[The_Reader_David]

Sorry to dampen your analysis, but it would be:

1. We already effectively controlled the one part of Iraq with difficult terrain--Iraqi Kurdistan--at the onset of Op. Iraqi Freedom, thanks to the
pro-US Kurdish autonomous region under the protection of the no-fly zone.

By contrast much more of Iran is mountainous, and we have no significant organized allies in-country.

2. Iran has a much larger population.

Invasion of Iran is a non-starter. The plan has to be to cut off their proxies in Iraq, foment unrest in Iran, and, if needed, hit them with an air campaign directed at their nuclear installations, Revolutionary Guard facilities, and regime leadership.

[Enchante]

"Invasion of Iran is a non-starter. The plan has to be to cut off their proxies in Iraq, foment unrest in Iran, and, if needed, hit them with an air campaign directed at their nuclear installations, Revolutionary Guard facilities, and regime leadership."

I agree! Not sure #9 meant ground invasion ala Iraq, but I do agree that we can crush the Iranian regime without a ground invasion --though I do think a massive air and cruise missile campaign will be necessary, to take out all possible military targets related to their nuke programs, Revolutionary Guards, regime leadership, air force (to block counter-strikes attempted against our troops, ships, or Persian Gulf oil and gas facilities), etc. We may not be able to get 100% of everything we'd like to hit, but we sure could degrade their regime very badly. Then they would try to resort to more terrorism as their only remaining weapon, and we'd have to wreck what remains of their oil-based economy until the Mullahs are overthrown. Now is the time to do it, as the soft world oil market removes much of the leverage they might have over the US and world economy.

[RobbyS]

I hope we do have sf in Iran, as some have reported. Given the number of Kurds that is quite possible. Perople forget that Iran is as much multiethnic as Iraq.

[Turborules]

#1 you have dampened me not...the terrain favors the USA...we can fly and deliver death or relief anywhere in Iran...our air superiority will not allow the Mulots to control their country...the pro USA groups are being supplied and trained now! we only need the correct timing to kick the Mulots to the wayside...
The sooner the better...diplomacy with this radical group will never work, only the Iron Boot will prevail.

I agree with most of your analysis, just that in my opinion we are much stronger than the MSM and Pundits think to be true...we just need to take the PC crap out of the War on Terror Matrix!!!