Sweet Jesus...

No, Jennabelle, it is highly unlikely that Iran is harboring terrorists organizations. Iran's president has in fact started to embrace the resource of nuclear technology, and our collective nation against a power that allows others to prosper decided that a bad idea. So, it has come to the point where if Iran backs off uranium enrichment, they are rewarded. If denied, they're sanctioned.

And... Bad stuff will eventually happen.
 
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NightStalkers
Army of the Vast Empire
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ASL/SGT Jakireth/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA[LoR]
Rep/Reporter Jakireth/NewsRep: 2/News Division/VET/VE

Except that Pakistan cooperates, Iran does not. I don't know about you folks, but I do not cherish the thought of an Iranian sneaking across the border like the illegal immigrants, and bringing with him a nuke in a suitcase.
 
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SC/ESN Chipmunk Man/Aegis 1/Phoenix/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)[LoC][MC:1]x3[LSM][VC:B]

"I know what you're thinking, punk. You're thinking, 'Did he fire six shots, or only five?' Well to tell you the truth, I've forgotten myself in all this excitement. But being this is a .44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and will blow your head clean off, you need to ask youself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya? Punk!"
-"Dirty" Harry Callahan

"Mr. Stratford, it's just a party..."
*wags finger* "...And Hell is just a sauna."

Aphamos, Iran currently does not have that capability but there are worrying signs that they want to advance towards this.  You don't need to be a neoconversative to be nervous about this situation.  Anyone against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, in particular by belligerent states, should be a bit concerned.  It is better to be concerned before they have the capability rather than after they have the capability or even worse after they have managed to build a weapon.  Will they managed in the future?  It is not a certainty but it is better to chart a course now rather than find out later.

"He has been painted stupid by the United States for a reason; that reason being that he has killed innocent people and ruined others lives because of the way that he wants things done."

He has killed people and become the very public and vocal face of the conservative Islamic movement in Iran.  This makes him stupid how?  This kind of rhetoric is fundamentally dangerous not the least beause it causes people to greatly underestimate him and underestimating a potential threat to world peace and security is a very fatal flaw indeed.

Let me put a bit of context into this to explain his actions.  He was born just after the US-UK involvement in Iran that put the pro-west Shah in power.  In his childhood, this phenomenon, which angered Iranian nationalists and Iranians in general (the Shah was brutal) was very prominent.  As a result, he would have been a staunch supporter of the Iranian revolution and as a result, clearly anti-west.  In addition, his political persuasion Islamic conservative which is why his thinking is so in line with the clerics and combined with his very vocal denunciations of the west have given him a bit of charm to many Iranians.  He is fuelling the fires of nationalism and doing a very good job of it.  Do all agree with him?  Absolutely not.  The reformist movement in particular would be be particularly angry and worried about this.  Nevertheless, playing to the nationalism of Iranians and in particular using the nuclear issue as a catalyst through which to rally very anti-west sentiments that exist in the Middle East (thanks in no small part to the invasion of Iraq) and the context of him can be better understood.  He is not stupid, far from it.  I would argue that he is quite clever and we are making a grave mistake in underestimating him by calling him stupid and insane.

Now to Iraq.  Your argument regarding Iraq is fallacious.  By stating that there are terrorists there now you assume that they were always there.  There is a fundamentally flawed assessment on the situation there.  What we see in Iraq is a combination of some foreign fighters, former Baathist supporters, and radical Iraqi nationalists.  In addition, there is a large group of people whose nationalist sensibilities have been offended and terrorist groups are trying to play upon that in order to gain new recruits.  Al Qaeda's overall goal is a full Middle East revolution to create all Islamic states.  To date, their objective has been a miserable failure.  I would argue the attacks on the US were a new tactic to help their cause.

Attacking the US would naturally generate a response of some kind.  The response was the invasion of Afghanistan and the invasion of Iraq.  Why would Al Qaeda want this?  Invading Afghanistan, while overthrowing the Al Qaeda sponsored government, had the potential to bring in new recruits.  Invading Iraq not only gave them this opportunity (which given Saddam Hussein's secular dictatorship was an opportunity they did not have earlier) but it also meant that a corrupt secular dictatorship was overthrown with the potential for a Islamic government in the future.

The US did not go to Iraq to fight terrorists.  They made an uncredible case about weapons of mass destruction and the terrorist argument came as backup when the first argument was having holes shot in it.  Iraq was not a terrorist haven, it would be make no strategic sense for Saddam Hussein to allow it.  His regime was the exact kind they want to overthrow; why would he allow his enemies refuge in his own country where they could try and incite more people to challenge him?  The west has painted a picture of Saddam Hussein as another unintelligent, rather insane leader which has allowed the debate to be clouded on this issue.  Saddam Hussein may have been lacing in regards to the issue of waging aggressive war but he was very good at preserving his power and quashing any threat to it.  As far as Al Qaeda is concerned, he was an enemy and not a friend.

Finally in regards to a suitcase bomb, Wikipedia actually has a fairly good article on the suitcase bomb.  I wouldn't worry about it too much.  As far illegal immigration, one day I'll write about the racialization of immigration in the US so stay tuned.
 
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WAJ/ESN Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

Container security is an enormous issue.  As a research assistant this has been the area of research I've been engaged in for a while now and in most areas of the world with the exception of Hong Kong port security and container security are very serious issues but receieve very little in terms of funding and resources.

Too bad governments won't listen though.
 
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WAJ/ESN Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

I feel we don't really have the right to invade Iran YET because their uranium enriching facilities are so low. But we should keep an eye on them, because their president is a raving lunatic.

Art, you're going to tell me I'm wrong?

First off, I know you're a textbook genius on the political affairs of countries you don't reside in, but, do me a big favor and pop the Maple candy out of your mouth. It's apparently affecting your thought process.

Now, there's no need to go into specifics here, for there is one big problem. The United States considers itself the most powerful single entity in the world, and from Bush's misguided notions, the universe as we know it. As of now, we are run by egotistical maniacs bent on sucking our way of life dry, and letting the lot of us fend for ourselves.

But after that, all of your ideas about the Patriotic Jak are probably swept away, but that would be wrong. I love my country, the people in it, and its base concept. I'm talking about freedom, football, and barbecues. NOT: Bush, his Cabinet of Death or the misguided and completely immoral principles on which our leaders twisted sense of logic emerges from. Terrorist organizations in Iran? Sure. You keep telling yourself that. In fact, go ahead and join the ranks of those who thought Afghanistan a threat. Those who on one fateful night decided to toss the city of Baghdad into a torrent of falling bombs, because it was thought a threat to the U.S.

And what have we to show for it?

A massive death toll, a ranting dictator in shackles, and a President fighting the idea of impeachment from the citizens. Definitely a sound tradeoff for what was supposed to be a cache of nuclear weapons.

But sure, lets find someone else to threaten. Actually, who else better to bully than Iran? They have an outstanding history of violence against the U.S., hell, they're enriching uranium to reap the benefits of nuclear energy.

Iraq then Iran? I wonder why.
 
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NightStalkers
Army of the Vast Empire
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ASL/SGT Jakireth/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA[LoR]
Rep/Reporter Jakireth/NewsRep: 2/News Division/VET/VE

That's just miliarism right there. We justify the war in Iraq as a way to squash out terrorism. We are restricted to ROE but are the terrorists? NO. Because they fight guerilla style, many americans and alliance people are dead.
 
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How do I determine my ID line?

Me=n00b so PM me how!

Agreed Garet, also I "Think" and when i say think i mean not sure at all but didnt Americans invent guerilla tactics during American Revolution? Only reason I have this notion is from the movie the Patriot
 
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He will give them death, and they will love him for it -Gladiator

TRP/PFC_Rogueboy/1SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR]

*Exciting music in the background*

"Nukear Weapons"
 
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Cleric "Cosmic" Vor'soth
CoT/MG Cosmic/HCA-3/SL/Drill Squad/Tadath/VEA/VE
[OPE][OTH][OPA][EW1][CDS][IH][GS][LM][SoS][CRoM][CoH][PoC][MSM][SCP][SoA][IOC]
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Cleric "Cosmic" Vor'soth
SL/KPR Cosmic/Lion 1-1/Lopen/VEDJ/VE
[VP][WoS2][KC1][SoY][EoP][OAK]
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May 31, 2006 4:50:51 AM EST
 
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DarkDragoons
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

FTL/SGT Garet Daimun/2SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA [ES2C]

"I don't need a plan. Plans are for scientists, and builders. I've got moxie... and guns."
-Jennifer Mui, Mercenaries

Bush is quickly becoming the next Nixon. Too proud to come forward and admit he made a mistake.

And to think that we re-elected both of them...
 
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DarkDragoons
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

FTL/SGT Garet Daimun/2SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA [ES2C]

"I don't need a plan. Plans are for scientists, and builders. I've got moxie... and guns."
-Jennifer Mui, Mercenaries

Strange thing about Bush is that he lost the popular vote but still won. That makes you think that your vote doesn't count does it? I smell some bribes people.
 
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How do I determine my ID line?

Me=n00b so PM me how!

"Agreed Garet, also I "Think" and when i say think i mean not sure at all but didnt Americans invent guerilla tactics during American Revolution? Only reason I have this notion is from the movie the Patriot"

Guerilla tactics have been used since antiquity.  When fighting the Sabinii in Italy during the earlier years of the Republic, Rome found itself up against a dynamic enemy with no centralized point of defence.  Indeed it is from the Sabinii that the Romans first ran into and eventually adopted the use of the pilum for their armies.

Now in response to Jak.  First of all let me make it clear, while there are philosophical arguments that can justify a war such as the war in Iraq (I highly recommend you read the Responsibility to Protect doctrine which advocates a mixture of traditional and new muscular liberal internationalism and places human security as the primary focus of international affairs and priorities for the western world) there was no credible argument that could be made in reality and indeed the war was launched on manipulative, disingenuous, and fallacious reasoning, arguments, and evidence.  I have never supported the war in Iraq so let me get that clear now.

As for Afghanistan I strongly supported that war and still do despite the fact that Canada is taking casualities there at a steady pace.  If anything I am angry at the US for abandonning the war in Afghanistan to launch their foolheartedy war against Iraq.  The reason we are not further along in Afghanistan can be attributed to this extremely poor strategic decision on the part of the US to shift the focus of the military before the primary objective was completed.

In regards to Iran, I am not at all supporting a war against Iran but I am suggestion vigilance and caution be the approach to dealing with them.  I contextualized the actions of the Iranian president and argued why he was a rational leader with a clear set of priorities for Iran.  Part of that involves this bluster with the international community in order to rally nationalistic sentiments in Iran.  In addition, he rather than the clerics has become the voice of Islamic conservatism in Iran which, while early to say, could suggest an attempt to wrestle greater control for the presidency in the long run and a desire to try and keep running for office for some time.  Should the US invade Iran?  Absolutely not.  However, it would be fool hearty not to keep an active dialogue with Iran and try to keep some control over its nuclear programme.
 
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WAJ/ESN Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

A halifax explosion refrence... heh.
 
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Raiders
SL/SGT_Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|FL/PO1_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)
SERGEANT
PETTY OFFICER, 1ST CLASS
one of few - A vast Empire medic
Read Losses of Vandetta by me and Hellra
Flashmaker

ROE is the Rules Of Engagement used by the US Military like no shooting civilians and such.

It would of been easier, but he obviously didn't want to wait.
 
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How do I determine my ID line?

Me=n00b so PM me how!