Question for military folk....

[Solon]

I was wondering about this for the past few weeks, especially the reports about U.S. flyovers in Iran, to egg them on to turn on their radar systems, shit like that. My question is: Isn't flying armed(possibly?) war planes over Iran's airspace without their permission an act of war? The reason I ask, is, as far as I know, Iran hasn't responded beyond words that much, however, I fear that Bush may be purposefully provoking them into a hostile action, by shooting down one of our planes. However, if the answer to my question above is yes, wouldn't Iran be exercising self defense?

[ewagner]

1. Good questions.......

I keep thinking that they're trying to instigate another Gulf of Tonkin incident....of course, it will be just a bogus as the original...it's worrisom.....

[Solon]

4. Don't you mean...

"Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!" Part Deux? :)

I think that manufacturing an event, particularly around that area, is much more difficult now, than in times past. It will be just as set up, but instead of making it up all by ourselves, it will be us provoking them to shoot first, by violating international law.

[AllegroRondo]

2. Flying ANY plane over their airspace without permission is illegal

whether it qualifies as an act of war is debatable.

[Career Prole]

3. Just imagine what would happen

if an armed Iranian warplane got within 500 miles of our coast. :nuke: