[Dark Skies]

Any major war with Iran at this time (and a 300 target air campaign surely qualifies!) is likely to lead to economic fallout we cannot even imagine.

Can't disagree with that, but I don't think we have an alternative.

This dilemma is definitely the most interesting thing going right now. From what I hear, if we do anything, we need to act quickly. And if we act at all, it has to be comprehensive in that not only must we take out all nuclear facilities but, as you said, we must also hold the economic fallout to a minimum.

D@mned difficult puzzle to solve.

[Travis McGee]

Here is the choice any president will face:

1/ Order the preemptive air strikes. Watch Iranian hospitals on fire etc, be blamed for causing 100,000 Iranian civilian casualties etc (research centers in hospital sub basement etc.) Be crucified in the media for "He lied, people died" ad infinitum far beyond the level Bush is getting over Iraq WMD "lies."

Risk total global financial meltdown, leading to a "Greater Depression." Only this time, he knows our cities will utterly explode when the welfare and SSI checks don't clear, the ATMs, gas stations and grocery stores are cleaned out, and so on. This is not a minor consideration!


OR:

2/ Wish for the best, hope "it all turns out okay", kick the can down the road.

I bet on #2.