Monday, June 21, 2010

Military buildups in the Middle East? (Forbes via TheReformedBroker)

I read stories like this and am reminded just how naive I am to the 'real' ways of the world. I have taken pride in my life to learn .... well just about anything. The recent financial crisis has provided volumes. The current geo-political machinations are nothing less if not even substantially more. George Friedman's book, The Next 100 years clearly sees war as one path that will be followed. This attached posting from Forbes (many thanks to TheReformedBroker) through the eyes of an ex-CIA operative outlines seemingly unrelated events into a mosaic of increasing clarity, but still uncertain purpose. Time will tell.

Commentary

There Will Be War

Reza Kahlili, 06.21.10, 07:20 PM EDT

The time to support Iran's people is now.

Last week, Iran's opposition leaders Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi canceled anti-government demonstrations timed to commemorate the anniversary of last year's disputed presidential election. Secretary of the State Hillary Clinton called the cancellation "regrettable," but missed the larger point. The reform these two men offer is not what the majority of Iranians want: They want an end to the current Islamic regime.

One year ago, the Obama administration missed an opportunity to support Iran's uprising. They mistakenly calculated that back-door negotiations with Iran's clerics and promises made by its rulers would bring cooperation on the nuclear issue. The Americans were duped and now find themselves grasping for another chance to support an Iranian uprising.

Article Controls

Meanwhile, the Obama administration has ordered a massive buildup of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf starting with Carrier Strike Group 10, headed by the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. Just last Friday an armada of more than 12 U.S. and Israeli warships passed through the Suez canal amid extreme security provided by Egypt. The ships are headed for the Red Sea and from there to the Persian Gulf. Another four U.S. warships will be making their way to the region to join the Strike Group. The Americans have also conducted joint air and naval strike practices with France and the U.K. under the command of American forces, while Germany is sending warships to the area, also under the command of American forces.

Both Israel and the U.S. have positioned nuclear-armed submarines in the region. Israel has conducted multiple tests on its missile defense systems to protect its citizens once war breaks out. U.S. and Israeli Special Forces have been deployed inside Iran to investigate potential targets and gauge the willingness of Iranians to overthrow the current regime. Russia--up to now a key backer of the regime--recently announced a freeze in sales of its S-300 missiles to Iran. Vladimir Putin confirmed this himself last week.

Tahoe is Walking On