U.S. Navy shows force in Persian Gulf (AP)

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

U.S. Navy shows force in Persian Gulf

By JIM KRANE, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 19 minutes ago

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The U.S. Navy on Tuesday began
its largest demonstration of force in the Persian Gulf since the
2003 invasion of Iraq, led by a pair of aircraft carriers and backed
by warplanes flying simulated attack maneuvers off the coast
of Iran.

The maneuvers bring together two strike groups of U.S. warships
and more than 100 U.S. warplanes to conduct simulated air
warfare in the crowded Gulf shipping lanes.

-snip-

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kevin Aandahl said the U.S. maneuvers were
not organized in response to the capture of the British sailors
— nor were they meant to threaten the Islamic Republic, whose
navy operates in the same waters.

He declined to specify when the Navy planned the exercises.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070327/ap_on_re_mi_ea/gulf_us_maneuvers

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Just in time for that April 6 attack the Russians are forecasting.

Oh, shit.

[mmonk]

2. Iran is not going to take the bait.

I would love not to worry about this at all, but due to politics and influence and a push the envelope executive branch, we have to.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

3. It sounds like we're looking to get attacked...

it's like we're in their faces saying I dare you to hit me.

[izzie]

4. Bush's lose in House made him mad. He and Vice will be

interesting to watch. Pity our country with these two so called autocrats running things and with the most powerful military at their call. The House better hang on to the money or else. I always felt these last two years would be hell for us all.

[screembloodymurder]

5. The U.S. is bullying Iran into a confrontation.

Bush makes me sick. Like the little twerp with the big brother, he uses our military to enforce his own ego.

[RaleighNCDUer]

6. Oh, I like the disclaimer --

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kevin Aandahl said the U.S. maneuvers were
not organized in response to the capture of the British sailors
— nor were they meant to threaten the Islamic Republic, whose
navy operates in the same waters.

Not "in response" - they were planned for a long time. A couple years, by some reports.

not "meant to threaten" - No, the actual purpose was to sit there saying "Start something. Please! Please start something! Make my day!"

[Javaman]

7. Here we go...

:scared:

[dkofos]

8. Let's hope for restraint from the Iranians, because I don't think

we will get the same from *ush