The problems with ABM's is that it's very difficult to convince the folks they are aimed at that these weapons cannot also be used as offensive weapons... I mean, if Russsia were to plant ABM's in Cuba the US would throw a fit, Homey...

This is perhaps why Russia is trhowing a fit about the US wanted to plant them on Russia's doorstep...

And for this same reason we cannot expect to produce an environment where the Iranian clerics can bring about moderation with the same sabre rattling from the US...

All that sabre rattling does is prolong conflict which, in turn, does not create an positive environment for the US and Iran to find common ground...

(But, Bobert, Iran did that and Iran did that!!!)

Iran also helped the US defeat the Taliban... Hmmmmmm???

The US has had one opportunity after another under Bush to make inroads in Iran and has bungled them all... Now, it is apparent that Bush has so poisoned the relationship that the Iranians don't trust him and are just, like the rest of the world, waiting Bush out... Bush's legacy is allready cast in stone and there is nothing now that he can do to change it...

Seems the next 12 months can't go by fast enough...

This is not meant to be a personal attack on anyone... This is just a sober assessment of the situation...

B~