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RON PAUL SAYS IRAN WAR INEVITABLE
Paul Warns Americans: Embargo on Iranians Is Declaration of War
REP. RON PAUL (R-TEX.) has warned millions of radio listeners that a strike against Iran seems inevitable. He called House Concurrent Resolution 362, strongly pushed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a “virtual Iran war resolution.”
Since its introduction by Rep. Gary Ackerman (DN. Y.) three weeks ago, the resolution has won 238 cosponsors. In the Senate, companion Resolution 580, introduced by Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), has gathered 35 cosponsors. After making its case against Iran with 11 “whereas” items, House 362 requires a naval blockade to “prohibit the export to Iran of all petroleum products, impose stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains and cargo entering or departing Iran.”
It also bans international travel of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiating the suspension of Iran’s nuclear program.
If passed by both chambers, the United States would be at war with Iran—alone with no allies. The gasoline price would jump up to $8 or $10 per gallon. Both measures have been referred to each chamber’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
The Times of London reported that President Bush has told the Israeli government that he may approve a military strike on Iran if negotiations on nuclear weapons with Tehran break down, citing a senior Pentagon official.
Despite the opposition of his own generals and skepticism that America is ready to risk its military, already spread thin, Bush has given an “amber light” to an Israeli plan to strike Iran, the official said. “Amber means get on with your preparations, stand by for immediate attack and tell us when you’re ready,” the official was quoted.
Iran’s military leaders warned July 5 it would shut down the Strait of Hormuz and use “blitzkrieg” tactics in the Gulf if the United States attacks. Iran has demonstrated the ability to shut 
Sinking or crippling a couple of oil tankers, thus blocking traffic, would be no challenge for Iran. Ship owners throughout the world would refuse to navigate around the stricken ships. Last January, three small, unarmed Iranian speedboats darted about U.S. Naval vessels. If they had been suicide missions, ships would have been hit, as the USS Cole was in 2000.
Iran’s largest naval base at Bandar Abbas commands the northern side of the strait. Three islands near the middle of the strait are under Iranian control with naval gun emplacements and concealed missiles. Iran has advanced torpedoes from Russia that can travel over 200 mph and seek out targets.
Following are members who voted, effectively, in favor of war with Iran.
35 Senators Who Co-Sponsored Placing a Blockade on Iran
Alexander, Lamar [TN]
Cantwell, Maria [WA]
Cardin, Benjamin L. [MD]
Carper, Thomas R. [DE]
Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA]
Chambliss, Saxby [GA]
Coleman, Norm [MN]
Collins, Susan M. [ME]
Conrad, Kent [ND]
Corker, Bob [TN]
Cornyn, John [TX]
Crapo, Mike [ID]
DeMint, Jim [SC]
Dole, Elizabeth [NC]
Dorgan, Byron L. [ND]
Isakson, Johnny [GA]
Johnson, Tim [SD]
Klobuchar, Amy [MN]
Landrieu, Mary L. [LA]
Lieberman, Joe I. [CT]
Martinez, Mel [FL]
Menendez, Robert [NJ]
Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD]
Murray, Patty [WA]
Nelson, Bill [FL]
Roberts, Pat [KS]
Sessions, Jeff [AL]
Smith, Gordon H. [OR]
Snowe, Olympia J. [ME]
Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
Sununu, John E. [NH]
Thune, John [SD]
Vitter, David [LA]
Wicker, Roger F. [MS]
Wyden, Ron [OR]
(Issue # 30, July 28, 2008)
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