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

[deanhills]

Iran responded today to the US build up of missile systems in the Persian Gulf. The US has been speeding up its efforts over the last month by managing to get the cooperation of Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar for basing the US Patriot defense missiles in the Gulf. Most of the countries in the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia have been investing billions of dollars to build up their defences over the last two years. The reason for speeding up the US efforts over the last month is because the UN efforts to get Iran to stop making nuclear fuel have been unsuccessful. Obama also took a position in his State of the Union Address, warning Iran of consequences of continuing to produce nuclear fuel. So the US has been taking a strong position to the equivalent of rattling its sabres.

What do you think, is there a war about to happen with Iran?

Iran responded today by saying that the US is trying to sow division in the Gulf?

Iran said Tuesday that the strengthening of U.S. missile defense systems in Gulf Arab countries is aimed at sowing regional divisions and that Tehran's neighbors should not be drawn into believing the country poses a threat.

U.S. military officials said over the weekend that the systems — involving upgraded Patriot missiles on land and more U.S. Navy ships capable of destroying missiles in flight — is intended to counter a potential Iranian missile strike.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met Tuesday with the crown prince of Qatar, one of four Arab nations were the U.S. has based Patriot missile systems, and told him the West was seeking to divide them.
"Westerners do not want friendly relations between countries in the region. Their life is dependent on rifts and insecurity," the president told the visiting crown prince, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

"The enemies intend to extend the fire of war in the entire region to solve their own political and economic problems," state TV quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in their meeting.

Ahmadinejad said Iran and Qatar should build closer links and develop a common understanding of what he called plots by enemies

[DodgeFB]

I think Iran wants trouble and will keep on until they get it. Then there will be something else for the US haters to gripe about. But since they will be griping about something or other anyway, might as well be that.

[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?

[DodgeFB]

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?

Heck man, I don't know. I am just an old hick from Kentucky. But I hear we have "the education president" running things now. Supposed to be one of if not the smartest man to ever come our way.

Me I am just old school. I say shoot or shut up.

[deanhills]

Originally Posted by DodgeFB

I think Iran wants trouble and will keep on until they get it.

I agree with you Dodge. Nothing like a common enemy and a "perceived threat" from outside, to motivate the Iranian demonstrators to focus away from demonstrations and unite them with anti-American memories.

[deanhills]

Looks as though Iran is defying the United States. Taking its own positiion in that it has the right to make as much nuclear fuel as it likes. Do you think this is maybe a correct position to take? Or do you think the world can interfere?

Iran's president on Sunday ordered his atomic agency to significantly enrich the country's stockpile of uranium, angering Western nations who want to the Islamic republic to halt its nuclear program.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad maintained, however, that Iran was also still willing to follow a U.N. plan to export its uranium abroad for further enrichment. Refining uranium produces nuclear fuel for a power plant but if carried out far enough can create material for a weapon.
The mixed messages from Tehran have infuriated the U.S. and its European allies, who claim Iran is only stalling for time as it attempts to build a nuclear weapon. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates called for the international community to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear program.

Source: Yahoo!News 8-Feb-10

[GOP]

I'd say the war between Israel and Iran are closer. The way the Ahmadinejad government has been threatening Israel over the past years is horrible. Israel has even been practicing on the attack on Iran (several times), I understand Israel and also if the United States went to war against Iran. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gets away with tampering with voting during elections, then you need other methods to get rid of him.

[Dirk]

They'll follow UN protocol. They love the UN (which isn't surprising, by the way). The Government - Iran has an extremely complex system - takes a very pragmatic international relations policy (with a ton of anti-West propaganda and rhetoric thrown in). A war with Israel would be the height of idiocy. Even more ridiculous once they have nukes.

[deanhills]

Originally Posted by GOP

I'd say the war between Israel and Iran are closer. The way the Ahmadinejad government has been threatening Israel over the past years is horrible. Israel has even been practicing on the attack on Iran (several times), I understand Israel and also if the United States went to war against Iran. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gets away with tampering with voting during elections, then you need other methods to get rid of him.

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?

[David]

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?

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.