And the second scenario is what resulted in the Vincennes shooting-down an airliner full of pilgrims going to Mecca. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_Air_Flight_655

Awful tragedy. Preventable? Probably. OTOH, you have the British sailors a few months ago that got captured and totally humiliated their Navy and nation by their unconscionable behavior because in that instance they were too timid. The tactical situation in the Straits of Hormuz are so tight and tense that anybody who f**ks-up even a little bit is likely to either rain-down hellfire or wreck his career. At least the politicians are safe.

B