US & UK to mass warships off Iran

[englishman26]

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 — The United States and Britain will begin moving additional warships and strike aircraft into the Persian Gulf region in a display of military resolve toward Iran that will come as the United Nations continues to debate possible sanctions against the country, Pentagon and military officials said Wednesday.

The officials said that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was expected this week to approve a request by commanders for a second aircraft carrier and its supporting ships to be stationed within quick sailing distance of Iran by early next year.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/world/middleeast/21navy.html

[TonyM]

I wonder if this move might be more in anticipation of some possible widespread violence when they hang Hussein between now and 1/27?

[englishman26]

I wonder if this move might be more in anticipation of some possible widespread violence when they hang Hussein between now and 1/27?

What an odd concept - that somehow the violence in Iraq could get worse for some reason! No-one cares. This is not what Iraq is about.

Just imagine if the Iranians decide to sink a US battleship.

I think this move is about the threat of strategegic strikes on Iran. Which is ridiculous since, as the other article points out, their economy is screwed, they desperately need nuclear power but even if they do want a nuclear weapon too, they won't have one for another 10 years.

[TonyM]

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic about the odd concept and pointing out that while it should be of concern, the powers that be are not? Or do you not think that there is the potential for the violence in Iraq to spread outside of Iraq?

[englishman26]

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic about the odd concept and pointing out that while it should be of concern, the powers that be are not? Or do you not think that there is the potential for the violence in Iraq to spread outside of Iraq?

Well that's a different point. Yes I think there's the potential for the sectarian violence to spread outside of Iraq as various groups in other counties start to take sides. It's probably happening already in fact but so far they're all just migrating into Irag to fight there.

I was merely saying that Hussain being excuted wasn't relevant.

I don't know what "the powers that be" think. I've been confused on that front for a few years now. I think generally they just don't.

[TonyM]

Well that's a different point. Yes I think there's the potential for the sectarian violence to spread outside of Iraq as various groups in other counties start to take sides. It's probably happening already in fact but so far they're all just migrating into Irag to fight there.

I was merely saying that Hussain being excuted wasn't relevant.

I don't know what "the powers that be" think. I've been confused on that front for a few years now. I think generally they just don't.

Ahh, I see..I think:wink:

The reason I mentioned Hussein's hanging as possibly igniting more violence is because it can be used as a rallying point for the insurgents, al qaeda et al. Even though they might be glad he has been taken from power, I don't think they appreciate that the US (in their opinion) is having him put to death. Just a speculation.