This is no feint.
If we want to roll over Syria, Assad can do nothing to stop us. We could roll an expedionary armored column around the Middle-East if we so desired, though we'd have to come back to various places that we had left...to re-administer justice at later times.
Lebanon is a more likely target, of course, and needs no such "feint" towards Iran, either. If we want to smash Hezbollah and Syrian forces in Lebanon, then they *will* be smashed, no "feinting" required.
No, VP Cheney's statement is a direct shot at Iran. This is clear language that everyone can understand; an important consideration when you are going to give the Iranians at least one more chance to peacefully do the right thing.
Right now, today, is the right time. Notice that *both* President Bush as well as VP Cheney have made strong statements that apply to Iran today.
Thus, Iran now faces the choice of either backing off of their al-qaeda/AIF support and ending their nuclear weapons program, or else feeling the combined wrath of the U.S. and Israel.
There's no mistaking similar remarks from the president and the vice president on this score. Iran wants its nuclear weaponry to be taken seriously and it is. I will be very surprised if the mullahs aren't next on the list, ours or Israel's. They're asking for it.
Agreed. The hit on Iran is definitely coming.