The big problem with such an attack is that mounting it would require actions from such a large number of aircraft simultaneously that preparing for it would telegraph the intentions.

{^_^}

It would take far more forces to invade and control Iran than it did Iraq, and we simply don’t have those resources

Yes and no. Removing the mullahs would likely be no more difficult than removing Saddam. Occupying the country of 70 million might be more difficult than managing 25 million Iraqis — but then again, it might not.

TallDave on June 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM

People keep forgetting that the majority of the “difficulties” in Iraq are being caused by the Iranian regime. Therefore, occupying Iran should make the net effort EASIER, not harder.

It’s like in WW2, occupying France might have seemed “easier” than occupying both France and Germany, but only if you took the really short view of the situation.

Oliver,
This seems like an honest mistake, I think that you are reaching pretty hard with you assumtion that people who have a problem with Senator Obama’s associates and policies want to firebomb a church.

Just because we think the pastor is a nutbag does not mean we want to burn the church dowm, comeon.

Isnt Obama supposed to be about trancending race?

The only people who I see bringing up shades of racism are his supporters. I am not saying you are racist, but it is gross opportunism, taking advantage of the guilt many of us who were not even alive at the time still feel.

Respectfully,
The Squid

Depends who you ask. The Shia are friendly to ambivalent with Iran, the Kurds don’t like Iran but don’t want war, and the Sunnis can’t wait to help us sack Tehran.

Yes and no. Removing the mullahs would likely be no more difficult than removing Saddam. Occupying the country of 70 million might be more difficult than managing 25 million Iraqis — but then again, it might not.

Iran, unlike March 2003 Iraq, has security institutions that will not crumble overnight if the leadership is decapitated. They also don’t have the sectarian issues around which ruthless militias would coalesce as they did in Iran. The Sunni presence is small, so no Al Qaeda.

And of course, we don’t necessarily have to occupy Iran.

We don’t need Iraq to launch an attack, he can make all the promises he wants.
The fact is, if Iran wants to attack, then we will be there to repel any attack.

right2bright on June 9, 2008 at 11:29 AM

Iran won’t attack. They want to lure the U.S. into making the first strike. They don’t want to provide an excuse nor does the U.S. want to go after their economy without major provocation. Iran is very aware of this and is playing for time while the centrifuges spin.

It comes as no surprise that the Iraqis don’t want the US to stage an invasion of Iran from Iraq.

I don’t know that. I’ve heard literally thousands of bum steers about what the “Iranian in the street” thinks about everything. And this claim makes as little sense as all the others did. There is still plenty of bad blood left between Iran and Iraq, and the incessent incursions and Iranian-sponsored violence in Iraq haven’t exactly helped to smooth things over.

And I’ve heard even MORE idiotic claims about how “America is doomed to lose” whenever we dare to face up to the invincible will of Islamic fundamentalism. I think it’s safe to assume the Iraqis know better than anyone that the U.S. Military is not the Republican Guard. And just because Saddam Hussein couldn’t succeed doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for us.

Hening on June 9, 2008 at 11:23 AM

Because that is not how you talk to the really big country next door that you have already faought a devistating 10 year war with.

How about, “You animals are killing my people. Stay out of this country or we will come and find you.”

But I predict the F-15s will have the skies clear before the F-18s even launch. The A.F. wants to makes sure that no former Tomcatter in a Hornet has to shoot down an Iranian F-14, it would just be heartbreaking for him.

So true, they would be sad.

I would like to fight the Iranian Navy (not the IRG-N)

They have always been very professional during my limited contact with them.

Ethics and Arabs don’t mix.

Iraq doesn’t WANT another war. Neither do we! By “invade” one could presume that denotes first strike and has no bearing on defensive response to attack from Iran.

Bush had better define and get his Iraq treaty before leaving office.

Squid Shark on June 9, 2008 at 10:52 AM

If you can get all the Naval AV8Rs outta their hot bunks;0

“We will not allow Iraq to become a platform for harming the security of Iran and its neighbors,” Mr. Maliki said, according to the Iranian state-run news agency

So basically the NY Times is apparently a syndicated outlet for IRNA. I would take the entire story with 50 grains of salt.

“Let the Americans come,” she said loudly. “Let them sort things out for us once and for all.”

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06082008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/sympathy_for_the_great_satan_114459.htm

HAHA yeah, we do have our priorities! The pilot I was flying with the other day was a former Navy guy and he was saying how amazed he was at the golf courses on every A.F. base he’s been to.

There’s even a movie (a true story) called ‘Bat 21′ about an A.F. colonel shot down over Vietnam who uses the greens of A.F. golf courses to create a map for the rescue team to pick him up.

But I predict the F-15s will have the skies clear before the F-18s even launch. The A.F. wants to makes sure that no former Tomcatter in a Hornet has to shoot down an Iranian F-14, it would just be heartbreaking for him.

Tony737 on June 9, 2008 at 10:44 AM

Nahh the Navy will have the Iranian AF handled before the zoomies get off the golf course :)

The Air Force will also be happy to sweep the skies clear of any Iranian pilot dumb enough to take off.

Agreed. Then watch for the Iranian people to overthrow the mullahs and celebrate in the streets.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

I do anticipate an air and sea move to take down the Iranian economy.

And the Navy will be happy to oblige Iran if they want a Naval Conflict.

Although I do not see the army helping us out in the Naval War like we have been doing for them in the Augmentation process.

Before we hear all the to-hell-with-Iraq comments….

No biggie, imo. The security agreement goes out the window if Iran attacked Iraq or American security forces. This simply gives the Iraqi government additional elbow room to keep us on the ground.

Limerick on June 9, 2008 at 10:28 AM

Yeah, this is just a chess move. I don’t see any American boots on the Iranian ground as a military move without major provocation. I do anticipate an air and sea move to take down the Iranian economy.