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Going to war with Iran would probably top the list of most stupid things the Bush administration has ever done (if they do it).
Bush and co. had the opportunity back in 2002 to actually support the movement away form Radical Fundamentalism in Iran. It would have meant opening up an embassy and normalizing relations with Iran. It would have meant speaking up for the many moderate muslims in Iran who voice their opinions in the newspapers and other media.
At present there are three factions... the moderates, who favour democratic reform and modernization of Iran. The conservatives who are largely made up of business people, who just want things to work smoothly. The fundamentalists, who are at the core of the revolution and represent the "sick" side of Iran...
The numbers of Reformers and Fundamentalists are about equal. All that needs to be done is swing the support of the Conservatives over to the Reformers. Back in 2002, before the current regime was elected, this would have more doable than it is now. But I believe it's still possible.
Iran is a democracy, perhaps in name only but a democracy nonetheless. Instead of talk of the "axis of evil" and rattling of sabres, more work needs to be done to build bridges with Iran.
After all, it was with Iranian support that the US secured the support of the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan. It was with Iranian support that the US rebuilt the power structures in Kabul. There are moderates in Iran that can turn the tide (even now) but they need support. Normalizing relations with Iran would go a long way to creating that support.
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"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke
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