On to Tehran?

As the war in Iraq goes badly and calls for the redeployment of troops is heard, what of Iran? Tonight I went to hear Scott Ritter, the former UN Weapons Inspector, Bush Critic, and author of Target Iran. He is convinced that the Bush administration is planning to attack Iran, and there is a possibility he's correct. The administration refuses to talk with Iran and it's made much of Iran's pursuit of nuclear something --whether power or weapons, remains unclear to most.

Iran is a major player and its major deterrent -- Iraq is in chaos. I'm not sure I buy the whole Iran gambit, but I think we need to be aware of what is going on and to hold our Congressional leaders accountable. The only real way of preventing an attack is to withhold the purse. I hope and pray that Congress will act appropriately to deter any precipitous act.

I found an interesting column that Scott Ritter wrote last year in the Nation about Iran. I think it's worth reading and considering. It's not exactly completely up-to-date, but it does give a sense of his position.

War with Iran can only go badly. Their military is in much better shape and stronger and larger than Iraq's. As Israel discovered in Lebanon, it's likely we would find out there. If anyone is considering a nuclear option, that would only exacerbate a bad situation. I remain optimistic and hopeful, but that's my nature. But it's good to be reminded so we remain watchful.

One thing Scott did say tonight that I take to heart is that this government belongs to We the People, and if out of our own ignorance or apathy we let this happen we can only blame ourselves.

Comments

Popular Posts