Will the Democratic Congress declare war on Iran?

[Purveyor]

You may be surprised at the answer; there are already over 205 cosponsors of H.Con.Res. 362. Is yours one? http://capwiz.com/niacouncil/issues/bills/?bill=11458681&cs_party=all&cs_status=C&cs_state=ALL

This bill calls on the president to stop all shipments of refined petroleum products from reaching Iran. It also “demands” that the President impose “stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains and cargo entering or departing Iran.”

Analysts say that this would require a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint through which nearly a quarter of the world’s oil passes. Imposing such a blockade without United Nations authority (which the resolution does not call for) would be considered an act of war. Some congressional sources say the House could vote on the resolution as early as this week.

Critics of the bill claim that if the US Congress were to pass H.Con.Res. 362, it would send the signal to the Iranian people and the international community that the US is willing to engage in an aggressive and unwarranted act of war before direct diplomacy even begins. That interpretation is refuted, however, by strong interests in Washington who have pushed to promote the petroleum embargo as a voluntary hold on exports to Iran from a coalition of willing countries. Supporters claim that this proposal is actually an alternative to war and an http://www.campaigniran.org:80/casmii/index.php?q=node/5437effective approach to pressure Iran economically.

Sensing that the threat of war has once again increased -- especially in light of this month’s Israeli military exercises which simulated a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities -- IAEA Director Mohamad El Baradei warned last week that he would resign if any country attacked Iran.

Economic analysts worry that the risk of military escalation in the Persian Gulf could drive oil prices above their already record highs, possibly approaching $200 per barrel. During this highly charged political time, members of Congress are prone to give in to calls for tough talk and escalation against Iran. That approach, however, has failed for nearly three decades and produces nothing more than higher gas prices and a constantly growing risk of war.

Your members of Congress need to hear your opinion about this. Tell your members of Congress not to support this war resolution.

http://www.campaigniran.org:80/casmii/index.php?q=node/5437

[LakeSamish706]

1. I believe that our members of congress know full well how the majority...

of the American people feel about an attack on Iran, but they don't seem to give a shit. It's time for change alright, it's time to vote any Congress critter out that thinks we (the people) want to attack Iran.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. One reason to explain this madness: all members of Congress are up for reelection

in November. This is posturing but with dangerous results.

[sam sarrha]

3. they dont have to declare war.. just "DO NOTHING" and let it happen. emphasis on do nothing congress

[RC]

4. If we had a Democratic Congress, we wouldn't have to worry so much.

[John Q. Citizen]

6. Ironic, isn't it? 103, almost half, are Dems.

[John Q. Citizen]

5. We need a letter to the editor writing campaign and accuse these assholes of driving up the cost of

gasoline.

5 or 6 letters to the biggest papers in each district should get people thinking about the risks.

[99th_Monkey]

7. Congress may as well. They've clearly got their lips locked onto Mr. 26%'s arse. Shame. ~nt~

[Dr.Phool]

8. I don't think it's his arse any more.

They've graduated.

[stillcool]

9. I wish I knew

.. where the rest of the world is in all of this.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/2007/0701worldwide.htm

Source : Eric Waddell, The Battle for Oil, Global Research, 2003

[Doctor_J]

10. that would be an excellent way to piss away the landslide we have coming

in November. It is going to be tough for Nancy & Harry to screw this up, but if anyone can, they're the ones.

[hokies4ever]

11. Well they didn't really declare war on Iraq

which is why it's always funded off-budget with the special emergency spending bills, or whatever they're called. Kyl-Lieberman is to IWR as Iran is to Iraq. Dumbya has the authority needed to attack Iran without any further approval by Congress.

[L. Coyote]

12. Deja DU: Iran Busts CIA Terror Network 'Devised By US To Bomb Educational & Religious Centers'

Have they done so already, in secret in committees??

Deja DU: Iran Busts CIA Terror Network 'Devised By US To Bomb Educational & Religious Centers'
May-18-08 - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3305955

-----------------------------
Iran busts CIA terror network
davidswanson ...

TEHRAN - The Intelligence Ministry on Saturday released details of the detection and dismantling of a terrorist network affiliated to the United States.

In a coordinated operation on May 7, Iranian intelligence agents arrested the terrorist network’s members, who were identified in Fars, Khuzestan, Gilan, West Azerbaijan, and Tehran provinces, the Intelligence Ministry announcement said.

The group’s plans were devised in the U.S., according to the announcement, which added that they had planned to carry out a number of acts such as bombing scientific, educational, and religious centers, shooting people, and making public places in various cities insecure.

One of the terrorists was killed in the operation, but the rest are in detention, the Intelligence Ministry said, adding that the group’s main objective was to create fear among the people.

more at:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/33498