Chances of US and Iranian conflict?

[Maxximus Redneckus]

It's an amazing how so much speculative data creates so much "Fear". Do we have any concrete data that is "public" about the state of Iran's nuclear project?

As far as a nation like Iran or North Korea ever delivering a nuclear device to American soil is a mega long shot at very best. Our military has most conventional nuclear threats pretty well covered. No sub is going to come close enough to the U.S. to deliver a warhead our L.A. class fast attack subs will be sure of that. As far as ballistic delivery the US has the capability of intercepting these threats a variety of ways. Patriot, Aegis, and the newest Arrow missile defense systems are all in line to defeat these threats. Nuclear devices are very hard to transport and disguise. So called suitcase bombs are very hard to produce and aren't a likely scenario. The U.S. also tracks and can detect nuclear material through a variety of systems in place.

Contrary to popular belief we are relatively safe from a nuclear threat. STOP WORRYING. All this media attention is doing one thing, creating "Fear". Fear creates money. People want to feel safe and they will spend money to do it. All these wonderful defense agency's fund themselves by increasing their budgets during a time when the American people feel unsafe. A country as a whole would have to be ludicrous to outright provoke a confrontation with the U.S. these days. While a few radical separatist may attempt attacks no government wants to bring the U.S. military machine down on them.

The U.S. needs to address the terrorist threats in a different way then invading entire countries. Occupation of these countries can work, but lead to a long drawn out bloody conflict. Does anybody believe we have achieved what we set out to do in Iraq or Afghanistan yet? Can the U.S. afford to put itself in a similar situation in Iran or North Korea? We need to keep working diplomatic routes and stop being so quick to jump the gun with the military.

Also I can't listen to people any more when they tie Islam or perversions of the Quran to the reason people do these horrible things. Islam is a religion and is peaceful by nature. Religions were created to bring peace, direction and unity in people. People that hide behind religion to do these atrocities can not be looked at as religious. People need to understand there is no thing as an "Islamic militant", just a militant. Its ashame that the view of Islam and people of that belief are tainted by these people actions and it's even more disappointing that ignorant people believe that Islam is out to get the western world. All I can hope for is that people are more accepting and inform themselves fully before judging people. Give peace and understanding a chance!!!! What happened to all those seventies hippies when you need them? Guess their all retired.

I dont no about all that a 2 man sub can sneak anywear and holds enough NUKE power to take out a city i live really close to the Cheaseapeke bay in maryland and i talk to waterman a lot  that stay on the bay for a career and they have seen some ODD stuff not animals .A nuke in the baltimore harbor woudl be so easy to detinate

[Troutfisher]

Thanks Ronnie, sorry, i've just had a bad day.I know you guys don't mean anything by it, and for that, I apologize. I just read through that link thoughtfully and I can see your points. Cheers!

No need to apologize, you're entitled to your opinion.  Cheers and tight lines!  

[Fish Man]

i agree with the conceited redneck about how a nuke in a harbor wouldnt be hard to accomplish. i wouldnt doubt that they could sneak one up undetected to any u.s harbor and detonate it before we can stop them or let alone know they are there

[Water Dog]

i wouldnt doubt that they could sneak one up undetected to any u.s harbor and detonate it before we can stop them or let alone know they are there

I'm afraid that you are right!

The Iranians have three Russian subs and some mini-subs that they build themselves.

<http://bubbleheads.blogspot.com/2005/05/new-iranian-submarine-not-quite.html>

We probably keep a pretty close eye on their whereabouts but there many other ways of delivering a nuclear device.

I don't know that Iran needs to sneak or even needs a sub to deliver a nuclear device. Remember Oct. 12, 2000 when the USS Cole was hit by a speed boat? The Ship was left with a gaping 35' hole, 17 sailors dead and 39 injured.

The destroyer's "Rules of Engagement", as approved by the Pentagon, kept its guards from firing upon the small boat loaded with explosives as it neared them without first obtaining permission from the Cole's captain or another officer. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing>

This happened after another unsuccessful attack Jan.3, 2000 on the USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) by Al-Qaeda. These were stupid "Rules" and everyone who had a part in them should have been fired or forced to resign up to whatever level it went. Those were insane "rules". The Military is too smart to adopt rules like that without having them foisted on them by an Administration.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_(DDG_67)>

What is to keep Iran or their terrorists from running a speed boat or a slow boat for that matter with a nuclear device right up the Potomac or any number of our other ports?

[Maxximus Redneckus]

i wouldnt doubt that they could sneak one up undetected to any u.s harbor and detonate it before we can stop them or let alone know they are there

I'm afraid that you are right!

The Iranians have three Russian subs and some mini-subs that they build themselves.

<http://bubbleheads.blogspot.com/2005/05/new-iranian-submarine-not-quite.html>

We probably keep a pretty close eye on their whereabouts but there many other ways of delivering a nuclear device.

I don't know that Iran needs to sneak or even needs a sub to deliver a nuclear device. Remember Oct. 12, 2000 when the USS Cole was hit by a speed boat? The Ship was left with a gaping 35' hole, 17 sailors dead and 39 injured.

The destroyer's "Rules of Engagement", as approved by the Pentagon, kept its guards from firing upon the small boat loaded with explosives as it neared them without first obtaining permission from the Cole's captain or another officer. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing>

This happened after another unsuccessful attack Jan.3, 2000 on the USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) by Al-Qaeda. These were stupid "Rules" and everyone who had a part in them should have been fired or forced to resign up to whatever level it went. Those were insane "rules". The Military is too smart to adopt rules like that without having them foisted on them by an Administration.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_(DDG_67)>

What is to keep Iran or their terrorists from running a speed boat or a slow boat for that matter with a nuclear device right up the Potomac or any number of our other ports?

YUp im really surprised it hasnt happened yet as much boat traffic near the harbor and DC >I have heard a suitcase can carry a BOMB wether a dirty bomb or mass destruction very easy .I think america needs to look away from the air for a while they did the air attack already im sure they are not that stupid to try it again so many tributarys around here anyone has access WE need to think on a smaller scale 40 small bombs are easier to move,set,fire, then 3 or 4 that stand out like sore thumbs!!!

[chitwnbass]

This thread has been on fire for the last few days it seems like we all need to get our butts back on the water.  This has been a great topic and I've had a blast reading everyone's views.  Doesn't it scare anybody that there has been so much suggestion of using nuclear weapons?  While I don't believe that going to war with Iran is a necessity, the fact is war may be an inevitably.  On the other hand use of our nuclear weapons has to be totally out of the question.  To suggest something of this nature is ludicrous.  I don't believe people grasp what today's nuclear weapons are all about.  Unleashing a modern nuclear weapon would affect 100's of miles surrounding the target.  Thee amount of collateral damage would be immeasurable and unacceptable.  Not only would the use one of these weapons be seen as an atrocity by the worlds eyes but would set a precedent for use by other nuclear proficient countries.  This is a box I hope I never see opened and would be a bleak day for all mankind if this scenario ever came to fruition.  Take the nuke chanting down a notch and really think what you're asking our country to do.

[Glenn]

I agree.  Let's get back to talking about fishing!