"The elections, for example are an "if" but to add another "if" ..."
There are a lot of "if's" in this world -
Just what do you think would be the difference between a World War started by Fanatic Islamics ( which is what Bin Laden wanted ) and a World War started by the U.S. ( which is what Bin Laden wanted ) ?
:-)) Does there have to be a difference? Who or where a fire started is only philosophically a consideration. What the fire does is the focus, really.
Here too, how the conflagration starts is not the point but whether this "backburn" bombing-fire, to limit oir reduce final damage, will work of not.
In my opinion and estimate, if the "backburn" is too small it will not and the whole area of the world will be engulfed.
That's why I so strongly propose a massive (though not yet nuclear) eradication of the elite military in Iran. that's the correct size backburn. Otherwise million times more stuff will burn and be destroyed. Possibly including you and me
cheers,