Five Iranian Revolutionary Guard fast attack boats threatened three U.S. naval warships entering the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday:
To that, an unidentified sailor aboard the Hopper, speaking into a radio, asks the boats to identify themselves and steer clear.
“Inbound small craft: You are approaching a coalition warship operating in international waters. Your identity is not known; your intentions are unclear,” he says.
“You may be subject to defensive measures. Request that you establish communications now or alter your course immediately to remain clear.”
Immediately afterward, the same deep voice says: “You will explode in a few minutes.”
And the extent of our response? Not much more than a whole lot of admonition from President Bush.
This is why America is viewed as nothing more than a paper tiger by our adversaries around the globe. Iran taunts us and we exercise all the restraint of a saint. We never seem to learn. And without consequences, our enemies will continue to act out.
Perhaps a better response would have been for the USS Hopper to open up its .50 caliber weapons on the Iranian vessels.
Shoot first, ask questions later. We don’t need another USS Cole on our hands and our enemies need to know the consequences of their reckless stupidity.
Ralph Peters is on the same page:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01082008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/iran_1__usa_0_380577.htm?page=0