So what you're saying is no one's publicly talking about it, but privately they are? No shit!
Come on, Addamo - didn't you expect this? Of course they make plans for possible deployment - as does every nuclear power. It's about formulating strategy. And I'm sure they also attempt to analyse potential enemy fortifications. Don't you think the Iranians are doing exactly the same thing, though utilising a different arsenal?
So I take you to task about the USA "talking" about using nukes. They patently aren't talking about it - publicly - and that's the important bit. Privately, of course they are, just like every other nuclear power does. That much is obvious.
And I doubt any nation with a nuclear weapons capacity has ruled out using those weapons against a non-nuclear power. To do so would be strategically obtuse, not to mention completely unbelievable.
DBO - The war on terror has thrown strategic allies and foes into sharper relief. Five years ago, the prospect of Iran with nuclear weapons wouldn't have been such an enormous concern for American strategic planners - although it would have obviously been of concern. Is that due to wreckless insouciance then or hysteria now? I suppose that it depends on your POV. You can imagine which side of the fence I would largely fall on. Regardless, the point is that timing plays a part. And alliances at a point in time also play a part. If Pakistan started to develop its nuclear capacity after 9/11 and fallen in with the Islamists rather than the USA, I imagine the US would have rather a lot to say about that, too. Happily, for US strategists, Pakistan is an ally.
Sounds like sensible policy to me. Here's a response from the Americans.
Dear Iran,
We're so glad you've joined our exclusive club. Let us inform you that nuclear weapons aren't particularly useful devices in the hands of a rational actor, because the consequences of using them are so great that others assume you won't use them except in the very gravest of circumstances. Thus nukes don't provide much in the way of leverage. In the hands of a bunch of Islamic whackjobs, however, we feel nervous. Sure, now that you have a nuclear capacity, the marginal cost of invading becomes too great. Well done; you've ensured your survival - if you don't do anything stupid, that is.
Word of advice, though - don't get too bold. Don't think about furthering the Islamic cause with your arsenal. Wiping small Jewish countries off the map will not be tolerated. You have a handful of bombs. We have thousands, and our deployment technology is far superior to your own. Do you know what just one MIRV could do to Tehran? Believe us, if you lob a nuke at anyone we don't want you to (hell, this is realpolitik), we will retaliate and we have the capacity to end your nation's existence. Think about that if, when gazing at Israel, your red button finger starts getting itchy.
You're obviously not the shiniest star in the Arabian night (yes, I know you're not Arabs), because you don't seem to have understood a word we said in our last letter to you. Never mind. We're also going to ignore your rather dim comment about our "penchant for dropping nuclear bombs", as well as your embarrassingly childish and unsophisticated analysis of our motives. Just keep those nukes in their silos and you'll be able to hang your recalcitrant women from cranes until your heart's content.
On another matter, we have enclosed a nice green suit for your president to wear. We aren't sure if you guys have sewing machines or not, so we thought we'd give you the benefit of the doubt. Enjoy.
From the cartoon, it appears that Iran is upset that it can not do to the Arab camel what it believes the US is doing.
In actuality, it appears that Iran wishes to take the place of Iraq on receiving "it" from the US. Just like any dog not getting the attention it feels it deserves.
14 Comments:
Interesting...erm...insight, there, Sunil.
How much have you thought about that sentiment?
As I've said before, they forfeited their right to nuclear energy when their clandestine weapons development programme was exposed a few years ago.
When did the USA talk about using nukes?
And I'm talking about people in the administration, not pundits.
So what you're saying is no one's publicly talking about it, but privately they are? No shit!
Come on, Addamo - didn't you expect this? Of course they make plans for possible deployment - as does every nuclear power. It's about formulating strategy. And I'm sure they also attempt to analyse potential enemy fortifications. Don't you think the Iranians are doing exactly the same thing, though utilising a different arsenal?
So I take you to task about the USA "talking" about using nukes. They patently aren't talking about it - publicly - and that's the important bit. Privately, of course they are, just like every other nuclear power does. That much is obvious.
And I doubt any nation with a nuclear weapons capacity has ruled out using those weapons against a non-nuclear power. To do so would be strategically obtuse, not to mention completely unbelievable.
That's very true, Addamo.
DBO - The war on terror has thrown strategic allies and foes into sharper relief. Five years ago, the prospect of Iran with nuclear weapons wouldn't have been such an enormous concern for American strategic planners - although it would have obviously been of concern. Is that due to wreckless insouciance then or hysteria now? I suppose that it depends on your POV. You can imagine which side of the fence I would largely fall on. Regardless, the point is that timing plays a part. And alliances at a point in time also play a part. If Pakistan started to develop its nuclear capacity after 9/11 and fallen in with the Islamists rather than the USA, I imagine the US would have rather a lot to say about that, too. Happily, for US strategists, Pakistan is an ally.
No, I haven't read the article you mention.
Addamo - you could very well be right about using nuclear weapons against underground installations.
I assume they would do this only if they had confirmation that Iran was indeed constructing a bomb.
Sounds like sensible policy to me. Here's a response from the Americans.
Dear Iran,
We're so glad you've joined our exclusive club. Let us inform you that nuclear weapons aren't particularly useful devices in the hands of a rational actor, because the consequences of using them are so great that others assume you won't use them except in the very gravest of circumstances. Thus nukes don't provide much in the way of leverage. In the hands of a bunch of Islamic whackjobs, however, we feel nervous. Sure, now that you have a nuclear capacity, the marginal cost of invading becomes too great. Well done; you've ensured your survival - if you don't do anything stupid, that is.
Word of advice, though - don't get too bold. Don't think about furthering the Islamic cause with your arsenal. Wiping small Jewish countries off the map will not be tolerated. You have a handful of bombs. We have thousands, and our deployment technology is far superior to your own. Do you know what just one MIRV could do to Tehran? Believe us, if you lob a nuke at anyone we don't want you to (hell, this is realpolitik), we will retaliate and we have the capacity to end your nation's existence. Think about that if, when gazing at Israel, your red button finger starts getting itchy.
Smooches,
The Great Satan
Dear Iran,
You're obviously not the shiniest star in the Arabian night (yes, I know you're not Arabs), because you don't seem to have understood a word we said in our last letter to you. Never mind. We're also going to ignore your rather dim comment about our "penchant for dropping nuclear bombs", as well as your embarrassingly childish and unsophisticated analysis of our motives. Just keep those nukes in their silos and you'll be able to hang your recalcitrant women from cranes until your heart's content.
On another matter, we have enclosed a nice green suit for your president to wear. We aren't sure if you guys have sewing machines or not, so we thought we'd give you the benefit of the doubt. Enjoy.
Love,
The Great Satan
From the cartoon, it appears that Iran is upset that it can not do to the Arab camel what it believes the US is doing.
In actuality, it appears that Iran wishes to take the place of Iraq on receiving "it" from the US. Just like any dog not getting the attention it feels it deserves.
Addamo,orang,DBO,Dreamboat.
First against the wall.
Chavez and the mad mullahs are getting together? Yep, there are plans to take over the Western world, people, let's prepare ourselves!
_01 said...
I love this. Iran has not made war with anyone
Iran's sponsership of terrorism against certain nations is a declaration of war. Stop trying to spread addamo.
First you lie about the facts, then you try to excuse the fact that you lied.
Just another big glop of bulladdamo.
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