or break a nail on stage.

If you think it would help, I will have management throw in a package of Lee Press on Nails® and a fruit basket with the two dozen roses!

Relax, don’t worry, Israel will do well in the starring role. It has after all been playing their part perfectly so far!

Please remember always to be careful what you wish for as…you just might get it.

Break a leg!


[edit on 12/9/09 by ProtoplasmicTraveler]

Putin is warning US/Israel not attack Iran because Russia wants to halt the expansion of US interests throughtout Middle East, and the world for the matter. So Putin is speaking on behalf of Russia. But the fact is, that in the long term Putin's warning is also for the benefit of the US itself. Why? Because attacking Iran might only solve some short-term problems for Israel and US, but will create far bigger long-term problems.


Lets start out by saying this - US/Israel cannot possibly invade Iran. Iran is a huge country, multiple times the size of Iraq both in territory and population. Without a total war (against both government and population), a country like Iran cannot be defeated - history has proven this in every instance.


So if an attack on Iran is to happen, it will be a limited strike from the air against critical targets, such nuclear technology facilities and less likely but possible government and defense facilities. So what will such an attack accomplish? Iran's nuclear program will be set back by a few years. Iran has the money and the resources to pump back into the program and to accelerate it even further, so you will be back where you started very soon. And what then? Is the US/Israel going to continue strikes against Iran every few years? That will equate to an ongoing warfare as far as Iran is concerned, and Iran will make every effort to get back at the US/Israel.

And Iran does have methods to hurt both - don't be mistaken. Nuclear technology is not its only option. Iran can easily flood Iraq and Afghanistan with government-sponsored insurgents. That will pretty much bury any objectives the US has for its missions in Iraq and Afghanistan - and the efforts of the last 7 years will be as good as wasted completely.

As far as Israel goes, Iran would only be too happy to have a reason to increase funding for Hezbolah and possibly Hamas. More importantly, if it is Israel who carries out the strike against Iran, it could reunite the splintered interests within the Muslim world. Currently Iran, Syria, and Lebanon all have some differences between them and cannot be considered as cooperating with one another. This makes it easier for Israel to deal with each of them. An attack on Iran, could be seen as a threat by Syria and Lebannon, and could push them to create a defense pact. This could be a nightmare for Israel's military strategy.

Furthermore an attack like this could finally convince Russia that Iran and Syria really do need the advanced weapons systems such as the S-300, for self-defense. Currently Russia is holding back the sales of these technologies, but an attack on Iran could reset its priorities. In fact, if this allows Iran to get its hands on the S-300, Iran will be even better off in case of an attack - it might stand to benefit more than to lose in that case.




Also another critical issue must not be ruled out - the consequences of an attack for Iranian internal politics. As we saw in the recent "election", Iranian totalitarian government is beginning to show first cracks. It no longer has the tight grip on society that it once had, and there is even dissent among the politicians themselves. The whole government structure in Iran has already started to rot from the inside out. Give it another decade or so (if not less), and it could very probably implode onto itself.

But an attack on Iran would change all that. In fact the hardliners in Iran's government are likely hoping that an attack like this comes - because it could very well be their saving grace. It would give the Iranian leadership a reason to rally the population behind them, and to assume more control over society. The hardliners in every dictatorial and authoritarian regime thrive on threats of war. And it is the same in Iran. US's and Israel's continued threats against Iran are doing nothing but empowering the Iranian government.

The Iraq-Iran war played right into the hands of the Ayatollahs. It renewed the reason for their existance, and it strengthened their position more than anything else could. A preemptive strike by US or Israel would do exactly the same thing - at exactly the time when the Ayatollahs need it most.



Clearly every bit of logic speaks against such an attack. So why is the US/Israeli government so steadfast in its aggresiveness? Surely the strategists there understand the points I just made even better than me. Pentagon and the US military machine is not run by idiots. No - it is run by businessmen. And here lies the biggest problem of all. Businessmen are the ones behind the Iraq war. Businessmen are the ones behind US's close relations with Saudi Arabia.

And that is what an attack on Iran will bring - immense profits for certain interest groups. It will not prevent Iran from getting nukes - in fact it will encourage it even more so. It will not help bring democracy to Iran. It will not make Israel safer or Middle East more stable.



Eisenhower explained the problem better than I or anyone else ever could, perhaps because he knew more about its origins firsthand and knew the system from inside-out:

"A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction...

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence — economic, political, even spiritual — is felt in every city, every statehouse, every office of the federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together."

President Eisenhower's Farewell Address (1961)

www.archive.org...


[edit on 12-9-2009 by maloy]

reply to post by maloy


Wow, Maloy, you hit the nail on the head with that assessment! You had all angles covered with Iran/US&Israel conflict analysis. Your speculation seems very plausible and creepy to say the least. I have looked at Iran on the map and to invade that country would be catastrophic for the US. It is just two large and the manpower to undertake such a feet is quite overwhelming. I couldn't even imagine how vicious an occupation of that country would be. Plus like you said, Iran could dispatch their foreign sleeper cells in Afghanistan and Iraq at the instance of a strike by Israel or the US to hinder mission objectives in both countries and bring further chaos. Then you highlighted an escalation in attacks by both Hezbollah and Hamas at Iran's beckoning to lay waste to Israeli civilians. It has all the hallmarks of turning the greater Middle East into a tinderbox and a free-for-all against the West through terrorism and extremism.

I am not to excited about Russia's involvement with this scenario, as well; since they have both advisers and arms sales to Iran. Any hiccup to that will enrage the Bear and make things even more chaotic. If an attack on Iran becomes reality, I think the very gates of hell will be opened to the world. It could very well develop into a worldwide conflict akin to the previous world wars, but this time with weapons of mass destruction entered into the equation. Lets hope a compromise can be met somewhere, because the world must avoid this conflict at all costs. It can escalate out of control in no time. I can see it going nuclear when the waring factions get in over their heads through conventional means. Many will die as a result.



[edit on 12-9-2009 by Jakes51]

reply to ProtoplasmicTraveller


Proty, mein leiblech,

As you are uncomfortable addressing them, you ignore key elements in Middle East politics. They’re not nearly as much fun as booing the team you have come know and to dislike. Though they go to great lengths to make you believe they are benign victims of Zionist aggression, the current polarizations in the Middle East do not revolve around the state of Israel. It is there, the Arabs hate it, want it gone. But then onto business.

The al Saud family and their back-up team in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, want one thing – optimized oil revenues, no threat to their hegemonies. But the budget and role in world affairs have changed since with oil resources coming to market further East. The centre of gravity is shifting.

Meanwhile Iran has become the spearhead of a Shiite movement to control the region.
Now in principle, I applaud what Iran is trying to do. I see the Shiites as analogous to what the Communists were in the 20th Century. Rally the masses, overthrow the monarchy, the dictators, redistribute the wealth. Unfortunately the carry a hyper-religious destiny fulfillment drive that may preclude rational diplomacy and logistics.
Destroying your enemies worked well in the past, in tribal conflicts, and they see no reason to develop more sophisticated ways of overcoming differences.

Sunni dominance is being attacked now. An uprising of the suppressed but sizable minority of Shiites, brewing since the Ottoman Empire was carved up and redistributed, is now on the table.

The stakes have escalated as there are trillions of dollars in oil reserves, and the means to wage lethal devastating wars.

The fate of iconic Israel is a Holy Grail in all this. More symbolic than strategic. But a small nation seen as an extension of the US that can be beaten – finally.

The successful foreign policy of Western powers to keeping the region in disarray is proving now to be counterproductive. It’s a classic development that even has a name – blowback. The Muslim world feels empowered now. They have not moved forward, refuse to deal with their collective failures, and respond by externalizing their problems. They’re still poor despite their potential wealth. The cause is the state of Israel, exploitation by the West, the Crusades, Christendom. They’re Mad as Hell and they’re not going to take it anymore.

Russia sees an advantage in the tension. It keeps oil prices higher, and provides eeded ncustomers for weaponry and technology. Russia also ultimately benefits from the weakening of it’s antagonists with constantly growing military spending.

In the crossfire, resource lacking Israel does not want to attack Iran particularly. But the Iranians have made every effort to provoke them. Iran chooses to support Hamas and Hezbollah for the confrontational value, and indirectly give a slap in the face to the US.

Meanwhile the US and Europe, humouring what they consider to be primitive tribalists, seek to gain a clear and secure access to new oil reserves beyond Iran in Kazakhstan and surrounding countries. With oil the lifeblood of Western domination, the region is centre stage now. And on it, conflicting historical enmities are being played out.

You focus on Israel as the prime source of conflict because they’re the one country you actually have knowledge of. You fully buy into the Muslim world rhetoric that they are lovers of peace, only wishing to maintain their camel routes, their oranges groves, and benignly pray to Allah 5 times a day. But that is a story book version for children and Westerners

It’s been played for all it’s worth by the al Saud family since they were thrust into the role of regional managers. And it turns out the region has suffered from bad management. Rivalries not advancement were given highest priority.

To their festering humiliation, Israel did not succumb to military onslaughts the Arab League threw at them. Of course there never was a serious attempt to find a co-operative arrangement with the New Kids on the Block.

Ironically the reviled but cagey Shah was the one who saw the advantage of going beyond the ingrained Muslim hatred of Jews. He accepted Israel as an ally. But Iran is a different animal now. The Saudis, Israelis, Americans, Europeans, want it declawed.

The Russians realize they together with Iran have no way of winning anything resembling a war with an allied Western and Sunni interests. But they have learned the advantage of hostile rhetoric and bluffing. It works for Western audiences.

Their greatest marketing tool is deflection the increasing complex power, resource, influence, security issues to something even a kid can handle. Valiant suppressed Palestinians struggling against Zionist aggressors.

Meanwhile hundreds of million in places like Turkey, Egypt, North Africa, are caught up in a resource battle with the threat of a massive debilitating war over oil mandates with the existence of Israel thrown in as an appetizer.

The region is starved for change, as all sit and watch small-minded regional leaders play out their hostility theatrics.

The serious players want a resolution. How far and how soon they are willing to go for an overhaul of the theatre and management remains to be seen. But change is in the wind.

M



[edit on 12-9-2009 by mmiichael]

reply to post by mmiichael


Good grief dealing with the talent can be so exasperating at times. Agents I tell you!

All right, dinner at Spagos and a diamond studed Cartier watch with the two dozen roses, the Lee Press on Nails® and the fruit basket.

Now could I please have quiet on the set!

Lights, camera, action!

Mother told me there would be days like this.

reply to post by maloy


Russia is interested in Israeli strike on Iran. This is why Russia blocks any attempt for real diplomatic pressure. Strong Iran would be a competitor Russian influence in the area. US would never have any influence over Iran with current leadership so Russia should not worry about US getting Iran in their bunch,and US certainly would not invade Iran due to gozzilion of reasons..
But if Israel would strike Iranian facilities, all hell would break loose, oil prices would jump up and Russian buissnesman involved in oil buisness, who just happen to be Russian leaders would get huge profits, get Iran in their bunch and gain some points on international diplomatic board.
So Russia is not all innocent, it is a big game.

reply to post by ZeroKnowledge


If Israel attacks Iran - they'll deserve whatever happens to them (and something will happen to Israel if they do this).

reply to post by Exuberant1


You know what, you are correct. I do not think that military action would do any good, to any side. But the BIG,no, HUGE question is what would happen if Israel would allow Iran get nukes. Will this be a local cold war replay. or would local fanatics turn it into some prophetic blood bath.

Hard to imagine, but the movers and shakers themselves don't know what to do best. Even the most driven delusionals have to worry about being able to walk out of their homes.

The Mullahs are being brought down to Earth, we can hope. Shaken by their last election and seeing there is such a thing as their own people in revolt. And then there's the reality that a bad move with the exhilarating nuclear plans could mean a bomb knocking out their neighbourhood, their city, their family, themselves.

The Muslim leaders even in their consuming pride are slowly realizing the only allies one truly has are the ones paid for. And it's expensive to feed so many mouths, and worry that the servants are going to take over the palace if you continue to neglect them.

I'm hoping only the volume on the speakers will continue to be turned up in the dancehall. Door prizes will be announced. The ticket takers will count the money at the end of the night.

The developers will put off their desire to bulldoze the entire building and put in an multistory condo, office, ground floor retail complex. Unless they get more complaints from the police and neighbours. One more riot or fire could trigger it.

Mike

Originally posted by ZeroKnowledge
reply to post by Exuberant1

 

You know what, you are correct. I do not think that military action would do any good, to any side. But the BIG,no, HUGE question is what would happen if Israel would allow Iran get nukes. Will this be a local cold war replay. or would local fanatics turn it into some prophetic blood bath.

I am with you on Iran not having nukes. They could extort any nation they wish in the Middle East by threatening to nuke anyone that walks counter to them and their interests. In all due reality, Iran would become a super power in that sphere of interest over night. I just hope sober minds prevail on this one, because as you mentioned earlier, it will be a bloodbath. This conflict is like opening Pandora's Box who knows what hells will be unleashed on the world. I wouldn't touch this one with a 10 foot pole.

I hope Iran acquires nuclear weapons.

However, the IAEA has yet to find that the Iranians are even researching the matter, but a nuclear deterrent might be the only thing that would stop an invasion or an illegal attack on Iran by an aggressor nation.

reply to post by Exuberant1


See, I am of the opinion that Iran already has nukes. Putin made a speech around 3 years ago addressing the UN. I believe the date was February 7th, or 10 of 2007.

In his speech his main point was that both the US, and former USSR(yes he specified former as in USSR, not Russia) had sold anyone any kind of weapon they wanted in the 80's, and early 90's.

He emphasized äny kind. I give that some weight personally. Forget about Iran having nukes, it is common knowledge they have a huge chemical biological warfare program; just like Israel has it's illegal couple hundred nukes.........
Either one are extremely dangerous, and terminal

reply to post by sanchoearlyjones


I would just like to say on behalf of management that no expense has been spared in staging this production.
Only the finest will do when putting on a show befitting of Rome! No fake vampires blood here! Rome delivers real gore. Let me tell you, people should appreciate it because getting around the Special Effects Guild and their union was not easy. Lawyers I tell you, no matter how soon we get rid of them it will be a day to late. The Templar Knights did such a spectacular job earlier on in the show, well; it really seemed to make sense to write them in to an ongoing role later. I grant you in hindsight it was probably a mistake.

The stage hands have been working around the clock and so have the set designers to make sure everyone who is anyone has the proper props to put on a breathtaking show. I do mean a really, really breathtaking show!

I know you’re excited, I am excited too.

Don’t worry now about mmichael, it seems like he has the jitters but it’s just a standard negotiating tactic. When the curtains go up and lights come on he will shine brilliantly.

Ah the glory and pageantry of it all, women and children dying, old men crying, people being ripped from limb to limb their pleas for mercy ignored and scorned, the ravenous audience luxuriating in the sights and sounds and smells of the diseased and crippled, starved and humiliated with nary a bad seat in the house.

It’s easy to see why so many people are so darn anxious for this show to go on!

Iran's nuclear capapbility is complex and constantly shifting. They are going through the motions of showing progressive development in part because they want to demonstrate their superiority, but also anticipate interference even destruction form Israel and the West.

Less ascertained is their parallel programs and what they have obtained from North Korea, Pakistan, or the black market.

Theirp problem will continue to be not just material and refinement but also develoment of critical delivery and the required miniaturization. Here they are still lacking.

No one wants to discuss biological weaponry, but most militarized countries are prepared for it and have their own storehouse ready.

A component of Saddam's seemingly non-existent WMD arsenal was his biological weapons which reportedly were hastily transported to Syria by a Russian convoy the week before the 2005 invasion.

We can only conjecture on Iran's willingness to use these. Or countries like Pakistan. The deterrents are the unpredictable nature and ability to control. But dismissing these possibilities could be fatal.


Mike

Originally posted by ZeroKnowledge
Russia is interested in Israeli strike on Iran. This is why Russia blocks any attempt for real diplomatic pressure. Strong Iran would be a competitor Russian influence in the area. US would never have any influence over Iran with current leadership so Russia should not worry about US getting Iran in their bunch,and US certainly would not invade Iran due to gozzilion of reasons..
But if Israel would strike Iranian facilities, all hell would break loose, oil prices would jump up and Russian buissnesman involved in oil buisness, who just happen to be Russian leaders would get huge profits, get Iran in their bunch and gain some points on international diplomatic board.
So Russia is not all innocent, it is a big game.

I definitely get the point you are trying to make about how Russia fits into all this. Perhaps you right about Russia standing to benefit in some ways from an attack on Iran by Israel. But if Russia was so interested in having Iran attacked, it should stand to reason that it wouldn't be so vocal about speaking against such an attack. It would just stand on the sidelines quietly and add fuel to the fire. However Russia has continuously expressed concern about the strike on Iran and warned against it. Maybe thats just words, but I think there are genuine reasons why Russia wants to avoid such conflict.

Difficult as it may be to perceive, Russia wants some stability in the Middle East. For one thing, Russia is much closer to the Middle East and to Iran than the US, and instability spilling out from there is a major concern, especially considering the Muslim insurgents in the Caucasus.

Also one may be surprised, but Russia doesn't want a stronger Iran. However Russia doesn't want Iran to fall under US influence even more. As such it is doing the lesser of two evils as far as it is concerned by arming Iran. Why doesn't Russia want Iran to be a powerful military force? Because then Iran could try to spread its influence in the Caspian basin - traditional Russian sphere (now with some US overtures). If Iran senses its power, it could try to pressure countries like Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

So what Russia really wants right now is to retain the status quo in the Middle East and Central Asia. An attack on Iran could very well reshape the future of the region, and Russia might not exactly like where it would head.




No one claims that Russia is in any way innocent in this Great Game. But its merit is in its relative moderation and lack of aggressiveness in approaching the problem. The US is far to trigger happy for obvious resons, and Israel isn't far behind. Being trigger happy in a power keg isn't exactly the right strategy - and the consequences could be disasterous for everyone involved, including Russia.

All that being said, I still firmly believe that there will not be any type of attack on Iran. Everyone knows the risks, even the businessmen in Pentagon. All this current talk between sides is exciting and everything, but it is not foreshadowing some imminent attack.

[edit on 12-9-2009 by maloy]

reply to post by mmiichael


Good grief Mike if they need more stage hands speak up! There is no shortage of unemployed right now! This is a big budget production after all since, after all, Rome now has everyone's money!

Don't you just love a good economic crisis? Nothing like poverty to get the bread and circuses loving masses hungering for some bread at the circus.

No wonder you are so worried about the show, your afraid some of the other stars don't have their parts down properly.

Don't worry management will come through in the end, it always does.

Hey want to go to the Oscars with me? I know it's the after parties that are the most fun, but hey you get invited to the best ones when you actually attend the ceremony. Mike I would be honored if you would accept the best actors award! I am sure Israel will win it!

It's not true the Oscars are fixed, I just have a funny hunch is all...I swear!

reply to post by sanchoearlyjones



Interesting. I agree with Putin. Lets come to grips with this reality: Iran is going to have nukes soon and there is nothing anyone can effectively do about it now.

We spent the time we had invading Iraq looking for invisible weapons of mass destruction. Now it's waaaaay too late.

Not only is it way too late, the Israelis might be getting real itchy and may believe bombing can stop Iran, which it most definitely cannot.

Unless some miracle occurs everyone is going to have to get prepared for a nuclear Iran soon.

[edit on 12-9-2009 by Electro38]

Originally posted by Jakes51
I am with you on Iran not having nukes. They could extort any nation they wish in the Middle East by threatening to nuke anyone that walks counter to them and their interests.

Don't forget about mutually assured destruction. Having nukes does not automativally make you the king of the hill - that hill already has dozens of countries on it. Even if Iran's immediate neighbors don't have nukes, does not mean that a retaliation will not follow. The US would no doubt stand behind its Middle East "allies" (Iraq, Saudi Arabia) for obvious reasons (read: oil).

Iran's possession of nukes wouldn't really enable it to exercise much more control over the region. Almost all nations around Iran already have a sugar daddy with nukes. Every inch in Middle East is pretty much spoken for.

Nor will Iran have much more influence over Israel - because any squabble between the two could very quickly result in both becoming a pile of hot ash. Look at India and Pakistan - both despise each other no less than Israel and Iran, and both have nukes. Yet there hasn't been a war between them for decades, and both understand the consequences of relying on their nukes very well.

The main advantage nukes will give to Iran, is self defense. They could be used as insurance that Iran does not get attacked or invaded by anyone. It would also allow it not to be pressured by its enemies to some extent.


Understand that I am not trying to justify Iran having nukes, and am in no way in favor of Iran getting nukes. It's just that this wouldn't be the end of the world as many are predicting. Nor will it severly jeopardize Israel's existance, and it is laughable to claim that it would endanger the US.

Originally posted by Jakes51
In all due reality, Iran would become a super power in that sphere of interest over night.

One needs more than nukes to be a superpower. North Korea has nukes - nobody even remotely considers it a super power. Same goes for Pakistan. Even Russia with its mother load of nukes and other weapons isn't exactly up to global super power status just yet. Super power is about having some political guiding force that can unite nations behind you. You can't simply scare others into becoming your ally. It is a complex system that takes decades to develop. And as I said - every inch in the Middle East is already spoken for by strong powers. Iran won't gain any influence without stepping on some big toes.

Originally posted by Jakes51
This conflict is like opening Pandora's Box who knows what hells will be unleashed on the world. I wouldn't touch this one with a 10 foot pole.

Completely agreed on that one. Perhaps the logical solution would be for the US/Israel to take the first step and scale down its aggressive rhetoric against Iran. If Russia senses that Iran is not in imminent danger, it could scale down its technology sales to Iran. Most important of all Iranian hardline government will have nothing to get up in arms about, and will continue to rot at an even faster pace, eventually paving the way for its internal demise.

It is like a dying hornets nest. Poke it, and the hornets will put up a strong last fight. Leave it alone, and it will cease to exist soon enough. Iranian people have already shown that they want change. Let them take on their government.

reply to post by maloy


You make some very good points in your analysis of my comments and thanks for taking the time to address them. What you said about the whole super power emergence of Iran makes a lot of sense. I guess we can hope that maybe one day, the Theocracy in Iran goes the way of the dodo bird.

They(fanatics) are the ones I worry about having a bomb or bombs at their disposal. The government wears their feelings of hostility toward Israel on their sleeves, and I know, that's not the feelings of the people as a whole. One example, would be the proxy war fought by Hezbollah against Israel in 2006, which was most likely orchestrated from Tehran. They(Hezbollah) are the foreign paramilitary arm of the Revolutionary guard in Iran.

Unfortunately, the religious fanatics have a strangle hold on the government at the moment and must be dealt with accordingly. It may be rotting as you say, and the protests from the summer reiterates that claim, but the world cannot afford a nuclear armed Iran under the control of religious fanatics! Just my opinion at the moment, but very good points Maloy.