Re: [OPE-L] Imperialism in our century.

From: GERALD LEVY (gerald_a_levy@MSN.COM)
Date: Tue Jan 01 2008 - 10:27:51 EST


These factors alone would seem to provide ample motivation for the revival ofimperialism in its most classic form -- the seizure of territories rich in rawmaterials, first Iraq, then perhaps Iran, then Venezuela. If all these countrieswere under US occupation they would have to supply oil in dollars, however depreciatedthe dollar becomes on the world market.
 

Hi Paul C:
 
While a "shock-and-awe" style bombing or covert actions to 
overthrow the current Iranian government is possible
(in fact, the latter is _probable_, imo),  I  think that a 
military occupation  of Iran by the US a la Iraq is highly 
unlikely.  To begin with, after the recent CIA revelations 
it will be very hard for the US government to make case 
to either the US people or other governments that iran is 
a "security threat" to the US and the rest of the world.  
Even without those revelations, an invasion of Iran would 
have been very unlikely.  While the current US administration 
is very ideologically-driven, even they would have to be 
pragmatic and recognize the enormous military effort that 
would be required for such an action.  Quite simply, Iran is 
too big and too strong militarily for the US to invade and 
occupy and the casualties on the US side would be way 
too high for the US public to stomach - especially after the 
Iraq debacle. 
 
Venezuela is another story: we can expect continuing efforts
by the US to destabilize and overthrow the Chavez 
government.  No doubt, there are agents of the US 
government in Langley, Virginia and elsewhere who are 
planning and implementing their next steps at this very
moment ....
 
As for possible areas for US occupation, don't forget
the Gaza Strip!
 
In solidarity, Jerry
 
 


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