What should be done about Iran?
Iran's Shahab-3 missile being launched from an undisclosed location on Wednesday.(PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Iran is holding a fistful of aces.
Consider this: The Islamic Republic is the second-largest oil producing country in OPEC – with an output of 4 million barrels a day. And the head of OPEC warns that any military conflict involving Iran could result in an "unlimited" increase in oil prices. You think today's record trading high of more than $147 a barrel was bad news? He says the other members of OPEC wouldn't be able to make up for the lost production, and prices could head through the roof. Some experts are predicting prices of $250 per barrel or higher.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to go along with its nuclear program. In an attempt to showcase some of its military might, the Iranians test-fired a long-range missile Wednesday and several shorter-range missiles Wednesday and Thursday. A top Iranian military official has threatened to close down the straits of Hormuz if Iran is attacked; more than 17 million barrels of oil flow through the strait every day.
In light of Iran's missile tests, the U.S. and Israel are flexing their muscles, too. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the U.S. will "defend our interests and defend our allies." And Israel, whom Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has vowed to destroy, is also chiming in. Defense Minister Ehud Barak says he favors sanctions and diplomatic pressure, but that Israel has proved in the past that it's not afraid to act if its security is at risk.
Here’s my question to you: What should be done about Iran, considering how much influence it has over the world’s oil supply?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
John writes:
JFK did not allow nukes in Cuba. Iran’s ally Venezuela is very close to the U.S. The best way to keep missiles with nukes out of Venezuela is to stop the Iranian nuke program, with military action if needed, soon.
Donnie from Charlotte, North Carolina writes:
First, let’s take the cards out of their hands and start drilling in Alaska. It may be a beautiful state, but desperate times call for action. If we take away the dependency of foreign oil quickly, then perhaps we can then use diplomacy in this fashion: We don't need your oil. In fact, if you don't stop using missile threats and building nuclear weapons, then we will push the trigger on our pre-targeted missiles, which happen to be aimed directly at your capital building.
Jason writes:
We need to just give up on them making a nuke. Let them have one if they want one. In fact, give them one. Who cares? We are causing ourselves an unlimited amount of problems trying to prevent things from happening and it’s proving to not be worth it. If they use one anywhere in the world – they, themselves will cease to exist.
Bob from Houston writes:
Jack, no war please! Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Why is it that a handful of people in any country can cause so much misery for so many? I don't think the Iranian people are happy with their nut-job president, so let's not make life miserable for them. Face to face meetings are needed to smooth out the situation.
Steve writes:
How ignorant of fact are those who advocate "talk"? There have been negotiations going on spearheaded by Europe for years now, all while the Iranians have continued to develop their nuclear capability. You think they are belligerent now...wait till they have the bomb.
Mark writes:
Jack, Hillary was right: obliterate them.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Totally obliterate them. This way we will no longer need to lose US troops!
Bombing Iran would be about the biggest mistake we could make, which means Bush & Cheney will probably do it before they leave office.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
For starters, we should talk to them. Talking, despite the Bush administration's claim, is not appeasement. I think it's Senator Dodd who suggests "sticks and carrots." We obviously have items they want, judging from the increase in trade during the Bush years, and negotiating for what they want and what we need makes sense.
What could America and the United Nations do in spite of all the sanctions already imposed? Nothing–unless we demonstrate our power again and turn Iran into a sea of glass under Senator Clinton's plan.
Talk, talk and more talk!!! Get all the mideastern countries together and talk it out!!! WE NEED TO STAY OUT OF IT!!!!!!!
Hi Jack,
I also have a question for those pushing for an agressive response toward Iran? Have we not learned by now, six years later and many, many of dollars and worst of all, lives later that the rogue cowboy tactics we used in Iraq simply don't work? I would hope that we had but this administration has proven time and again that it isn't willing to use effective strategies and good sense. So why is it again, that Democrats seem to almost be kowtowing to Republicans on all foreign relations matters? Ultimately, we need to reign in the cowboy to have a chance at any lasting solution to the oil crisis.
Iran has not attacked another country in it's 150 years of existence. Compare that to the track record of the US.
Fear is a great motivator and the Iranian Leadership has become desperately motivated. Obama is the logical answer if it is possible to keep the Bush/Cheney/McCain war machine in check until common sense and diplomacy can prevail.
A large segment of the Iranian population are pro American and if given a chance will listen to logic and forget about the axis of evil comments made by the Buffoons' of the world. The problems were all created when the U.S. put all their eggs in one basket with the Shaw so hopefully this will be a lesson learned for the more forward thinking administrators.
If negotiating does not produce any positive solutions, Israel will eventually take care of the problem and that means more trouble ahead in the Middle East.
I think they should be talked to and treated with respect. If that was our policy in dealing with all countries, the world would be a much better place to live.
I fear that Bush will try to start another war before he leaves office, which would be terrible for this country and the world. On a positive side, by doing so, he would totally flush any chance McBush has to be elected, right down the toilet!
If we develop alternative energy resources that are home grown... we can help our own economy... put Americans back to work... and eliminate the influence Iran has, as a result of their oil... They are a problem because we fund them, without oil they are a one dimensional economy that could not support themselves. Could they develop high tech lethal weapons without the revenue their oil brings them? We should fight them in the market place not the battlefield !!
Jack,
Maybe we should blockcade the straight of Hormuse. Nothing in without oil coming out.
Paul
Texas
Lets say Bush follows the instructions of Obama and your viewers and will talks to Iran about weapons and weapons testing. About a week into these "talks" our envoy will be abducted. Due to terror fears McCain will win the election and miraculously after he's sworn in the envoy is rescued from terrorists (actors) in Iran (the Arizona desert).
If the Republicans are wishing for the return of Reagan, they might as well start off the same way!
We need to stop the sabre rattling, drop our holier than thou attitude and talk to Iran without preconditions. We also need to get our troops out of Iraq, where they can be hit by Iranian weapons with impunity, a trick the Iranians no doubt learned when we were supplying weapons to Bin Laden and his cohorts when they were fighting Russia in Afghanistan. We will have much more leverage over Iran when they are not able to simply supply arms to their surrogates and just sit back across the border and watch as our troops are attacked.
We need to talk to them because as long we are talking to Iran. It will delay them if not prevent them from making more weapons. If we are calm and collected, we could very well try and prevent World War Three from happening.
Folks, how about "D-I-P-L-O-M-A-C-Y?" It really does work, no matter what those laughing boys in the White House think.
As I recall, the last time Iran turned off the tap, I had to wait in line for gasoline. This time around, I am too old to ride a bicycle to work. Talk is cheap. Military action is expensive. Give diplomacy a chance.
I think we should sit the leaders of Israel down and explain to them that, despite what they might think, they are not the rulers of the US and that Americans are not willing to die for their sense of entitlement to their "promised land". If they want to challenge Iran then have at it-we, the American people on the other hand, are sick of being sucked into profiteering wars that do nothing to enhance our security and destroys our economy.
We should also point out that the more they hijack our foreign policy through the means of AIPAC-etc, the more anti-semitism will rise in this country. To be frank-in my neck of the woods it has already started.
Bush and McCain would opt for attacking. Iran is about 50% larger in land mass and has three times as many people. Since the U.S. force has always been under strength, and now long overworked, considering military action is absurd. There has to be a dialog with all countries. It apparently was the case with North Korea and Libya. Any other way at this point would be criminal, but what's new?
If their ace in the hole is their influence on global oil supply, maybe we shoud undermine that by switching to alternative energies. I know it sounds crazy, but it is probably cheaper than a war, and much more moral.
Perhaps it would be a good idea if we talked to them on a regular basis. Diplomacy has always been a good policy and we are in this situation only because we have a leader who does not know how to communicate.
Bomb them into submission. Turn the majority of the country into a parking lot. And, oh ya, take their oil. Whoops! Sorry, that's been the Bush policy for the past 7 years.
Jack
Is the UN still a functioning body or are we wasting our time in considering that this organization might be able to help. Its time we stayed in the background on this one, we have enough on our plate.
Trade with them, like Ron Paul says. Open the doors, let's get some tourism going over there. I'd love to visit certain areas, although I can't afford the air fares. Just like Cuba; open the freaking doors, and let us try the SCUBA diving...
What? You're worried about Iranian missiles? Come on, people; if they can't make their own gas, how do you expect them to do any better with missiles?
Considering the influence we have with the rest of the world, Somolia probably has better chances of dealing with Iran than we do.
Hi Jack:
I think the Iranian Govt. has functional issues. The free world should cut them off financially. Stop buying their stinking OIL!!!! Let them suffer for a while. We don't need them or THEIR OIL!!! I don't believe any of their posturing.
Ron San Diego
i think just more sanctions should be imposed on iran,everybody seem to br threatned by iran,but i just think iran is threatned by the world they have no right to attack isreal,but attacking iran will just make oil prices go up i think that is what they want
For starters, we could try talking to them instead of at them. We have things they need and we need their oil. . . simple!! By negotiating with them instead of threatening them, we might adjust the way Iran and the rest of the world sees us.
With the crazies running that country (and a few other ones) is why now that Bush and Chaney have us in this mess, we have to keep a presence in the area. Keep a very strong Navel presence for sure. I am so afraid what they (Bush and cronies) might do before they get out of office. Especially with all the changes being made in the powers of the Pres. Like FISA. Or immunity for Carl and how much more damage that has been, and is being done to our Constitution.
Jack: As a former Vietnam Veteran my recommendation would be, "when danger approaches, sing to it." Doesn't seem like anything else our government is doing is working.
Jack how about we try talking to them. Maybe the diplomacy we pride ourselves in just might work. I am so tired of Bush and McCain thinking it’s our war or its war. We should all just Barack the vote in November and try out diplomacy for a change.
Tell the truth and stop the threats.
Jack how about we try talking to them. Maybe the diplomacy we pride ourselves in just might work. I am so tired of Bush and McCain thinking it’s our way or its war. We should all just Barack the vote in November and try out diplomacy for a change.
Now might be a good time to lower the "cowboy" rhetoric and sit across the table from them for some serious discussions.
Iran has every right to defend itself. Isreal and the U.S. are sending threats to Iran daily and they think Iran is just going to sit there and take it. This is why we need to talk to them instead of acting like a bunch of tough talking cowboys. The McCain/Bush method has failed, it is time to move forward.
Diplomacy – It's not a dirty word..
Oil has too much power over too many things.
Woohoo, Go T Boone Pickens Go!!!
Communication – It's not a dirty word....
Jack,McCain had it right,bomb bomb Iran!
Barring a revolution, Iran will keep at it until they finally build a nuclear bomb. At that point, Isreal will turn their country into the next Grand Canyon. In comparison, the gas shortages back in the 70's will look like a mouse fart in a wind storm.
Nothing. Agressively mount a campaign to switch to alternative energy and render their petroleum economic power moot.
Make sure the price they pay for attacking another country will be a memorable one. One that will cause others to shrink from the brink.
Stay out. Open dialogue. Leave Iraq. I was against invading Iraq. The thought of provoking Iran is absurd. We are not as concerned about Pakistan and they already have nuclear weapons and the missles to deliver them. Thanks to George W. Bush, America is impotent. If he thinks that we have a chance of identifying and destroying all of Iran's enrichment plants, he has learned nothing from Iraq. Where are the Weapons of Mass Destruction? Where is the Mission Accomplished? Where is Osama bin Laden? We are a day late and trillions of dollars short.
Wrong question, Jack. The real question is:
What should be done about Bush and Cheney and the complicit Congress getting ready to give them authority to repeat Iraq?
Every time our war mongers rattle their swords at Iran, gas goes up $5 per barrel.
If anyone would bother listening to the UN inspectors, the rest of the world, Iran's neighbors, and our 16 intelligence agencies, they'd know that Iran is not the threat to peace our oil executive leaders want us to believe.
Richard Green
San Clemente, Cal.
We need to mind our own damn business an let the rest of the world fight it out if they want.
First don't let them use fear as a tactic like all of the other terror groups do, next make it simple, you get no more imports of anything from any country until you stop trying to make a bomb and lastly, be willing to talk. If all else fails, take them out once and for all before they start the war let's end it.
Jack
When life gives you lemons; make lemonade. To make lemonade you must first squeeze the lemon. Ergo, the answer to what should we do about Iran is obvious. Squeeze 'em!
Pablo in Arlington, texas
Nothing.
If we play our cards right the Israeli's will take care of everything for us.
Let them keep their oil, sand, history-try to be global merchants without the U.S.
Jack, Iran needs to be dealt with in a mature diplomaticc manner, not with a "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran" mentality. That means the best thing we can do is vote out the Lone Ranger gunslingers Bush-McCain.
My guess is the war mongers will manufacture some sound reasoning why they have to attack Iran immediately to preserve the U.S.'s National Security and the country will buy it hook, line & sinker.
History has proven fear is America's greatest motivator and the Republicans have this tactic down to a science. Whether you like it or not FEAR is all McCain has to offer and my guess is he will be successful.
PRAYER WORKS. Take a very deep breath, get talks going and PRAY that W. and Dick will stay calm for a few more months.
Jack,
The U.S. should sell Iran more exports that were made in the U.S.A. That will teach them...
C.I., New York
If the rest of the world along with us would refuse to trade with or purchase Iranian oil until they drop their nuclear aspirations and extreme Islamic attitudes, Iran would be making some quick changes in policy and (hopefully) leadership.
As for negotiations or diplomacy, perhaps we should send “Tattoo” from Fantasy Island?? ….At least this is someone who is capable of seeing eye-to-eye with Ahmajinadad.
kerry diehl
grosse ile, mi
It is simple the US should stay out of it and let the other Arab nations and Israel deal with Iran. Diane from PA
At first try diplomacy and if that doesn't work, tell them that there is always
the Hiroshima solution .
My personal feeling on Iran is that their idiot of a president is trying to provoke our idiot of a president, who tends to over react. God help us if he succeeds.
Jack,
How about doing nothing. It is the only thing America can do at this point for several major factors.
First our military is streched to nearly the breaking point.
Our economy is in complete turmoil.
Our current president elect is in complete denial and has taken the position of letting the next president deal with it.
Americans political, social and military clout is worthless at this point in time thanks to the current administration, as well as the house and senate.
So nothing is a safe bet for the time being. Maybe Isreal will see the light and shut up too. All the political and military posturing needs to stop before someone misreads the other and we plunge into world war three; which would happen.
Jack, Iran scares me to death! We need to handle them with extreme caution. We need to stop making threats and try to defuse the situation between Iran and Israel. And we sure don't need George Bush saying another "Bring it on!" because they just might do it. I have grandchildren, and I do want a better world for them to leave in.
Linda in So. Indiana
Other than talk to them, absolutely nothing. It is their oil, they are free to do with it as they please. Also they are free to develop nuclear energy as they please. It's our own fault for becoming so dependent on the black water. Nuclear power is not so bad as it is made out to be either, worst case the two cities WE bombed are plenty active again. I think viral warfare is a much bigger threat.
Of course I also realize if they cut it off and the world economies die, there will be blood I'm sure of it... If not by us, by others. Sadly thats the way this world works. When you screw up blame it on someone else and take what they have. Everyone makes Iran out to be some evil place but as far as I know they have not invaded any countries lately like that other country, I forget their name........ oh us.
OK here's your choice all you fifth graders:
Obama– Diplomacy
McCain– "Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran"
What should be done about Canada, since it has so much oil? What should be done about Russia, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia since they have so much oil?
Where do we get the right to determine what other countries should be doing? Doesn't it seem like this sounds like the same imperial drumbeat that got us into Iraq?
Aren't we asking the wrong questions?
Jack, how about we let the diplomats actualy try to earn their pay for a change instead of just saying "we don't like you, so were just going to rattle our saber until you do what we want..." I swear this administration is the bigest bunch of idiots on the planet...
I don’t know what should be done in Iran, but I do know that Bush shouldn’t do it. Besides the fact that Bush has failed at everything he has attempted, he easily gets his intelligence information straight. He hires old cronies instead of qualified officials, he refuses to change course of correct mistakes when they are obvious, and he kids himself into believing that he is protecting Americans when he is doing the opposite. He should call both Obama and McCain together and let them participate because one or the other of them is going to have to clean up his mess.
Nothing as long as Bush is in power. He turned Al Qaeda from a couple hundred Mujaheddin veterans of Afghanistan into tens of thousands in a global network of terrorists.
If we leave Iran alone the Iranian people will get rid of their nut jobs a lot quicker than we got rid of Bush.
Nothing. Only the US is concerned about Iran. If they get out of hand then the Arabic country will knock him back into place. We have enough going on right now and don't need to stir up the pot anymore. Want to become one nation? Go into war with Iran and we will become once again part of Mexico.
bush has been poking iran with a stick for years and now he is contemplating another war with a depleted military and a nearly bankrupt country. lets say we attack, and syria and other muslim countries and maybe russia or china side with iran and launch a full offensive against the U.S. in iraq. we will see a bloodbath against are military or a nuclear war just so our president can feel good about himself. democrats and republicans take away bushs ability to attack befor it is to late.
Has nobody gotten a clue?
As long as we are dependent on them for oil, we lose any power in negotiations. No diplomacy will work. There are only 2 choices as I see it. Either bomb them, take the oil and be hated by the rest of the world, OR, listen to people like T. Boone Pickens, Ron Paul, Loud Dobbs, and Jack Cafferty and get off their tit, leave the mid-east, secure our own borders and take care of our own business rather than try to solve ALL the world's problems.
Jack, he who must dine with the devil should have a long spoon. That means we should be talking sense into Iraq. Unfortunately, the current adminstration does not have that kinda spoon. Let's pray that the next one does.
Ade,
Columbus, Ohio
Becoming independent of foreign oil would do it. Nothig more is needed.
Our country should negotiate and keep on negotiating. Our country
should "bite the bullet" regarding oil with "Far East" and move on
to provide oil here. Bush should back off Iran and allow the United
Nations to negotiate as the shipments of oil also affect other countries. The United States has had plenty of time to consider its
own oil provision and they did not.
Let them live and protect our interest out side their nation. Then buy their oil and leave them alone.
Joe St Louis
We should make jokes about it and sing "Bomb bomb bomb Iran" like that old man who wants to be president.
People have to wake up and understand that our fuel dependency and who controls the flow of oil is crucial to our national security. The enemy has learned some new tricks in the war against "the Great Satan." The enemy is adapting to our attacks and our tactics. Iran is not leaving America much choice other than military action.
I think we should send a few aircraft carriers and remind Tehran what a show of force really is.
bailey
NC
It should be irrigated for rough grain vegetation growth suitible to be turned for the grazing of the passing cattle.
Oh... make giant crators?
I went to Esphahan, Iran and Shiraz, Iran in 1976. Between their handicrafts (carpets, miniature paintings, etc.) and their beautiful mosques, they have an incredible culture. I would hate to think of anybody - us or Israel - bombing that into oblivion. We need to remember that their people probably are not as radical as their leader is . . . that they probably feel just as frustrated at their leader's posturing as we do at ours (at least I do!!!). I worry that this situation is escalating daily and that if we don't watch out, something really, really bad can come of it.
Well treating like children hasn't worked all that great for the past 30 year's. We took away their toy's, put them in time out, and even threatened to spank them if they didn't abide by our rules!
What do you say we send someone over there with a bunch of doughnut's,a ton of coffee, and sit down with them and work out some kind of deal like normal adult's. Who know's it just might work!
Jack, UN inspectors should monitor the country to see if it is indeed following proper protocol in harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as it says it is. The last thing we need is for the Bush administration to use half-baked intelligence reports based on someone nicknamed "curveball" or "screwball" as an excuse to invade the country if they can't find any incriminating evidence to the contrary. Legitimate means and diplomacy are needed to deal with Iran not some lame excuse to go in with guns blazing.
Diplomacy! We can not keep threatening war as the solution especially with a country like Iran. We have opened up wars on two fronts and are getting our hats handed to us. Tusseling with Iran is only going to start World War 3. No Thanks.
I don't know what to do about Iran. Why not give Jimmy Carter a call and ask him what the rest of his plan was? After all, Carter started this whole mess because of his foreign policy ineptitude and inexperienced blundering. Interesting side bar; it appears that history is trying to repeat itself in the current presidential election choices.
The U.S. should believe its own National Intelligence Estimate and get Israel off Iran's back. Next, we should plagiarize the entire North Korea playbook and start using it!
Iran has a track record of refusing diplomatic successes to a U.S. President that they oppose. I'm sure that, along with the rest of the world, Iran has a disdain for President Bush. I don't think the current administration has a realistic chance of a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran. The best we can hope for is that President Bush doesn't find a way to further expand the "war on terror."
I don't know, Jack, why don't you ask your friend Barack Obama? I am sure he has the answer, after all, he is so qualified, isn't he? His time as a Communtiy Disorganizer and his "days" in the Senate should be more than enough for him to come up with the right solution, shouldn't they?.
Amarissa from Miami, florida
Do the same with Iran that was done with Afghanistan and Iraq. Invade the Country, arrest hundreds of people and call them enemy combatants, put a hood over their heads and ship them off to Quatanamo Bay for torture and interrogation. Keep them imprisoned for 5 or 6 years and when the courts say they are entitled to due process rail about how unreasonable the justice system has become.
The sooner we sit down with Iran, and it's neighbors the better. If they do not wish to negotiate in good faith, and follow through in good faith, then the most harsh of imbargos should be put on them. It would not be long before the people of Iran would set the tone for the government, get rid of their stupid president, and do what has to be done to get products, and services restored to them from producing countries.
Simple. We impeach Mr. Bush, they remove Ahmadinejad. We all live in peace.
Solve the problem diplomatically. You can't get the Iranian people on your side when you're economically oppressing their government and in turn the people. We're taught to talk our problems out when we're children, let's practice what we preach to our kids.
Absolutely nothing!!! Sooner or later Iranians young and old are going to get real tired of being isolated from from the rest of the world, and they are going to "fix the problem" by getting rid of the "head idiot" who is currently the President of Iran. We have enough to contend with in Iraq and Afghanistan, stay the hell out of another "trouble spot"!
Ed Woodbridge, Va.
Hi Jack
Nothing because Bush & Chaney are pushing for another war before they leave.
Mike CA
Solve the problem diplomatically. We're taught to talk our problems out when we're children, let's be adults here and practice what we preach to our kids.
Nothing, except to leave that area of the world alone. They will continue to ship the almighty oil if we are not there in their back yard. This is what they are worried about. We have troops to the east and west of them, and naval battle fleets at their south. How would we feel if the situation was reversed?
Who is the real aggressor here, and just what is our real agenda with the rest of the world? I know it is just not me, the rest of the world would also like to know the answer to that one.
We should offer them carrots and sticks and negotiate with real diplomacy, The reason they are as far in to this mess as they are is partly their own doing and partly to do with the Bush Administrations failed foreign policy. We are at war on both sides of Iran and they feel pressured. Besides, If we attack them that would be exactly what they would want us to do. It’s like playing chess (which they invented) and they are saying it’s your move. We would be looked at even worse in the middle east. Besides, We are far stronger of a military force than Iran ever wished they were. If they ever attacked us that would be their mistake. Why attack them if they don’t attack us?
Let's let Iran strike first. Their missiles will be intercepted before reaching any target, believe me, we (USA) have enough HARDWARE on station already to neutralize the initial threat. Once that happens, it will be proven before the UN that the agressor deserves an all out strike. The problem is that Israel is not going to sit idle and wait for that to happen. By the way, guess who controls Iraq's airspace !!!
Jack ...We should do as Obama suggests never fear to negotiate. Any fool knows this country can't sustain another military conflict. We are up to our eyeballs in debt to the Chinese now,and our bankers might not take too kindly to us interfering in their oil shipments, since Iran is China's largest supplier of oil. So as we found out with North Korea diplomacy can work, especially when you have too.
Jack, Someone needs to call them and tell them to hang in there, in Jan. we will have a good president. If they don't want to co-operate tell them we are going to exile Bush and Cheney over there in Jan. that should make them take notice.
Connie from Indiana
If Iran told our country to stop producing long range weapons, would we do it? No. So we might not like them doing it, but that's life. Starting another ill advised war for Bush is just wrong, and would get us in way over our heads. Diplomacy has to be our choice
Jack
The last time I checked Iran was not a U.S. state. What we should do is develop other energy alternatives. Then we should indite someone in the current administration, and you would see a change in the middle east. As for Iran and the bomb, Who says America and our friends are the only ones that can have a Bomb? The U.S. should worry about the U.S. period!
cinti, Oh
To paraphrase Henry Kissinger: " When the talking stops negotiations end." Unfortunately, because of the administrations private agenda the talking & negotiating never began........Total incompetance or the genius of a plan yet to be carried out ?
We should do nothing until the Cheney Bush is transplanted in a different garden next year. We need to talk to Iran, but it won't happen this year and anything the current administration does will be dictated by their oil interests, not our national interests. If they can get Iran's oil along with Iraqs, I can see a 51st and 52nd state in our future.
Jack, your commentary belies bias. The missle tests occurred after Israel's war games excercise to show it was capable of hitting Iranian targets, but you wouldn't know it from reading your commentary.
We should do nothing to the Iranians that includes military acts like blockades or bombings. All we accomplish by saber rattling is to make President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad MORE popular in the face of an election where he is having political troubles.
Why on earth we are behaving in a matter that helps re-elect him is beyond me. Stupidity at its finest. A true friend to Israel would listen to Mr. Barak's preference for diplomacy.
Easy Jack, solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. You do that and all this Middle East drama will end. You may think that's a difficult thing to do but it really isn't. All it takes is an ounce of unbiased consideration from U.S. leaders.
I'll bet good money this is all being played up by the current administration in order to boost McCain's chances in November.
But Americans are smarter than that – if there is a real threat, we've learned that someone like Bush can't make us safer. We're voting for Obama.
Boise, ID
Iran is dangerous, but sanctions should be enough for now. As far as the oil crunch, the dimwits in Congress with 9% approval, will eventually decide that we should increase drilling for oil in our own country, off shore and in Anwar. That will happen when oil hits $200.00 a barrel and $10.00 a gallon. It is absolutely boneheaded that we should have to depend on the black gold from countries that wish us harm, when we have billions of barrels right under our noses.
Iran is part of Bush's "axis of evil". We invaded Iraq and negotiated with North Korea. Iraq didn't have nuclear weapson, North Korea detonated one. We're still in Iraq and North Korea is dismantling it's nuclear program.
It would seem to be a no brainer, which clearly lands it squarely in Bush's hands. That is the great unknown we have to fear.
Harry
Ky.
The US should do a lot of talking with them and reiterate limits the US will set regarding nuclear warfare. It is a good thing Israel has the weapons capacity to use against Iran if necessary.
Iran who? i don't want to spank one of my neighbors kid's, same thing should apply here,let there neighbors take care of things. the u.s. has to learn to take care of are own business at home, and stop acting like god all over the world.
I spent a year in the military in Turkey way back in 57 – 58. At that time the Russians were perceived as a tremendous threat to us,and to Turkey. The 'word on the street' there, among the people of Turkey, was that Turkey would capitulate to any foreign power only when there were no more Turks. It was a dead serious attitude.
The same attitude exists among all of the other Middle Eastern countries today, Jack. Iran included. Unless we wish to become involved in a complete, total genocide of the Persian people we had better come up with a solution better than killing.
The same applies to Iraq and Afghanistan, by the way. Please tell your friends at the White House.
This question is part of the problem about what should be done. How about this question: What should be done about Israel and its treatment of the Palestinian people? Let Iran test its missiles. This doesn’t mean that the U.S. and other nations shouldn’t voice their disdain, but I don’t want World War III to begin over this testing. Israel, the U.S., and its allies, have plenty of bombs and missiles to rid Iran of its missiles and nuclear weapons should they be ever be used. Diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy. Then bomb as a LAST resort. When George W. Bush lied and bombed…it wasn’t a LAST resort! Let’s hope that this history isn’t going to be repeated in the very near future.
Nothing until they strike us. We have been the bulling on the block for the past 5 years and you can read the whinning daily in the papers and the blogs "Bring our troops home" Is Obama promising to bring home the troops in order to send them back to another hot spot? Is that what the Obama supporters want? We better do nothing and elect a man of experience to get us out with grace.
Gwinn
Talk to them, that's what we should have done years ago; it's what we should have done a week ago; and it's what we should be doing now. Ignoring their President or simply standing idly by and praying will do nothing. War is not an option, I don't care who you are.
We should refrain from sabre-rattling. It's having the opposite of the intended effect–it only reinforces the lesson it learned by watching the other two corners of the Axis of Evil: Iraq and North Korea. One of the two had WMDs and a huge army. The other got invaded.
Petroleum products drive the economies of ALL industrialized nations. That is a fact that can not be ignored. Alternative energies will not change the need for oil, only its price. Iran is only a player in the world stage because of its oil fields. The US should talk to them until such a time as they show a threat to the US. The US should not farm out to the Europeans this responsibility. We should be concerned with how Iran influences us. The US has a responsibility to Israel. We helped create the nation. I believe it was a noble cause.
Nothing Jack. As you can see from the picture, they only have one missiles left.
The Iranians have the right to protect themselves and to develop nuclear power.We an imperialist nation must realize that we are losing power and we can't control every nation on earth.It'll be funny when China and India surpass the US as to what the corrupt government will be saying:
"Maybe we should just invade and destroy both nations so we'll be back on top"
Iran's fascination with nuclear technology is interesting when they are apparently sitting on such a large supply of oil. They could avoid the nuclear issue entirely and make massive stacks of money from unsanctioned oil sales. Instead they are playing a silly chest thumping game with the US and Israel.
Makes you wonder if their oil reserves are running lower then they let on, and the Iranians are aware that they'll need to shift their economy to something else before their power source runs dry.
This is great news for John Mccain and the Republicans!
It's the 'bump' they need, predicted by Charlie Black
I guess if Russia or China invaded Canada, the United States wouldn't sit idle and twiddle our thumbs until things straightened themselves out.
The invaders would probably sit tight until we started to show muscle. We would probably just be stretching as we might just feel a tad bit uncomfortable with the communist breathing on our back door, however, I'm sure they'd figure they might as well attack us before we hit them.
So the answer to your question if the United States is afraid of Iran throwing the 1st punch, then I guess we'd better get it over with and let all hell break loose........however, we should put in to a vote to our 18 – 30 year olds.........they're the ones that have to make our muscle flex.
Umm hears an idea... why don't we use our own oil? I mean we have enough to last the entire USA for years and years to come.
Utah jas oil capped off all over the place and another thing we can do to save our country is get the oil from Alaska.
Other that that I think Iran is just talking out their butts. They keep doing these thing because we keep telling them they can't. If we would leave them alone and let people fight their own battles we might not be such a hated country.
I don't think the USA should do anything to Iran until they make the first military move. Talking to Iran is like talking to a rabid dog.. it might make you feel better but the dog doesn't listen, still wants to bite you, and no amount of talking will change that.
The USA should start an aggressive program of producing alcohol for use as a replacement fuel to reduce our insane dependence on the Middle East. We have more than enough land to grow corn and produce alcohol and it won't cost $250 a barrel either. Unfortunately the oil companies own the politicians of both parties so they don't want to see the Americans off oil any time soon.
Easy, America needs to end its dependence on oil!
My thoughts? The Manhattan Project wasn't for nothing. Pull a couple of them bad boys out of the warehouse and bombs away! The people are raised to hate and kill so may as well let God start over.
Jack:
Isn't it a little too soon to be asking this question? We can't be talking to the Axis of Evil people...in fact we can't be talking at all. Just nuke them and then try to figure out how to get oil out of the hot zone. That's the Bush way..."bring it on!".
Gerald J
Elkins WV
In short, why not handle Iran with the same tact and mentality that have proven so effective in Iraq?
Don't do nothing about Iran. The outrageous gas prices that are paying now is already taking a toll on Americans. For once, let us not flex our muscles and just watch this quietly from the sidelines.
Chaz, Chicago
We have so foolishly let ourselves become dependent on foreign oil that we face a real tough situation. If we attack Iran, oil prices will go crazy. If we do nothing, Iran probably gets nukes, if they do not already have them. The American people and the Congress share the blame for this and I believe every member of Congress should be turned out so we can start over.
Sign me frustrated in Las Vegas....
I hope condolezza rice has relatives that she is hoping to send to war if it rises. what is the essence of diplomacy if we keep trying to flex our muscles to every country that is deemed threatening. i cant even imagine how much gas prices will be and i'm Nigerian and do not support what is going on in the Niger Delta though it's reasons may seem justifiable. we are spreadin our military defenses too thin if we go to iran some body say draft?
What the hell ever happened to making a deal?
My daughter is 6 years old-we have been at war her entire life.
She wants me to explain why it's wrong to fight with kids her age while the grown ups are doing it every day.
How about we realize we can't control the entire world and try to compromise. Like adults.
I should be able to say "look at the news honey, they resolve conflict in the GROWN UP WAY" instead of telling her to do the opposite of what she sees.
Jack, I think that the one thing the U.S. hasn't tried with Iran is simply to leave them the hell alone, and of course, it's way too late for that now.
First of all, we need to place economic sanctions on Iran, and let them know that we will not tolerate them having a huge buildup of weapons while they continue to make threatening comments towards Israel and America. We need, “Peace Through Strength”, as Ronald Reagan once said. I feel almost as if this new warfare with Radical Islamic Extremists is very comparable to the Cold War. We must show them we mean business, but not step over the line, in what could be the beginning of World War 3.
jack you are the most independent thinker out there . here is my comment,since we got only six more months cowboying why not create another democratic iran.
The United States needs to stop treating Iran like a bad dog. Iran is a very old nation, a sovereign nation, and should be treated with respect. If Iran was treated with respect and not like a child who keeps stealing cookies from the cookie jar, then maybe they would respond better.
That said though, the U.S. and our allies should continue to be firm, and make it known that if interests are threatened, action will be taken. Also, the U.S. should show that despite the tough talk, it is dedicated to diplomacy and solving the nuclear problem without violence.
We also need to take away the aces they hold at the moment; that is the oil card. If they shut down the Strait of Hormuz, it is going to be very bad for the rest of the world. It shows that energy policy is also national security policy, and that ridding ourselves of our addiction to oil is a national defense priority.
In general though, we should be tough but fair with Iran, and treat them with respect, but be ready for war and at the same time move for alternative energy.
Seeing as we are in this "War on Terror" and Terrorist is subjective, it all depends on how they spin it. We did a preemptive on Iraq, i'm pretty sure we can do the same with Iran. We have it surrounded. I guess we might as well. We ARE doing the big stick policy right? we wouldn't want to look weak in front of the N. Korean's who actually have nuclear weapons.
Houston, TX
I believe we should draft all the high level members of the Bush administration in 2004 (except Colin Powell). We should gift wrap them and deliver them to Iran to serve the USA. They should remain there until they establish peace and calm.
Send: Rove, Rumsfield, Wolfawitz, Bolton, Rice, H. M. Paulson, Jr., Chao, Cheney, Kristol, Chertoff, Card, Schwab and, oh yes, let us not forget "Heck of a job" Browny. Imagine the power of their collective wisdom right there in the trouble spot. It will be breathtaking. I am sure they will all jump at the chance to serve their nation this way.
Iran's postion is right where they want to be. As the elections are heating and the Bush administratoin is coming to an end, the antics is enough to strike fear around the globe. Just expect gas prices to rise atleast another dollar thanks to the grey haired-battle of the wonderous world...and for the youth and growing generations, it will be up to us to really make a difference using alternate and positive decisions. While them of the post-uprising miss the boat, they'll be long gone and out of the rotation. Get the bad decision makers outta here, all of them... no matter what country they're from. It it won't hurt to take an inner look at the country we've established over the years and wonder... where did we go wrong?
Jack; it is it funny how many were laughing at Barack just a few months ago, calling him immature in foreign politics for wanting to sit down with them and allow for diplomacy. Well will $250per barrell oil creat any diplomacy? We need to get serious about alternative fuels and work diplomacy like we never have before.
Let them have Nuclear... Who Cares?? Israel, the U.S., Russia, and many other countries have it and if any country is to use it, it would be either the U.S. or Israel. Wonder why?
nice thinking...completly obliterate one of Russia and China's largest oil suppliers, I'm sure they won't mind. Not to mention the what the fallout would do to our boys in Afghanistan.
Was there something mention about skyrocketting oil prices if Iran was attacked? oh right.
So if it was completely destroyed, oil prices won't go up?
I'm baffled by the complexity of your brilliant thinking...
We shouldn't go at this alone. We should stand with the UN, declare sanctions, do whatever it takes to stop a nuclear threat, notice I said threat, from Iran. We do not need to step in by ourselves and try to fix it without other nations' help. We are not the world police.
Violence is not the answer. I think we can get through this without any loss of human life.
With the Iraq war costing us(taxpayers) hundreds of Billions and the death toll rising everyday, this would be SMALL if we decide to go into Iran. We need to sit down with that country and work out whatever it takes to resolve this horrible situation. This counrty has suffered enough since 9/11 and even worse since the Bush Administration took office. Talk is so much cheaper then BOMBS.
It is my suspicion, that Iran sees that they have no defense against our "Shock and Awe" and therefor want possession of a doomsday weapon to lob at one of our cities.
I would suggest that we offer them a non-aggression pact if they would give up their attempt at acquiring nuclear weapons. Of course it would have to be an iron-clad and verifiable agreement.
If we can't reach an agreement, we can accept responsibility for the failure and get ready for further turmoil in the Middle East and all that it implies.
They have missles that will reach Israel, if left alone long enough they will have missles that can reach farther. WE DO NOT WANT THIS!
Well, for starters, we can jump in our time machine, go back to 1953, and not overthrow the Iranian government and install the Shah. Then we can fly back to the present and demand that Israel disclose to the world just what *its* nuclear arsenal contains, and then make them disarm. Iran is hardly the major problem in the Middle East, and the emperor–the United States–has definitely lost his clothes....
Igor
New York, NY
Jack,
We should realize that we are not back in the days of a big, strong cowbay would use his or her gun slinging ability to push others around. Iran is a real threat to the free world, but so was Rissia when we verbally communicated with them for many years.
100 years after a motor was developed that worked by making miniature explosions within itself, we still have miniature motores that make miniature explosions. How barbaric and archaic. GET RID OF THE FRICKEN Gasoline engine! and make something worthwhile for transportation.
The computer has been around for 60 to 70 years (depending on what you consider a computer) in that time, we have a new wonder of the world - The internet. Can we say the same about gasoline cars?
Advance to the 21st century and get rid of gasoline cars. Then see what happens with Iran...
Jack, how about we mind our own business for a change? Let's try to resolve our own issues and refrain from antagonizing others.
Remember the last time we went on an adventure in the Middle East? Yep, we're still there and it's still FUBAR. Personally, I don't feel threatened by Iran, my ever-shrinking standard of living is of much bigger concern to me.
Iran is a terrorist nation. They have oil, they can manipulate prices and they can break the back of the Western world.
What needs to be done is to have the investment communities of the world control what is going on. The US has lost all respect of the world community because our current president is an IDIOT, and refuses to do what is necessary because it would effect his oil buddies.
Don't bomb them, destroy then economically as they are attempting to do to us. They are terrorist and they need to be stopped.
Jack, it is very simple. Here is my 6 point plan:
1. Israel MUST do piece with the neighbouring countries. They MUST get along with their Middleeatern brothers and sisters... TOP PRIORITY... that's our mandate for Israel
2. Re the above, we must play a role of un-biased guarantors (partners) to piece, mutual coexistence, commerce, cultural exchange, fight poverity, illiteracy, and disease... We become the real partners !
3. We do the above by bringing Syria, Iran, Saudis, Iraquis, Egyptians, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India into the process...
4. We create common alliances with Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran – strategic relationships, commerce, exchange of technology and natural resources, fight terrorism, eradicate poverty and illiteracy, promote travel, education, art and cultural...
5. We pull our forces from the Middleeast, and pledge for mutual co-existence with respect
6. Use India to harmonize relations with Afghanistan and Iran.. They are culturally, historically, and temparamentally more compatible..
If we did the above, we will be marching towards long lasting peaceful and productive relations for many years to come... Bin Laden and boys will retire after this ! We have been bogged down due to the Middleeastern situation for a long time... We are lagging behind terribly... Look at China and Russia, they are quietly moving on all strategic fronts... Americans are great people, they shouldn't suffer like they do now...
history has taught us time and time again that there is a time to talk and a time to do. now is the the time to do
We should just leave the world alone and worry about our own. Stay out of other country's affairs and deal with ours.
Let's just relax. who cares about the rest!!!!
The US should stop sponsoring terrorist groups within Iran. They are attempting to overthrow yet another Middle Eastern country under the false pretense of "terrorism", and 9/11. 9/11 was an inside job and the criminals who carried it out are slowly but surely coming out.
Why did we waste so much time and "Smarts" and not develop alternative fuels when we had the chance. We are the richest, most powerful country this world has seen. Any they've got us by the nads.
It's time we become self sufficient.
Then Iran will be nothing more than a desert country looking to us for help.
US diplomacy will not do anything to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, neither will sanctions. Iran believes it has the right to obtain nuclear technology just as Israel, India and Pakistan did. The biggest mistake the US can make is to declaring war on Iran, we need to let the other nations that are there take the lead and deal with Iran. The US does not have the economic ability to carry another war. It seems to me that our current government (republican and democratic) cares more about other nation then their own. Other nations are continuing to become more wealthy and smarter while we decline. Let focus more on us then them!!!
This isn't rocket science. All we have to do is consider the successful results we gained through dialogue with the former Soviet Union and China, and our failed policy of confrontation with Cuba. Besides, I don't know of many people that have an appetite for $10 a gallon gas.
Bijan from Silicon Valley
Every time Iran stirs the pot ...oil will go up $5.00...Iran then makes an additional $15 million a day...They must think we are fools.
Quite honestly, if you look at the facts, the US, mainly motivated by lust for oil, has treated Iran terribly over the last 60 years. Given our track record, it does not surprise me one bit they are building nukes and defying us. I think some acknowledgement of treatment and an apology is due them, to tell you the truth. Having said that, they need to stop threatening Israel. The reality is, violence will not solve problems, only honest negotiation will. And we use way too much darn oil, and we need to cut back. : ) S.
1) Mandate 100% energy independence by 2015 (kennedy did it with the moon mission)
2) In the meantime, ask Americans what they can do for our country – get energy conservation into the psyche. Lower fuel usage by as much as possible – make it a matter of national pride.
3) Undermine Ahmadinejad... he makes Bush look lucid for God's sake. The vast majority of Iranian people are pro-west and are genuinely kind and loving humans. Help them eradicate their insane leadership through peaceful means. (and if that doesn't work, black ops is always an option)
4) Impeach Bush and Cheney for their staggering crimes against humanity.
5) Sign the Fairtax into Law! Reestablish the US as THE undisputed business/R&D/hightech center-of-the-universe.
All this saber-rattling is infantile (on both sides). Life is fragile, love is strong... let cooler, wiser heads prevail.
The government of Iran hates the United States; but the people of Iran love the United States. The people of Iran would overthrow their current government if they could. I would do everything I can to undermine the Iranian government from within while providing support, financial and military, to help the people overthrow that government and help establish a more stable, and if possible, democratic government.
Hasn't the US learned... don't do anything, you're only causing harm to others and yourselves.
Peace not war
Folks,
We need to initiate a serious DIALOGUE with them. The Iranians are hard to bargain, but they are not insane. They WILL listen and come to terms with the realities of the world. We must give them there due share of emrichment as per the NPT-treaty – its legal as per that treaty for power generation and other peaceful purposes. Iran has never said that they aspire otherwise. We have this habit of not trusting anyone....
Please give DIPLOMACY a change.
Nothing for now. It is just saber rattling in response to an Israel provocation. Long term? Elect Obama so we actually have a chance to make progress diplomatically.
Until the missiles start flying toward either Israel or Iran, we should be taking the diplomatic approach. There is no indication that Iran is near having a nuclear weapon, so the "worst" that could happen is that a couple of low yield conventional missiles would be exchanged.
If this happens, we would be fully engaged to protect the Strait of Hormuz and Iran would have to deal with us.
They probably wouldn't like that very much.
The question is “should we be allowed to be OIL Blackmailed by Iran. Do as we like or we will cut of the Oil. Thanks to Bush and his cronies, we have few chooses left.
Jack, ask the President and his cronies, they are the ones that got us in to this mess. Personally, until there is a higher level of legal accountability, we can only ponder over our lost and forgotten United States Constitution our Bill of Rights!
Thanks for the question.
As I sat on the ship on Christmas Day 1978, off the coast of Iran, awaiting orders to evacuate the American Embassy staff BEFORE things got too rough I realized that Pres. Carter would not act. He did not and hostages were taken. Had the US destroyed the american embassy in Iran immediately (with the embassy staff fully aware of the fact that their assignment to a foreign post could spell death under certain circumstances) the so called "Iranian revolution" would have been stopped in it's tracks. President Regan's ability to have hostages "wings up" by the time he raised his right hand was more his direct threat to the Iranian's to act where his predecessor did not than some fanatical "conspiracy theory" that it was all staged to frighten the US populace into electing him.
We would be better off by proceeding with diplomatic talk with Iran. The economy of the United States of America is bad as it is and worst is yet to come. Again, thanks to the Bush administration for making lousy decisions towards well being of this country. I hope that both U.S and Israel governments don’t make a foolish mistake by invading Iran since it won’t be pleasant!
Those who propose attacking Iran have not thought about the potential consequences. The consequences would possibly be horrible. It is naive to think the friends of Iran (and there are many, including Russia) would stand aside and not help Iran retaliate? Remember, we have a lot of ships in the Persian Gulf right now at close range for Middle East missles. What about the oil-producing countries and their responses. Are you ready to pay $million per barrel of oil, if the U.S. can get it at all? We should think very carefully about swatting this beehive.
Diplomacy is the most practical solution. This administration needs seasoned diplomats to establish a dilogue with Iran, and it can be much more prouctive than our replationship with some other Muslim countries like Pakistan. We do not need another war.
For what it's worth, those of us that live in the Middle-East region think that the West is out to destroy whatever it can here. Iran, in the grand scheme of things, means nothing. This is about power, control, and the ability to say we are bigger and stronger than you and that you mean less to us than other people. If history has any say in how this all turns out, America might be in for some trouble if it proceeds with violence. Please, for the love of whatever God you believe in, talk – missiles never fixed anything.
Leave Iraq, they want us out anyway. Leave Afghanistan, and get out of the Middle East. Our presence is creating the tension, and the rhetoric. Let the UN lead the push for peace, not the US taking control. Let's return to our isolationalist position, and protect our borders. Israel can defend herself (and if the neighborhood has been at war, then don't settle in)... Give Russia the opportunity to mend the region, in return for oil trade stability – they want a broader global input, here is their chance. Our current White House is taunting Iran, Bush dare not invade unless they strike first. And, if they insist a 'target of opportunity' is different than breaking the law of taking out head's of state, then that would be a second time for the same lie. Let them all take care of themselves, and the market will find its own balance. US pressure is not a positive influence.