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Old 07-10-2008, 10:48 PM   #42
il Padrino Ute
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Originally Posted by YOhio View Post
I don't either, but we don't have to if we enter into diplomacy with Iran. Iran has a unique government where it is a theo-democracy. The citizens of Iran elect a President, but his role is strictly limited to domestic matters. The Supreme Leader is COC of the military and has sole power to declare war or any other military action. He is elected by a special counsel.

U.S. apprehension toward Iran have largely come from the bluster of Ahmedinejihad and some of it may be a real reflection of how dangerous he is. But the reality is that the current Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei , has been in that role since 1989 and was president prior to that. There has been little indication that he is interested in military combat with Israel, despite the mandatory anti-Israel screeds.

I'm not sure what the best strategy is for dealing with Iran, but military action based only on the statements of Ahmedinejihad seems very shortsighted and potentially very harmful to the interests of the U.S. There are doubtless a group of powerful moderates in Iran who have forestalled military action on Israel to this point. Reaching out to them with a diplomatic hand could be a wise course of action.
If we're going to negotiate with Iran, I'd prefer we do it Reagan style. Gorby knew Reagan wasn't bluffing.
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