Where Do You Stand If/When War Breaks Out With Iran?
Part of my atheism and humanism is my pacifism. However as a realist and a rationalist, and from what I am seeing in the news, war with Iran is a forgone conclusion. Even if we don't attack preemptively, in all likelihood Israel will and we will be bound to support them. This war will be bigger than Iraq and Afghanistan combined and there is a huge chance Russia may support Iran.
A third war. It's tragic and terrifying. Just as one war ended and talk of withdrawing from Afghanistan begins to move forward, the war hawks have their eyes on yet another conflict.
This one however is not easy.
As an atheist, I can see how the influence of extreme Islam, and the might of the ultimate seat of power the Khomeini, will indeed push Iran in the direction of acquiring a nuclear bomb. So when they say they are looking to nuclear power for peaceful means, can we take them on their word? Can even inspectors tell us the truth? If the country was not a theocracy, perhaps we would not have this problem.
However, part of me wants to acknowledge history, whereas we were so certain their were wmds in Iraq.
I just don't know what to believe any more or whom.I'm scared for my children. I don't want this country to end up in another war.
Is there another option? What about waiting for the worst case scenario; they acquire a bomb and there goes most of Israel or a city in the US? Then when we attack and at least it will be justified? I just don't know.
Where do do you stand? How does this affect you and your family? Does your atheism have anything to do with it? Is this an inevitable course of events?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Atheist Exile on -
@Parau Pleines,
To my point of view, you're not being realistic enough.
It's crystal clear to me that Iran must not be allowed to go nuclear. I have no problem whatsoever with that position or its many implications.
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Permalink Reply by Geoff on -
Parau,
Spoken like one from a mature nation with reason and consideration of the consequences. We, unfortunately, are an immature nation that is unsophisticated in the art of diplomacy and filled with the hubris of a nation that was the last one standing after the last great conflagration.
The reality is that Iran is a clever foe that will tweak our noses because it amuses them to do it. They set up demons like the US and Israel to rally their populace and keep attention off their domestic problems. I doubt they would attempt a conventional war because it would be costly and they can cut us a thousand times by using proxies. When will we learn that no nation will fight us mano a mano anymore. That only plays to our strengths. The next wars with inferior forces will be asymmetrical. IED's and that kind of thing. Iran has almost 78 million people and compulsory military service. They won't be a pushover. They are clever and shrewd. We would be wise to heed your caution.
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Permalink Reply by T A A on -
Yes, the very same political strategies used by 'Western' governments to silence people here. At the political level, all politicians are very similar.
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Permalink Reply by Becca on -
"You have a responsibility as the most powerful nation on this planet. From my point of view, you are not taking it seriously enough."
As an American citizen I agree with this point. Don't get me wrong I don't want to see a nuclear Iran. I just hope that the US response to Iran is much better thought out than most of our Middle Eastern endeavors have been. However I don't hold out much hope that it will be.
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Permalink Reply by Robert Karp on -
As far as I'm concerned, Iran has no business developing nuclear technologies until they become stable and peaceful.
North Korea nor Pakistan is stable or peaceful and they have nucs.
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Permalink Reply by Atheist Exile on
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So, by your thinking, we should let other unstable countries join the club? Not realistic OR logical.
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Permalink Reply by Robert Karp on
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No, not thinking that at all. But one of the reasons we maintain peace with them at all costs is because of "mutually assured destruction". Is this not one of the reasons Iran would have to acquire a weapon? To prevent a very likely strike that we are talking about to occur?
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Permalink Reply by Gustaf D on -
I think the first thing to do is to stop any trade with Iran. I am often surprised about the double moral standards of democratic nations. On the one hand we hold our democracy very hight, on the other we trade with dictatorships. As a german I am ashamed of some german companies who do make money in Iran, even support their nuclear program. We have to support the right of the people in Iran, not bomb those who want freedom but can't express it!
A war against Iran would be unnecessary, we must fight them with other means.
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Permalink Reply by Atheist Exile on
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I certainly agree with you ideals. Moral consistency would endow us with the true power of democracy. On the other hand, it's a complex world stage. No country or leader can be righteous in all places at all times. Failure will always visit us. The best we can hope for is to be right MOST of the time.
War is obscene. But sometimes, inaction (or inadequate action) is worse.
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Permalink Reply by Gustaf D on
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I agree, that doing nothing is worse sometimes. But I think we still have other options left.
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