[Dr. Sivana]

That Friendly Persuasion stuff is beneath contempt for me.

That is a mischaracterization.

There is a reason why all the great strategists from Sun Tzu to Machiavelli instruct that going in full-throttle even with a superior advantage is often not the best way to achieve objectives.

The hostage situation you describe was not happening against the U.S. when we went in. Eight months ago, nobody here, or in many other quarters suggested a full on assault of Iran. Most of us thought the July 2025 bunker buster bombs to take out the nuke program was sufficient.

There is no political will in this country for "boots on the ground" in Iran, and unfortunately, the Iranians know that.

I do not hear anyone talking about invading Red China. They have a lot more blood on their hands, and are far bigger threat. Both Red China and North Korea have made explicit threats to the U.S. over the years.

Going full John Bolton is rarely the best answer.

[DiogenesLamp]

I do not hear anyone talking about invading Red China. They have a lot more blood on their hands, and are far bigger threat. Both Red China and North Korea have made explicit threats to the U.S. over the years.

They are lesser threats. They can be cowed by M.A.D. into not initiating a first strike.

Islamic Religious Fanatics will not be cowed. They welcome death if it brings back the Mahdi.

Doesn't anyone remember it was Iran that started all the suicide bombing crap?

The Zealots will absolutely attack us first, despite our numbers. Allah commands it.

[frank ballenger]

There is no political will in this country for "boots on the ground" in Iran, and unfortunately, the Iranians know that.

You represent what should be a large cohort of people criticizing me for the post. But apparently all of them agree with me--sadly.

But I don't want the cliche "boots on the ground" (not knocking you--it's a cliche because it's dumb enough to be popular with many people) I want "bombs on the ground."

The minute GW Bush ordered troops in I said to my wife "That's a tragic mistake. They should visit with bombs, not visit with troops." I was totally right and the war is used as an example of "stay out of somebody's else's war."