We aren't going to attack Iran because it's strong

But because it's weak?! Gareth Porter for Asia Times:

WASHINGTON - New arguments by analysts close to Israeli thinking in favor of United States strikes against Iran cite evidence of Iranian military weakness in relation to the US and Israel, and even raise doubts that Iran is rushing to obtain such weapons at all.

The new arguments contradict Israel's official argument that it faces an "existential threat" from an Islamic extremist Iranian regime determined to get nuclear weapons. They suggest that Israel, which already has as many as 200 nuclear weapons, views Iran from the position of the dominant power in the region rather than as the weaker state in the relationship.

[snip]


These analysts, all of whom are pushing for a US, rather than an Israeli attack, argue that Iran's power to retaliate for a US attack on its nuclear facilities is quite limited. Equally significant, they also emphasize that Iran is a rational actor that would have to count the high costs of retaliation. That conclusion stands in sharp contrast to the official Israeli line that Iran cannot be deterred because of its alleged apocalyptic Islamic viewpoint on war with Israel.

So... do these analysts actually think the rest of the world will be standing by stroking their respective chins and saying hmmm? Or do you think the Islamic world would ignite like dried tinder, the world community would recoil with horror, and Israel and the US would be considered rogue nations: armed, dangerous, and insane. The use of nuclear bombs has stayed taboo and untouchable since we dropped the two on Japan and justifiably so.

Why do Bush and Cheney think it's okay to use them now?

Iran will not take such an event lying down:

The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in remarks published late last month that Tehran would impose controls on shipping in the Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz if it was attacked.

Speculation about a possible attack on Iran because of its nuclear program has risen since a report last month said Israel had practiced such a strike.

Vice-Admiral Kevin Cosgriff, the commander of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, said last week the United States would not allow Iran to block the Gulf.

And just what would happen to our military stuck in Afghanistan and Iraq if nukes were to go off next door?

Cheney and Rumsfeld used to play shadow government games together. The neocons have been dreaming of this opportunity for such an action for years.

Can we survive the next 200 days of the Bush administration? Can Iran?

Update:
Bryan of Why Now? offers the end result of attacking Iran:

If your goal is Israel a smoking ruin, the 5th Fleet at the bottom of the Gulf, oil at $300+ per barrel, and tens of thousands of US troops dead, then attacking Iran is a good idea … for a madman.