What a crock! About the only truth here is in the statement that it is part and parcel of a much larger plan. And that larger plan is being carefully coordinated with (by?) the U.S. and its U.K. partners in crime. Particularly noteworthy is the increasing pressure being exerted on Turkey as a pivotal player in the overall co-opting of NATO into the mad scheme.

The build-up to WW3 is in the works, folks. The only real question is whether its initiation will await the forthcoming regime change within the U.S. for the purpose of putting a new face on the international alliance relationships. I suspect it may, but I wouldn't count on it.

Arvy, do you have some source of secret information? I clicked your link and read everything, but the U.S./U.K. stances on Iran seemed like nothing new. (I'm dead set against an attack on Iran --as any sane person would be-- but this just sounded like the usual sabre-rattling.)

I also looked up the author: he's a professor of international relations and Middle Eastern Studies at New York University and The New School, so it's a bit difficult to imagine he's some kind of warmongering fanatic.

Please enlighten us, if you can.

^^^^ Well, I did have a security clearance, but it expired when I retired. :^)

No, I have no secret sources. I just draw my own conclusions from what's available to anyone who looks for it. It is to be expected that many people will continue to believe that it's all just a part of Bush's pursuit of a "diplomatic" solution, just as many did right up until he annouced the actual invasion of Iraq. But, as I see it, this kind of stage setting and lining up of international war-making arrangements generally bespeaks something more serious than mere sabre rattling. Keeping a watchful eye on the carrier group movements may also provide some clues as the time approaches.

Presence go feed those bears like I told you too.

Israel should not be on any peace offensive, they should go to war with hamas and not stop until one side or the other has been defeated. ANYTHING else is just dragging this thing out.

Its samrt to get peace going with syria, that frees up that border and keeps israel's flank safe as they crack down on hamas. IF they crack down on hamas!

Anyway, with Olmert still in office you lefties might yet be cheering another holocaust, don't lose hope yet!

"Waiting any longer will only increased Iran's threats to Israel's survival." Excuse me ...... could you please document those threats? They are sounding increasingly like the "imminent danger" which Iraq posed to the US.

There is no lie like a big one. In fact Israel is a threat to Iran, not the other way around. They have campaigned publicly for the US to attack Iran. (Sharon did this explicitly.) They have verbally threatened and continue to threaten. Of course it is all in "self defense". Just like the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

According to IAEA and US intelligence estimates Iran has NO military nuclear activities. Zero. They have non-military nuclear development activities which are distinctly different and which all parties to the Non Proliferation Treaty are explicitly entitled to. So the countries demanding that Iran cease non-military nuclear progess are going againt the NPT. Israel which has had a couple hundred (and maybe more) nuclear warheads for many years is in violation of the NPT but then they refused to sign it.

Israel has a choice: continue its racist, colonialist and militarist behaviour or come to terms, become genuinely equal, live and let live with the other residents of Israel-Palestine. If Israel refuses to change and continues the first option, that is the course which inevitably leads to disaster.

Right on AdeleTheCzech. Seems like a pretty good analysis of the situation at the moment. Might change, but sounds more probable and more peaceful tha most outcomes. Peace, as always, relies not on justice, but on peace. It is an end in itself. Stopping the fighting is the essential first step for both sides. Of course this applies as much to Israel as Palestine and I would find it harder to support them if they violate this one with more target assinations or military actions.

Let's see what time brings. The Bush years are almost behind us and more and more countries are ready to look to the future beyond them.

Ariel,
Really. Do you spend your own time writing this crap, or do the American taxpayers pay you to do this via AIPAC or ADL?

"Iran's threats to Israel's survival"
"Iran's increasingly vigorous nuclear program"
"As was demonstrated by Israel's F-16 and F-15 fighter major air exercise earlier this month, Iran's overt threats on Israel's existence are being taken at face value"

Ok... 3 blatant lies in this article. I think Israel and the "west" are hysterical for no real reason about the CIVILIAN nuclear program in Iran. Also, I don't know about you but I'm pretty sick of being fed these lies and distortions over and over again in EVERY news article about Iran.

Worried, a am american, so its my tax dollars that go over there. I'm willing to bet I contribute more to the tax pool as well...

resterling, what makes you think israel has that choice? What if, no matter what, the arabs are going to continue to attack israel? (just like they say they will).

And how is israel the threat? Last time I checked, israeli missles arn't draped in slogans saying "death to iran". Calling for "death to israel" is as common in iran as saying "save the children" is in america, to the point where its like elevator music.

Ariel,
"contribute more to the tax pool"? Sounds a little anti-American to me. The issue is that not a penny of U.S. taxpayers money should go to Israel. Instead of contributing, it sounds like you should just go to Israel and fight like a man, if that's what you believe in so strongly. Leave our tax money here where it belongs. Your sick thoughts are hurting the team, Ariel.

It's good to see Ben-Meir's thoughtful acknowledgement that Israel might have to resort to military force to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Facing this unpleasent reality now should strengthen the world's resolve to help Iran back down from uranium enrichment under conditions that the Iranians find palatable.

Progressives in the US and Europe should come out forcefully against the ideologies of Ahmedinejad, Hamas, and Hezbollah, whose racist rejection of Israel's right to exist is inconsistent with any kind of progressive thought.

The wallowing in bitterness against Israel that is more usual in progressive circles does nothing to strengthen the realists among Palestinians, Israelis, and others in the region, who struggle to secure the political and cultural basis for coexistence.

"fog cutter" .... that's a good one .... the irony is thick as you dispense smoke and b.s..

Prof. Ben-Meir writes that "Iran's overt threats on Israel's existence are being taken at face value." Nonsense. It is an insult to the intelligence of Israel's leaders to accuse them of taking Ahmadinejad seriously. Israel's leaders know that Iran cannot destroy Israel, because Israel has nuclear weapons, and Iran's leaders know it, and Israel's leaders know that Iran's leaders know it. Iranian politicians can threaten all they want, but Israel's nuclear deterrent means it's just empty talk.

Mark Marshall
Toronto

This piece appears to be dictated by Dershowitz. Many assumptions. I've come accross many allegations of Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons but no solid evidence. The A.E.I.E and Russia have consistently disputed the allegations. Secondly Iran already has a nuclear weapon to use against Israel. It's called Dimona. Well aimed missiles would turn this Israel nuclear facility into a Chernobyl. It's just a matter of waiting for the right wind direction. The good news is that there are millions of human shields. Palestinian Muslim and Chrstians and more throughout Israel. I don't think there is any chance Iran would attack Israel. Also the response would vaporize Iran. Follow the money. Most conflicts are about globalization and subsission. Peace!

zaz, lol, russia? Of course russia denies that iran is building nukes, the russians are helping them build the nukes!!

Righto n the money fog. These guys call themselves progressive whule supporting ideologies straight out of the 12th century.

Wow, what progress you lefty fools...

Holy smokes. Is this article ever clever. But, apparently not clever enough for CD posters. Good for you. This is highly poisonous material here and many will be seduced by it. Magnificent example of propaganda.

In the coming decades, the Indian and Chinese middle class will grow larger than the entire population of the U.S.
No matter how smart we think we are, nobody can predict the good and bad, coming from these large populations that will influence the world.
It's never black or white, good or bad.

The Muslim populations are booming as well, and great things will come from them, and bad stuff too, just like the U.S., China, India, Brazil, Russia, etc. Are we flexible enough to be open to be influenced by other countries?

Do we have enough faith in ourselves, democrat, republican, or independent, to be open to positive, peaceful changes? Do we have enough belief in ourselves not to see even those who rub us the wrong way to smile, connect, and help towards living in harmony with each other?

Long Live the Iranian People!
Long Live the Jewish People!
Long Live the Arabs!
Long Live the Americans!

No matter what your religion, race, country, or sex, everyone of us has something great inside that can change the world for the better. I don't have a monopoly on the truth, wisdom, or good things to say, I just know nothing is too good for any of us, even peace.

If you have a chance, try to reach out to someone you disagree with in person, not just on the internet. You deserve to unfold, grow, and feel good, and when you connect with someone who is different than you, these things happen.

I'm not trying to agitate and I know folks will not like my reply, but that's ok.
I'm going to think about you and send you love anyway, because I know it will come back one way or another.

andrews, you're really cute and cuddly, but unfortunately totally wrong. most of the rest of the world is completely screwed up and we want to do our best here in america to isolate ourselves to survive. This means both physical and cultural isolation.

Anglo-saxon political culture, with english being our national language, is utterly vital.

I don't need to go there yet though...

Ariel_Sharon June 21st, 2008 4:14 pm: "And how is israel the threat? Last time I checked, israeli missles arn't draped in slogans saying "death to iran"."

PLEASE NOTE:

Israeli children sign their missiles:
http://world-current-affairs.blogspot.com/2006/07/israeli-children-sign-their-missiles.html

"Israeli girls write messages on a shell at a heavy artillery position near Kiryat Shmona, in northern Israel, next to the Lebanese border, Monday, July 17, 2006".(AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

"Dear Lebanese/ Palestinian/ Canadian/ American/ Muslim/ Christian/ Australian/ or Anyone else who stands in our way,

DIE.

love,
Israeli Kids"

Ariel_Sharon is fittingly concisdered in terms of the following article; not precisely, but certainly nonetheless.

"Psychopathic Groups & Distorted Definitions",
by Brent Jessop, June 19 2008,

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=9380

Of course it definitely applies to the Israeli leadership, political and military, and "intelligence", as well as the West's ruling elites; and it's about 'political ponerology', though Ariel_Sharon and the others of his like are more obvious in their heinousness, psychopathy, sociopathy, ..., as opposed to again doing like Bush et al did with respect to Iraq, with all their talk about supposedly bringing peace and so on to Iraq, to 'liberate' Iraqis from Saddam Hussein's regime. With respect to Iran and Palestine, as well as Lebanon, the lies are only and all the more obvious; even if Bush et al never had me believing them for even a fraction of a [second]. They were [immediately] obvious liars; but they did use "nice" words or "promises" when really meaning ... HELL, which they of course knew they couldn't explicitly state.

Ariel_Sharon, if in the U.S., is nothing less than a complete [traitor] to the country, and to Humanity, international laws and conventions, etcetera. Couldn't be further from the edge of 'legality, honesty, and morality' than he is; evidently is the case.

So there ya go Ariel_Sharon, ya [schmuck]; one who'll perhaps burn in the fire pits of eternity after this life, or else spend it in eternal darkness so dark and pervasive that you can't see an inch in front of you. And that'll be right along with Ariel Sharon of Israeli leadership and MANY, many others of these likes. Maybe? Well, I can say that I hope so, anyway; but only God knows for sure, and I wouldn't put Him to the test if I were you. Life here is very SHORT compared to eternity.

Oh well, if that's their choice and it's what they have after this life (:) ), then we can't really say that they will not then receive their due deserves, can we! NOPE, we really can't; it'll be long overdue Justice! Only people with mushy minds or characters could think otherwise; no real discipline of character, just [softies]. Discipline's much better and a friend of mine.

Quoting from the article:

"As the dynamics in the Middle East shift in response to Iraq war backlash and Iran's increasingly vigorous nuclear program, Israel has finally conceded that peace with Syria holds the key to rapprochement with the rest of the Arab world, including the Palestinians. At this time it is clear that waiting any longer will only increase Iran's threats to Israel's survival."

SLIGHT PROBLEM WITH THAT THOUGH: Iran has never threatened Israel to begin with. The opposite is the sole reality; Israel threatening Iran, previously, although also ongoingly, Iraq, Iraqis, and for a very LONG time now, Palestine and Lebanon, while having not only threatened, but attacked, with war of aggression, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, and possibly others.

Not only that, but Israel also is it's own and very worst enemy; although also is the USA, given it, in true enemy form, is complicit in Israel being its very own and worst enemy.

"If a comprehensive peace with Syria can be agreed upon, Israel will have a much better chance at successful negotiations with Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority and be better equipped to deal with Hezbollah and Hamas-all which will become extremely important as Israel gears up to face Iran."

BULLSHIT! It's Israel that has been the criminal state or party all along; Hezbollah and Hamas are only trying to DEFEND against Israel's or U.S.-and-Israel's criminal military aggressions of superpower kind against far less capable military means possessed by Hamas and Hezbollah. Far less military means, but far more true SPIRIT and honourability; although Israeli and U.S. leadership has absolutely none, so there's nothing for real comparison, except them being totally devoid of moral conscience and conduct, and so on.

====================================

" AdeleTheCzech June 21st, 2008 1:13 pm

...

I also looked up the author: he's a professor of international relations and Middle Eastern Studies at New York University and The New School, so it's a bit difficult to imagine he's some kind of warmongering fanatic."

PEOPLE WHO FALL for that sort of bullshit need to read articles like the one I posted in my above or one of my above posts and only 'Pyschopathy ...' by Brent Jessop, and about 'political ponerology'. It also applies with academics and others, not only corporate execs and politicians, but MANY others, along with the dumb masses who refuse to be critically vigilant.

Having a high degree of scholarship achieved, being a professor, having received the Nobel Peace Prize or medals of honour, etcetera, are BS! Some NPP awardees deserve historical recognition, but definitely have no need to accept an award of this kind, for it's mostly about propaganda, 'political ponerology', most really. Anyone who's truly honourable in character and conduct KNOWS it and doesn't have any need for all of these make-believe, disneyland propaganda pieces of so-called recognition and respect. The only thing the elites are happy about with medal of honour winners is that they well served their dumb animal roles in service to the ruling elites; unknowingly, often, and preferably, but this also is a distinct matter for consideration. The ruling elites have very distinct realities; definitely knowing what they do, why they do the things they do, and more. They know former USMC Major General Smedley Butler was right in his book, 'WAR IS A RACKET', f.e.

It's like with people who profess to be Christian, and this according to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, that many will falsely profess to be of this faith, of his discipleship, and that they most definitely won't be fooling him or God. He added strong words on this, a very serious warning to people wishing to truly be of his disciples, to BEWARE of the MANY who'll be FALSE. And he also said that his true followers will be recognizable by their conduct, and that's not to mean being seen positioned like for prayer or worship, but social and, therefore, also economic and political justice, against all real injustices, those that are of serious kind anyway. The FALSE are NOT of such conduct and it's clear that they're not; but they continue their life of this charade of charlatan falseness.

'The New School' is something I don't know about, but it does sound like it may very (un)well be a name as described in the article on 'political ponerology', entitled 'Psychopathy ...', above. And this so-called professor is perhaps right in the first paragraph, wherein he says that Iran's pursuing its nuclear program, for he did not say 'nuclear weapons program'; but he's very full of crap in the texts I above quoted and commented on.

If he was a [respectable] professor, then he might make an occasional mistake, but it seems to be a habit of his, since he does it multiple times in the opening paragraph, alone; already!

I did not need that article on psychopathy and political ponerology to be able to say this, except wherein I specifically refer to the article and what it's about; however, it has very important information and examples, and Brent Jessop is right about the general public being blind, and then in denial. They can't see for a LONG time, and when they finally do, they're can't face reality and seek to hide from it by living in denial.

In this world, we NEED to be CRITICALLY VIGILANT, WATCHFUL!

Threats on Israel from Iran? Laughable all the threat come from Israel. Israel will continue to steal land and attack anyone until Americans wake up and form a pro-U.S. foreign policy PAC to counter AIPAC.

Iran's threat to Israel's survival? As other writers have already detailed here, the assumption (and deliberate Israeli propaganda, making "irrational monsters" of Iran that must be destroyed first) is that Iran will commit national suicide just to take Israel down....Excuse me for mentioning reality, but what Iran has actually said is true and correct---Israel will fail because of its OWN INJUSTICE, period....I am so sick of this "everybody's out to get us because we're God's favorites" garbage....When the hell is Israel going to GROW UP?

I too immediately noticed the various untruths in the article; particularly the one about Iran developing nuclear weapons. While not stated directly, it was certainly implied. The IAEA and all the intelligence agencies in the USA have concurred on the fact that Iran has stopped attempts at enriching uranium until it's weapon grade uranium.

More propaganda. And the author writes this article while at this very moment, plans are underway to perform an act of agression against Iran before Bush is out of office.

Why not enter into direct talks with Iran, rather than "isolate" Iran? And why not cease to misquote what the Iranian president said about "wiping Israel off the map?"

Sure, there are terrorists on all sides, but the two worst terrorists are the USA and Israel. If you can't be honest, please don't foul the air with disinformation.

Hey Ariel,
Out there making more money to contribute to the tax pool? Or are you reading something that may contribute to your warped view of the world? Or are you signing a few bombs to be dropped on Palestinian children? You appear to value the U.S. for a place to make money and hate others openly. God help Israel and the U.S.

The only reason Israel is able to get away with their criminality against the Arabs is because they hold congress by the balls. They have our cash, and thus control of our government and the media. Any politician that gets out of line is quickly disposed of at the next election if not sooner. Congress are a bunch of cowards. They sell out the American people for pennies on the dollar.

Israel has hauled a minimum of a trillion dollars out of the US since its illegitimate founding.

I thought that the only institution in our country strong enough to stand up to Israel, AIPAC and the Mossad (which is Israel's secret enforcer in our country) and has extensive operations here, were the true Patriots in our military. They know what is going on and after all, have taken a solemn oath to preserve our Constitution. But, no more. The brass in our military are a bunch of cowards like the politicians.

Welcome to WWIII. As the French Ambassador was quoted at a gala reception in England: "That shity little country is going to start WWIII".

Peter Montana

The current political situation is quite chaotic. It is hard to draw any concrete conclusions these days. Or rather, it is hard to predict large scale attacks and future wars. Anyone who falls for a "peace initiative", is living in the land of elfs and fairies. Peace and stability these days is not profitable.
But one thing is quite clear, the sickness which has crept into the mind of the Israeli people. It is the same sickness of mind which is being beaten into the collective consciousness of the American people. Forcing the populations to live under constant fear and at the edge. USA was supposed to be the "land of the free and home of the brave", but life in this country has been reduced to paranoid exsistence.
Israeli mentality has gone so far over board, that they will not rest until they have destroyed their enemies. Americans are getting to that stage themselves rapidly.
This madness has reached its end, for this era. One nation which is going to put a stop to this, is Iran. This will be a different ball game. It will suffer immensely itself, but will not give up until it will seriously damage both Israel and USA.

My thought is that Professor Ben-Meir is having the tail wag the fox. All this peace making, through Turkey, with Lebanon and
Syria to empower Abu Masan and isolate Persia and Hamas is peculiarly extenuated. Israel's first and primary peace iniative
should adress rather, the pitiful condition of its brothers and sisters on the other side of the wall. Humanity for the suffering in
Palestine would shower on Israel more directly and certainly the blessings of peace, and real security. I cannot get out of my
mind the words of another professor, the late, great Edward Said, "Many people can make the claim they have been opressed.
Only Palestinians can say they are opressed by the opressed."

Palestinians are not oppressed, unless you count their oppressive culture as oppressing them!

Nameste, palestinians and other arabs do not see "human rights" or "equality" as being of any importance whatsoever. They oppose israel because israel is not muslim. How they treat the palestinians will make little difference at all, expect to make it easier for them to murder israeli civilians.

I'm sorry if this isn;t what you want to hear, but its the truth.

Protect All Jewish people, but abolish the rogue nation of Israel. Ariel, anyone who makes such ignorant generalizations about another culture is sad.
What could you know about truth? I am embarrassed to say I live in the same country as you.

Of course, Ariel is a troll. No other rational excuse for him.

Since when did CD start posting articles from the Tel Aviv Ministry of Information (er misinformation/Ministry of Propoganda)? I mean usually CD posts important articles that shed light on the truth. They must be being pressured by the ADL.

Mike Corbeil "Iran has never threatened Israel to begin with. The opposite is the sole reality"

Hello, Earth calling Mike Corbeil, are you there?

We must be living in parallel universes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud_Ahmadinejad_and_Israel

Here are some facts for those who say Iran are NOT threatening Israel.:
============================
1. Iran had attacked Israel in the past. (Revolutionary guard, Lebanon, 2006)
3. Iran is financing (Billions of $$$) organization dedicated to destroy Israel (Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hizballah)
4. Iran's leadership constantly calling "Death to Israel" "Israel is a dead corpse" etc. They call to ethnically cleans all the Jews in Israel to Germany, Austria, Alaska and Canada. They also saying the the holocaust is a myth. It is clear to anyone with a right mind that they want to see Israel, and its Jewish people gone.
5. Iran, one of the Oil and Solar richest country on the planet, suddenly decide they need nuclear energy. And from all the different type of nuclear reactor on the market, for some reason, they chose one which is easy to convert to Nuclear Weapon.

If you were an Israeli - wouldn't you be concerned?

Ariel Spewed: "Palestinians are not oppressed, unless you count their oppressive culture as oppressing them!"

That is THE most ridiculous thing I have ever heard anyone post on CD... EVER. My god man, what the fuck is wrong with you?

Why do you people keep arguing with a guy who's in a coma?

The Arab League has offered it's Peace Plan on several occasions. Israel has rejected it every time. Here's a brief breakdown of the plan from a 2007 article in the SF Chronicle:

_ Arab League: Israel must withdraw from all the territories it captured in the 1967 war — the West Bank, Golan Heights and east Jerusalem. (Israel pulled out of the Gaza Strip in 2005).

Israel: Insists on border adjustments to reflect its security needs and Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank. Opposes division of Jerusalem. Peace talks with Syria broke down in 2000 though Israel offered withdrawal from the Golan to the international boundary.

_ Arab League: In return for total withdrawal, Israel would receive "full normalization" of relations with all Arab states.

Israel: Welcomes peaceful relations with Arab states but insists on formal peace treaties with its neighbors.

_ Arab League: An "agreed solution" to the Palestinian refugee issue would be negotiated, based on U.N. General Assembly Resolution 191.

Israel: Fears the reference to the U.N. resolution is a code for the "right of return," the Palestinian demand that the 700,000 refugees from the 1948-49 war that followed Israel's creation, and their 3 million descendants, have the right to reclaim their original homes in Israel. Israel believes refugees should receive compensation and be resettled where they are now or in the new Palestinian state.

_ Arab League: An independent Palestinian state should be created with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel: Accepts creation of a Palestinian state but opposes handing over any part of Jerusalem. A past government offered to cede Arab sections of the city to the new state, but talks broke down.

To a fair-minded individual (obviously our comatose reader will disagree), this is a workable plan. It gives Israel normal relations with ALL its Arab neighbors.

Which is why I don't believe any of Israel's negotiations are done in good faith. They are all attempts to simply stall for time, grab more land and resources and await the destruction — at our hands — of yet another of their neighbors.

The Israelis are pieces of shit.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7999343597466477342
Americans, the stringpullers don't want you to see this video!

opeluboy, the Arab League's offered was put as an un-negotiable ultimatum..

As soon as Olmert said that the the Arab League's proposal has some good points and he suggested meeting King Fahed to discuss their proposal, the Saudis got cold feet. (Unwilling to meet)

A good peace agreement is a Win / Win agreement where both sides enjoy the fruits of peace.
If one side dictate a proposal and is unwilling to negotiate - it's not an offer but an ultimatum.

As for U.N. General Assembly Resolution 191 - I believe you refer to U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_194
U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194 was talking about all the refugees of that war. Not just the Palestinians.
There were 711,000 Palestinians refugees, and 856,000 Jewish refugees. the later were ignored by the Arab League's proposal. (Just as they are ignored by you opeluboy).

I like that video ~ worried1 ~

But the SCION_istas will "crucify ya"