Decision 2012:President Obama lashes out at GOP candidates on Iran

President Barack Obama criticized Republican candidates for "popping off with loose talk of war" with Iran. Republicans have attacked the president for not being aggressive enough in stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons and being hesitant to use military force. "If some of these folks think that it's time to launch a war, they should say so," Obama said. "And they should explain to the American people exactly why they would do that and what the consequences would be."

Class discussion: Politicians often try emphasize and sometimes exaggerate how they are different than their rivals. Find news reports on the positions on Iran taken by the president and GOP candidates. What have each actually said about sanctions against Iran, possible military options and ensuring Israel's security? Are there any basic differences? Do the candidates really want to take military action right now? What are the possible results of an armed conflict with Iran?