Good point but why doesn't that apply to missiles aimed at Europe?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rex Brynen
Iran's relations with Hizbullah are of a qualitatively different sort than those with other groups.
Moreover, Iran already possesses non-conventional weapons capabilities (chemical, radiological, possibly biological) which it has chosen NOT to pass on to Hizbullah. Tehran understands very well Israel's deterrent capabilities, and the likely consequences of any such transfer.
Supposedly we require missile defenses in Europe because of Iranian threats of missile attack. That would be suicidal for Iran, too. The point is that religious extremists who may believe in the coming of a leader who will save them if they take some first step, may do something not rational to most of us.
Plus, skimmed through four CSIS reports just now. While none said Iran was giving CBRN to Hezbollah, they are readily giving them the type of missiles and rockets that can launch such weapons if they get the CBRN somewhere else or through their own production (see slides 42 and 43 of 3rd report).
http://csis.org/files/publication/10...rief-Asymm.pdf
Difference is that Israel hands out gas masks to its civilians. Persistent chemicals are largely point weapons and can be decontaminated or evaporate in heat. Nukes...not so much.
Skiimming/searching the CSIS reports also revealed that Israeli Jericho missiles could be part of their attack as well. Add to that sub missile attacks and the air-breathing range issue may not be as critical to ensure engagement of multiple targets. If it buys time for Saudi Arabia to buy $70 billion in new weapons from us and for Israel to get F-35 and better missile defenses, it may be worth it to them both?
Did we replace the government in Desert Storm?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Entropy
Cole,
A raid on some Islands or coastal areas for tactical reasons is not the same thing as a strategic decision to invade Iran and replace the government.
I hear you, but nobody is saying you must replace the government to occupy terrain or make something a long term no fly/no occupation zone. Of course we saw how the "no fly" thing worked the first time but really doubt we would try to cross the Zagros or airdrop/air assault/MV-22 into Tehran.
N is just one of the letters in CBRN...and a big E hurts too
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Entropy
Cole,
It's quite a stretch to go from rockets to nukes. For all the talk of religious extremists in Iran, when you look at how they actually operate around the world, they are very astute and calculating. The allegations of unhinged religious extremism simply do not fit with Iran's visible actions.
There is a chemical, biological, and radiological component to CBRN as well. Plus wasn't there news speculation about North Koreans near the bombed Syrian site?
How much control does the "rational" Ahmadinejad and Ayatollah have over the Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah? Where are these chemicals coming from that are poisoning girl's schools in Afghanistan. Seem to recall some chlorine gas use in Iraq, too.
Would feel a whole lot better with you Reaper guys flying over the Straits of Hormuz and its adjacent lands for as long as it takes to arm Iran's Arab neighbors.