[richlevy]

Originally Posted by lookout123

if they were building nuclear weapons in response to our imminent invasion, wouldn't they be smarter to spend the r &d money on conventional weaponry upgrades, troop movements and a larger standing army, and then move into more effective (from a real threat standpoint) wmd like bio and chem?

Because nuclear weapons are the great equalizer. Given their GDP, there is no way they can match US armor and tactics. Granted they make up some in fanaticism, but strapping explosives on young teenagers will not stop heavy armor.

Anyone who watched us roll over Iraq and stop at North Korea gets the message. After being placed on the Axis of Evil list, it would probably be irresponsible of them not to develop a deterrent. Right now the US is extended as far as we can sustain without a draft. We could field another 50K or more for a very short while, but would not have replacements anytime soon. It is in Iran's interests to develop a deterrent before the bulk of the troops come back and are sent out the door to Iran.

Considering the tinderbox the Middle East has become, I doubt that Israel can get away with a pre-emptive strike like they took against Iraq in 1981.

Of course, this might be premature since the reactor in Iran is supposedly not the best type for weapons grade development.

Still, it's nice to see a demonstration of the safer world Wolfowitz, Cheney, and friends have led us to. I hope they get locked out of the shelter if the day ever comes.