The Policy Blender

Fishing? Moi?

I'd actually advocate a traditionally leftish approach to the Iran situation, actually.

Let's nationalise it. Seriously, if we're honest, it's a failing organisation and the needs of the many would be far better served if we were to assume state control over Iran's assets, liabilities and infrastructure.

That way, we can be sure that the world is not being exploited by beardie fatcats with nuclear weapons.

That would be 'Rear Admiral Ben' in this particular editorial.

Bahhh, mmm, grrr.

I largely agree with Arton Gash's analysis, actually.

And I should hope that there's 'a large amount of anti regime feeling simmering under the surface' - we've invested enough UK/US taxpayers' money for one.

I'm less squeamish about nudging Iran towards revolution, though. That can be facilitated by the usual black propaganda and subversion (that is already going on) and also getting on Ahmadinejad's back about human rights.

If we make sure that we're sticking up for your average Mohammed in the Tehran street against a nasty oppressive government, when the revolution comes we'll be obligated to police it to ensure that it's peaceful…

It can be done, and it can be done without Moscow - look at the Orange Revolution.

Radio 4 news this morning said that today the UN security council's permanent members are meeting in London, "to agree to bomb the shit out of Iran".

I checked a list of the world's top oil producing countries. Canada is next, apparently. They already have a highly developed nuclear power programme, but claim they have no intention of developing nuclear weapons capability. Their head of government is suspected of speaking French.

We await the outcome of next week's Canadian "Elections", then.

There are 1,634 confirmed candidates, 380 are women and 1,254 are men. 15 different parties have registered.

There are 85 candidates running as independents and 5 candidates with no affiliation.

All of this sounds highly suspicious and, in fact we might be best to bomb them back to the Stone Age just to make sure…

I know they make jokes about fishing ben, but for fucks sake. I'm not sure if your writing a satire on good old traditional english racism or advocating it yourself, whilst passing it off as anti PC cuteness.

Well, lets play the rules, okay. The NPT treaty has already been violated by just about everyone, and I can understand completely the indignation any Iranian might feel for the double standards being instituted now. We all do.

What is being advocated when various columnists suggest nuking Iran? I think we can all draw our own conclusions, but, it won't see the end of militant islamist sections in Iranian society. It won't see an end to 'terrorist' support from Iran. It won't do those in Iran who have pursued democracy any favours.

Here's a late night finale in a manner that Ben might approve: I think the violent techniques through which many think Iran might be prevented from having Nuclear weapons are far more dangerous than simply standing back and allowing Iranian democracy to take its course.

I agree.

Let's negotiate with these chaps in a language they understand

Arabic please. I realise 'deah, fear and destruction' is the only language we and they hold in common, but Arabic would show we were being accomodating.

Apologies - try Farsi, or Persian. If we speak to them in Arabic, it'll probably just serve to show our ignorance; well mine anyway.

I'm not sure if your writing a satire on good old traditional english racism or advocating it yourself, whilst passing it off as anti PC cuteness.

I am very proud of this comment. Thank you Graham.