The real issue of military action with Iran isn’t oil, it’s their determination to build “the bomb”. By saying “If you try to stop us, we’ll cut off your beloved oil” only serves to escalate the problem.

For all those who said “We should have let the UN handle Iraq”, here’s the UN’s chance to prove their worth.

I agree alternate energy sources are a viable avenue and must be pursued.

The question really is responsibility of a nation, in this case Iran, in its words and actions.

So you’re actually backing the invasion of a country simply for their natural resources?

Calm down … no, not simply for their natural resources per se.

This is a discussion about strategic implication — is Iran’s rhetoric and actions, if it matches that rhetoric, not a concern for the impact upon the global stage?

Once a precedent has been set of ignoring the type of actions that Iran is promising, then what will happen? World chaos and results that will most assuredly scare us all.

If Iran goes “all in,” then someone has to be ready to call.

What do you feel is the criteria upon which a nation “calls” Iran?

We can all agree that it’s time to find an alternative source of fuel, but that’s at least 5 years away.

Have you read about theFischer-Tropsh method? It turns coal into liquid. And it even makes a cleaner burning fuel. Look for that to be the next frontier in oil production. In fact, it’s already begun here and elsewhere.

And by the way, we’re sitting on more coal/gas potential than in all of Saudi Arabia. So this whole blood for oil nonsense is just that…nonsense. We’re just being lazy. If we were smart, we’d earmark some of our vast Pentagon billions for alternative fuel processing since this is now no longer simply an economic consideration, but more of a national security issue.

And to Denise…

Can we afford to not go “all in� if Iran is foolhardy enough to make good on their threats?

So you’re actually backing the invasion of a country simply for their natural resources? I’m sorry, but do either of you actually realize what you’re saying? That a country’s sovereignty comes AFTER our need for their resources?

Jeezus…you people are actually scaring me.

It’ll be interesting to see what conclusion the UN reaches, although I won’t hold my breath … somehow even a condemnation from the Council doesn’t seem like it will elicit more than a “Bah” from Mr. Ahmadinejad.

Can we afford to not go “all in” if Iran is foolhardy enough to make good on their threats?

Whether we like it or not, the US has a permanent seat around the table and there are times when a bluff needs to be called.

Embargo’s against offending nations don’t work, so what else can we do?

And ford…comments like those certainly embolden the “No Blood For Oil” chanters. Are you saying that we should invade Iran for their oil?

“You [the west] need us more than we need you. All of you today need the Iranian nation.�

That’s where you’re wrong Mr Ahmadinejad: the world doesn’t need the Iranian Nation, just the oil that is sitting under the Iranian nation.

I can here the “No Blood For Oil” chants starting already.