Iran's military has taken to considering themselves an offensive force. If they see Iran's interests are threatened, according to one Gen. Hejazi, they will not hesitate to strike at the "aggressors".
The fun thing about this standpoint is that is insane. A smaller nation such as Iran would have to attack a larger, more powerful nation such as America. Herein lies point 1: superiority. any offensive action by conventional Iranian forces would almost definitely be headed off at the pass by US forces, and buried quietly behind a toolshed somewhere. Iran is, quite simply, not a strategic power yet. They have no means to project power overseas, very limited Air Forces, and a navy composed mostly of missile patrol boats and a few destroyers. I'm not being overconfident; i'm being factual. One US Carrier Air Group would pose serious trouble to the state of Iran; two would be unbearable; and three would encourage a very quick sprint to the bargaining table.
Think for yourself, though. I'm not your mommy.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/world/meast/iran-warning/index.html
Monday, February 27, 2012
Current Event III (3): Iranium
Just putting it out there: they're probably making bombs.
Iran has, despite international regulations and agreements not to, stepped up uranium enrichment processes that could either give them a) very efficient reactor fuel or b) some interesting bombs, with unusual destructive capabilities deriving from the power of the atom.
You're getting this, right? Good.
The IAEA has reported that they (The Iranians) are unwilling to curtail their production of nuclear fuel. It's all starting to take on a certain... confrontational feel. Is that JP-40 on the wind? A faint whiff of burning oil well? We shall see.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/world/meast/iran-nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch
Iran has, despite international regulations and agreements not to, stepped up uranium enrichment processes that could either give them a) very efficient reactor fuel or b) some interesting bombs, with unusual destructive capabilities deriving from the power of the atom.
You're getting this, right? Good.
The IAEA has reported that they (The Iranians) are unwilling to curtail their production of nuclear fuel. It's all starting to take on a certain... confrontational feel. Is that JP-40 on the wind? A faint whiff of burning oil well? We shall see.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/world/meast/iran-nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Current Event II: Rush'n Opp'sish'n
Those Russians are really bringing the hate on good Ol' Vlad.
Opposition supporters attempted to construct a 15-kilometer ring around the core of Moscow using the strength of their united spirits and... linked arms. That's right. human circle time.
though turnout hit 11,000 and the ring would have required about, oh, say 35,000, it's the thought that counts- really. The opposition has some actual pull in Russia, even if the majority of their members believe it's a lost cause- for now. It seems that, properly and fairly or not, the next president will be good ol' singin', fightin' Vlad Putin. Again. That there is an opposition at all says a lot about the Russian Rage building up- and could indicate material, tangible change. Take a look.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/26/world/europe/russia-protest/index.html?iref=allsearch
Opposition supporters attempted to construct a 15-kilometer ring around the core of Moscow using the strength of their united spirits and... linked arms. That's right. human circle time.
though turnout hit 11,000 and the ring would have required about, oh, say 35,000, it's the thought that counts- really. The opposition has some actual pull in Russia, even if the majority of their members believe it's a lost cause- for now. It seems that, properly and fairly or not, the next president will be good ol' singin', fightin' Vlad Putin. Again. That there is an opposition at all says a lot about the Russian Rage building up- and could indicate material, tangible change. Take a look.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/26/world/europe/russia-protest/index.html?iref=allsearch
Current Event 1: Mexican Cruise Hijinks
Those wacky Mexicans.
According to CNN, 22 Carnival Cruise Lines passengers were robbed of valuables, cash and dignity when they were accosted and robbed by men in Puerto Vallarto.
This is an incident, it would seem, that indicates the state of internal security in our friendly southern neighbor. As a result of the lapse, most cruise lines have withdrawn shore service in the province of Mazatlan- essentially depriving the region of its key industry. Though this could have dreadful effects on the local economy, what it says about the state of affairs in Mexico is what concerns me. I, personally, harbor concerns about the effectiveness of the Mexican police forces in their ongoing war on the cartels. It's only a matter of time before they have to start using the army, and god knows where that can lead: In short, when one of mexico's larger tourist ports is unsafe for tourists... what next?
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/26/world/mexico-cruise-robbery/index.html?iref=obnetwork
According to CNN, 22 Carnival Cruise Lines passengers were robbed of valuables, cash and dignity when they were accosted and robbed by men in Puerto Vallarto.
This is an incident, it would seem, that indicates the state of internal security in our friendly southern neighbor. As a result of the lapse, most cruise lines have withdrawn shore service in the province of Mazatlan- essentially depriving the region of its key industry. Though this could have dreadful effects on the local economy, what it says about the state of affairs in Mexico is what concerns me. I, personally, harbor concerns about the effectiveness of the Mexican police forces in their ongoing war on the cartels. It's only a matter of time before they have to start using the army, and god knows where that can lead: In short, when one of mexico's larger tourist ports is unsafe for tourists... what next?
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/26/world/mexico-cruise-robbery/index.html?iref=obnetwork
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