CNN: U.S. show of force in Persian Gulf

[flvegan]

ABOARD THE USS JOHN C. STENNIS IN THE GULF (AP) -- The U.S. Navy on Tuesday began its largest demonstration of force in the Gulf since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, deploying two aircraft carriers and conducting simulated aerial attacks.

The maneuvers, involving 15 U.S. warships and more than a hundred planes, were certain to increase tension with Iran, which has frequently condemned the U.S. military presence off its coastline.

The exercises began only four days after Iran captured 15 British sailors and marines whom it accused of straying into Iranian waters near the Gulf. Britain and the U.S. Navy have insisted the British sailors were operating in Iraqi waters. (Full story)

Aboard the carrier USS John C. Stennis, F/A-18 fighter jets rocketed off the deck in one of a dozen rapid-fire training sorties against enemy shipping and aircraft.

More:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/03/27/us.gulf.ap/index.html

I hadn't seen this posted yet, but if it's a dupe, apologies. Seems to sort of fit in with the current vibe about Iran.

[ShortnFiery]

1. Was this the result of a brain storming session from the geniuses within The Unitary Executive?

Lovely. :eyes:

[louis-t]

2. They claim it was planned before the UK soldiers incident.

Possible, also possible that the incident with the UK soldiers was planned long before it happened.

[lyonn]

4. Insanity reins supreme in this White House

Hagel just got through explaining why we need to get out of Iraq and one of the main reason is we are running out of troops to do bush's new mission of putting as many as 40,000 more troops in that country. Insanity we ain't got em'.

Yet dumbass wants to move His Ships around in threatening ways to show how powerful we are. Would someone please give George a clue? Or give his some meds that will make him like life and people? This is a sick man....

[malaise]

3. Condi is in the area

expect trouble.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

5. Throwing rocks at the hornet's nest... hoping to get stung.

Then we can break out the flamethrowers and ignite another region in the ME. :grr: