peacefinder's Journal: Language is no barrier, I guess

Is it just me, or does it seem a little strange that munitions of allegedly Iranian manufacture are stamped with english-language markings and gregorian dates? (See photos 6 through 9.)

I mean, sure it's possible. I can think of several reasons why the Iranians might use english-language markings. Maybe English is the official language of the international small-arms trade, or maybe they're trying to disguise the origin of the munitions. But given this administration's track record in matters of intelligence, I'm having a hard time swallowing this.

And even if I were to buy into the idea that Iran is supplying arms to Iraqi insurgents, it's hard to think that it justifies an invasion. Yes, I understand that EFP weapons are probably the biggest threat to US forces out there. But as I understand it, making them is just a matter of applying the right geometry in a machine shop, then packing in the explosives. Halting the importation of finished weapons won't make a huge dent in EFP availability if any underemployed schmuck with a cutting torch, a hammer, and access to some basic industrial materials can make 'em from plans. It's not at all clear that taking on Iran would halt the supply, or even slow it down much.

It's just not a complicated weapon. It doesn't take much of a manufacturing base to make EFPs. It's not like, say, a Stinger anti-aircraft missile that's full of microprocessors and software. (And as I recall, there were quite a few of those supplied clandestinely to a bunch of insurgents fighting an invading superpower some years back. But we didn't regard that as causus belli, did we?)

Harumph. Not impressed.

Hold on a minute...

[RailGunner]

And even if I were to buy into the idea that Iran is supplying arms to Iraqi insurgents, it's hard to think that it justifies an invasion.

Bush isn't talking about invading Iran... and Bush has also pointed out that while they know it's Iranian stuff, and know it's this Qud group, they can't trace it back to the higher levels of the Iranian Government.

But Bush has said repeatedly - no invasion of Iran is imminent. And I doubt we'll invade Iran, unless they attack us first, or threaten Israel with a nucl

Re:

[nizo]

We can't invade anyway. Seriously, we are stretched too thin already. Now a bombing campaign is possible, but probably not a good idea either. Our best bet would be to interrupt the supply chain, which is a distinct possibility, though if we knew where the weapons were streaming across the border(s), I doubt we would be announcing that we knew they were coming from Iran on international tv; we would just start hitting the convoys, or wherever they were warehoused. So what that indicates to me is that we are

Re:

[peacefinder]

But Bush has said repeatedly - no invasion of Iran is imminent.

Good. Let's keep it that way.

Re:

[RailGunner]

I agree - we should keep it that way as long as the Iranians let us.
However, an attack on our troops in Iraq, or threatening any of our allies with a nuclear weapon by Iran would change my mind.

Re:

[Captain Splendid]

You know, I could have sworn you were one of those "anti-partisanship" type people, but you sure have been spit-spraying a shitload of Kool-Aid recently.

Bush isn't talking about invading Iran

Gee, where have I heard that one before? [foxnews.com] Besides which, considering this administration's track record, a little healthy skepticism is needed regardless, right? Oh fuck it, just gulp it down...

Bush has also pointed out that while they know it's Iranian stuff, and know it's this Qud group, they can't trace it

82 vs. 81 mm

[Jeremiah Cornelius]

The size is wrong - by 1mm for Iran. This calibre is used by... Great Britain! You know, the country which bombed civilians [globalresearch.ca] in Omaugh and their own Army [guardian.co.uk] in Ireland - blaming this on the Republican opposition.

The same country that broke into a Basra prison, to extract jailed 'insurgents' - actually SAS [scoop.co.nz] false-flag [blogspot.com] operatives. They pulled this same crap with Laurence in the Big War, against the Ottomans.

These guys are the main force on the supposed route for Iran support to Shi'a in Iraq. What a load of h