[i_am_right_of_center]

I have huge issues with the spread of the Iranian revolution at the moment- and be in no doubt that it is spreading my friends:
In Iraq the near majority Shai vote in the recent elections are a sign of the growing influence of Iran-
The recent Palestinian election where Hamas - an organisation funded by Iran in terms of money, weapons and political ideas- show Irans influence in this area too.
There even seem to be rumblings in Afganistan at the moment- with the lawless Western border area of Pakistan providing breeding grounds for a resurgence of religious Shia fundamentalism (I see the Brits are sending another detachment of solidiers to the country). Wouldn't put it past Iran to be funding this either.

We have to do something to at least halt the Iranian expansion- but not too sure we have many options though.

Sanctions would run the risk of failing, with countries like India, Russia and especially China in desperate of Oil.
As for a military strike- on the 2nd biggest oil exporter in the world- this would push the oil price to levels never seen before causing world recession. This would cause misery to the average American.

Be interesting to see what Bush does next.....I guess that is why he is President and I am not :))

[arthurus]

the oil price to levels never seen before causing world recession

What do you suppose the economic effects of the obliteration of Tel Aviv will be? Or nukes going off in mainland USA? Even worrying about the price of oil or a recession, however severe, as some sort of reason to not take care of business in a businesslike manner bespeaks a severely truncated view, like one's assessment of the future being able to take in Tuesday next at most.

[G.Mason]

" ... As for a military strike- on the 2nd biggest oil exporter in the world- this would push the oil price to levels never seen before causing world recession. This would cause misery to the average American."

And what, exactly, do you think is the plan these rogue states have for the West?

World recession? Misery to the average American? You are kidding, right?

Have you ever read the history of the Second World War? Considered the sacrifices and hardships that the "average American" was forced to endure?

[mcshot]

Good post iaroc. What would be your theoretical course of action? I'm beginning to think an overwhelming sucker punch to take out the administration and top nuke facilities is in order. Doesn't matter who does it but timing is critical.

mc

[Flavius Josephus]

but not too sure we have many options though.

Three months ago we didn't have options. We had to wait for their next move. Now we are very close to having casus belli to go in and slay the beast. Then everything will be ok. We can't take out the weapons. But we can take out the regime.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

I share your concerns. However, I don't believe the Shia parties (except for Mookie) are Iranian like. Many Iraqis resent Iran from the long war in which many Iraqi Shia lost their lives fighting for Iraq.
I think the Iranian pilgrims coming over to the two shrines in Iraq (Ali and Hussein) are being exposed to what is taking place in Iraq. This may cause more change in Iran. Also, it appears that the US may be becoming more active in Iran. There is another post on Drudge that Iran is complaining of our meddling in southern Iran.

I think we need to get ready for high oil prices. I have already moved a large percentage of my holding out of the stock market.
For sure, dubya will push for sanctions and perhaps a military strike. An agreement with Iran is highly unlikely.