If anyone hasn't read Sy Hersch's New Yorker "Shifting Targets" article, about attacking Iran, DO IT

[Guaranteed]

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/10/08/071008fa_fact_hersh?printable=true

Check it out. What he is saying is fascinating.

Yes, it's fascinating that human beings with brains that presumably still have their cerebral cortexes intact could be this stupid.

He also says that while Iran may be meddling in Iraq, they're really just warning us. According to David Kay, if they were really trying to hurt us, they would be supplying the Shiites with the "good stuff"- Stinger missiles and anti-tank weapons.

He has some harsh words for Iran, as well, through Zbigniew Brzezinski, who wonders when the Iranians will put a leash on Ahmedinejad. He believes that the US is trying to provoke Iran into doing something actionable.

[Guaranteed]

1. Kick nt

[and-justice-for-all]

2. Great article...but I have a question..

The European diplomat said "we believe they will react asymmetrically—hitting targets in Europe and in Latin America.” What exactly would be the point of Iran attacking a Latin American target? Latin America has no issues with Iran..It just sounds like BS to me.

[Guaranteed]

4. That's a good question. I don't know the strategic significance

of Latin America.

[wuushew]

8. Perhaps a threat against the Panama Canal?

:shrug:

[Elidor]

5. Yes, it does sound perfectly ludicrous

They gain nothing from such a scenario. Iran is dependent on Europe for trade. And Latin America? That's so reminiscent of the crack pipe that I have to wonder who's been hanging out with Richard Perle. Hezbollah has neither the infrastructure nor the assets to attack Latin America. Imagine a Hezbollah team in Buenos Aries, trying not to stand out, speaking lousy Spanish and trying to find good falafels. It just doesn't click for me.

[Rex]

11. Because we have special forces bases in LA

That is if they have the info as to where they are. Personally I think they are blowing smoke up Uncle Sam's butt.

[Elidor]

3. Yes, it is a MUST-READ, and I almost never refer to articles that way

I still find it odd that that old hardline cold-warrior Zbig is on the right side these days. My head almost exploded when he started slamming the Bushies and the war on terra. But good on him. As long as you're not talking about Russia, he seems fairly rational.

[Fridays Child]

6. Iran may retaliate by hitting Europe and Latin America?

". . . Iranians are strengthening their air-defense capabilities . . . and we believe they will react asymmetrically—hitting targets in Europe and in Latin America."

I predict that the entire world will unite against us.

[wuushew]

7. Wow! A must read

Hersch lays out how all the pieces are falling into place.

The key points as I see them.

- Cheney is fucking insane

- The build up of United States naval forces now makes sense, it is more than saber rattling.

- Iran's political situation has strengthened and the the time needed to to develop a nuclear program is longer than the time Bush has in office. Realizing this the Neocons are engineering an excuse to escalate.

- Gordon Brown will go along with Bush bombing the Revolutionary guards to satisfy British honor :(

-Kyl-Lieberman was designed as a political trap to stop Democratic criticism.

[Kurovski]

9. K&R. (nt)

[gateley]

10. K&R nt

[Guaranteed]

12. Kick nt