AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE U.S. AND IRAN.

Iran cannot allow the imposition of a pax Americana in which Khomeinism could have no place. The US, for its part, cannot allow its Khomeinist foes to dominate a region that contains half the world's oil and gas reserves.

The conventional wisdom is that with the US Army bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, Washington cannot wage full-scale war against the Islamic republic. This ignores the fact that the US Navy and Air Force remain fully free and ready for action. Washington's choice is not limited to either invading Iran or surrendering to the mullahs. Between the two, a range of options is available.

A very good article by Amir Taheri.