Things have reached a sad state of affairs when our enemies can count on domestic traitors for aid and comfort.
"Anti-Bush marches in Washington and dozens of other cities with Hollywood figures and other celebrities calling for Bush to be overthrown."
If they call for the overthrow of the elected head of government, it will be alright to shoot them.
Without being "Read on" as to the true IADS capabilities of Iran, I'd say that unless they got a serious boost in the last few years/months, we'd have no trouble operating over their airspace when and where we want especially if certain allies come along.
That said, I believe that under today’s threat level, load on our forces, budgetary restrictions, and the pain level that our allies themselves can endure, an "Air-campaign" Serbia style is about the most we should go for. No large scale ground operations.
But then again what more could you want? We can do a lot from the air/sea. Enough at least to get the point across that if Iran does not comply we can make them pay a huge price. We need to create that association that there is a price for not following agreements, stalling, and playing games.
Iran has learned that there is no price or consequence when the lie, cheat or steal. What have the Europeans done so far when Iran did not follow through on its word? Nothing. Iran will make one hollow promise after the other, knowing already before hand that they never intend to abide to their own word. But this appeases the Europeans, even some in the US and it is difficult to argue for a military option when the enemy has mastered the art of “stalling” as well as Iran.
In light of today’s US military, political, and economic burden through wars in the Middle East, Caucasus and North Africa, I believe that an opening salvo of air strikes with further options for follow on missions needs to happen. Strike High Valued Targets. Go after the toys which this regime cherishes. Be a bully! Step into their sand box and break their favorite toys. Then step back and ask politely, “Are you willing to listen now?” If not, break some more. In the process of creating this association “cause and affect”, you can collect Intel, slow their WMD program, and degrade their IADS as well. Our cost and toll in life should be low.
At what point do we get serious? When it’s too late?
Red6