I've been reading about the likelihood that we will bomb Iran soon.
I understand the moral issue:
"How can you talk about bombing a country when you won't even talk to them?" said Clark. "It's outrageous. We're the United States of America; we don't do that.
And I understand the greater likelihood of longterm instability in the region.
What I'd like to know is something different.
What's to keep the Iranians from sending troops and their own air force over to Iraq against American troops there?
From what I've heard, Iran is much larger than Iraq. I assume that they have a well-equipped military with the oil-money that comes to most middle eastern countries.
I also assume that such provocation gives them an excellent excuse to invade and take over Iraq.
What's to prevent this?
With our troops on the ground, surely we wouldn't start bombing indiscriminately?
And if we got our troops out, surely they needn't fear our taking revenge as I imagine world opinion would totally skewer us.
Is this a legitimate concern? I haven't heard it expressed anywhere, but I'm not happy just "assuming" that this scenario isn't possible.
I'm hoping someone here will be able to explain to me with facts and quotes why this won't happen.