Leave Iran alone, I guess letting Iran develop a nuclear weapon may eventually solve the problems associated with overpopulation.

But I would prefer that Iran not develop nuclear weapons and eventually nations learn to live without military conflict.

I wish the US would butt out and let Israel deal with Iran. After all, we provide Israel with $millions in economic and military aid every year. America is broke and tired of senseless/expensive wars!

The purpose of governments is to serve THEIR interests; not YOURS.

Wars allow governments to grow and prosper. The fact that wars make us serfs poor is not important.

"Letting Isreal deal with Iran" will STILL likely involve indirect US support so be clear what you are asking for. I agree with you, if what you mean is we will indirectly support Israel, but not use any of our army, navy, or air force to launch any attack itself. There will always be a monetary cost for the US if Israel attacks.

One point of view I've heard and I can't disagree with is that the decisions, here, may already have been made that there will be a strike and all this shared information is to set the public mind that this is going to happen. You know, break us in, make us used to the idea that this strike is going to happen, prepare for the worst as civilians. I can't disagree with this and I think that Iran will be attacked by years end for two main reasons:

1) The West is prepared to attack Iran and sees it as a threat

2) Iran WANTS to be attacked, because the tyrants in power can easily point to a need to fight the enemy than face a revolution brewing within its own borders.

The collapse of Syria into civil war, the already unstable situation in Iran, the desire for no less than Saudi Arabia, Israel and the UAE (all US allies) to want to see the Iranian regime come to an end...the desire for the tyrants to stay in power....these are driving this fight forward and there doesn't seem to be as much fear in having a war as fear of Iran being an irresponsible nuclear nation.

Susan et. all, There are a few problems with the "leave Iran alone" montra- as can be viewed by the cards that are being exposed only point to death and destruction. Iran's Iatollah just last week gave an address where he said that the "zionists(Israel) and the Great Satan(the US) will be destroyed". This isn't just Iran wanting to take out Israel, they have direct plans on taking out the US.

"Oy yeah, well they can't touch us"? Don't count on that. Firstly, Iran is developing and testing missiles and they anticipate having one that can make it to the US within a few years. Don't think they won't take a crack at us sooner though; one of the greatest threats that is being discussed now is Iran setting off a nuclear EMP bomb above the US. That does a few things: 1. Frys anything electronic within "view", so if they can get one up high it's possible that they could fry the entire country with one bomb., and 2. Puts the element of surprise in their favor as a missile could be placed on a small ship and only expected to be launched once- so it doesn't need to look like a military ship.

Next you must account for Iran's timing and strategy. They are run by fundimentalist Islamic leaders whom have literally stated that 2012 will mark the return of their prophet. To do so it requires chaos and a lot of death, which Iran is happy to supply through their military influence. They are also building up their alliances with Hammas and Hezbollah, as well as other countries that are going through the "Arab Spring". They are actively attempting to supply those groups around Israel so that they can conduct a "proxy war"- whereby the newly aligned groups make a coordinated effort against Israel from multiple fronts.

"That won't work, Israel is a nuclear country." Don't forget that Egypt turned over and there are reports of massive amounts of their arms going to Gaza. Libya's fall put a lot of sophisticated weapons on the black market, which could easily go there too (inc. anti-aircraft missiles). So, similar to one of the previous Israeli wars, Israel could be simultaneously attacked from many directions. If all of these groups start taking on Israel it would force them to apply their forces and attack their neighbors- which would give others in the area a "reason" to get involved against Israel, etc. etc. and you've got a regional war. Iran will go to the UN for sanctions agains Israel- while sending their military around to coordinate efforts and, when the moment is good, they send in their nuke and destroy Israel.

This is all very realistic right now. It will likely start by September.

Sorry Joe.

I agree Iran cant get Nukes. But they are far enough from that. They dont nor does any country including the US have an EMP nuke that can take out a country. Simply a complete inaccuracy.

Half a million Iraqi children were starved to death during the twelve years of sanctions that were necessary to prepare Iraq for heroic invasion.

Perhaps the CIA will monitor child mortality rates in Iran to determine when that oil rich nation is ready for invasion?

Leave them alone? Remember what happened to Europe when everyone agreed to leave Hitler alone? Appeasement is not the answer!

Stesilaus: Excellent point. When a country has oil they had better be careful. Interesting how the Syrian civilains are being sent to kingdom come and no missiles from NATO (aka: The US) are bombarding the place like they did in Libya. Now, what would cause that? Syria has no oil. Iran has lots of oil. The saber rattling begins and next on the agenda (propaganda machine) are going to be the stories of WMD's which have to be destroyed so the world can see another 'democracy' established in the Middle East. How predictable.

Maybe YOU need to learn from history that leaving tyrants alone has caused millions of lives.

We left Hitler alone, we left Stalin alone, we left Musilini alone, we left the Rowandan government alone, we left Pol Pot alone, we left Bosnia alone ALL until too late....get it? Probably not.

There is nothing that scares me more in this world than Iran with nuclear weapons.

@ScoMata: Actually, the US covertly supported the Pol Pot regime under the Carter Administration as a buffer against the North Vietnamese. His National Security Adviser Brzezinski even admits this in his book.

War is a money maker and NO government is trustworthy. They are all looking to line their own pockets. Where is all of this "change" we were hearing about in the last election? No matter who you put at the top the government basically is the same mess. Freedom of choice my ass. Your choice is from 10 or so guys that the party has put in front of you. You get to choose from this preselected bunch of puppets! Good times!

So what if iran develops abombs, what makes you think they will use them? Can they kill any jews without killing many more moslems?

How many abombs have india, pakistan, france, england, russia, israel, china or north korea used against their enemies? Do you think that iran is nuttier than north korea? Do you think?

IWonder, the IRanians are Persian, not Arab, and the Mulims in question are not 'their" kind of Muslims, and they have promised to do so. Look how many muslims they killed in the Iran Iraq war for a clue to how much they care about that.

Also, yes, they are nuttier than N Korea, N Korea is simply desperate, Iran is vengeful.

Susan et. all, There are a few problems with the "leave Iran alone" montra- as can be viewed by the cards that are being exposed only point to death and destruction. Iran's Iatollah just last week gave an address where he said that the "zionists(Israel) and the Great Satan(the US) will be destroyed". This isn't just Iran wanting to take out Israel, they have direct plans on taking out the US.

"Oy yeah, well they can't touch us"? Don't count on that. Firstly, Iran is developing and testing missiles and they anticipate having one that can make it to the US within a few years. Don't think they won't take a crack at us sooner though; one of the greatest threats that is being discussed now is Iran setting off a nuclear EMP bomb above the US. That does a few things: 1. Frys anything electronic within "view", so if they can get one up high it's possible that they could fry the entire country with one bomb., and 2. Puts the element of surprise in their favor as a missile could be placed on a small ship and only expected to be launched once- so it doesn't need to look like a military ship.

Joe, Iran has never threatened to take out Israel or the U.S. They threatened to wipe the "Zionist" government of Israel off the map. Actually, erase them from history. The highest nuclear test was done in 1962 in the south Pacific. It was a thermonuclear device in the megaton range. Even if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, it wouldn't be that powerful. It was an exoatmospheric detonation. Blowing up at 400 km above the surface. There were only minor effects seen in Hawaii, a little over 800 miles away. There is no way Iran can fry the entire country with one bomb.

Next you must account for Iran's timing and strategy. They are run by fundimentalist Islamic leaders whom have literally stated that 2012 will mark the return of their prophet. To do so it requires chaos and a lot of death, which Iran is happy to supply through their military influence. They are also building up their alliances with Hammas and Hezbollah, as well as other countries that are going through the "Arab Spring". They are actively attempting to supply those groups around Israel so that they can conduct a "proxy war"- whereby the newly aligned groups make a coordinated effort against Israel from multiple fronts.

I think you are getting Iranians confused with the Mayans. They have not stated that 2012 would mark the return of the 12th Iman, literally or otherwise. The fact is that Iran has a right under the NNPT to develop nuclear material for energy purposes. Now, you have to ask yourself, why is Europe leading this whole "Iran is developing a nuclear weapon" hysteria. the answer is because France supplies Iran with fuel for its reactors. And if Iran is capable of producing their own, France loses a big market.

I don't think Iran is developing a nuclear weapon, and I don't think they are foolish enough to try to use one if they did develop it.

@iWonder,

In case you haven't noticed, Muslims have no problem sacrificing other Muslims in for the good of their religion. When one believes the more chaotic the world is the sooner their religious leader will return, you can pretty much bet they will be the first to use it.

IWonder, your looking into this in about as shallow a way as you can.

India and Pakistan actually almost did have a nuclear war, until the US visited both countries and had to explain why never to do it. Supposedly other countries did as well. Further, if you had actually looked into what WILL happen even if no bomb actually gets used, is Isreal is worried that they will have a mass exodus, Saudi Arabia will build one and that someone other than a nation state with the will to get one WILL eventually get their hands on one. Because if you haven't noticed lately, security around nuclear facilities is bad enough in the West, and only gets worse as you go further down the chain in development.

So, please, if you want to make a case about not attacking Iran over nukes, use something more sound than its just a-okay because they never plan on using it.

I know it's a strain but try to get it, once something is developed, it's going to stay, so long as anyone finds it useful. You can easily rebut this statement by naming a case where it is not true.

Why should some contries have abombs and others forbidden. Why is an irani not as good as a korean?

After seventeen years, technology is generally considered international.

Abombs, since wwii have been deterrents. If some is good, more is better, right?

I wonder, the reason is that there are these things called the Nuclear Anti Proliferation Treaty and the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty that were created when most coutries agreed that enough was enough but the genie is out of the bottle for certain countries and there is not putting it back. All agreed to no new nuclear powers period.

Iran signed the treaties promising not to develop such weopons.

Why is an irani not as good as a korean?

Just because one crazy country got one, doesn't mean we should open the doors for others.

JEM-1989317

The purpose of governments is to serve THEIR interests; not YOURS.

Wars allow governments to grow and prosper. The fact that wars make us serfs poor is not important.

I can't tell if you're trying to be sarcastic there, or just an Obama supporter...

Airborne_DAD

Leave them alone? Remember what happened to Europe when everyone agreed to leave Hitler alone? Appeasement is not the answer!

ScoMata1964

Maybe YOU need to learn from history that leaving tyrants alone has caused millions of lives.

We left Hitler alone, we left Stalin alone, we left Musilini alone, we left the Rowandan government alone, we left Pol Pot alone, we left Bosnia alone ALL until too late....get it? Probably not.

You guys are right, we don't want another Hitler on our hands, someone had better invade the US before it's too late...

Governments change, people change, no one generation can commit all future generations. Over time every country that wants an abomb will have one. To think otherwise is foolish idealism.

If iran has decided that they want an abomb, I will be willing to bet that they get one. If you think we can waltz in there like we did in iraq, think again. It has three times as many people and mountains.

Sanctions? Haliburton/KBR and Koch Bros have already been caught dealing directly with Iran. What good are sanctions if a US corporation can set up shop in Dubai or the Caymans and be "legal." Stop screwing with countries in the Middle East and let them deal with their own issues.

Hello folks, our country is broke and weary of war. The elite are ratcheting up the rhetoric and the warmonger sheeple are getting sucked in to the propaganda. Let’s take an objective look at the Iran situation. Ask yourself, what would happen if Iran attacked an oil refinery in the US? Of course we would go into Iran and bomb their country. Well, we recently bombed an Iranian oil refinery and they didn’t retaliate. We issued sanctions on their oil and export industries and they didn’t retaliate. Why is that?

While appearing vulnerable they took control of the most sophisticated drone on the planet downloaded and deciphered the encrypted information and have our Military intelligence (I know it’s an oxymoron) people worried that top secret information has been compromised.

Do you believe that the Iranian’s have the capability to bring down a state of the art drone and have it land where they want it to and down load and decipher complex encrypted code? It appears that Iran has been getting help and lots of it from a very sophisticated source or sources. The US already declared war on Iran by issuing sanctions and covertly bombing them but they don’t dare overtly go in because it would jeopardize China’s oil flow, piss off Russia, Turkey and the local Arab countries. This would also force Iraq to support Iran. We got kicked out of Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan is trying to get us to leave their country. The Middle East is kicking us out which means we are running out of staging areas and NATO support for an attack on Iran. The US tried to concoct fraudulent excuses to stir up public support to go into Iran. There was the laughable assassination ruse of the Mexican drug cartel and the more unbelievable law suit stating Iran was part of 9/11. There were also claims that Iran attacked Iraq, etc. The elite are running out of false flags. Iran is out foxing the US because they have the world divided and we can’t command an organized response. The UN Security Council voted against the US a few weeks ago. China and Russia have gone on record that if Iran is attacked they would support Iran. The world is getting fed up and bored with our Imperialism and the elite who orchestrate war.

We have been fighting urban wars of attrition for over 10 years now and we are broke, our allies are broke. We have spent close to 3 Trillion dollars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We can’t afford another expensive protracted war a half a world away and the US citizens are sick of war. There is 85% support for Ron Paul amongst our troops because they are sick of war and he’s promised to end the wars. The lengthy wars have depleted our manpower, equipment, and our political capital.

Last week the Census Department of the Federal Government reported that “50% of the nation’s population were living below the poverty line”. Our nation’s wealth has been exhausted by war so that we could secure profits for the banking, oil, and Military/Industrial cartels. We never saw a dime of it and never will because the 1% elite feel they have a Divine Right at our expense. You know their motto, privatize profits and socialize losses. They truly can’t squeeze much more from the peasantry but they will try.

Our government has been trying to get Iran to do something stupid so that we can attack them but they won’t do it. Iran isn’t Iraq or Afghanistan. They haven’t done anything, aren’t weak and they aren’t bluffing. They are asserting their right as a sovereign nation and have the support of some very powerful countries. If we attack Iran, the war will be at our doorstep and then we will see how brave you who espouse war respond. When you live by the sword, you die by the sword.

TrustVerify:

Well reasoned informative post.

The whole Iran wants a bomb thing is overblown for three reasons. First of all nobody has concrete proof they have enriched any plutonium or uranium near weapons grade level. Two , even if they did get a bomb, it would be rather a weak device and still would have to be tested and perfected before they could use one. Three, the Israelis now have 6 Dauphin class nuclear attack subs bought from Germany. These subs are the best of the best supposedly and are NUCLEAR attack subs. Seems to me that the Israelis are gearing up to actually use nuclear weapons they actually have, while the Iranians don'thave squat. The real reason Iran is a target is that they have an independent central bank, and they want to replace the dollar as the world's reserve currency with a basket of currencies and/or gold.

Raddave,

thats cute and all that you believe Iran is safe with a nuclear weapon and Im willing to dismiss your ignorance because you apparently do not keep up. Ahmidinejad has stated to our very own American reporter, Diane Sawyer, no less than 6 months ago that he would love to get rid of Israel because they are comparable to vermon. He also has refused to recognize the Holocaust as a real event as a way to erase the history of the Jewish people. Im glad you feel safe in your little bubble thinking Iran is not dangerous. Maybe you can have me over sometime in your bubble.

The fact is that Iran has a right under the NNPT to develop nuclear material for energy purposes.

Oh god here it comes again, the familiar and tiring mantra of "iran has a right...to develop nuclear material for nuclear energy" coming from the shrill pro-iranian cheer leaders. Anyone still defending the iranian regime on this tired premise which goes against all available intelligence sources has lost any credibility with me.

Does it matter if Iran only develops *one* above ground weapon capable of taking out a large US population center vs the entire country?

Excellent post, JoeNY!

Robert Bruce, bang! You hit the nail on the head. Although they wouldn't mind their oil as well.

Leave them alone? Remember what happened to Europe when everyone agreed to leave Hitler alone? Appeasement is not the answer!

That's brain dead. Iran hasn't started a war in modern times and isn't threatening to. On the other hand Israel and the US are constantly threatening to attack Iran. How does that bode for your Hitler comparison? Comparing Iran to Nazi Germany is just and excuse to start shooting first.

Anyone still defending the iranian regime on this tired premise which goes against all available intelligence sources has lost any credibility with me.

And anyone who does not question the "available intelligence sources" given what happened to Iraq has lost any credibility with me.

Swan37...I questioned all available intelligence, and the conclusion I reached was that Iran was, in fact refining and stockpiling raw uranium for the purposes of developing nuclear weaponry.

Point in fact is that Iran's raw uranium stockpile has been refined from 5% to 20% in a very short time frame...less than 5% is needed for the purposes of developing nuclear energy, while 90% grade is needed for nuclear weaponry grade. Is the IAEA not a credible source? If they are, they recently claimed that Iran had begun refining uranium to a fissile purity of 20 percent at Fordow near the Shi'ite Muslim holy city of Qom. Iran has said for months that it is preparing to move its highest-grade uranium refinement work to Fordow from its main enrichment plant at Natanz, and sharply boost capacity. There's no way Iran could be developing this uranium for the purpose of developing isotopes for medical treatment.

Conclusion I reached is that Iran is in fact surrepticiously refining raw uranium for the purposes of developing nuclear weaponry, in spite of claims to the contrary.

What does Iraq have to do with it? Iraq was Iran's nemesis for years...sorry, your point eludes me.

The bottom line is there isn't a purpose to having nuclear weapons if no one is willing to use them. And any amount of scientific knowledge pretty much proves that using them is foolish. Besides which, no superpower lacks the capacity to win conventional war in a different way. So the threat of nuclear weapons in this age comes from insecure nations who cant wage war in another way, such as Pakistan, North Korea, and Iran. Two of those countries, however, already have the weapons, and one can be stopped, or at a minimum, delayed. And that's why to stop Iran in any way possible, in my mind, makes sense.

Even if Iran had 20 nukes what would they do with them??? Any Iranian launch of a missile of any kind would mean the immediate destruction of Iran......if they wanted to commit suicide...why wait until they acquire a nuclear weapon....they could just lob a couple hundred of missiles into Israel tomorrow and the US and Israel would unleash the most powerful arsenal of weapons ever seen on Iran....

The argument that they might someday acquire a nuke and someday try to use it just shows ignorance and detachment from reality.....

The only countries invading other countries in the Middle east are Israel and the US...not Iran.

The nukes are what the WMDS were to Iraq...just the pretext for Invasion....

Obama is playing the shell game, praying that something happens. Once Iran has the nuclear bomb it will be too late for everyone.

How many times have sanctions been used and how many times have they been successful.

You can put your heads in the sand and play ostrich. You wanted Obama, you got Obama and you have to suffer the consequences of Obama.

Hail to Obama the 21st Century Chamberlain!

Point in fact is that Iran's raw uranium stockpile has been refined from 5% to 20% in a very short time frame...less than 5% is needed for the purposes of developing nuclear energy, while 90% grade is needed for nuclear weaponry grade. Is the IAEA not a credible source?

First off I'm sure you know that Iran claims they are using the 20% for cancer treatment. You can dispute that if you like but you have no proof. Second 20% is not 90%. Third the IAEA is NOT a particularly credible source. These agencies are beholden the whims of powerful countries like the USA. In fact the IAEA was originally started under a US proposal. Finally even if Iran does get a nuke they can't use it without being annihilated themselves. So far all I see is two countries WITH nuclear weapons, (Israel and the USA) threatening to attack a country that so far has none (Iran) on the basis they may in the future get some. What a joke.

Obama can't win if he lets Iran get the bomb and he can't win if he goes with Israel to knock out Iran as it is too late for sanctions and he saw this coming 3 years ago.

Sanctions have never worked and this "EXPERT" should know it. He should have wrapped up Iraq and Afghanistan quickly and concentrated on Iran.

Repetitions of similar dramas before Iraq wars directed by Saudi Arabia & Co and Israel.

Israel did exactly in Iraq what they are doing in Iran.

Still Iraq war and the dramas before have not taught any lessons to many!

About WMDs. It is farce and ruse for some in Iran as in Iraq.

Pakis have plenty of nukes on sale or for stealing. Are they good ones?

Keep away from Syria, Iran and other business! For a change, let others business be not ours!

fb, its hard to take anything you say seriously when its obvious you didn't read anything posted before you. And not surprising your opinion is totally radicalized.

Finally even if Iran does get a nuke they can't use it without being annihilated themselves

You seem to believe that Iran subscribes to the idea of MAD (mutually assured destruction)--which it doesn't.

You also seem to believe that, in the case your rationale happens to be wrong, we should wait to see if Iran does in fact a)continuing refining its uranium stockpiles up to weapons grade (90%) b) if they do, just allow them to develop nuclear weapons and see if that scenario unfolds.

I vote that we not wait for that scenario to unfold.

So you believe that Iran is refining its uranium stockpiles for "medical research?" Hey, interested in real estate?

I've got a nice piece of property along the Salton Sea I'd like to show ya.

Hi everyone, google the word "petrodollar" and see what comes up. Related articles will inform you on the real reason we are in Iran, one of the leading suppliers of oil and natural gas to the world. In summary, the US dollar is not backed by gold since our international default in 1971. The US dollar is backed (holds trading value) through two understandings in the international community: 1) an agreement with Saudi royalty (leaders of OPEC, around half the worlds oil supply) that petroleum based products including oil (and now food and all other commodities) may only be purchased with US dollars. In exchange, we offered the House of Saud military protection which, in the shade of cold war USSR before SA had their current defense in place, was a welcomed exchange. This means that we, the US enjoy a propped up value to our dollar because we tax every major international trade (people convert their currency to US dollars to make a purchase and we charge conversion fees... they do this because they can only purchase the goods that run our economies, namely petroleum, with the US dollar). Most countries have been willing to put up with this agreement for some time, especially since the collapse of the USSR in it's former version, but now perhaps, the banking families of the west who, btw are in control of our unconstitutional central private bank "the fed" may have extended their arm out further than they could pull it back without loosing some serious skin. You see, Iran is once again on the verge of cutting major deals with India and China paid for in non US dollar currencies which undermines the propped up value of the dollar... using currencies like Gold and Yen instead. The US isn't contributing to the to the world economy the way it used to, and it may be to the point that countries like China, India, and Russia no longer feel the need for the continually inflating USD in their reserve. They have growing populations to feed. How else might the western banks have overextended their inflation campaign? It's tough to know the whole story but let's think: we overthrew a diplomatically elected gov in Iran in the 50's to do or military bidding, sort of, (war is business you know). Look closely and you'll see that we were there for the oil even then. When that we wrong (aka they turned on us for tampering in their internal affairs) we overthrew the Iraqi government to fight our newly created de-stable region right on top of the largest oil producing area in the world, and guess what... the same thing happened - another great excuse to swoop in and claim the riches. (BTW, I support our troops but not always the ones who are sending them in, especially needlessly). Could it be that people in that part of the world also grow tired of tyrannical nations who only pay them attention when it's time for a cut of their resources? And if they won't deliver what we want under our conditions, we'll try to take it from them. It's still going on, only this time, other emerging modern superpowers (china, india, russia) are financially intertwined with Iran in new ways and, as it is now may prefer a stable region and their current lucrative, and pending, non-us denominated oil agreements to the petrodollar which western bankers and the fed have been prone to inflate through unaccounted printing over the last decade while the US gov essentially says to the rest of the world: you produce and we'll buy, and if you don't like it, we'll bomb. Maybe they like Iran's deal better than ours. This could simply be Iran beating us in the market place fair and square despite our underhanded, and frankly illegal policies. Besides, they're tired of us now, do you hear me my fellow Americans? They're tired of the attitude of our government, and the arrogance of our people. We'll see what happens, this isn't the first time a nation has tried this and failed, but we have gone too far this time, and we may be on the verge of a serious collapse of dollar purchasing power, and a vastly different way of life here in America whether we invade Iran or not. Speaking of invading Iran, Russia's Gazprom develops 80% of Iran's NG. Russia has also said that they are under no circumstances going to allow a western invasion of Iran. We'll see. Whatever the case, this isn't about Islam and Christianity -after all, a Christian nation would love their enemies, beg forgiveness for wrongs, and open up trade, re-directing military spending into home grown ingenuity and independent energy sources, and let other people have what is theirs. Is this about nuclear non-proliferation? Isreal has enough nukes to blast Iran to the moon. Let them deal with THEIR neighbors. 5 of Iran's other neighbors have enough nukes to go around if they truly did ever get out of hand. No no, people, this is about oil and the US response is about the preservation of the petrodollar, and whatever "religious" schpeal they may offer up next about our military support for Isreal - this isn't about good relition, it's about the US trying to hunker down on the little guy, take their oil so that we can keep being 2% of the worlds population who use 25% of the resources. Like I say, it may not work this time. And to be honest, I hope it doesn't because it will force the US to become a better country in the long term if we fail at this. The Constitution is not about empire building, it is about liberty of the people in our own country, and in case you haven't noticed, our own house is far from being in order. Abolish the fed, leave the middle east alone, create jobs here, work hard, save, be present in your neighborhood and family. That's what we used to be good at, and that was why the world used to love us.

You seem to believe that Iran subscribes to the idea of MAD (mutually assured destruction)--which it doesn't.

Bull@!$%#. This is just another ruse by the warmongering community. Call your target irrational and suicidal and use that to justify starting a war. Iran hasn't started a war in modern times. The same can not be said for the USA.

I vote that we not wait for that scenario to unfold.

I vote we do not kill thousands of people based are warmonger lies, half-truths and wild speculation. We lived for years with thousands of soviet missiles pointed our way. I can live with Iran having a few nukes with no delivery systems to speak of. I'm not as afraid as you are. The danger of a US bankruptcy is far more scary to me and is indeed a far more imminent threat. A war with Iran will just speed that up. It is already starting to look inevitable as it stands.

So you believe that Iran is refining its uranium stockpiles for "medical research?" Hey, interested in real estate?

Wow you still use the real estate cliche put down. Unfortunately it fails to further your argument. Try again.

correction: second sentence above should read "real reason we WANT TO BE in Iran" has to do with petrodollars

ofcourse not. Do be silly. Obama would never take it that far.

As long as Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Turkey continue to trade with them in currencies other than dollars, the US will crave war. This is about petro-dollars; not oil.

It is also significant to note that China, Russia, India, and Pakistan have nuclear weapons ~ and probably Turkey. Where is it written that in order to have a nuclear device, it must be built from scratch as we assume and allege with Iran? When the USSR folded, the emerging Russia was totally bankrupt but it was home to the largest military on earth as well as the world's largest nuclear stockpile. Remember the arms reduction arrangements? Is it possible that arsenals could have been reduced by sales of nuclear components to other nations ~ ~ ~ ~ like Iran? Russia needed money ~ Iran has boat loads of it plus an abundance of crude. Why buy the cow when milk can be purchased much easier and cheaper? Of course I have no proof that any of this happened but you've got to admit its being a possibility.

Exactly right Josh. The sanctions against Iran over nuclear proliferation are every bit as effective as the League of Nations sanctions against Italy over the invasion of Ethiopia were before WWII.

You sir are an idiot. Will you please refraining from ever typing another message. You are a textbook definition of the typical liberal democrat.

All the people that support these hypocritical actions of this "government" or the agenda of death to the different and support sanctioning or attacking Iran, which is no more Hitler than other countries in the Middle East or here, pls. refrain from publishing your insanity. You are no more than nilhilists for murder and ruin of the human race, such as it is.

Iran has never done one thing to alter our way of life in the USA. The only problem in the USA is the cotrol the Zionists seem to have over our government and our media. They use the media to pump us full of Israeli propaganda in order to start new wars in order to eliminate the perceived enemies of Israel.

They did it first to Iraq and now the countries of Syria and Iran are topping the list. After that, there will be a move to take over land and water in Lebanon. Here is some interesting reading on the reasons for the war in Iraq. This is dated Feb 6, 2012 in Israel's Haaretz news source. Link is provided.

U.S. checking possibility of pumping oil from northern Iraq to Haifa, via Jordan
By Amiram Cohen

The United States has asked Israel to check the possibility of pumping oil from Iraq to the oil refineries in Haifa. The request came in a telegram last week from a senior Pentagon official to a top Foreign Ministry official in Jerusalem.

The Prime Minister's Office, which views the pipeline to Haifa as a "bonus" the U.S. could give to Israel in return for its unequivocal support for the American-led campaign in Iraq, had asked the Americans for the official telegram.

The new pipeline would take oil from the Kirkuk area, where some 40 percent of Iraqi oil is produced, and transport it via Mosul, and then across Jordan to Israel. The U.S. telegram included a request for a cost estimate for repairing the Mosul-Haifa pipeline that was in use prior to 1948. During the War of Independence, the Iraqis stopped the flow of oil to Haifa and the pipeline fell into disrepair over the years.

The National Infrastructure Ministry has recently conducted research indicating that construction of a 42-inch diameter pipeline between Kirkuk and Haifa would cost about $400,000 per kilometer. The old Mosul-Haifa pipeline was only 8 inches in diameter.

National Infrastructure Minister Yosef Paritzky said yesterday that the port of Haifa is an attractive destination for Iraqi oil and that he plans to discuss this matter with the U.S. secretary of energy during his planned visit to Washington next month. Paritzky added that the plan depends on Jordan's consent and that Jordan would receive a transit fee for allowing the oil to piped through its territory. The minister noted, however, that "due to pan-Arab concerns, it will be hard for the Jordanians to agree to the flow of Iraqi oil via Jordan and Israel."

Sources in Jerusalem confirmed yesterday that the Americans are looking into the possibility of laying a new pipeline via Jordan and Israel. (There is also a pipeline running via Syria that has not been used in some three decades.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=332835&contrassID=...'

http://www.nogw.com/warforisrael.html

"The only problem in the USA is the cotrol the Zionists seem to have over our government and our media. They use the media to pump us full of Israeli propaganda in order to start new wars in order to eliminate the perceived enemies of Israel."

RalphH,
You have persuaded me. Now, could you please let me know how to apply for Zionist membership? I want my share of riches the Zionists have from control over the US (and not only US, the whole rich West world!) government and the media.

Iran has never done one thing to alter our way of life in the USA

Oil embargo that crippled the US, Hostage crisis, the threats to gulf traffic in the 90s and now, and threats to an ally we are bound to protect are all things that affect or affected all Americans.

Your grasp on history is weak.

Hostage Crisis.??...yea lets go back 33 years or ever 20 years to try and find something to bomb them current day...

Lets also forget that the US ovethrew the democratic elected Iranian Govt in 1953 in a coup de etc,,,that if the same was done to the US would be considered an act of war.....

Threats to Gulf traffic in the 90s...lets also forget that the US supporting Saddam Hussein in war of agression against Iran throughout the 80s...

So we are going to bomb them in 2012 because they threatend us 20 yeas ago???

Never an attack by the Iranians on American soil.....ever....end of story.

Threats to an ally we are bound to protect???there is no formal defense pact between Israel and The US....

there is no formal defense pact between Israel and The US

Now I know you know nothing!

US-Israel Defense Treaties

November 24, 2010

Memorandum of cooperation relating to technical assistance in developing and modernizing Israel's civil aviation security infrastructure

September 10, 2009
Agreement amending the agreement of March 31, 2001 for the arrow system improvement program (ASIP)

January 16, 2009
Memorandum of Understanding Between The United States and Israel Regarding Prevention of the Supply of Arms and Related Materiel to Terrorist Groups

May 29, 2008
Agreement on cooperation in science and technology for homeland security matters, with annex

February 10, 1998
Acquisition and cross-servicing agreement with annexes.

January 28, 1998
Treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters.

September 3, 1996
Agreement for technology research and development projects.

April 30, 1996
Counterterrorism cooperation accord

July 18, 1996
Memorandum of Agreement concerning the tactical high energy laser (THEL) advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD).

April 30, 1996
Counterterrorism cooperation accord to enhance capabilities to deter, prevent, respond to and investigate international terrorist acts or threats of international terrorist acts against Israel or the United States.

November 28, 1991
Agreement on cooperation to combat illicit narcotics trafficking and abuse

October 18, 1991
Memorandum of Understanding for a loan of a multi-sensor integrate system for the purpose of test and evaluation

June 1991
Agreement pertaining to Arrow Continuation Experiments (ACES) the second stage of the joint U.S.-Israel Arrow missile program

January 22, 1991
Agreement on the status of United States personnel

September 8, 1989
MOU regarding transfers of materials, supplies and equipment for cooperative research and development programs

April 1989
Memorandum of Agreement between the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization and Israel’s Defense Ministry to develop a $35 million computer facility as part of the Arrow missile program

May 24, 1988
Agreement relating to mutual defense assistance

April 21, 1988
Agreement regarding payment for tooling costs of accelerated production of M-60A1 tanks

December 14, 1987
Agreement concerning construction of air base facilities

November 29, 1983
Agreement concerning funding of air base facilities

December 10, 1982
General security of information agreement

April 6, 1979
Agreement creating the Joint Political Military Group and Joint Security Assistance Program

April 6, 1979
Memorandum of Agreement concerning the principles governing mutual cooperation in research and development, scientist and engineer exchange, and procurement and logistic support of defense equipment, with annexes and attachment.

October 23, 1975
Memorandum of Agreement regarding joint political, security and economic cooperation.

July 23, 1952
Mutual logistic support agreement

Israel itself has stated that the "existential threat" Iran represents is not annihilation of the nation of Israel, but the fear that a nuclear Iran might make some Israelis so nervous they would move to another country in Europe or America.

Remember that previous Israeli attacks on reactors in Iraq and Syria were on uncompleted and un-fueled sites, whereas Iran's facilities are fully operational and fueled with hundreds of pounds of uranium. If Israel does manage to penetrate Iran's nuclear underground nuclear facilities with high explosives, the radioactive materials released could kill million of people in downwind countries. You can be sure that when Israel attacks the winds will be blowing in the other direction, towards India and Pakistan.

So to prevent an unwanted exodus of their own citizens, Israel seems willing to sacrifice millions of civilians in other countries as collateral damage.

What an idiot, your governemnt is Washington has negatively altered your life, as well as your children's your grand children's and your great grandchildren's and beyong. They Ayatollah, the mullahs, and Ahjy haven't brought you the DHS, TSA, MDAA, the Patriot Act, etc. Nor are they responsible for the coming economic collapse. Also, I think at this point in time we have to ask ourselves "What is our way of life?" I mean we live in a morally, politically, spiritually bankrupt society anymore. We have psuedo elections where the Establishment really picks our presidential choices for us, our politicians are all on the take, same with the courts. Don't even get me going on our culture that is totally DOA. We have gone from George Gershwin to Lada Gaga in less than 80 years. Everything is about sex and money. Total materialistic society. I am no muslim or a fan of the mullahs, but I can appreceiate what they are attempting to do, even if it is inevitably in vain, and that is to try and save some bit of real Persian/Islamic culture from the horror that modernism has wrought on the west.

If they dont like the Western culture, than can stop watching Rocky and Die Hard. Close theirselves off from the West and go back to the 5th century where those monkeys belong.

Oh yeah, Rocky and Die Hard, real progress from the 5th century. Leave them alone and they can be in whatever century they want. You don't close yourself off from the West by "missing" those 2 movies, as if that's our "culture" in any meaningful way. So they're "monkeys" and you're what, an amoeba.

Ron Paul is being brutally criticized by the American people, not the media. Because his foreign policy ideas are dangerous and crazy.

Ron Paul's foreign policy ideas are found in the constitution - the document upon which our country became, well better than many alternatives at the time. I don't recall things having gotten better since we abandoned the consultation of that document.

Giving Israel a free hand in dealing with Iran is the best course of action. Israelis know what they have to do, and have knowledge and experience as to how to do it.

E - You are correct - First of all, they would have to test the device, then they would have to build a delivery system to travel the 8000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in order to bomb NY. Lastly, as you described, the Iranian leadsership would have to have a death wish, because they are well aware the US has enough nukes to destroy the planet earth and the means to deliver them.

Note: the option of Iran giving the bombs to a terrorist group doesn't fly either. No terrorist group known has the remotest chance of delivering a nuclear device.

The clowns who claim to know what Iran will do if they ever decide to build a bomb, listen to too much Israeli propaganda. No more wars for Israel.

OMG E- All they want to be is left alone! So alone that they threatened Israel with complete annihilation in the very near future.

So alone they used Quds agents to arrange the assassination of the Saudi ambassador on American soil.

So alone they are building drones for the sole purpose of the delivery of munitions on neighboring US forces in Afghanistan.

So alone that they built advanced IEDs and trained insurgents in the use of them in Iraq in order to test the penetration of our armor and receive a BDA on the body count for each weapon.

I like your logic...could you do a little research before you spew your opinion everywhere?

Calm down....the Iranians have never attacked the US on American Soil.....either with conventional military or through terrorism......no attacks ever from Iran....end of Story...

Hyperventilate all you want about an Iranian bomb....they have never attacked us on American soil..

In the meantime...the US has eiher attacked , invaded or bombed some 30-40 countries since world war 2.....

Your Saudi assasination story has been debunked already...but not like the US or Israel are murdering their scientists or anything.....

So Iran is buidling drones??? How long have we been flying drones over their country......

Your hypocritical BS meter is flashing red...

No more war, are your SURE about that? How old are you? 12?

Sure about what??? My post has many points....but why not try to rebut what you disagree with in my post instead of resorting to childlike name calling or because maybe you cant?

Thanks for being mature and keeping a civil debate....

the Iranians have never attacked the US on American Soil.....either with conventional military or through terrorism......no attacks ever from Iran....end of Story...

You would have to be twelve to not know about how the Iranians have threated and attacked this country. That is not an insult, it is a fact.

There are more ways to attack than with bullets.

If you do not understand what a military alliance is, then you might make a statement like that.

You have absolutley no evidence of an attack.........I am 47.......no attacks ever

More ways to attack then with bullets??? Like imposing sanctions for a non existant nuclear weapons program like we do to them that justs hurts average Iranians???

Your just spouting the same warmongering rhetoric with no evidence of anything....

Like I said your BS meter is flashing red again...

No attacks ever...theres your big threat

You seem to know nothing of history

Hezbollah (aka Iran) has been involved in several anti-American terrorist attacks, including the April 1983 United States Embassy bombing which killed 17 Americans, the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing which killed 241 U.S. peace keepers in Lebanon, and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing. An American district court judge ruled in 2003 that the April 1983 United States Embassy bombing was carried out with Iranian support.

Add the oil embargo that nearly sent the US into a depression, the hostage taking, and the persecution of every American Iran gets their hands on and you seem to be about as wrong as one could get.

Deal with it.

P.S.

READ THE ARTICLE!

The executive order "reemphasizes this Administration's message to the Government of Iran -- it will face ever-increasing economic and diplomatic pressure until it addresses the international community's well-founded and well-documented concerns regarding the nature of its nuclear program."

No attacks on American soil ever........my post stands....

by the way I like how you blow past the American ovethrow of the Iranian Govt in 1953 ..act of war??The US Supporting Saddam Hussein in a proxy war against Iran???

Deal with it...

I like how you have to go back 29 years to try and find something remotely related to Iran.....

Americans travel in an out of Iran everyday...there is a large Jewish polulation living in Tehran....

In the end ...youve got nothing.

Again, your lack of knowledge of history is obvious. The same people that took the hostages in 1979 are the people running Iran today. Nothing has changed. Also your reading comprehension needs work, I pointed out things in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

You can keep saying I have nothing, but it is I that keeps posting things that directly refute what you post and all you do is say thats not true with nothing to support it but your lack of knowledge.

You both are what is so wrong with our country. EXTREMISM.

Iran is a threat to the U.S. FACT.

The U.S. is a threat to Iran. FACT.

Both countries have done countless actions to provoke the other. We have our military nearly completely surrounding their country, they feel overly threatened, as they should. Our actions lately have not given them any assurance of anything other than likely hostile actions on them. How would we see it if Iran invaded both Canada and Mexico to set up their Sharia style government, left bases there, and had their navy floating around our shores. They are scared of us. If it was reversed, we would be scared of them.

We should grow up as a country and talk to them. Give up this no relations crap and put the cards on the table. It would benfit the people of both countries, and the world as a whole.

@Army,

The difference in your comparasin is we do not have a rougue nuclear program threatening the region. Iran has U.N. sanctions against it. It will not let the international community inspect it's nuclear sites. Oh and we have not threatened to wipe another countries existance from the map.... That's the difference.

Army...I get your point...but this has to do with Imperial agression not about nukes......Iran has oil and resources we want......if this were not true...the US wouldnt have overthrown Irans Govt in 1953 when the President of Iran nationalized the oil industry and we installed the Shah and recieved favorable access to Irans oil.....

Your are right again when you make comparisons to Canada and mexico...we have attacked , bombed or invaded almost every country that borders Iran, we have a flotilla of carriers and warships off their coast and drones in the air over Iran...as well as CIA agents on the ground...

How would we view Iran if they were doing the same to us???

peace out.

Didn't they try to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador in the US last year? That would have been a diplomatic nightmare if they succeeded...

Hello Whale, no they didn't, that was war propaganda by our government and has been debunked. It was so absurd that our government said Iran had tried to hire the Mexican drug cartel to do it. They also tried an even more laughable false flag by having a court rule that Iran was part of 911. They are getting desperate because their false flags aren't working anymore.

No More War Profiteering:

So there is no evidence that Iran has the capability or intent to launch an attack on American soil? What about the attempted assassination of the Saudi ambassador to the U.S.? What about Reza Khalili? The former IRGC soldier that worked specifically setting up terror networks on U.S. soil and later defected to the U.S.? Iran's support for both Hezbollah and Hammas (terrorist groups)?

Did you know that US Embassy soil in Iran IS considered "American Soil?"

As to your comment about the 2nd 1953 coup attempt: did you know that US involvement was motivated by the cold war, communism and instability within Iran? Not just about oil.

There have been no attacks on American soil.....no terrorist attacks nor conventional military attacks ever........

The US/CIA removed Mossdgeh because he natiionalized the Iranian oil industry....had we done the same to Iran,,,,people here in the US would be calling it an act of war......a foreign govt removing by force our Govt .....

SO hyperventilate all you want ...there have been no attacks on American soil...ever..

In the meantime...the US has attacked or invaded many countries in the Middle east and has Iran surrounded with either military bases or a flotilla right off the Iranian coast.....

Having the intent to launch an attack on American soil is not the same as having the ability.......and just how many missiles do we have that can reach Iran in minutes???? Thousands??? and they have none that can reach us.....

The US has supported many many terrorist groups...Including AL qaeda whom they created......The contras etc etc etc....

By the way,,,the post above you show the Saudi Ambassador plot was bogus and has been debunked already.....

Hey, remember Libya? See any similarities? How's about Iraq? Do we have a pattern developed here? The Administration has been working hard to make Iran enemy number one and using some really lame excuses. Now, if they want to talk to Iran, talk honestly and not threaten, then I suggest they do that first and leave off with the Mexican cartel, used car dealer, gonna kill a Saudi nonsense and start with some serious diplomatic overtures. Iran isn't stupid, they can see what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan and Libya.

@Atawa,,,,,,,How does the debunked Plot on the Saudi ambassador that relate to Americans ?? If it were true at all why wouldnt the Iranians assasinate the Amabassador in Saudi Arabia....why would they risk hiring a used car salesman here etc etc,,,,,,,,,it complete nonsense...

But your post still show no attacks on Americans...just some dubious plots.....

No More War Profiteering....geez buddy, what do you think has been done on this planet since before the death of Christ? Governments and hierarchies and businesses have ALWAYS profited from war, famine, drought, pestilence, disease, destruction...you name it. There will always be those that lose and those that win something from someones demise. Always will.

by the way I like how you blow past the American ovethrow of the Iranian Govt in 1953 ..act of war??The US Supporting Saddam Hussein in a proxy war against Iran???

We supported Iran also...Iran-Contra, arms for hostages? Remember that?

You left out a part -- The US will retaliate against iran turning it into a pile of rubble/slag.

Iran sponsors "freedom fighters", who wish to rid their land of Israeli occupiers, not terrorists. If Israel doesn't want to be attacked, stay the hell out of Lebanon, a country Israel occupied for 18 years. Israel is still occupying the Sheba Farms area.

Israel is also occupying the West bank and Jerulalem, in violation of international laws. They are strangling the economy of the Palestinian people who live in Gaza, by preventing the delivery of nessesary items. All the land on which Israel now sits, belonged to the Arab population in 1946.

"Jewish villages were built in the place of Arab villages. You do not even know the names of these Arab villages, and I do not blame you because geography books no longer exist. Not only do the books not exist, the Arab villages are not there either. Nahlal arose in the place of Mahlul; Kibbutz Gvat in the place of Jibta; Kibbutz Sarid in the place of Huneifis; and Kefar Yehushua in the place of Tal al-Shuman. There is not a single place built in this country that did not have a former Arab population."
Moshe Dayan, address to the Technion, Haifa, reported in Haaretz, April 4, 1969.

The hatred that the Zionists feel for the victims of the land theft is mind boggling. Zionism = pure evil.

RalphH

You realize that 90 percent of those that will fight and die in this war did not exist in 1969 let alone 1946?

Your are right again when you make comparisons to Canada and mexico...we have attacked , bombed or invaded almost every country that borders Iran, we have a flotilla of carriers and warships off their coast and drones in the air over Iran...as well as CIA agents on the ground...

Once again, you are repeating the same misinformation about our "invading almost every country that borders Iran". I have already corrected this inaccurate, false statement.

Once again, you are in dire need of a geography lesson:

Iran is bordered on the north by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan and Russia are Iran's direct neighbors on the north. Iran is bordered on the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan, on the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, on the west by Iraq and on the northwest by Turkey.

I see only one country in that list that we have invaded after its military invaded Kuwait, another whose government we retaliated against for 9/11. Some historians might not consider that an actual invasion, but an engagement of war after the other side attacked first on US soil. Some might also see us as liberating its people from a repressive government.

We have attacked or invaded Iraq...we have attack and invaded Afganistan, and Pakistan....is that enough border for you.??...we also have US Military bases in almost every country in the Middle east

Russia does not border Iran ,, Kzakstan does not border Iran...

and yes we have bases in Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait........so post the map so we can all see what countries border Iran........

you an obvious troll you copy and paste and repost the same stuff....

Iran has oil and resources we want......if this were not true...the US wouldnt have overthrown Irans Govt in 1953 when the President of Iran nationalized the oil industry and we installed the Shah and recieved favorable access to Irans oil.....

Of course that is true, its true for the whole world not just the US. What's not true or contested is that the US coup was motivated strictly by oil. Iran's prime minister, Mosaddegh became enormously popular in Iran after he nationalized Iran's petroleum industry and oil reserves. During the subsequent economicl embargo, Iran's government became unstable and since the cold war was in full swing and the soviets had taken over many eastern european governments, this became a concern. Truman wanted no part of britain's plan.

That's how Eisenhower became talked into supporting a coup by the british, there was fear that the USSR would take advantage of Iran's instability and establish themselves in the middle east. Today that seems far fetched, but not in 1953. Of course oil played a role, but it was not the only motivator.

So wikipedia is wrong?! 'cause that's where I got this info. I suggest you check a map on the middle east. Bases? who said anything about bases, I was addressing your comment vis a vis "attack" or "invaded".

Ok so we agree it was about oil.......then and now.....

Not about nukes....since they have no nukes weapons program anyway......its all about oil and resources......

yes attacked or invaded...... now you see Russia does NOT border Iran nor does Kzakastan......genious

Glad we finally agree.....

peace out troll...

now you see Russia does NOT border Iran nor does Kzakastan......genious

As Iran is a littoral state of the Caspian sea, which is an inland sea, Kazakhstan and Russia are also Iran's direct neighbors to the north.

Obviously, you don't know geography very well, or spelling, "genius".

We have attacked or invaded Iraq...we have attack and invaded Afganistan, and Pakistan....is that enough border for you.??...we also have US Military bases in almost every country in the Middle east

Pakistan? We have "attacked" Pakistan? That's news to me.

Are you referring to the commando raid taken against Osama Bin Ladin? But you stated earlier that we had the right to defend ourselves if attacked on our own soil? Didn't Bin Ladin orchestrate 9/11, carried out against americans on US soil? Or don't you consider that an act of war? What do you consider that?

Amazingly, the Iranian people are not anti US for the most part, just the ruling class and the government.

I agree it would be nice if there were another way.

Every time we try that we end up in a Word War, so your post is simply rooting for WWIII.

lol

You left out the scenic views of hanging homosexuals, women etc. Then there is the stonings which were also not mentioned. What does the countryside look like?

The U.S. is not giving billions and billions to Iran. Only crazy people like Ron Paul think we should just leave Iran alone and hope they don't use nuclear weapons. Dictators and fascists who refuse to follow the conventions of the modern world cannot be trusted to be left alone.

Yes, and aren't you the "dictator" of your internet posts along with all the other killers out there who would start another Crime Against Peace like Vietnam, where 2,000,000 Vietnamese died and Agent Orange was used against the indigenous people. This "government" here is rogue against the peoples of the world. The conventions of the U.S. do not call for preemtive Crimes Against Peace by the country that developed these monstrosities and actually used them against innocent people.

We should be setting some kind of example. War, murder and death are the attributes of a failing nation.

Yes, and they signed a treaty to that affect, along with one prohibiting the long range missles they are developiing and probably already have to put the nukes over Israel as they have promised.

No conclusive evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program.......all 16 US intelligence agencies have confirmed that Iran does not have a nuke weapons program....along with the Secretary of defense of Israel and the US leon Panetta.....Leon Panetta Stated on face the nation that Iran does not have a nuke weapons program...

The rogue nation that has NOT signed any NPT treaty and does not allow IAEA inspections is Israel.

Source? And why does Obama disagree? Why does Hillary disaagree?

I listed my sources..Leon Panetta, EHud barak , and all 16 US intelligence agencies....

There is no conclusive evidence of a nuke weapons program.....none.

Obama doesnt disagree with his intelligence estimates or his Secretary of defense....

You listed names not sources, do you need to be told what a source is? Your word is meanigless after all the misinformation you have spewed.

The whole reason Obama is doing what he is doing is over thioer nuclear program.

Govt officials statements are sources........there is no evidence of a nuke weapons program...

But hey...why listen to the Secretary of Defense of the Us or our Intelliegnce agencies...you seem to posses " inside " information that no one else has...... LMAO

There is no evidence period...end of story

Go hyperventilate all you want over an Iranian bomb.....we have 8000 operational, Israel has 300 and Iran has none.....thats a fact....stop being soooooo afraid....

I see nothing but your words, not sources.

READ THE ARTICLE!

The executive order "reemphasizes this Administration's message to the Government of Iran -- it will face ever-increasing economic and diplomatic pressure until it addresses the international community's well-founded and well-documented concerns regarding the nature of its nuclear program."

And again you are misinformed. We do not have 8000 warheads, we have about 3000, and there is no way you can now Irans status.

Why would they refine their fuel to weopons grade if they did not want weopons?

Contradicting intelligence reports mean nothing. Look at the pre-Iraqi situation when solid evidence from both domestic as well as foreign sourced stated (and was later confirmed) that Iraq had no WMD's. We are in an age when the intelligence can be manipulated to support the desire. Prior examples were with Rumsfeld and Cheney and their "stove piping" data so that it could be used to support invasion of Iraq. I fail to know how one could be more explicit in listing "sources" which specified the US Intel agencies and the Department of Defense and its secretary. This is what I mean ~ if the mind is made up, intelligence be damned.

Jim,HOw is this for a source

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Sunday that Iran is only one year away from producing a nuclear weapon

http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.t2.1/search/web?q=panetta+iran+nuke+

Also, Saddam had over a year to dispose of most of his WMD's, you seem to forget he used a lot of what he produced, much on his own people. Many believe Syria was the recipient of much of Iraqs remaining evidence.

Also, they had the infrastructure and personel to create more at a moments notice.

They are not refining the fuel to weapons grade,,,weapons grade is around 93-97% and Iran is just at 20% at best.......

There is no conclusive evidence of a nuclear weapons program......end of story.

The Iranian nuke treat is what the WMDS were to Iraq....just a pretext for invasion...Iran has oil,,,,,,this is about another countries resources .....

never found any WMDS in Iraq......lmao

The executive order "reemphasizes this Administration's message to the Government of Iran -- it will face ever-increasing economic and diplomatic pressure until it addresses the international community's well-founded and well-documented concerns regarding the nature of its nuclear program."

Exactly what part of "well-founded and well-documented" do you not comprehend?

Also, are you sure about Iraq? IF so, why did we ship so much uranium out of there and sell it to Canada?

http://articles.cnn.com/2008-07-07/us/iraq.uranium_1_yellowcake-uranium-cameco?_s=PM:US

But please, keep showing your ignorance...

@ No more war,

Conclusive evidence will be when Iran announces "We have the bomb". A little too late at that point then don't you think?

If you check into this, you'll quickly find that the uranium a) was not weapons grade and b) was well known to the UN and IAEA and was being stored legally by Saddam's government. It was legally in Iraq according to international law.

It was in Iraq prior to the Gulf war and was for a nuclear reactor.... again not weapons grade....

You think Bush and Cheney wouldnt have been on the news every night screaming" I told you so" ???/

No WMDS found i Iraq.....No conclusive evidence of a Nuclear Weapons program in Iran..... still none.

Iraq was not working on a nuclear program. Iran is. It's a documented fact! It's also a documented fact they are working on missle technology to build missles that can fly further, carry bigger payloads and be more accurate. 1+1=2. A whole lot of people an a whole lot of other countries smarter than you and me are saying "they're working towards nuclear weapons capability"!

Again, WRONG, you only need fuel at 3.5% for power generation, 20% is a red flag pointing to weopons grade trajectery.

You just posted the evidence that refutes your claims!!!!

"Is the Iranian enrichment program on a trajectory toward being dedicated to producing weapon-grade uranium for nuclear weapons?" ISIS asked and replied: "Unfortunately, despite its severe limitations, this program is able to do so."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/18/us-nuclear-iran-report-idUSTRE79H25V20111018

Also, the Iraqi uranium was for dirty bombs until they could aquire better centrifuges, miss that?

Weapons grade is 93 -97-% Einstein.....The uranium was legal found in Iraq..... it was for a nuclear reactor.prior to the gulf war........it is well documented ......there were no WMDS found in Iraq....

The WMDS argument is just for SAPS like you to justify an invasion and occupation to plunder resoruces...like oil, oil drilling, exploration and war profiteering....thats all...

They just tell gullible people like you its about WMDS.....

@No more war,

Yes but why enrich to 20% when you only need 3.5% to 7% (depending on the reactor) to generate power? I'm no nuclear scientist but it seems to me enriching to that high of a level for energy production is extremely dangerous. If it wern't, we'd have done it a long time ago. As stated above, It's a red flag!!

The enrichment to 20% is said to be for medical radiation treatments for cancer patients. Iran was unable to purchase even small amounts of that level of enrichment, and so decided to produce their own.

@Robert,

Unable to purchase because of sanctions by the U.N. Also 20% refinement IS considered Weapons grade. Although not very efficient, but critical mass can be atained.

There is no conclusive evidence of a nuke weapons program.....none.

But there is substantial and compelling circumstantial evidence that there is, and it keeps piling up.

2 + 2 = 4

Weapons grade is 93 -97-% Einstein.....

So we should wait until Iran gets to that refinement level before doing anything? Uh, okey doke, just wanted to make sure I understood your logic here.

The only reason the US accuses Iran of “intending to acquire the capability” to make nukes is simply because they don’t have any actual evidence of a nuclear weapons program in Iran (something that our own NIEs have been telling us, in 2007 and again in 2011)

The “capability” to make a nuke is something that simply comes with having a civilian nuclear program. According to the IAEA and Green Peace, there are up to 140 countries that already have this ‘capability’.

And there is no way for anyone to disprove that a country could not “intend” to do something in the indefinite future.

20% enrichment is Legal under IAEA...Iran has signed the NPT while Israel a nuclear power has not...

The "capability" to make a nuke is something that simply comes with having a civilian nuclear program. According to the IAEA and Green Peace, there are up to 140 countries that already have this 'capability'.

The difference is that none of those countries has threatened to annihilate or wipe Israel off the face of the earth. None of them are ruled by fanatical religious clerics.

We don't need actual evidence in order to make an accusation against Iran, the "smoking gun" is the sudden upgrade in uranium refinement to 20%--less than 5% is actually needed for nuclear energy purposes. They actually already have enough at 20% to make a nuclear weapon as pointed out.

If we wait for the actual verifiable proof or evidence to sound the alarm, which I assume by your statement would be: refinement of 90% of uranium stockpiling, or Iran's announcement that it actually has one, it will be too late, . In either of these two scenarios, it will be too late.

Iran could have 25 Nukes and they would never use them...because they know they would be destroyed before they could get off their first Missile.....its complete non sense.....what would they have to gain as a nation to launch a missile at the US???

They are a proud 3000 year old country and maybe oppressive to their own people but they are not suicidal.....

If they wanted to wipe Israel off the map....why dont they just start launching missiles or attacks now on Israel...why wait??? It makes absolutely no sense.

You need to be able to enrich the uranium to 90% or better for it to be weapons grade....this is not easy and Iran does not have the technology...its a fact.....20% enriched uranium is simply not weapons grade....

No conclusive evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program.......all 16 US intelligence agencies have confirmed that Iran does not have a nuke weapons program....along with the Secretary of defense of Israel and the US leon Panetta.....Leon Panetta Stated on face the nation that Iran does not have a nuke weapons program...

No More War, once again you are distorting the truth to fit your agenda...in 18.2 you conveniently cut Mr. Panetta's quote in half, the half that supports your premise of Iran not being a threat and not developing an nuke weapons program. Once again you are spreading misinformation and making misleading statements to suit your agenda. Your ignorance and gall continues to mystify me.

The quote you cut in half--mid sentence in fact-- continues on to explain that Iran is "developing its nuclear capability". We can't say definitively that Iran is developing nukes while it is in this stage of development, which is refining its uranium. Just as you cannot say definitively that it isn't.

I think the international strategy here, and this has really been an international strategy, to apply sanctions, to apply diplomatic pressure on them, to try to convince Iran that if, you know, they want to do what's right, they need to join the international family of nations and act in a responsible way. I think the pressure of the sanctions, I think the pressure of diplomatic pressures from everywhere -- Europe, United States, elsewhere-- is working to put pressure on them, to make them understand that they cannot continue to do what they're doing. Are they trying to develop a nuclear weapon? No. But we know that they're trying to develop a nuclear capability. And that's what concerns us. And our red line to Iran is do not develop a nuclear weapon. That's a red line for us.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Face the nation, 1/8/12

Hi everyone, google the word "petrodollar" and see what comes up. Related articles will inform you on the real reason we are in Iran, one of the leading suppliers of oil and natural gas to the world. In summary, the US dollar is not backed by gold since our international default in 1971. The US dollar is backed (holds trading value) through two understandings in the international community: 1) an agreement with Saudi royalty (leaders of OPEC, around half the worlds oil supply) that petroleum based products including oil (and now food and all other commodities) may only be purchased with US dollars. In exchange, we offered the House of Saud military protection which, in the shade of cold war USSR before SA had their current defense in place, was a welcomed exchange. This means that we, the US enjoy a propped up value to our dollar because we tax every major international trade (people convert their currency to US dollars to make a purchase and we charge conversion fees... they do this because they can only purchase the goods that run our economies, namely petroleum, with the US dollar). Most countries have been willing to put up with this agreement for some time, especially since the collapse of the USSR in it's former version, but now perhaps, the banking families of the west who, btw are in control of our unconstitutional central private bank "the fed" may have extended their arm out further than they could pull it back without loosing some serious skin. You see, Iran is once again on the verge of cutting major deals with India and China paid for in non US dollar currencies which undermines the propped up value of the dollar... using currencies like Gold and Yen instead. The US isn't contributing to the to the world economy the way it used to, and it may be to the point that countries like China, India, and Russia no longer feel the need for the continually inflating USD in their reserve. They have growing populations to feed. How else might the western banks have overextended their inflation campaign? It's tough to know the whole story but let's think: we overthrew a diplomatically elected gov in Iran in the 50's to do or military bidding, sort of, (war is business you know). Look closely and you'll see that we were there for the oil even then. When that we wrong (aka they turned on us for tampering in their internal affairs) we overthrew the Iraqi government to fight our newly created de-stable region right on top of the largest oil producing area in the world, and guess what... the same thing happened - another great excuse to swoop in and claim the riches. (BTW, I support our troops but not always the ones who are sending them in, especially needlessly). Could it be that people in that part of the world also grow tired of tyrannical nations who only pay them attention when it's time for a cut of their resources? And if they won't deliver what we want under our conditions, we'll try to take it from them. It's still going on, only this time, other emerging modern superpowers (china, india, russia) are financially intertwined with Iran in new ways and, as it is now may prefer a stable region and their current lucrative, and pending, non-us denominated oil agreements to the petrodollar which western bankers and the fed have been prone to inflate through unaccounted printing over the last decade while the US gov essentially says to the rest of the world: you produce and we'll buy, and if you don't like it, we'll bomb. Maybe they like Iran's deal better than ours. This could simply be Iran beating us in the market place fair and square despite our underhanded, and frankly illegal policies. Besides, they're tired of us now, do you hear me my fellow Americans? They're tired of the attitude of our government, and the arrogance of our people. We'll see what happens, this isn't the first time a nation has tried this and failed, but we have gone too far this time, and we may be on the verge of a serious collapse of dollar purchasing power, and a vastly different way of life here in America whether we invade Iran or not. Speaking of invading Iran, Russia's Gazprom develops 80% of Iran's NG. Russia has also said that they are under no circumstances going to allow a western invasion of Iran. We'll see. Whatever the case, this isn't about Islam and Christianity -after all, a Christian nation would love their enemies, beg forgiveness for wrongs, and open up trade, re-directing military spending into home grown ingenuity and independent energy sources, and let other people have what is theirs. Is this about nuclear non-proliferation? Isreal has enough nukes to blast Iran to the moon. Let them deal with THEIR neighbors. 5 of Iran's other neighbors have enough nukes to go around if they truly did ever get out of hand. No no, people, this is about oil and the US response is about the preservation of the petrodollar, and whatever "religious" schpeal they may offer up next about our military support for Isreal - this isn't about good relition, it's about the US trying to hunker down on the little guy, take their oil so that we can keep being 2% of the worlds population who use 25% of the resources. Like I say, it may not work this time. And to be honest, I hope it doesn't because it will force the US to become a better country in the long term if we fail at this. The Constitution is not about empire building, it is about liberty of the people in our own country, and in case you haven't noticed, our own house is far from being in order. Abolish the fed, leave the middle east alone, create jobs here, work hard, save, be present in your neighborhood and family. That's what we used to be good at, and that was why the world used to love us.

Since you backed up your post with nothing but an insult, it means nothing and is more uninformed than anything else.

You disagree that there are uninformed opinions flying around this post? Want me to list them all? How much time you got?

I think what ScoMata is getting at is your lack of participation in the discussion with the exception of your meaningless insult. Try enlightening us with your meaningful posts instead!

Exactly Airborne Dad, I thought it was obvious.

i stayed at holiday inn last nite...so i know what i'm talking bout...the middle east sucks...

Uh, no.

We have almost no inflation (3%), the dollar is not shrinking despite the manipulationn in fact it is a investor safe haven against the Euro, and the economy is growing (2.8% in 2011).

Signed, a Republican.

No inflation? Been to a gas pump lately? Paid a utility bill recently? Visited a supermarket or other food outlet? Of course all of these have been exempted from calculating the CPI (consumer price index) which determines the rate of inflation. True inflation (like true unemployment) is a hell of a lot higher than what is being reported by heavily manipulated processes. These factors combine to impact the actual buying power of the dollar which has indeed shrunk. This is also evidenced in monetary exchange against other recognized world currencies. You are correct on the GDP growth currently at 2.8%.

While I agree that inflation, like unemplyment calculations are suspect, we are not seeing inflation levels that will lead to a recession. For that we are lucky, for now.

Also, electric rate increases are being driven by the EPA, and we are allowing it to happen. This affects all prices. Same for gas, we are choosing to not develop our own resources. Bottom line, we are allowing the government to create much of the inflation we are seeing.

Hey Scomata and Airborne Dad - Do these people qualify as sources?

January 2011: When Meir Dagan steps down as director of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, he says that Iran would not be able to produce a nuclear weapon until 2015. "Israel should not hasten to attack Iran, doing so only when the sword is upon its neck," Mr. Dagan warned. Later he said that attacking Iran would be "a stupid idea.... The regional challenge that Israel would face would be impossible."

January 2011: A report by the Federation of American Scientists on Iran's uranium enrichment says there is "no question” that Tehran already has the technical capability to produce a "crude" nuclear device. (Note: Technical capability, does not equal the ability to do it in tha present.)

February 2011: National intelligence director James Clapper affirms in testimony before Congress that “Iran is keeping the option open to develop nuclear weapons in part by developing various nuclear capabilities and better position it to produce such weapons, should it choose to do so," Mr. Clapper said. "We do not know, however, if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons."

It should be very clear to anyone with an open mind, that Iran does not presently have a nuclear weapons program. If however, your mind is so weak, that it is influenced by the Zionist media printing stories in such a way that you are filled with fear, there is not much hope for you. It is easy to fact check stories that have some validity to their claims. When an article relies on unnamed sources, it is probably untrue, especially when the article is pushing the fear factor.

YEAH!!!!!!!

wow what a weapon you want?

the choices are...#1.fart bomb...or...#2.stinky feet...or...#3.smell my finger...

seems child like but listening

Because Obama is doing the exact opposite of Chamberlain, you mean? He's actually a lot more comparable to Churchill, minus the cigar and belly.

Reminds me of Thendora Reptorian so much.

And the sharp, acidic wit.

"Madame, in the morning I will be sober, but you will still be ugly." - Winston Churchhill

So, let's play this scenario out. The sanctions are in place, Russia and China abstain from said sanctions. What next? Does the US go in and bomb Iran? Does the US declare war on Iran if they don't comply? Can we afford another war? Iran is a little better equipped than Libya and they have some serious supporters. So, what happens next?

The US, specifically, Wal*Mart, finds new suppliers and China's economy goes down the tubes.

What about Hitler, Isn't that another sound word. HOW ABOUT LEBENONE And How about 1500 women and children were killed in cold blood Israelis , and some how it seem you all have justification for Israelis murderous acts on innocent civilian people. Post any reference that Iran has initiated any act of violence against other country. now How about Hitler. I am starting to have doubt a about Hitler's actions after what I have been seeing amount of lies and deceptions being presented by Israelis controlled mass media in this country.

If anything modern day US with its doctrine of premptive warfare resembles Hitlers Germany....

But to compare Iran to Nazi Germany is absurd...Germany in the 1930s was the most technically advanced military and economic superpower......Iran is a country surrounded by US military bases and can only project power regionally......Iran has no nukes....the US has over 8000 operational nukes and Israel several hundred......you know you argument is weak when you have to make comparisona to Hitler..... that has been done since.....well...Saddam Hussein...

Again, the US does NOT have 8000 warheads.

Whether its 3000 or 5000 or 8000 ......Iran has none....thats an overwhelming military advantage.....

Israel....has over 300 nukes.......Iran has none...

Stop being soooo afraid....

The Hitler / Chamberlain comparison to today's world is ludicrous. We should learn from history but that in no way suggests that we must be rooted in it. There is no comparison between today's world and the world of the 1930s and 1940s and the solutions of that era simply do not fit the complexities of today's problems. Those complexities dictate that the concept of isolationism would be foolhardy today but aggressive intervention, either clandestine or overt, will bring immediate consequences which cannot be reversed by raw military might. Those who would use history as a barometer should remember that we have no less than three examples since the 1960s that prove this point rather conclusively.

How is having nukes an advantage if we wont use them? And who is affraid?

The Hitler/Chamberlain comparison may not fit the issue here but non action to this very serious situation certainly does follow in the footsteps of Nazi Germany. The Middle East is ripe for WW3. Iran will set off a new nuclear arms race in that region and we will have no choice but to act. Like it or not, our very economy is at stake if and when this escalates!

When the US Govt says all options are on the table I believe they are talking about a possible nuclear strike....... but in the end...we have thousands of nukes and Iran has none... the point was we have overwhelming military advantage over Iran as well as econmically....they are simply not a threat to us and have no ability to attack us with conventional military and they have never attacked us through terrorism... This thread was about an absurd comparison to Hitlers germany...

Airborne Dad...Look at a map of US Military bases in the Middle East....you will see the the US has dozens of bases surrounding Iran as well as flotilla of warships of their coast, drones in the air over Iran, we have imposed sanctions and have attacked or invaded almost every country that has a border with Iran.....they are checkmated.........thats not exactly non action.....

They are not going to use nuclear weopons on Iran, if you think they were implying that, you are wrong.

Also, why lie and say Iran has never committed atacks on the US, it is a matter of public record that they have and I have documented it in the thread.

It's more that just about a threat to the U.S. A regional conflict and arms race in this region will be a direct threat to this countries economy. That translates to a direct threat to this country. And if it escaltes, we will be drawn in to it. No doubt about it. So standing idle while Iran builds up its capability to develope nukes is a non starter and America is not the only one who thinks that...

No attacks ever on American soil.......its no lie....

Just to show you how bogus your argument is......there has been no terrorists attacks here in the US in the last 10 years much less an Iranian attack......

So in the meantime since world war 2...the US has attacked or bomber some 30-40 countries and ovethrown countless demoscracies...... care to dispute that with me???

@ No War,

Absulutley will debate that with you. You are 100% right! We have covertly, illegally, joinly and single handedly done so. Some of it was to our own ends, the majority was cold war related and the the rest were U.N sanctioned. And if you think Russia and China din not and are not doing the same in thier own best interest, think again. And while your at it, remember Iran has it's hands in many different countries in the region and manipulates them to their advantage too!

There was never a authorization from the UN to invade Iraq...it was an illegal attack and invasion....

The UN denounced the US invasion of Panama in 1989 so no authorization there either...

The International court of Justice sided with Nicaragua and against the US for military and para military activites and support of the Contras. No international support of that attack....

If Iran has their hand in many countries in the region and manipulates them...then tell me which ones ???as we have invaded Iraq, Afganistan, Pakistan, and have US military bases in almost every single country in the middle east...except Iran and Syria.....hey....wait a moment......I think I might be on to something here,,,,

..they are simply not a threat to us and have no ability to attack us with conventional military and they have never attacked us through terrorism... This thread was about an absurd comparison to Hitlers germany...

You are wrong, No more war, they are a significant threat. They are capable of fighting quite well, and if push comes to shove and we are drawn into a ground war they can use such conventional and cheap weapons as IED's. They do not need nuclear weapons to cause a stalemate, with us or any country. They have missiles which can reach some european capitals. We can use air strikes against them, but as we've learned in the past (Vietnam war, Cambodia) this does not win a war by itself and must involve conventional ground fighting. So when you and other people keep insisting that Iran will never attack because we would wipe them out with a few air strikes, you don't know what you are talking about. Iraq was successful because Iraqi troops were demoralized and many of them gave up in huge numbers, and we had the element of surprize. Iran will not be caught off guard, and its people are nationalistic and they will support a decision to fight. You keep saying how Iran will not do anything because we can so easily defeat them.

As we've seen with the Afghanistan war, IED's are capable of inflicting huge casualties and can avoid detection. Spending millions on sophisticated detection systems and military hardware does not solve the problem. Let's be clear about what you are saying when you claim that "they have no ability to attack us with conventional weaponry".

Given this scenario of a long engagement in ground war, it makes sense to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weaponry, which they most certainly use against Israel at some point in the future. Since we are committed to providing security for the Israelis, we would be dragged into such a confrontation, especially one that becomes a ground war.

A ground war??? Do you really think Iran is really going to try to Invade the US??? You are off your rocker pal......

If they do not need thermonuclear weapon as you state,,,then why do they not attack now??? why have they never attacked??

Everyone of your scenarios has nothing to do with Americans living in America which is what the US should be worried about...defending the country....

Long engagement in a ground war???? what the f%K are you talking about...... you are just fantasizing about war pal...

And how many missiles do we have pointing at them from practically every country in the Middle east???

t

Iran is a threat because the nutty clerics who are in power want to engage us in war:

The religious belief in Iran calls for chaos before the arrival of the hidden Imam, also known as the 12th Imam. Difficult as it may be for Western leaders to comprehend, Ahmedinejad believes he is on a messianic mission to create the apocalyptic chaos necessary to lay the foundations for the Coming of the 12th Imam or Mahdi and the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate.

A nuclear weapon will serve this purpose.

If Iran is set on a course of self-annihilation, all the missiles we have "pointed" at them are not going to do us much good if Iran is able to develop nuclear weaponry.

Who says they have never "attacked?" Are you so ignorant and narrow minded as to believe a ground war is the only way a country can attack another country? Do you know my comments are a rebuttal directed at another poster?

A ground war??? Do you really think Iran is really going to try to Invade the US???

Absolutely they will attempt it. After they develop nuclear capability. Most likely they will try and decimate our population centers with intercontinental ballistic missiles before they invade with ground forces.

No one thought Japan would invade either. But invade they did, on the aleuts and Pearl Harbor.

So no, they won't attempt a ground invasion of the US in the near future, but 20, 30, 50 years from now, if the same regime is in power as now, if they are allowed to develop nuclear weaponry.

Everyone of your scenarios has nothing to do with Americans living in America which is what the US should be worried about...defending the country....

So how about this scenario? Iran is allowed to develop nuclear weaponry, and accumulates thousands of missiles and hydrogen bombs. It turns the middle east into a war zone. Then it launches scores of intercontinental balllistic nuclear tipped missles at our population centers in the USA.

Then, after decimating our population centers, it launches a ground invasion.

How about that scenario? Is that close to home enough for you? The only way to prevent this scenario from ever coming is to prevent and stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. How do we do that? We stop them from refining its stockpiled Uranium until it becomes weapon grade.

No, the executive order gives American institutions the powers to freeze assets related to the Central Bank of Iran, instead of just turning them back.

Now, U.S. institutions are required to seize Iranian state assets they come across, rather than rejecting the transaction involved. Although the value of Iranian assets affected by the new order is not clear and Iran does almost no direct business with the United States, its money moves through the world financial system and its oil is sold in dollars.