Is the America of 2006 more willing to thwart the unacceptable than the France of 1936? So far, not evidently. According to the New York Times, "One of President Bush's most senior foreign policy advisers" recently told a group of academics, "The problem is that our policy has been all carrots and no sticks. And the Iranians know it."
Even when we do indicate that we have the stick by, say, not subtly insinuating the potential use of tactical nukes to eliminate Iran's nuclear program, the press and the chattering classes become outraged and effectively handcuff diplomatic efforts. Iran may be utilizing "useful idiots" even better than the Soviets did.
Once Iran acquires nuclear weapons, and at the present rate, it is almost a foregone conclusion that they will, those who have been opposed to using military force to prevent it, particularly those who live in big cities like L.A. and New York, will suddenly feel very vulnerable and blame Republicans for not doing more to prevent it. Bet on it, because they've put politics above national security.
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