Such action would be disastrous for the United States. While a U.S. military strike on Iran might achieve its short-term objective – that of delaying the Islamic republic from attaining nuclear weapons, the long-term effect would be devastating for U.S. relations with much of the Islamic world. It's the recruiting poster Osama bin Laden is just waiting for.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has tried to play down the speculation, saying it is "ridiculous" to think that Fallon's resignation should be perceived as a signal that the United States has plans to attack Iran. However, when analyzing a number of apparently unrelated events and connecting the dots, a picture begins to appear. What emerges strengthens the speculation that the White House plans to go to war once more.
Writing in U.S. News and World Report Terry Atlas finds six signs that may indicate the United States plans military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities before this administration's term expires in just over 300 days. According to the U.S. News article these include:
Fallon's resignation – he disagrees with the Bush administration's plans for war. Fallon, whose expertise lies in carrier-based operations would explain his appointment as commander of CENTCOM, traditionally a job assigned to ground forces commanders.
Vice President Dick Cheney's "peace trip" to the Middle East – Cheney, who has long supported the idea of striking Iran is also making stops in Oman and Saudi Arabia, two vital allies in the Gulf.
Israel's still sketchy airstrike on Syria last October – initially said to have targeted a North Korean built nuclear-related facility. More recent reports indicate the strike was to force Syria to switch on new Russian supplied anti-aircraft defenses.
U.S. warships off the Lebanese coast – seen as a return to gunboat diplomacy, in effect intended to provide cover to Israel in case of Iranian missile attacks.
Comments by Israeli President Shimon Peres that Israel will not consider unilateral action to stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb;
and Israel's July 2006 war in Lebanon against Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
All along, the U.S. administration of President George W. Bush has repeatedly said that all options, including military action, remained on the table. Iran's recent announcement that it was no longer going to discuss its nuclear program strengthens the speculation buzzing around Washington.
The consequences of such actions can only be repeated so many times: Don't do it, Mr. President.