[MNJohnnie]

Only problem with Ledeen he is another one of the gutless "Do Nothings" who thinks if we just play around the edges supporting pro Democracy groups the Iranian people will magically rise up and throw the Mullahs out.

Only problem is History shows his idea is absurd nonsense. If Iran did this it would be the first time an authoritarian Govt was overthrown by a purely popular uprising. Every single popular revolt in history has arose when an authoritarian govt tired to reform the existing system to cope with an external threat. Without the external threat, there is no crack in the facade or oppression reformers can hammer a wedge into.

I have never understood Ledeen's popularity with Conservatives. His every answer to any issue is whine about what we ARE doing and bitch that we ARE doing things. Guy is way past is time. Still stuck in an 09-10-01 world view.

[kabar]

Only problem is History shows his idea is absurd nonsense. If Iran did this it would be the first time an authoritarian Govt was overthrown by a purely popular uprising. Every single popular revolt in history has arose when an authoritarian govt tired to reform the existing system to cope with an external threat. Without the external threat, there is no crack in the facade or oppression reformers can hammer a wedge into.

Poland and Solidarnosc' started the downfall of the Soviet Union.

[rodguy911]

Good point on Ledeen! There is no question in my mind that short of lots an lots of force, all the talking in the world will not dissuade the Iranians from trying to conquer every infidel in the world and those who oppose them in any way.

They are truly the nut cases of the Middle East. Difficult if not impossible to deal with other than in a forcefull manner.

If we "are" ever successful in dealing with them, and I don't see it happening right now,it would go a long way to solving many of the problems we now have in the Mid-East. But like you said,fireside chats won't get the job done.