[nuconvert]

There were holes in the NIE conclusions and the WP article that were big enough to shoot a shahab-3 missile through.

[mmercier]

These same people were right up to date when the soviets finally collapsed too.

I believe Iran already has viable devices, the time they are buying now is to work out a reliable delivery mechanism (other than hand carry) so they can take control of the region, specifically the sea lanes.

Once they can deliver a nuclear device reliably our navy will have no choice but withdrawal from the region. Then we have a $hit load of American boys and girls on the ground in Iraq with no support or logistics, under imminent threat of nuclear annihilation.

This is going to happen so fast few will believe it. All we can do is give Iran, the UN, and the rat party the time they need.

[sageb1]

Seems apparent to me that there must be a reason for the Iran NIE leak and time discrepancy, although I'm not sure what the reason is yet. Current U.S./Israeli activity would suggest that our administration is well aware of an imminent nuclear threat from Iran.

[tomahawk]

There is little margin left.

Tens of millions of lives hang in the blance.

It is a moral imperative to prevent the lunatic Mullahs from getting the bomb.

[trebb]

The real question is, "What estimate would a sane and responsible man use when averting a nuclear disaster is the main objective?"

Using the long-range estimates is dangerously irresponsible. Even if true, all you do is put off the inevitable and leave more room for Iran to surprise you with a radioactive party-pooper.

[BillT]

Let's see, Russian and Chinese scientists for hire, both countries willing to sell bomb making material and technology.

Yes, they are correct it will take many years to build a nuclear bomb. \sarcasm.