tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16816866.post2961719509283422854..comments2024-02-29T02:10:56.878-08:00Comments on J O S H U A P U N D I T: Two American Hikers Finally Freed After Iran Receives $1 Million 'Bail'Freedom Fighterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13649470110087808596noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16816866.post-30885352644865959522011-09-23T21:43:49.013-07:002011-09-23T21:43:49.013-07:00Dear Mr. Poster,
Again you underestimate the US mi...Dear Mr. Poster,<br />Again you underestimate the US military. We can wipe off the face of the earth anyone. China, Russia and certainly Iran before Noon. We simply do not have the political will in Congress, nor probably among the increasingly liberal American public. But we do have the firepower without a doubt. Reference my lesson on submarines.Roseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05831258809546539352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16816866.post-69971954068486628112011-09-22T20:31:40.208-07:002011-09-22T20:31:40.208-07:00I'm familar with the Barbary pirates, however,...I'm familar with the Barbary pirates, however, it is interesting to read about them again and even informing, however, a comaprison of them to Iran or the current situation that America faces compared with the situation America faced in the early 19th century is an apples to oranges comparison. For starters Iran of the second decade of the 21st century, is not the same country as the pirate states were in the early 19th century. Also, America of the second decade of the 21st century is not the same country as America of the early 19th century was. <br /><br />A couple of glaring differences between that situation of the early 19th centruy and today's situation are Iran has the backing of Russia and China the world's most powerful and second most powerful militaries respectively. As long as Iran has this backing, any kind of military action by America is impossible and even if implemented has no real chance of success. <br /><br />Also, the generally accepted narrative around the world on America's relations with Iran goes back to the coup against the Iranian government in the early 1950s. Essentially America overthrew a harmless government that only wanted peace and the right not to have their oil stolen. As such, Iran is fully justified in its opposition to America and should Iran harm America it is because America "had it coming." I'm NOT suggesting I agree with the narraitve. For the record, I think things are likely more complicated than the narrative would tend to suggest. I'm simply pointing out that it is the narrative and if we are going to get the kind of support we need for an effective confrontation with Iran we are going to need to do something to address and change this narrative on the conflict with Iran.<br /><br />We have a different media environment today than we did in the early 19th century. The American and internationl news media have worked tirelessly to undercut any type of military option America may have once had against Iran. This all goes back to the narrative on the conflict. Which, if we are to successfully confront Iran, we will need to take significant steps to alter this narrative. <br /><br />Some type of coaltion against Iran may be possible right now but America cannot lead it. It comes back to the narrative. Even such a coaltion is a long shot at best. <br /><br />For now, the best analogy to this would be Iran is a very bad neighborhood where Americans simply are not welcome right now. In America there are some neighborhoods where one does not want to be caught out after dark and someone not from the neighborhood does not really want to pass through unless escorted by someone of the neighborhood. Also, police really don't like to tread in such meighborhoods. As such, if one finds themselves in trouble they very well may be on their own. <br /><br />Tying this into America's relations with Iran, we should probably try as much as possible to minimize interactions. In instances where we may fidn ourselves in close proximity to their interests, we should ensure we are defended well enough that they will find us an uninviting target and look elsewhere. Also, should Americans feel compelled to take a grand Iranian adventure as these folks apparently did the US government should make it abundantly clear that in the future you WILL NOT be ransomed!!<br /><br />While this may not be the optimal solution for now it is rally about the best we can do.B.Posternoreply@blogger.com