http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/1877.asp
Converging U.S. Navy aircraft carrier groups in Middle East send strong
message to Iran and Syria
Sudhir Chadda
Mar. 12, 2005

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is on the move in
Atlantic Ocean and is possibly headed towards the Mediterranean Sea. The
convergence of three carrier groups in the corridor of the Middle East
will send very strong message to the Syrians and Iranians. There are
indications that soon US is moving two more aircraft carrier battle
groups to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf. This will
spell a formidable strike force for Iran and Syria who are in defiance
on issues of Lebanon and Nuclear weapons development.

Outbound from Singapore, the USS Carl Vinson is currently crossing the
Indian Ocean headed towards Middle-East. This will be the first time
since February 2004 that US will have three major carrier groups
stationed on and around Middle East.

Each of these carrier groups carry nearly 85 aircrafts and is capable of
deliver precision-guided munitions. In addition there are anti-submarine
aircrafts, airborne-early-warning and rotary-wing aircrafts. Because in
the air refueling capabilities these aircrafts can operate from a long
distance. The carrier groups are independent and can operate indefinitely.

U.S. military air bases in Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and
Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia and the three carrier groups will
create a formidable force far superior to any military in the region.

In addition more than 100,000 battle hardened force in Iraq will be
another major force in case US has to use force against Iran and Syria.

It seems American are preparing to deal with Syria and Iran in the next
several months. The first priority right now is diplomacy in association
with the Europeans and the rest of the world. But the leadership in
Teheran and Damascus are taking notice of the power build up in the region.

There are seeds of democracy in Lebanon, Iran and Syria. The whole
regions is getting a quick lesson on the benefits of democracy.