US Missile Defense System in Gulf - war brewing with Iran?

[deanhills]

Originally Posted by David

Not Israel even, they'll be pointed at whoever attacks them. What people need to realize is Iran doesn't want nukes to go all James Bond villain on everyone, they want nukes for MAD.

Sorry, you've lost me here. What does MAD mean?

[David]

Originally Posted by deanhills

Sorry, you've lost me here. What does MAD mean?

Mutually Assured Destruction

Basically the idea is Nation A fired nukes at Nation B. Nation B is wiped out but before it's wiped out it shots it's own nukes in retaliation. Nation A is also wiped out. Thus nuclear war is pointless and nukes stay in their silos.

[deanhills]

Originally Posted by David

Mutually Assured Destruction

Basically the idea is Nation A fired nukes at Nation B. Nation B is wiped out but before it's wiped out it shots it's own nukes in retaliation. Nation A is also wiped out. Thus nuclear war is pointless and nukes stay in their silos.

So what is the point then? Would it not have been better for them not to have any nukes, or does Israel have missiles aimed at Iran?

[David]

Originally Posted by deanhills

So what is the point then? Would it not have been better for them not to have any nukes, or does Israel have missiles aimed at Iran?

Yes, via bombers.

[dave]

Originally Posted by Dirk

I don't like how the Obama Administration is antagonising Iran. Ahmadinejhad may be a veritable fount of rhetoric, but he's proven that Iran is approachable and open to negotiation - and that's the technique that's proven most effective. What do those blockheads in the White House think they're doing?

Obama antagonising Iran?

Do you mean the Obama that sided with the Iranian government over the Iranian people protesting and being shot in the streets?

The Obama that said he would meet with the Iranian government without preconditions?

The Obama that sent a holiday greeting to Iran in March (for the Persian New Year) saying he wanted a new relationship with Iran "that is honest and grounded in mutual respect", is that the Obama you think is causing the problems with Iran?

Iran has lead Obama on, playing for time while it pursues its nuclear weapons program, and now Obama (and France, and Germany, and the rest of the world) realize these open and friendly overtures are not working.

This is Iran antagonising the world. Take off your blinders.

[dave]

MAD only works if you act in a reasonable manner. It worked in the Cold War because neither the US nor the USSR were suicidal. Can you say Iran is not suicidal, a nation that openly talks about wiping Israel off the face of the earth, a nation whose government shoots its own citizens, a nation run by religous fanatics that don't think twice about suicide bombers?

MAD also only works if there is not a missile defense system. Israel started working on missile defense a long time ago, plus the US has missile defense systems in theater for this specific purpose.

[GOP]

Originally Posted by deanhills

There has been a lot about this in the media, i.e. Israel being very concerned about Iran aiming nuclear missiles at Israel. Why Israel though and not the United States? I can't understand why Israel?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatened to wipe Israel off of the world map back in October 2005, so it's quite understandable if you ask me.
Looks like the Western countries are finally understanding: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8504637.stm although it's far too late!

[David]

Originally Posted by dave

MAD only works if you act in a reasonable manner. It worked in the Cold War because neither the US nor the USSR were suicidal. Can you say Iran is not suicidal, a nation that openly talks about wiping Israel off the face of the earth, a nation whose government shoots its own citizens, a nation run by religous fanatics that don't think twice about suicide bombers?

MAD also only works if there is not a missile defense system. Israel started working on missile defense a long time ago, plus the US has missile defense systems in theater for this specific purpose.

He said the Israeli gov't needed to be overthrown. How many times are you guys going to use the mistranslation? It used to be funny but it's getting old.

No Iran wouldn't use nukes and as for the shootings, every major power has done that, even the US. Hell the Feds have ordered an air strike on Americans before!

[dave]

Originally Posted by David

He said the Israeli gov't needed to be overthrown. How many times are you guys going to use the mistranslation? It used to be funny but it's getting old.

No Iran wouldn't use nukes and as for the shootings, every major power has done that, even the US. Hell the Feds have ordered an air strike on Americans before!

I did a little reading after your post, maybe you should research it a little further.

The Republic of Iran Broadcasting said that Ahmadinejad had demanded that "Israel must be wiped off the map". They explained that that means "cause a place to stop existing" or "obliterate totally", or "destroy completely".

As the controversy grew, the statements changed.

At best, tranlators said the statement in question should be translated as the regime occupying Jerusalem must vanish from the page of time.

Given the controversy, Ahmadinajhad (and other Iranian diplomats) were asked repeatedly to clarify. Read their statements. They never come out and say, "No, we do not want Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth", they spin and dodge and try to weasel out of the question. All they have to say is, no, Israel has a righ to exist, but they can't even do that.

[deanhills]

Originally Posted by dave

Obama antagonising Iran?

Do you mean the Obama that sided with the Iranian government over the Iranian people protesting and being shot in the streets?

The Obama that said he would meet with the Iranian government without preconditions?

The Obama that sent a holiday greeting to Iran in March (for the Persian New Year) saying he wanted a new relationship with Iran "that is honest and grounded in mutual respect", is that the Obama you think is causing the problems with Iran?

Iran has lead Obama on, playing for time while it pursues its nuclear weapons program, and now Obama (and France, and Germany, and the rest of the world) realize these open and friendly overtures are not working.

This is Iran antagonising the world. Take off your blinders.

That was earlier on. Obama was very straight with Iran in his State of the Union Address:

These diplomatic efforts have also strengthened our hand in dealing with those nations that insist on violating international agreements in pursuit of these weapons. That is why North Korea now faces increased isolation, and stronger sanctions – sanctions that are being vigorously enforced. That is why the international community is more united, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is more isolated. And as Iran's leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no doubt: they, too, will face growing consequences.