Posted on 12/22/2009 12:53:03 AM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Diplomacy offers the best way to resolve tensions over Iran's nuclear program but the Pentagon must be ready with military options if needed, the top US military chief said on Monday. "No resolution is yet in sight, but I fully support the effort to focus on diplomatic solutions to existing tensions" with Iran, Admiral Mike Mullen wrote in a memorandum setting out strategic priorities for the US armed forces in 2010.
"My belief remains that political means are the best tools to attain regional security and that military force will have limited results," said Mullen, chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff.
"However, should the president call for military options, we must have them ready."
The United States and its allies suspect Iran is developing technology to enrich uranium to highly refined levels that would allow it to build a nuclear bomb, a charge Tehran vehemently denies, saying its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.
With a year-end deadline, President Barack Obama's administration has signaled that time is running out for Iran to seize its offer of diplomatic engagement for resolving nuclear and other issues.
Washington has raised the threat of a fourth round of UN sanctions, but will need to persuade Russia and China to drop their traditional reluctance to consider tougher measures.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
Diplomacy without weapons is like music without instruments - attributed to O. v. Bismarck.
Obama would attack Fox News before he attacks Iran.
Nonsense! It’s nowhere nearly that complicated. The tiniest bit of encouragement to those who are sick and tired of the regime that has run, and ruined, their lives for 30 plus years would result in a totally new regime. Much less loss of blood and life, not to mention damage to the infrastructure, would be the biggest advantage to helping overthrow the current regime.
Spare me. Even when Iran was clearly killing American soldiers in Iraq, we stood by and did nothing. There is no chance the US will strike Iran, none in a million years under this Emperor.
And that is all that it is or will be, an option to look back as wistfully, "if only..."
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