Edward 4Growing Storm: The Iranian War
July 11th 2008 00:07
As the U.S. prepares to transition to a new commander in chief it seems the Middle East is gearing up for a new war. Iran and Israel continue to throw threats back and forth as the two nations both engage in military war games. Meanwhile Iran is threatening to shut down the straight of Hermuz, the water way through which the majority of the world's oil is shipped. If that weren't enough our hawk eyed president continues to remind the world that force will not be ruled out if the U.S. or her allies interests are in danger. It seems we're on the fast track to war.
A few days ago the Iranian military test fired a series of missiles, all but one were short ranged. The only long range missile fired, the Shahab-3, has a range that would put it within firing distance of Israel or Eastern Europe.
This ominous gesture from the Iranians comes in the wake of recent Israeli war games and continued international pressure for the Iranians to halt their nuclear program. The only response to this pressure has been missile tests, threats of war against Israel, and talks of a blockade that would cut off the Straight of Hermuz. For those of you who do not know this waterway, it is the channel through which almost all the world's oil is shipped.
This may not seem like much to most people, but I fear that this moment in time has been chosen by the Islamic extremists who run the nation of Iran as the perfect moment for a strike against the U.S. and her allies.
If Iran attacked Israel, or if it provoked Israel into attacking, then the U.S. would be dragged into the conflict. Obviously our military is stretched right now as Iraq shows no signs of major improvement and the Taliban resurges in Afghanistan. Furthermore, our government is moving towards a transition period while Iran provokes the Bush Administration closer and closer to considering war. Finally, our economy in the toilet, and oil prices are at an all time high. As President Bush so aptly put it, "Americans are addicted to oil," and it is our addiction that will drive the price of oil through the roof if a war in Iran becomes a reality.
What this situation needs is wise but stern diplomacy so that it might be diffused without major conflict. While McCain or Obama may be able to contribute some fresh ideas and a fresh perspective on this very delicate and tumultuous situation they are not in office yet. Unfortunately for the world President Bush and President Perez must manage for now, let’s hope they display some cool headed wisdom instead of the blind force we're so used to.
A few days ago the Iranian military test fired a series of missiles, all but one were short ranged. The only long range missile fired, the Shahab-3, has a range that would put it within firing distance of Israel or Eastern Europe.
The mighty Shahab-3
This ominous gesture from the Iranians comes in the wake of recent Israeli war games and continued international pressure for the Iranians to halt their nuclear program. The only response to this pressure has been missile tests, threats of war against Israel, and talks of a blockade that would cut off the Straight of Hermuz. For those of you who do not know this waterway, it is the channel through which almost all the world's oil is shipped.
The Hermuz Straight, a vital waterway
This may not seem like much to most people, but I fear that this moment in time has been chosen by the Islamic extremists who run the nation of Iran as the perfect moment for a strike against the U.S. and her allies.
If Iran attacked Israel, or if it provoked Israel into attacking, then the U.S. would be dragged into the conflict. Obviously our military is stretched right now as Iraq shows no signs of major improvement and the Taliban resurges in Afghanistan. Furthermore, our government is moving towards a transition period while Iran provokes the Bush Administration closer and closer to considering war. Finally, our economy in the toilet, and oil prices are at an all time high. As President Bush so aptly put it, "Americans are addicted to oil," and it is our addiction that will drive the price of oil through the roof if a war in Iran becomes a reality.
What this situation needs is wise but stern diplomacy so that it might be diffused without major conflict. While McCain or Obama may be able to contribute some fresh ideas and a fresh perspective on this very delicate and tumultuous situation they are not in office yet. Unfortunately for the world President Bush and President Perez must manage for now, let’s hope they display some cool headed wisdom instead of the blind force we're so used to.
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