Easier said than done. What's the plan here?
Like you said, easier said than done. I have some interesting podcasts from CFR a while back that discuss three simple solutions to repositioning ourself with China to leverage more of an upper hand. Two really interesting ideas were to use the Olympics (since they are obsessed with it) and to use the recent manufacturing debacles as leverage to force work standards that elevate the playing field.
I can appreciate your bravado, but that kind of determinism is a dangerous thing in our business. Make no mistake - a war with Iran will be an ugly, ugly thing and it will be a lose/lose situation for both sides. It should be the option of last resort. That said, as in the Cold War, we need to train and be prepared, and hope that day never comes.
Brett
Ehh, don't say Bravado - as a pilot that makes me uneasy. Centcom is stretched - We're already fighting on two fronts which is all the Unified Commands were designed to take. And Iran is a much different adversary. You're right. I don't
want a war, but I still think there will be one. The way they position themselves internationally, their attitudes about America and martyrdom are a dangerous mix. We shouldn't have tunnel vision... but I have a lot to lose that's worth protecting. I'm confortable with my reasons for going Navy and my alarm about Iran.
Fortunately more experienced folks are calling the shots.
