U.S. expanding missile defenses in Gulf ??? So what

In relation to Pastorius' post an the big blow coming (nuclear test, or some other such item), here is our reaction and my take:
The COLUMN ONE STORY IN THE NYT:

U.S. Speeding Up Missile Defenses in Persian Gulf

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is accelerating the deployment of new defenses against possible Iranian missile attacks in the Persian Gulf, placing special ships off the Iranian coast and antimissile systems in at least four Arab countries, according to administration and military officials.

U.S. expanding missile defenses in Gulf

The deployments include expanded land-based Patriot defensive missile installations in Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Bahrain, as well as Navy ships with missile defense systems within striking distance in and around the Mediterranean, officials said.

General David Petraeus, who as head of U.S. Central Command is responsible for military operations across the Middle East, said this month that the United States has stationed eight Patriot missile batteries in four Gulf countries, which he did not identify.

The buildup began under the Bush administration, but has expanded under President Barack Obama, who is pushing for a new round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.

Officials said the expansion was meant to increase protection for U.S. forces and key allies in the Gulf.

The chairman of the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, said last month the Pentagon must have military options ready to counter Iran should Obama call for them.

US raises stakes on Iran by sending in ships and missiles

Tension between the US and Iran heightened dramatically today with the disclosure that Barack Obama is deploying a missile shield to protect American allies in the Gulf from attack by Tehran.

The US is dispatching Patriot defensive missiles to four countries - Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait - and keeping two ships in the Gulf capable of shooting down Iranian missiles. Washington is also helping Saudi Arabia develop a force to protect its oil installations.

American officials said the move is aimed at deterring an attack by Iran and reassuring Gulf states fearful that Tehran might react to sanctions by striking at US allies in the region. Washington is also seeking to discourage Israel from a strike against Iran by demonstrating that the US is prepared to contain any threat.

Patriots are nice.

Missile shield and X band is nice.

But that is a JIMMY CARTER MESSAGE (announcing sending of 2 squadrons of F-15's to KSA, and then worrying over the 'message' announce they were unarmed)

Here is how you do it.

Deploy 100% of B-2's to Diego Garcia publicly

Deploy several wings of F-15E strike eagles to Kuwait and Bahrain publicly

If they can get there in time, send in 3-4 aircraft carrier task forces publicly.

Send in several marine MAU groups with their carriers to NEAR but outside the gulf.

SAY LITTLE ELSE save the announcement of these movements, an announcement coming from the Pentagon spokesman, at a normal daily briefing, made without taking questions.