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A military action, if decided, should be limited to air strikes, possibly in collusion with Special Forces, on the nuclear facilities in question and only conventional weapons should be used.  A limited military action should only be considered as an absolute last option.  

What would the consequences be?

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Fri Mar 10th, 2006 at 11:38:17 AM EST
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The consequences would be in short and medium term, a further deterioration of the relations between Iran and the international community.  It would mean that the Iranians would rebuild their nuclear facilities thus giving them and the international community another chance for negotiations, this time within a longer time frame.

Some would say that the Iranians would never negotiate after a military strike against their nuclear facilities.  I doubt that, at least within a medium term time frame, this because they will see the futility in the build-destroy-rebuild scenario.  If they are seriously considering being able to produce nuclear power in the future the only logical solution would be real and honest negotiations.    

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.

by Gjermund E Jansen (gjans1@hotmail.com) on Fri Mar 10th, 2006 at 11:59:01 AM EST
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That assumes that the relevant nuclear facilities are hittable.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Fri Mar 10th, 2006 at 12:01:38 PM EST
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Yes, and that is another point.  The Iranians might have other facilities not reported, but the logic in it being their capabilities would be seriously disrupted.  The reason why I mentioned the Special Forces option is if there are facilities not hittable and that would of course mean a serious risk to those forces.  The tactical nuclear card should be off the table period.

I have to add though that I hope the military option never materializes and that this conflict can be resolved peacefully through diplomacy.  
 

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.

by Gjermund E Jansen (gjans1@hotmail.com) on Fri Mar 10th, 2006 at 12:13:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]
So far this is the best summary I have seen on where to go from here.  Including and emphasizing
I have to add though that I hope the military option never materializes and that this conflict can be resolved peacefully through diplomacy.
by wchurchill on Sat Mar 11th, 2006 at 11:10:04 AM EST
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