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The FBI and Homeland Security in an intense sweep of the 'crime scene' (Kerry's words) and follow on investigations discover the plot having been hatched by a splinter group of Zarqawi located in Iran, smuggled in via rail cars from Mexico City. Congress acting on the Bush Doctrine in 425-110 party line vote officially declares war against Iran. Congress directs the Commander-in-Chief with no uncertain terms to prosecute the war to it's fullest conclusion whenever and wherever necessary. $250b appropriation bill is attached to the declaration.
Unsure but coerced, Kerry places General Sanchez head of Middle East operations. First Armored division penetrates Iranian space 2 weeks later following an all out air barrage. Riots break out in the Northern Iranian provinces. In a surprise move Israel with support from Kurdish sympathizers invades Syria. Jordan and Egypt go on alert. Kerry appeals to the U.N. but is rebuffed. Arafat, stricken by a stroke, is flown to France where he dies on the operating table. Follow on investigation by the French indicate the anesthesiologist was an Israeli sympathizer under the employ of the Russians.
In week 8 of operations elements of the 101 Airborne reach the outskirts of Tehran. Streams of civilians are heading for American lines. The Saudi kingdom falls after a coup attempt kills most of the ruling family. British and Australian forces assume control of the Saudi capital and effective control of the country. In the Pacific theater, the Chinese seeing an opening prepare operations against Taiwan. Satellite imagery provides sufficient warning. In the ensuing skirmish in the strait, 2 cruisers and 1 destroyer are lost by the Chinese to only 1 destroyer and minor damage to the carrier Ronald Reagan.
Congress defunds the U.N. citing differences in the role of that body. Earmarks the funds for continuing operations of "Clean Sweep." The Iraqi Council elects an interim President. Approves Kurdish succession.
By midterm elections, Iran has been occupied, though counter insurgency operations continue. Zarqawi has been killed by a Global Hawk. The Chinese old guard has been toppled. Insurgents in East Timor are being eliminated by elements of the Australian SAS. On the domestic front, Democrats suffer the worst defeat in their history, the electorate having turn out every candidate on the ballot. Surprisingly the Libertarian party, not the Republicans gain many of the vacated seats in both houses; running on a pro intervention, anti-immigration party platform.
Epilogue:
History records that John F. Kerry is the last Democrat to be a sitting President. The Democrat Party teeters on for 2 more election cycles then collapses, unable to pay debts and dissolves.
p>A fair dream, I might add, if somewhat frightening. br> -- John McGinnis br> Arlington, Texas /p> p> To: William Tucker br> From: Readers Like Me br> Subject: Noted Above