Iran continued a military exercise today that demonstrated both an offensive and defensive capability to the region and to the U.S. (Washington Post -Iran Launches Another Test Missile, Draws Rebuke From Rice):
Citing broadcasts on state-run Iranian television, the Associated Press reported out of Tehran that the country had continued an ongoing military exercise in the Persian Gulf with a second consecutive day of missile tests. The report said the overnight tests — like those conducted with at least eight missiles yesterday — included the use of long-range rockets capable of reaching Israel, as well as other devices with what state-controlled media referred to as “special capabilities.”
In Seven Questions: What Iran Wants, Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, offers insight into what the leaders of Iran think and what exactly they are signaling. His assessment is hopeful, he sees minimal chances for overt war and thinks the upcoming U.S. presidential election may be an opportunity to forge a new relationship with Iran. Can the U.S. wait six months to begin a new chapter in U.S. - Iranian relations?
3 Comments So Far»
We should leave Iran an honorable path of retreat. Engaging Iran in the global economy is the only approach that has merit.
Regardless of Iran's size however, we should be careful what we assume about Iran; it has some ten million men of military age.
Puor bien savoir les choses, il en faut savoir le detail, et comme il est presque infini, nos connaissances sont toujours superficielles et imparfaites.
Unfortunately, what we do know is that the Bush administration cannot be trusted to do what it says. Iraq taught us that lesson. Many experts have long been predicting that Bush would invade Iran before he leaves office. But of course, the Bush administration would never admit to such a thing.
"On ne donne rien si liberalement que ses conseils."
But it is the man who follows his own counsel, he's the one that should lead.
What Iran needs more than anything right now is something to lose. We’ve backed it into a corner and given it few options. Iran needs to be plugged into the global economy. Once its people are engaged economically, and it will have plenty of internal motivation to play better with others.
John, thanks for your comments. I’d like to think that our diplomats share your wisdom about leaving them an honorable path of retreat, perhaps one that will allow their leaders to get something in exchange, which is always the best kind of compromise.
Leave Comments Below»