US hits Iran with toughest penalties since 1979 siege

[dreamdancer]

The Bush administration has moved a step closer to military conflict with Iran, imposing punitive measures on its Revolutionary Guard Corps and calling the al-Quds unit of the guards a terrorist organisation.

Vladimir Putin immediately called the new US sanctions the work of a " madman with a razor blade in his hand". The Russian President said: "Why worsen the situation by threatening sanctions and bring it to a dead end?"

The Guards' chief, General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said: "Today, enemy has concentrated sharp point of its attacks on the Guards. As always, the corps is ready to defend the ideals of the revolution more than ever before."

The sanctions are the toughest measures against Tehran since the siege of the US embassy 1979 under the presidency of Jimmy Carter. The US has never before in its history taken such measures against the armed forces of an independent government.

US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, announced the new measures, saying they were meant "to confront the threatening behaviour of the Iranians".

The US was forced to act alone, however, with Britain only offering rhetorical support for unilateral action outside the United Nations Security Council. A plan to have gradually tightening UN sanctions is foundering following opposition from Russia and China.

The European Union remains deeply divided on the way forward with Germany opposed to more sanctions at this stage. It has a huge economic stake in Iran with which it had exports worth $5.7bn (£2.8bn) last year.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article3098891.ece

 

[dreamdancer]

 

[loflogro]

I was very pleased to hear about the sanctions being put in place. I served on multiple tours in the middle east, in both Afghanistan and Iraq as well as a peacekeeping mission prior to September 11th. One constant I noticed was the continual supply of Iranian funded weapons. I was in full support of what I did in Afghanistan, had mixed emotions in Iraq, and fully support legislative action and sanctions against the Iranian regime. They truly are a financier of terror organizations and must be dealt with. The thought that if we mind our own business they will go away is nonsense, they will continue to increase their power and capabilities as well as those of the groups they support. The downside to all of this is that an armed conflict with Iran is a very likely possibility, and we aren't currently in the best position to tackle that objective. Our military is stretched very thin at the moment, and a conflict with a country that has significant military capabilities would be ugly. They have capabilities that are far superior to any military we have faced in quite some time, and they also have strong ties with a few other radical nations that would almost certainly join the cause. This would also enhance the danger already faced by our allies in the area, such as Isreal.
If diplomatic sanctions continue to fail, which is probable, then we must go at a true war the "right" way this time... by a formal declaration of war through congress. Another thing we would have to do right as Americans is find the stomach again. Let me explain, we have become a soft society, and in many areas so open minded that our brains have fallen out. We can't stomach true conflict anymore, and it in turn endangers our own soldiers. We develop so much technology to fight "nicer" wars and tie the hands of our soldiers and limit their capability to truly do their job. Don't get me wrong, I don't advocate a rape and pillage methodology... those of you who think that everything has to be done in a way that is the "safest" for the surrounding populations and infrastructure probably haven't sat in a bunker or conducted a raid. We want to do the job with minimal damage... but we also want to come home too.
On our current and future conflicts, no matter what your stance is on the conflict, I ask that you show your full support for the boys and girls out there doing their job. If someone was invading our country and we were fighting on American soil, you would be loving on those soldiers like never before... the same men and women fighting now are the same Americans that would be fighting that battle, so why wouldn't you show them the same love. When watching the news overseas, fresh sand in my ass and an epic sunburn, I watched a lot of protests over the war. I sat there smiling as this was the freedom of speech I held dear and was more than willing to fight for. Then those protests of war to often started turning to protests of us soldiers... that broke my heart. The thought that so many people in my home could show such a hatred towards us when at the drop of a hat and swipe of a pen we would be wheels up to defend them was almost to much.
Sorry this has turned into a rambling rant, but I would like everyone to take a step back and look at things. We ask everyone to educate themselves about marijuana and it's vast uses and possibilities before passing judgement on us, but often we take a hypocritical stance and shoot from the hip with uneducated knee jerk reactions on matters such as this. Take the time to research what America is doing, it sure as hell effects you if you realize it or not, if you don't agree then that's your God given right and protected freedom as an American... just make sure you are directing your protests in the right direction. For everyone that doesn't care for past, current or future administrations... amidst the bashing of them have you ever taken the time to throw up a little prayer that they might be given guidance and a sound mind to call the shots? If you do nothing but bash, would you consider yourself a part of the answer or a part of the problem?
I appreciate how Dreamdancer posted this article and didn't give an opinion... just passed the facts along to let others educate themselves and form their own opinions of America's actions. To my Brothers and Sisters in arms, I truly wish I could still be marching beside you, but even though my injuries have taken me out of the fight, my thoughts and prayers will always be with you.

 

[Passenger]

Wonder how long this thread will last until it's closed.

 

[Guest]

Maybe if people don't fuel the thread delete fire and just give their opinions in a mature and honest way like loflogro it won't be necessary.I thank you for your service man and agree with your sentiments.If the rest of the world would join us on turning up the financial heat on Tehran a war wouldn't be necessary.If you truly believe Tehran's nuclear ambitions to be peaceful,I must seem like a barbarian.They have to be stopped but Russia and some other countries would rather see us in more conflict and wont join us.They will be stopped but how is still up in the air.

 

[PazVerdeRadical]

i agree that no human should be allowed to be fooling around with nuclear power,
we all know the image that comes to ours minds when we think of this is that of a monkey with a loaded machine-gun in a room full of people or other monkeys...
what seems odd however, is the hypocritical stance of the u.s (as usual). if iran cannot develop nuclear technologies for whatever purposes, then, simply no country should be allowed either, period. any other reasoning is invalid, so do not debate the issue as i will not reply the issue of nuclear energy is also out of the question now that new safer technologies can replace all nuclear reactors functioning today.

but what can i say, the world is ran by orcs.

peace.

 

[Rosy Cheeks]

Wonder how long this thread will last until it's closed.

It depends entirely on the participants. Offer an intelligent evaluation of the situation and it will be a worthwhile read, spam with hate or misconceptions and it will be shut down rather fast.

 

[RevolutionX]

Right On loflogro! Excellent post

 

[nycdfan042]

and what about da childrenz?

 

[FarmerJoe]

This country can't take another war, it will cripple our economy and our military, as well as theirs, but its going to happen, more senseless death fueled by senseless death.

 

[Guest]

Denying the Iranian people nuclear power is wrong,denying anyone nuclear power thats capable of producing it is wrong.If only that were the issue..

 

[usa]

This would also enhance the danger already faced by our allies in the area, such as Isreal.
If diplomatic sanctions continue to fail, which is probable, then we must go at a true war the "right" way this time... by a formal declaration of war through congress. Another thing we would have to do right as Americans is find the stomach again. Let me explain, we have become a soft society, and in many areas so open minded that our brains have fallen out. We can't stomach true conflict anymore, and it in turn endangers our own soldiers.

Good post overall and I agree overall if your going to fight a war -fight to win; and get a declaration from congress first!

I really don’t think society has become soft; it's just hard to stomach a runaway govt and mass media that can longer be trusted. From some of the bills passed as of late in our congress it seems the govt. considers many of its own citizens terrorist for simple dissent or questioning authority that undermines our rights.

H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 google that, it was just passed… the language is broad. Which means technically pot growers who do sell can be labeled terrorist or funding/aiding without really any knowledge if some of your smoke ends up in the hands they deem a threat for their thoughts they may have typed on the internet.

There is little doubt that this bill is specifically targeting the growing patriot community that is demanding the restoration of the Constitution.

It’s hard to stomach a govt. that allows our borders to remain open that puts American citizens at risk but make claims of threats against a nation who has no navy and abit above 3rd world status. Yes it’s hard to swallow.

Then you have Israel which you claim is our ally,lol They can take care of themselves. Israeli lobby groups(AIPAC) have pushed for this day for 30 years now; their dual loyalty has shown thru over and over whether it be spies or trying to smear my favorite candidate for President Ron Paul, these extremists lobby groups have no comprehension or respect for our Constitution…They are the true threat.

What about our European friends who may be threatened by Russia do to this mess. pfft

Then there is this article headline that says it all
Iranian nuclear arms pose little threat to Israel

 

[zymos]

Of course the only country who has actually USED nuclear weapons, and still possesess who knows how many,AND is actively developing new ones, is in a fine place to demand that other countries can't have their nukes.

If you ask me, we should ditch ours at the same time we are pressuring Korea and Iran.

But they didn't ask me, for some reason...

 

[nycdfan042]

usa nice hits over all...agreeed, but where would we put the bombs zymos??? ship them off into space?? that would have to be a perfect launch LOL and that would be more ****ing with mother nature. I think the stage is set, theres not much more to realy do ...i dont think votings gonnna help the shit storm thats already brewing. im sure theyre gonna bomb iran b4 bushi jr leaves office..thatd be a nice poll LOL

 

[Northern_Greens]

2 weeks, till my birthday and elections.......world wont be the same when i turn 21


N_G

 

[usa]

I think the stage is set, theres not much more to realy do ...i dont think votings gonnna help the shit storm thats already brewing.

You are more than likely right, and so is stoned 2 death in his postings about this election but it’s the "idea" & "principle".

Time will tell where this grassroots movement for our liberty & freedom will gravitate when subjection becomes reality. The fences are coming down, people have re-educated themselves on the meaning of Liberty and thru this movement folks have began to respect those who they normally wouldn’t give 2shitz about. This is the worst nightmare for those who like the divide & conquer and continue baiting the public against each other. If you haven’t noticed there have been more race tension/hype/staged events reported as of late...why?

Ron Paul Polls Better Among African Americans than Other Republicans

Then you have reports of Ron Paul receiving donations from white racialist…and demands from agitators that he give the money back! If you took down the race card for a Second...black or white it doesn’t matter; can easily see Liberty is attractive. Because issues like these divide where the people are realizing the Liberty msg. applies to all and very well could make people unite. A least Ron Paul didn’t get funds from Chinese non residents & spies like Hillary gladly received and made interest on until revealed publicly.

This Iran conflict with the govt. & media cannot and should not divert the freedom movement from its mission to spread this "idea". Let’s Overgrow the Liberty seed and make it grow and flourish until it blossoms into a reality and not just a dream or a thought in the distant future. Note: this was written for my benefit more than anything as a reminder Not to give up Hope.

 

[nycdfan042]

yea ... scary thought of hillary in office....almost chillls me to the bone....to have to listen to that woman for 4 to possibly eight years scares me....sorry ladies LOL its not even about that shes a woman....she and bill both creep me out...something about that whole saxaphone thing on arsenio hall was creeepy and brings back strange 90's memories id rather like to supress for now LOL!! i like the fact that ron paul is a doctor..and id have a really nice feeling knowing a doctor is @ the helm 4 sure

 

[Jack D Ripper]

"Many a man will have the courage to die gallantly, but will not have the courage to say, or even to think, that the cause for which he is asked to die is an unworthy one."

"Neither a man nor a crowd nor a nation can be trusted to act humanely or to think sanely under the influence of a great fear. "

"Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons. "

Bertrand Russell FTW! **** the war mongers.

 

[Kaos!]

WWAD??

 

[zymos]

Make grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone?