The March to War: Naval build-up in the Persian Gulf and the Eastern Mediterranean.

There has definitely been an increase in background noise and military activity in the Persian Gulf during the past month, either preceding preparation for military action against Iran, or alternatively as an attempt to bluff the Iranians over their nuclear program (if the latter, it doesn't seem to be having much of an effect, given the latest pronouncements by Iran's president, who is the living answer to the lecturn-pounding populism of Huey Long). It is a bit bizarre that we don't read about these military preparations in the mainstream western press, but below are two links regarding the military buildup, the second of which contains extensive military analysis (this guy is a hell of a lot more verbose than I am, by the way). Yes, I know these are both Left Wing mouthpieces, but that doesn't mean one shouldn't read them -- just do so with some caution (as one should read stuff from the other side of the aisle, as well). For those who like to read from Right to Left, also see today's Debka report regarding the deployment of the Iwo Jima expeditionary force to the Persian Gulf.

The Nation: War Signals?

The March to War: Naval build-up in the Persian Gulf and the Eastern Mediterranean.