Another Iranian Act of Aggression

Since Bush's own National Intelligence Estimate admitted that the Iranians had apparently called a halt back in 2003 to whatever it was our intelligence community had supposed might be a "nuclear weapons program," the Russians decided it was safe to deliver the Iranians the first load of low-enriched uranium fuel for the nuclear power plant the Russians have been in the process of building – despite threats by President Clinton and President Bush – at Bushehr.

The Russians also announced they would provide Iran "a powerful new air defense system" to protect Bushehr and up to five more nuclear power plants they intend to build in Iran.

Well, the neocrazy editorialists at the New York Times promptly had a cow.

"While the risk that Tehran might divert the low-enriched uranium for weapons use is relatively small, the political significance of the shipment is not. It is the latest reminder that the Bush administration's Iran policy is not working and that Washington and the other major powers are going to have to be a lot more creative and a lot more tough-minded if there is any hope of restraining Iran's nuclear ambitions."

Be creative?

Well, how about this?

Why not have the USS Port Royal [CG-73], escorted by the USS Hopper [DDG-70] and the USS Ingraham [FFG-61] steam in and out, through the Straits of Hormuz, which is only 50 Km [31 miles] wide at its narrowest point. Since Iran's recognized territorial sea extends outward for 12 miles, that means that the recognized international waterway at that point is only six miles wide.

Why choose the USS Port Royal?

Well, it's the same class – an Aegis Cruiser – as the USS Vincennes [CG-49].

You remember the Vincennes, don't you?