Investors Weighing Risks of Military Strike on Iran

Raw Story is reporting that ING Global Financial Services has issued a couple memos authored by Charles Robinson -- ING's Chief Economist for Emerging Europe, the Middle East and Africa -- about the market risks involved in a military strike on Iran. Here's a quote:

In his Jan. 15 update, Robertson points to a political reason that could make the assault more likely - personnel changes in the Bush administration may have sidelined opponents of attacking Iran.

Preisdent Bush recently removed General John Abizaid as commander of US forces in the Middle East and John Negroponte as Director of National Intelligence, both of whom have said attacking Iran is not a priority or the right move at this time. The deployment of Patriot missile batteries, highlighted in President Bush's recent White House speech on America's Iraq policy, also pointed to a need to defend against Iranian missiles.