Iran and Ron Paul (separate issues in this case!)

US Navy rescues Iranian sailors from pirates.. near the straits of hormuz. You couldn't make it up. 

Some of Ron Paul's specialist moron brigade at work again. 

The people who made this ad are true morons. In their minds, because Huntsman is A) educated B) has adopted two girls in need, he is thus unworthy of the republican nomination. Insane. These Paul people probably think that we should just go around looking to find the dumbest ass hole in america and then anoint him/her as our candidate. 

(I respect that Paul has some v. bright, well intentioned supporters. They need to speak up more though)

Iran Threats

The ongoing Iranian threats to shipping in the straits of hormuz are absurd. The Obama Administration should direct the US Navy to ignore these warnings and proceed with normal patrol operations. Iran cannot ultimately contest control of the persian gulf with the US. The power differentials are simply too large.

Iran and the Straits of Hormuz

Iran could shut down the straits of hormuz for a short period (a matter of perhaps 12 hours). However, beyond that time frame, the Iranian military would be unable to contest control of the straits with the US military. The US could (and would) simply isolate and destroy the Iranian assets in the area while applying an escalating force dynamic to deter continued Iranian aggression. Thus for Iran, while a short term spike in the oil markets would be possible, this action would come at substantial cost.