Lieberman On Iran -- Be Prepared To Strike

Senator Joe Lieberman has weighed in on Iran and his thoughts reflect the opinion of quite a few here in America:

Sen. Joe Lieberman says the United States should be prepared to take "aggressive military action" against Iran in response to its purported killings of U.S. troops inside Iraq.

"I think we've got to be prepared to take aggressive military action against the Iranians to stop them from killing Americans in Iraq," the Connecticut independent said during an appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation." "And to me, that would include a strike over the border into Iran, where we have good evidence that they have a base at which they are training these people coming back into Iraq to kill our soldiers."

Mr. Lieberman, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently returned from a trip to the region and said there is evidence that "as many as 200 American soldiers" have been killed by Iranians and Iranian-trained forces. Mr. Lieberman remained firm when asked whether he was suggesting strikes against Iran.

Before the antiwar moonbats jump to conclusions, he is not advocating a ground offensive. He is talking about strategic airstrikes. Let me be perfectly honest here when I say this is something that has been a long time in coming. We know that Iran is directly interfering in Iraq's business; that they are supplying the insurgents/terrorists over there with weapons and munitions; that they are training elements of the insurgency in how to attack our troops, and the forces of the Iraqi police and military.

There have been veiled, yet half-hearted threats that have come from the administration over this matter. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has stated that we are not preparing for any sort of military action on Iran. The Jerusalem Post begs to differ with Secretary Rice. They have spoken with military commanders who have confirmed that there is a plan in place, and ready to go at a moment's notice if Iran goes nuclear. they also say the president will not allow Iran to achieve their nuclear WMDs, and will act if it becomes necessary before his departure from office in 2009.

In the Washington times piece I cite above, Governor Bill Richardson is on the record saying that sanctions would work more effectively. While we do agree that sanctions should be imposed on Iran, getting other nations on board is difficult, at best. Iran's two chief trade partners right now are Russia and China. We sincerely doubt either nation will abide by any sanctions we call for, or invoke. California's legislature recently voted to divest the state of any business ties with Iran. A small step, to be sure, but one that is in the right direction. However, sanctions alone do not hold the power many feel they would. Behind those sanctions must come repercussions if Iran decides to retaliate over their imposition.

In short, a military solution should never be taken off the table. It is the one thing that can keep nations like Iran in line. But with that plan there must be solid leadership, and a concensus of the administration. With the administration right now all over the map with regard to Iran, of course Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the mullahocracy in Tehran will continue to do whatever they desire.

Marcie