Arutz Sheva today reports on comments by former U.S. Justice Department prosecutor and intelligence expert John Loftus concerning options to deal with Iran.  Loftus essentially summarizes three key points about dealing with the mullahs that have been discussed previously in AT.  First, he says there are too many geo—political and operational limitations to make a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities feasible.  Second, the preferred method is for the West to get rid of the mullahs  by coordinating with, and supporting dissident groups. And third, the Coalition must be prepared to conduct combat operations to seal off  the Straits of Hormuz to affect an economic collapse and hasten the mullahs' departure.  As I noted in April of 2004, and as Loftus now says, the military blockade, combined with covert support for a mass uprising within Iran would need to be decisive quickly, since the economies of Japan and Europe are vulnerable to long—term oil restrictions through the Straits.

Douglas Hanson  12 13 05