Reply #6: One way to look at it is

[geek tragedy]

that there's no way the US can go after Iran now--that would mean a draft (there aren't even enough troops for Iraq, for goodness' sake).

So, the Iranians KNOW that they can do what they want, and the US won't do jack crap about it.

Ambiguity is a very powerful diplomatic tool for the US. For decades it worked with China and Taiwan.

Bush doesn't recognize that--he has the "Hulk Smash" approach to international diplomacy.

Would going after Iran be a good or a bad idea? I strongly believe it would be a bad idea no matter what the circumstances are. But I also believe it wouldn't have been a bad thing for the Mullahs to be a little nervous either.