I was just wondering the general attitude of people here at the DailyKos. There's a lot of angst about a possible war with Iran--with claims of Bush chomping at the bit, etc. And a lot of people who seem against a war completely.
So is that really so? Let's set aside any theories of Bush wanting us to go to war. What would it take for you to support any conflict with Iran?
Traditionally, war happens because of an attack by one country or organization on another. That is why the whole Israel-Hezbollah war happened last year--the casus belli was the kidnapped soldier Hezbollah crossed over into Israel to kidnap. Under traditional rules of war, that is a legal casus belli.
Another is to honor treaty or ally obligations. That's why NATO is involved in Afghanistan right now--under the NATO treaty, the attack on the US on 9-11 had all signatories to NATO go to war with the Taliban.
Another suggested one is for international peacekeeping--not letting rogue states get away with stuff. The first Gulf war fits into this paradigm.
A fourth claimed reason is a preemptive strike now to prevent issues in the future. Israel is the master at this--the Iraqi nuclear reactor strike in the 1980's, and just recently the Syrian strike. Reagan's bombing of Libya in the 80's might also fit into this one.
So, what happens if Iran keeps building nuclear facilities in defiance of UN resolutions? Would you support action to shut that down now to prevent issues later? I think most people here would rather see Iran get nuclear weapons than the US strike.
But what if Iran attacks Israel, an ally? Do we get involved? What if they attack Saudi Arabia? Again, do we get involved?
How about if Iran starts killing US troops--a very clear casus belli. Are you more worried about Iran killing US troops, or about the possible Bush reaction to that? Indeed, that may already have been happening, though I know there's been some dispute.
Maybe for humanitarian reasons--to defend some group being exterminated.
Or would you support action against Iran only if they launch a full fledged war against the US? Or would you then?
I look forward to some insightful comments on when war should be waged.
Note: this diary is just looking at when do you think the US would be justified in engaging in military conflict with Iran. Not whether or not you believe Bush is out to foment a war.