In his new National Security Strategy, President Bush goes to some lengths to cast harsh light on Iran, one of the original “Axis of Evil” states. “We may face no greater challenge from a single country than from Iran,” Bush wrote. “For almost 20 years, the Iranian regime hid many of its key nuclear efforts from the international community.” Noting that the US has joined European nations to try to pressure Iran to give up its program, Bush concluded on an ominous note: “This diplomatic effort must succeed if confrontation is to be avoided.”
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…