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TechnoratiIsrael Considering Strike on Iran Despite US Intelligence Report
Senior Israeli officials warned today they were still considering the option of a military strike against Iran, despite a fresh US intelligence report that concluded Tehran was no longer developing nuclear weapons.
Although Israel argues that it wants to see strong diplomatic pressure put on Iran, it is reluctant to rule out the threat of a unilateral military attack. Matan Vilnai, Israel's deputy defence minister, told Army Radio today: "No option needs to be off the table."
Avigdor Lieberman, the hard-right deputy prime minister, said Israel should be ready to act if sanctions did not work. "If they don't, we will sit and decide whatever we have to decide," he told the Jerusalem Post in an interview today.
Several of Israel's Iran experts say the American rethink on the threat posed by Iran had ruled out a US military strike and probably an Israeli strike too, at least for now. However, Israel's political hawks continue to keep the threat of action alive.
Binyamin Netanyahu, the popular rightwing opposition leader, was asked whether Israel should launch its own military operation. "We always prefer international action, led by the United States, but we have to ensure that we can protect our country with all means," he told the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz today.
The repercussions of the new US intelligence assessment are consuming Israeli politicians, analysts and the press. Although Israeli leaders had been briefed in advance, the national intelligence estimate (NIE) which was declassified and published on Monday, brought surprise and frustration in Israel's defence establishment.
In a marked shift from earlier assessments, the NIE said Iran had halted its nuclear weapons programme in autumn 2003 and had not restarted it. America's intelligence agencies said they now did not know whether Iran intended to build nuclear weapons.
Israeli officials quickly offered a direct challenge. Ehud Barak, the defence minister, said although Iran's nuclear programme was halted in 2003 "as far as we know it has probably since revived it".
It is, however, far from clear whether Israel has its own unique intelligence on Iran strong enough to contradict the American findings. Ha'aretz noted in an analysis today: "It wasn't in the intelligence arena that Israel suffered a blow this week, but rather in the public opinion arena."
Some have suggested that with Israel feeling isolated by its hardline stance on Iran, it might be more inclined to launch a unilateral military strike and a comparison is frequently drawn to Israel's 1981 bombing of Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor. David Albright, a former UN nuclear inspector, said this week if Israel felt its "red line" had been crossed it might strike. "They may force a military confrontation," he told the Associated Press agency.
However, it is widely assumed Israel would need at least American approval if not cooperation for any bombing mission. In particular, Israel's air force would need the US flight codes that would allow its planes to cross safely into Iran. When Israel requested those codes in 1991, to attack Saddam Hussein's Iraq during the first Gulf War, the United States refused and there was no Israeli strike.
Yet Israel, the only nuclear power in the region, is not shy of acting alone and has been heartened by the lack of international censure over its bombing raid in northern Syria in September, which may or may not have targeted a Syrian nuclear installation.
Israel's Iran experts argue that the US intelligence assessment did not wholly exonerate Tehran - they point to evidence of a continued enriched uranium programme which has only limited civilian use - but they admit that for now an Israeli military operation is unlikely.
"I think it is quite unrealistic to think Israel will go it alone against Iran in a military way," said Ephraim Asculai, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. He said it appeared Iran would respond to a tougher sanctions regime that demonstrated to Tehran that the cost of its nuclear ambitions outweighed their benefits.
Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-born analyst based in Tel Aviv, said there was also a chance Israel might pursue a peace agreement with Syria, in an effort to divide Damascus from Tehran and further isolate the Iranian regime. "The quickest route to isolate Iran is through Damascus," he said.
© 2007 The Guardian
86 Comments so far
Show Allperhaps these views have been stated already but I need to get it written down myself.
Israel should stand on it's own 'two feet'!
Some claim Israel to be a good friend and ally... what a bunch of whowie!
1) Israel in the '70's attacked one of our navy ships, and gave us as little info on the "mistake" as possible.
2) They have used their spy network on us numerous times over the years. An intelligence service that is recognized to be the best in the world I might add!
3) Israel is the main source of instability in the mid-east... they will not claim their nukes while everyone knows they have them.
If Israel wants our support then we should agree on rules so it is a balanced/equal friendship. So much of the time our government treats Israel like some loyal pet we must protect at all costs.
ENOUGH ALREADY...
Israel now should prove it's ability to manage it's own affairs. If they choose to attack Iran, then let them do it alone and suffer the results.
Their violent actions will continue to reap ashes and thorns for their defenders and the people of Israel.
If Israel keeps up their insane crap, they'll get us all killed!
Great post SEQUOIABISON.
In the historical perspective, the US-Israel empire/ally symbiotic type of relationship has happened many times.
Ancient Athens allowed itself to be dragged into an empire-destroying war by supporting its allies in their own squabbles.
The last German Kaiser supported his ally Austria-Hungary right into World War I. Imperial Germany lost that war and the Kaiser lost his throne.
An ally can have an exorbitant effect upon the politics of the empire-state, for any number of reasons (i.e. religion, self-interest of individual politicians).
DONKEY HOTE -- Both the USA and Israel people (in general) share a common and hideous burden, of grandiosely believing that they occupy some special place in the eyes of God.
The common people wouldn't shoulder this on their own, they are constantly encumbered with propaganda of their "birthrights", by those controlling and managing their deepest desires and fears, so as to easily manipulate them - primarily to justify WAR.
I discussed this issue of the "chosen people" here, and here. Please follow this link to consider what is really going on.
Namaste … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … Mahatma Gandhi … … … … … … … … … …
« We must be the change we wish to see in the world »
« There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed »
Donkey Hote December 8th, 2007 2:26 pm
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Donkey, indeed there is disproportionate influence by and for Israel—all for political reasons. It's Zionism—and corporatism—writ large, and has nothing to do with Jews. I got caught up in this post because of statements above like:
namoses December 7th, 2007 5:37 pm:
Do you really know of any Jews (that is right JEWS) who are not parasitic on America? …
liberty December 7th, 2007 7:53 pm:
… To Jewish Americans and the right wing Christian fundies you're either with us the American people or with the traitors in the Israel lobby.
Perhaps I overreacted today, since I agree with most other comments here. But too often of late I've heard talk of 'Jews' rather than Israeli or Zionist, all of which evokes terror in me, the same kind of terror I felt growing up, hearing about the Holocaust.
As the Likud government of Israel debates as to whether or not they can get away with bombing Iran, they will be well served by remembering The Golden Rule: Do onto others....
"Yes, I'd say the Native-Americans DID suffer a holocaust..."
You can say "green is actually red" -- but that won't make you correct and/or accurate as a lexophile, a social-scientist, a historian, or as a scholar...[but please, suit yourself].
I meant only to inform.
BTW, the genocide of 'New-World' Amer-Ind's was on a scale HUGELY more criminal than any in all of recorded-History (no-doubt including all of pre-History, also). There simply IS no-comparison...and it was purely 'criminal', while in no-fashion any 'self-sacrifice' deemed appropriate by any band of involved 'Indian-intellectuals/ideologes'.
Agreed--- the likes of the fellows you named are psychopathic, and psycopaths are probably the source of most of the world's ills and they are people, criminal and all,, but if you deny that there is disproportional influence exerted on behalf of the State of Israel and it's citizens (and it's US dual citizens) you deny a reality that is obvious. I do not condem all Jewish people---- there is a list in an above post of some who tried to warn us about the things to come. Their voices were drowned out by the psychopaths. Where are the Jewish voices of condemnation today, and why do not the citizens of Israel elect those who are decent?
They seem a lot like us here in the US--- unable to be heard, or dead of assassination.
Donkey Hote December 8th, 2007 1:50 pm ...
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I'm certainly not denying the existence of jewish neocons--certainly wolfowitz, bortz, et al., would qualify as some of the worst abusers of humanity.
My point is that until you're willing to say that this sort of behavior is an example of sociopathic/hedonistic/criminal PEOPLE, I don't buy it being a 'jewish' problem. Surely, the likes of cheney/bush/rumsfeld care nothing for Jews, but see Israel as a strategic stronghold and, together with the Israeli psychos-in-charge, are creating horrific policy for everyone.
Thank you, Diana, although I believe some do perform tasks for the military---although many do become summer "Kibbutzniks" I believe that there is a "Fifth Column" among us that has far disproportional influence on US Policy and has, in fact, hijacked the power and resources of the US government to a nefarious end that is counter to the interests of this country, and mine as a citizen thereof. I would reccomend a small book to all of whatever persuasion, by British journalist David Hirst. The title is "The Gun and the Olive Branch". I have not checked availability lately, but I bought my last copy from Amazon.com.
holocaust: any mass slaughter or reckless destruction of life
Yes, I'd say the Native-Americans DID suffer a holocaust, and they're not the only ones. Let's not forget about the present Iraqi Holocaust and the Palestinian Holocaust, among others. Israel and the present U.S. leadership would also like to cause an Iranian Holocaust to add to the list, if they could get away with it.
Diana, sorry, but I got the information about the American Jewish going to Israel to do volunteer work for the MILITARY from a very reliable source. By the way, what is so hateful about stating facts??
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Again, this sort of generalization about a PEOPLE--and not policy--is simply prejudice. If you want to infer a type, certainly middle-aged white Christian men would qualify.
Let's get some facts-straight, people (not to argue only semantics--I'm no anti-Semanticist [pun-intended]).
'Jews' didn't politicize The Holocaust, overmuch -- often-born-Jewish Zionists, however, most certainy did-and-do.
Zionists (as you can readily-confirm if you are Scholarly) are not-always Jewish, but all-Zionists -- historically as today -- believe-strongly (often-obsessively) in the 'necessity' of the Jewish-state being re-established in Palestine-cum-Israel (again...third or fourth time-now!).
The genocide of many-Jews (but mostly Slavs, and others) by Nazi-Germany is properly termed 'The Holocaust' [origin: 'burnt-offering' -- as in 'sacrifice'].
The genocide of Amer-Ind's (hope none mind the abbreviation?) was murder on a FAR greater-scale, of course, but it was not a 'holocaust'. Nor was the Armenian-genocide (circa 1914-15) [although it was closer to being-one that most-genocides, for reasons not wholly-relevant to my point].
A genocide does not become a holocaust (much less, The Holocaust) without two-components:
1) To be a holocaust, there must be a conscious/intended decision to 'make a sacrifice' -- as in "of one's own"; and,
2) To be The Holocaust, it must be the sacrifice that Jews-themselves made for G-d to grant them their Israel (ersatz, or otherwise).
Jewish-scholars know-this, as do most-rabbis and all-Zionists.
Now, you all do...
Diana, sorry, but I got the information about the American Jewish going to Israel to do volunteer work for the MILITARY from a very reliable source. By the way, what is so hateful about stating facts??
SEQUOIABISON comments about political change in the US and Israel are excellent and right on the mark. What is lacking is the political will by our politicians, the media and the clergy. Even the progressive DailyKos has banned two Palestinian peace activist from blogging on their site, liberal and progressive Thom Hartmann refuses to allow any discussions regarding Israel during his talk shows, and our congress critters are afraid to bring up the "I" issue for fear of being critized as antisemetic. There are voices of reason, but those get very little coverage and are buried on page C-22 as a footnote in the obit page.
This country exists as the fulfillment of a promise made by God Himself. It would be ridiculous to ask it to account for its legitimacy."
-- Golda Meir, Le Monde, 15 October 1971
The time has come for the US Taxpayers to stop propping up Israel and to give God an opportunity to financially support his chosen people in their never-ending war to expand the promised land.
"Teenage American Jews, during their summer vacations from school, go to Israel to do unpaid volunteer work for the Israeli military. You can tell where THEIR loyalty lies, and it's NOT with the U.S."
What you're referring to is a Kibbutz, which is not military in any way but a farming-type commune.
Also note, from what I've read and heard, the majority of Israeli CITIZENS, just like the majority of U.S. citizens, are anti-war and for the most part dispise their fascistic government. It is Israel's zionism that is the problem, not Jewish people.
It's frankly frightening for me, as a non-religious, anti-zionist Jew to read such hateful words as appear above. I am fervently anti-fascist, whether the fascists be bushco or olmert and friends. Please, people, let's not foment hatred of a PEOPLE. It is policy--and policy by the few--that is the cause problems everywhere. 'People of the world, unite' remains a slogan to live by.
"like i said, i love the discourse. no hate here. and please don't bring out that tired old concept of "anti-semitism", because that's just an excuse, a veil that is thrown in front of the eyes so to speak, it has no validity at all, right?"
Of course there is anti-semitism, even here in River City. But, this is a perfect example of what happens when a term is way overused and thrown out at the drop of a hat - it becomes irrelevant and makes it impossible to determine the real threat from the manufactured.
As far as those who broad-brush all Israeli actions with the "Jew" brush - you're doing nobody any good. Go outside, take a deep breath or a hundred, get away from the internet, and get some perspective.
Jewish Scholars have failed to recognize the American Holocaust, the killing of over one hundred million American Indians. They have used the Jewish Holocaust, and it's victimization status, to blunt any legitimate criticism of Jewish people in the United States. Therefore, since it is the Jews who have politicized the Holocaust, there is no room for talk of anti-semitism when legitimate issues of excess Jewish influence in American foreign policy are voiced. None !
NOTE: American Indians refuse to see themselves as victims, they instead view themselves as survivors.
The point I was trying to make by submitting the letter written by Einstein and many other prominent Jews of that time was, that I believe most Jews as most Americans, are fed up with the right wing warmongers that are currently leading our respective nations.
We cannot condemn all Jews for the acts of their leaders just as we would expect Europeans not to blame all Americans for the behavior of Bush and the invasion of Iraq.
The Israeli's have to move away from Netanyahu type politicians the same way Americans have to move away from bigoted Republican politicians.
They need to elect someone like Rabin and we have to elect someone like Kucinich. All Jews are not evil and all Americans are not warmongers.
We should just do whatever the great Senator Joe Liebermen says to do when Israel is involved. His advice would be priceless, and also fair and balanced.
dude3, what's your problem with the word "Jews?" When did "Jew" become a bad word, and why? I don't see Swedes becoming unglued if someone calls them "Swedes" rather than adding the suffix "ish."
Okay, just to please you, I'll use the word "Jewish." Happy now?
i really love the thoughtful discourse that occurs on commondreams.org. it's just so...progressive! just take a look:
"Teenage American Jews, during their summer vacations from school, go to Israel to do unpaid volunteer work for the Israeli military. You can tell where THEIR loyalty lies, and it's NOT with the U.S."
"...as of 2006 there are 3,248 US citizens serving in the IDF, killing, abusing and harassing Palestinians, not to mention strip searching young girls at security check points. These Americans are war criminals and should be shot on sight."
"Do you really know of any Jews (that is right JEWS) who are not parasitic on America?"
like i said, i love the discourse. no hate here. and please don't bring out that tired old concept of "anti-semitism", because that's just an excuse, a veil that is thrown in front of the eyes so to speak, it has no validity at all, right?
SEQUOIABISON,
Thanks for the great letter from Einstein.
The above article about the right wingers in Israel considering a strike is just the puffed up bluffing and copying the same last resort of Bush.... I told you all before that Bush was bluffing.. remember?
They are both War criminals who have now been caught in the same old game of the Rothchild Banks criminal plans for Endless war for profit.
the US did not attack Lebanon when Israel got it's ass kicked and the US will do the same again.... the plan is always to blame all Jews for this shit just like all Americans get blamed for Bush shit...
Things are changin and We the people of the world are winning so I am gonna celebrate.
Shalom
I came across this fascinating letter that Albert Einstein wrote to the New York Times back in 1948, just before Israel was recognized as a legitimate state, he was protesting the visit of Menachem Begin to the USA.
It is a lengthy letter but very telling and revealing regarding the history of that area and the history of right wing Israeli terrorism, the same gang that is now in charge of that country.
"Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the "Freedom Party" (Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties.
It was formed out of the membership and following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist organization in Palestine.
The current visit of Menachem Begin, leader of this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States.
Several Americans of national repute have lent their names to welcome his visit.
It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughoutthe world, if correctly informed as to Mr.
Begin's political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents.
Before irreparable damage is done by way of financial contributions, public manifestations in Begin's behalf, and the creation in Palestine of the impression that a large segment of America supports Fascist elements in Israel, the American public must be informed as to the record and objectives of Mr. Begin and his movement.
The public avowals of Begin's party are no guide whatever to its actual character.
Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state.
It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.
Attack on Arab Village A shocking example was their behavior in the Arab village of Deir Yassin.
This village, off the main roads and surrounded by Jewish lands, had taken no part in the war, and had even fought off Arab bands who wanted to use the village as their base.
On April 9 (THE NEW YORK TIMES), terrorist bands attacked this peaceful village, which was not a military objective in the fighting, killed most of its inhabitants ? 240men, women, and children - and kept a few of them alive to parade as captives through the streets of Jerusalem.
Most of the Jewish community was horrified at the deed, and the Jewish Agency sent a telegram of apology to King Abdullah of Trans-Jordan.
But the terrorists, far from being ashamed of their act, were proud of this massacre, publicized it widely, and invited all the foreign correspondents present in the country to view the heaped corpses and the general havoc at Deir Yassin.
The Deir Yassin incident exemplifies the character and actions of the Freedom Party.
Within the Jewish community they have preached an admixture of ultranationalism, religious mysticism, and racial superiority.
Like other Fascist parties they have been used to break strikes, and have themselves pressed for the destruction of free trade unions.
In their stead they have proposed corporate unions on the Italian Fascist model.
During the last years of sporadic anti-British violence, the IZL and Stern groups inaugurated a reign of terror in the Palestine Jewish community.
Teachers were beaten up for speaking against them, adults were shot for not letting their children join them.
By gangster methods, beatings, window-smashing, and wide-spread robberies, the terrorists intimidated the population and exacted a heavy tribute.
The people of the Freedom Party have had no part in the constructive achievements in Palestine.
They have reclaimed no land, built no settlements, and only detracted from the Jewish defense activity.
Their much-publicized immigration endeavors were minute, and devoted mainly to bringing in Fascist compatriots.
Discrepancies Seen The discrepancies between the bold claims now being made by Begin and his party, and their record of past performance in Palestine bear the imprint of no ordinary political party.
This is the unmistakable stamp of a Fascist party for whom terrorism (against Jews, Arabs, and British alike), and misrepresentation are means, and a "Leader State" is the goal.
In the light of the foregoing considerations, it is imperative that the truth about Mr. Begin and his movement be made known in this country.
It is all the more tragic that the top leadership of American Zionism has refused to campaign against Begin's efforts, or even to expose to its own constituents the dangers to Israel from support to Begin.
The undersigned therefore take this means of publicly presenting a few salient facts concerning Begin and his party; and of urging all concerned not to support this latest manifestation of fascism.
ISIDORE ABRAMOWITZ
HANNAH ARENDT
ABRAHAM BRICK
RABBI JESSURUN CARDOZO
ALBERT EINSTEIN
HERMAN EISEN, M.D.
HAYIM FINEMAN M. GALLEN, M.D.
H.H. HARRIS
ZELIG S. HARRIS
SIDNEY HOOK
FRED KARUSH
BRURIA KAUFMAN
IRMA L. LINDHEIM
NACHMAN MAISEL
SEYMOUR MELMAN
MYER D. MENDELSON M.D.,
HARRY M. OSLINSKY
SAMUEL PITLICK
FRITZ ROHRLICH
LOUIS P. ROCKER
RUTH SAGIS
ITZHAK SANKOWSKY
I.J. SHOENBERG
SAMUEL SHUMAN
M. SINGER
IRMA WOLFE
STEFAN WOLF.
New York, Dec. 2, 1948
The United States is giving booze to a drunkard -- and Israel returns the favor every time.
The one bright spot in any of this is the number of people I see who are willing to speak out against Israel's pogrom in Gaza and the West Bank and outrageous behavior in the region.
But are we too few -- and too late?
The Iranians should erect some decoy facilities and let the US/UK/Israeli Axis of Evil bomb the decoys and thereby cause economic collapse of the axis as oil prices clear $200/barrel.
I think the average man and woman living in Israel does not truly believe in a continuous cycle of death and destruction, or do they? What is wrong with their leadership? Can't they stop bullying their neighbors and try breaking bread with them instead?
I guess they heard me. Sorry about the multiple similar posts, friends.
Someone must not like what I have to say. After 4 attempts it still won't post
Power tools and carbide cutters, sweets and vending machine foods. Insurance? I won't eat the fruit! Thanks Sung425!
Last I heard, after the Iranian possible attack by Israel, which means we suspend the Posse Comitatus Act and declare Martial Law, was Israel said Hamas was ready to attack Israel and they were going to bomb hell out of the Palestinian civilians.
Every 12 hours it is something else, Bush and our 52nd state, Israel will cause a war soon, no end in sight....
Ah, Left of Left and lillulu introduced the double edged sword of Damocles. The question is should Israel exist in its present political state as a theocratic (Zionist=colonialist) democracy? A resounding NO! To Ms Lillulu as of 2006 there are 3,248 US citizens serving in the IDF, killing, abusing and harassing Palestinians, not to mention strip searching young girls at security check points. These Americans are war criminals and should be shot on sight. Our wonderfully magnificent facist military is using similar methods in Iraq as the IDF uses against the Palestinians; security walls, kicking down doors, killing civilians, placing children in prison and using children a human shields on hummers and tanks in hostile zones. All one needs to evaluate Israel's claim to fame is to check your atlas...geographically and politically Israel will fit well in west Texas where security walls and aparthied reign supreme. And by the way, when you go shopping avoid bar codes that begin with "0729". It's from Israel and may include olive oil, rice, fruit and processed foods.
N.I.E.- Nobody's Intelligence Evident - Could somebody help me out here. The best intelligence estimate I can make is that between Iran, Israel and the U.S., not one of the leaders appears to have matured past the second grade level. Am I giving them too much credit here?
If the radiance of a thousand suns
Were to burst at once into the sky,
That would be like the splendor of the Mighty One...
I am become Death,
The shatterer of Worlds.
The Bhagavad-Gita
The U.S. created the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, the nuclear bomb. For what purpose? To dominate, subjugate, and strike terror (isn't that terrorism?) into the hearts of billions of people in order to get ahold of their country's natural resources? Not a pretty picture. Dropping two bombs on Japan was unnecessary. Now that everyone wants nuclear bombs to defend themselves with, the U.S. doesn't like it. It's their Frankenstein monster.
The Zionist have sucked us into their land grab and George Bush is just fine with going along with whatever Israel wants to do regardless of the implications and the cost to the American people.
If they attack Iran it will just intensify the bad will felt by the rest of the world toward the U.S. It will also set off all kinds of reprisals by both the Arab and Persian cultures.
Everybody in the rest of the world believes that the Zionist would not dare to attack the Iranians without the implicit approval of G Bush. And they in my judgement they would be correct in that assumption.
Isreal must really love sucide doesn't it. Sheesh, The blowback alone should make them think twice about any sort of a Strike.
Is Avigdor Sen. Joe's uncle?(or maybe its the other way)
Is that why he was placed back in power contrary to the people of his parties will in his last election bid?
It's one BIG Fucking PARTY folks!
and guess what you aint invited....unless of course you'd like to donate some BLOOD.
"I don't care what the NIE says, I just KNOW they've got nukes!"
Geez, now you're sounding like Mark Abram. Or did he say that there is no proof that Iran has no nukes? Or did he say that there is no proof that the proof of Iranian nukes has no proof? Or did he say...
"sung425 December 7th, 2007 4:15 pm
How many of you, or any other American, is willing to die or sacrifice more American troops to protect Israel? Yet, the Israeli lobbyist, their congressional buddies, and Jewish congress critters are actively pursuing increased sanctions against Iran and considering a military strike. Ironically, A poll conducted in Israel showed that 66% of Israeli's do not want Israel to attack Iran. My god, peace has a chance of breaking out!!"
Peace would have a better chance of breaking out if the terrorist state of Israel didn't exist. They're on stolen land....torture, murder, they're doing to the Palestinians what the Germans did to them. They show they're character...the minute they have the power they are more than up to being the Nazis.
If what happened to the Jews was so horrible then why is it ok for the Jews to do the same to another innocent group of people. Why aren't we stopping it. Why are we supporting it. Why is Jewish life so much more sacred than Palestinian life.
THE STENCH OF THE HYPOCRISY IS DISGUSTING
Finally it's out.
The US is nothing but a goon squad for Israel.
What do you expect the fascist war profiteers to do? Give up that easily? They've always planned to bomb Iran. Israel, along with the U.S., will make up a lie as they always do and then attack Iran and take over their vast oil fields.
How they get away with huge war crimes is astounding.
If Israel is considering a strike against Iran you can bet that our oiligarchy is pushing it. Or doesn't M.A.D. work for Israel and Iran too?
To those Israeli officials mentioned, Shut the Fuck Up.
Again, I raise the reason why Israel bombed Syria. It was an effort to get Iran to retaliate so Cheney could give the order for US warplanes to bomb Iran. Ahmadimejad was smart not to bite, and look at what has been uncovered: At the very least Bush the Liar. And supposedly when he met with families who had lost sons or daughters fighting in Iraq, he shed tears. Well try shedding tears a##hole when you have to say goodbye to Laura, Jenna, and Barbara to spend the remaining years of your life IN JAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What gives these people the right to lobby our Congress through AIPAC and create enemies for the US througout the region! They don't have the right to lobby our Congress to sanction countries let alone declare war on them! Yet they do these things and with chutzpah. If it were China through Chinese Americans the American people would be up in arms. We shouldn't be giving the Israeis a free pass anymore. We need to stand up all of us against this insane lobby from the depths of hell. To Jewish Americans and the right wing Christian fundies you're either with us the American people or with the traitors in the Israel lobby.
And since most israelis reject a strike on Lebanon by israel, you can say 'the only democracy in the middle east'(REGD TM) has just exposed itself!
And it gets very very interesting: This from the UK Independent (7Dec07):
"A senior Israeli minister has turned down an invitation to visit Britain because of fears he could have been arrested on war crimes charges arising from the assassination of a top Hamas military commander five years ago.
The Israeli foreign ministry advised Avi Dichter, the Public Security minister, that what it described as an "extreme leftist" group was likely to file a legal complaint over the July 2002 bombing attack in Gaza on Saleh Shehadah which killed at least 13 civilians".
I don't think any nation will support any attack by anyone on Iran.
So one of our surrogates will start the shooting war, which we will be "forced" to enter. Brilliant (not).
"Good posts! Sorry to step on your toes earlier this week."
No prob...I'm seldom 'easily understood' [nature of the Beast].
And, just like 'Islamic-Iran', most-here have a skewed/erroneous concept of the relationship and interplay between Israel and the US (what else is new?).
WAY skewed...actually.
"Israel should be ready to act if sanctions did not work."
Did not work to do WHAT? Iran isn't making nuclear weapons, so what are sanctions supposed to achieve?
If Israel has a problem with countries enriching uranium for nuclear power, they should propose a UN resolution making nuclear power illegal.
Now with news like this it makes you wonder why there aren't sanctions against Isreal. Hey Isreal how about some international inspections of your nukes?
horrified: An unholy amalgam of all em
*not*
see latest NIE *snicker*
Attacking Iran is a fixed obsession held by the hard line obsessional leaders of the United States of Israel. They may ignore public opinion, and downplay evidence, and not think of the short term and long term consequences, even though the carnage of war has never been worse for civilian populations.
It is very clear from the current USI style of warfare, that plans to attack Iran are PLANS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, to be unleashed regardless of any change in Iran. You cannot avoid wars of mass destruction by imposing the very same.
Its up to the people and the nominated executioners of such plans to make it clear that they will refuse to obey the invasion plans of mass destruction, and that to carry out such refusal is to take the highest moral ground. The US intelligence report may not have been so "fixed" this time, but the USI news media is still the same "fixed" news media. Its time to stop following the obsessive war insanity emanating from the unbalanced top, propagated by the fixed news media.
Start actively and passively disobeying your criminal warmonger leaders now. The problems with human beings today cannot be solved with mass murder. If you really believe absolutely in the cleansing properties mass murder, as advertised on all the best TV news and entertainment channels as the good life, by all means, join in the blood bath. The Iran invasion plans have all the morals of crazed killer on a shooting spree in the shopping mall.
Its our world. Let us make sure we do not destroy it, because Iran is part of our world too.
Samski...huh?? Are you john Bolton? Porohedtz? Cheney?
Where Bush failed, Israel demonstrates real intelligence to the world
May I again recommend Scott Ritter's "Target:Iran".
Also, the transcript of an interview with him:
Bombs away?
Arms expert Scott Ritter says the U.S. plans to attack Iran. MT asks why he's so sure.
by Curt Guyette and W. Kim Heron
11/28/2007
http://www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=12059
i had a feeling this is how they would pull it off. by having israel kick it off. oh well, what are you going to do, you knew it was going to come....we're circling the drain people
So - if Israel attacks Iran, Iran can zap Israel with the energy produced by its nuclear power plant?
This is utter nonsense for Israel to think about attacking them expecting us to help them out when they get into hot water.
So if Israel can attack Iran in self defense, can't the Iranian's attack Israel and call it self defense too? Oh - no I forgot - that only works for Israel and the U.S.
I'm actually relieved by recent events. Bush must sense public opinion, and the NIE and the professional military and intelligence, and even Condi are telling him attacking Iran will be a mistake.
Israel won't bomb Iran on its own. Even their new longer range fighters can barely reach the targets, and their arsenal is for fighting troops and armor in the field, not bunker busting. Secondly, Olmert is the PM, not Netanyahu or the AIPAC DC lobbyists. Finally, they won't want to risk Iranian retaliation without the US 100% on board. Iran has some pretty good missiles and a lot of hell raisers in Lebanon.
Peace.
As I have said: Welcome to the UNITED STATES of ISRAEL!
Well it would be nice to know where US Foreign Policy begins and where Israeli policy ends. Right now I cannot tell the difference.
In my opinion Jewish People have hidden behind the Holocaust to deflect otherwise legitimate criticism. Political correctness reinforces this state of affairs. Given the recent history of the origins of the Iraq War, I believe it's time to level some direct and legitimate criticism. It appears to me that far too many American Jews have placed the interests of Israel above the interests of the United States. Too much political deferrment appears to have led to an unpleasant level of Jewish hegemony over the foreign policy of the United States. I believe it's time to bring this sorry state of affairs to an end. If Israel unilateraly bombs Iran then the United States should refuse to become involved, treaty or no treaty.
It would cut into the profit margin considerably,"if the US and Israel just sat on the sidelines." Peace in the Middle East at what cost? A cost approaching the cost that's already been expended on US "adventures"there?
How many of you, or any other American, is willing to die or sacrifice more American troops to protect Israel? Yet, the Israeli lobbyist, their congressional buddies, and Jewish congress critters are actively pursuing increased sanctions against Iran and considering a military strike. Ironically, A poll conducted in Israel showed that 66% of Israeli's do not want Israel to attack Iran. My god, peace has a chance of breaking out!!
bobh - "Let's nuke everybody". No, I don't think you're crazy. You just might be the world's first prophet in two millenia.
"We always prefer international action, led by the United States, but we have to ensure that we can protect our country with all means."
The above statement by Netanyahu sums it all pretty neatly. Israel "prefer(s) international action" led by the US. It is clear that they see the US as their little lapdogs, willing to do whatever they ask us to do. Israel has complete and total control over US foreign policy in the Middle East.
"Israel's Iran experts argue that the US intelligence assessment did not wholly exonerate Tehran - they point to evidence of a continued enriched uranium program, which has only limited civilian use - but they admit that for now an Israeli military operation is unlikely."
So, the Israeli foreign office controls policy in the Middle East?
Well, maybe in conjunction with the US State Dept and DOD.
Maybe if the US and Israel just sat on the sidelines more of the time, the Middle East would return to a quiet, peaceful area.
Of course they're all pissed the report came out! They'll try to bury it and change the facts if they can.
MeAlsoToo -
Good posts! Sorry to step on your toes earlier this week.
Israel is fear-mongering.
"...the national intelligence estimate (NIE)...brought surprise and frustration in Israel's defence establishment.
Frustration to find out that Iran is not an existential threat? That's whack.
No one gets bombed with the 'big bombs' (not in anyone's interest). Besides, why do you think we just spent so-much revitalizing and perfecting all those Small-nukes?
Also, ignore those 'debts' (they took-away bankruptcy for YOU, not from themselves...).
"Fresh start"? On the way, baby. A New World Order, coming right-up...! [Hope you like it better than the 'messy' diversity of the old-one...?]
I know what...let's nuke everybody and get it over with. No more worrying about if somebody else has the big bomb. No more empire-building. No more anxiety over the effects of global warming. No more running up huge debts that our children and grandchildren for generations will struggle to pay off. I know it sounds suicidal, well it is. But just think, a fresh start.
Yeah, it's crazy, I know. But so's the alternative.
"We always prefer international action, led by the United States..."
Haha, international action led by the U.S. That's funny.
I don't care what the NIE says, I just KNOW they've got nukes!
It should be easy to invade Venezuela from the base Gates just secretly-negotiated in Suriname...
And 'yes', we'd have to attack any developing-country foolish enough to Nationalize-anything, much-less with the NERVE of selling gas for 'what its worth' (around .15-per-gal, lately?).
Biblical...dunno -- maybe, if (like many Christians) you never make it past the "Old-Part"...
[Only we don't want 'lots of oil', we really want others not to have-such, and certainly not 'cheaply']
The only answer is to nuke Israel and blame it on Venezuela.
Then we invade Venezuela - liberate their oil - and then realize we killed two birds with one stone.
No more Middle East crisis - and suddenly now we have lots of oil.
Sounds kinda Biblical, don'cha think?
The author thinks they would 'break their own toy' so soon after the Holiday?
Israel and the West invented/placed and have 'well-used' Iran since 1979 (in like-fashion to how the US used it after 1953). They have no-intention of 'attacking it'. They 'need' an 'Islamic Revolutionary Republic' as much as we once-needed a ColdWar with a so-called 'powerful-Enemy', and almost-as-much as these Persian-politicos need a "dangerous-Israel and its Suzerainty, the militaristic GreatSatan-US".
If you hear that Iran does-ever 'get the bomb', look shortly-after for leaks showing how it was the Mossad/CIA/ISI who helped them to get-it...for the 'joint' escalation/usefulness in this bs-GWoT. [After all, the USSR took its ball, and went-home...and 'BinLoafin ain't so scary no-more']
It's a grade B horror flick alright, but these Satanic warlords make Ed Wood's productions look like Mickey Mouse.
if ever there were a moment in the past 60 years or so, surely jesus is preparing then. must be on the dl. IE not in the mainstream news outlets.
I suppose it depends on what your definition of what jesus is is.
There is no way that bush can justify military action against Iran. UNLESS Iran attacks our great friend and ally Israel. So Israel attacks Iran, Iran retaliates, and the US has "no choice" but to defend Israel against the 'axis of evil'.
So the US will defend a criminal act of aggression through the use of criminal acts of aggression and refer to everyone as a terrorist. Somehow we will try to get Jesus involved in this whole dibacle and try to pass off the attacks on Israel as anti-semitism.
This sounds like an Ed Wood film.
Teenage American Jews, during their summer vacations from school, go to Israel to do unpaid volunteer work for the Israeli military. You can tell where THEIR loyalty lies, and it's NOT with the U.S.
NEW YORK - Thousands of patients are facing delays in crucial medical tests because of a shortage of a radioactive substance used in those examinations — all because of the shutdown of one nuclear reactor in Canada.
MAYBE IRAN CAN SPARE SOME?
So...Israel is refusing to take the anniliation of Iran off the table?
who is the real threat to whom here?