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BLITZER'S BLOG: What Israel Really Wants
By Wolf Blitzer, CNN
(CNN) – I’m skeptical that the Israelis are getting ready to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities. In the end, they might do it. But I suspect they are not ready to do so anytime soon.
That’s because they are talking so much about it. If they were really ready to move their F-15s and F-16s and their submarine-launched missiles against targets in Iran, they would be a lot more quiet.
Two historic notes: When the Israelis bombed Syria’s nuclear facility in 2007, they just did it. They didn’t discuss it openly in advance. Few folks even knew that Syria was building such a facility.
The same was the case back in 1981 when the Israelis destroyed Saddam Hussein’s nuclear reactor in Iraq. They just did it without discussing it in advance.
If the Israelis were really getting ready to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, why would they be giving such advance notice to the Iranians to prepare their air-defense systems?
So that raises this question: Why are the Israelis talking about the military option so publicly right now?
I suspect all the talk is designed to put great pressure on the U.S. and the international community to toughen sanctions against Iran dramatically, including an effective halt to Iranian oil exports, which finance the regime.
That’s why the international community recently sanctioned Iran’s Central Bank, which handles oil export financial transactions.
The Israelis probably have one more objective.
If the sanctions don’t result in U.N. nuclear inspectors coming back in and the Iranians backing down, I suspect all the tough talk from the Israelis is also designed to pressure the Obama administration to initiate the military option, instead of Israel. The U.S. military capability – for such a mission - is much better than Israel’s. The American bunker-busting bombs are a lot more powerful.
If, in the end, the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak concludes that the Israelis, themselves, need to strike, they probably would rather do it during this U.S. presidential election year than wait until 2013. The domestic political pressure on President Obama to side with Israel this year will be intense.
Having said all that, here’s one final note. It’s well-known that there’s no love lost between Netanyahu and Obama, and that was evident today in both their body language and the way they addressed each other so formally. But despite that, the military-to-military relationship and intelligence-to-intelligence relationship between the U.S. and Israel are stronger than they've ever been.
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RELATED STORY: Obama and Netanyahu focus on Iran's nuclear program
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Remember these words? "president Bush What are you doing about saddam hussein?" These were the words of Ben Natanyahu in 2000 . He single handedly pushed americans to war. 4000 died and no chemical weapon were found . His next target iran. Count america out we value our lives.
4000 AMERICANS die, of course no one cares about the hundred thousand Iraqis killed and the hundreds of thousands wounded. Who needs biological or chemical weapons? All you need is Israel or the United Stated branding a country as having them or labeling them as terrorist and poof tens of thousands die.
the last three isreali war.s were fought and payed for by americans why not another one
Look, I like Israel.
But they have America behaving like a soldier slave.
Romney is the most vile of the GOP because he is so eager to send your children to die for another country.
So one person can say were going to wipe another off the planet and its ok to justify preemptive action huh?
Thats sort of like saying we as an independant nation can have nukes but you as an independant nation cannot?
mmm sounds fair to me eh.... Hypocrisy abounds in this schoolyard of international politics with the bullies pushing round the little guys because they can. I say if Israel can have nukes (despite the rest of the world condemning that action????) than good on Iran for trying to get back on a level playing field and us Americans should concentrate more on our debt than another countries right to bear arms
Firstly, very few people know for sure whether Israel has nuclear weapons and if it does, claiming that everyone in the world condemns the fact is simply discrimatory, unless they condemn every nuclear-armed country.
There are enormous differences between a nuclear-armed Iran and a nuclear-armed Israel.
Iran is a signatory to the NPT and the development of weapons would be a violation of the treaty.
Iran is run by a radical, fanatic, religious leadership that openly calls for the destruction of Israel and fervently believes in regional chaos being a necessity for the arrival of the Mehdi.
Iran arms terrorist groups world-wide and would happily pass on nuclear capabilities to groups which could strike anywhere.
Israel, not having nuclear weapons is like saying Iran has nuclear weapons. Whens the last time Iran declared war or bombed another country? ask the same about Israel and the stark contrast is clear. Iran is all talk and anyone who takes them seriously on their threat to "wipe Israel off the map" has been hitting the mary jane for way to long. Get off of your high horse and look at the historical facts. Israel is nuclear and the only vicious aggressor in the region.
Does Obama think Iran knows how to behave and will come to the table openly to discuss their nuke program with the international community and he said today he thought they knew how to do that.When is their nuke inspection scheduled ? No one asked that ! Ya get the impression Obama is in no rush to jump into a war in a month or two or even three. Think it through and consider consequences and he's not playing politics with the decision. No games ! The increase of oil production on go. He reinforced the bond between Israel and the US. Peace on and "Take Me To The River......" Sing it Etta James !
In contrast to Wolf, I do not see Israel as bluffing here. True, it did not telegraph its intentions before destroying Iraqi and Syrian nuclear reactors. However, taking on Iranian program is a much risky undertaking, with potential to directly impact US, and Netanyahu might feel he needs to explain to US president and American people why he believes risks of nuclear Iran outweigh the risks of Israeli military action.
Of cause, the situation in the Middle East is COMPLICATED and that already for a very long time. Many have provoked, mislead, and cunningly steered the pot on ALL sides. In this time, Israel has not been able to develop an effective strategy to work for peace with its neighbors; relying instead on the pressures (or blackmail?) of Jewish organizations (voters) in the US. for financial and military support. Missing many opportunities and using the military (over-reacting) whenever there was a (small) problem has grown the hate in the area towards Israel! If Israel is so uncreative (not to say arrogant and stupid) not to understand that safety and future can only be WITH their neighbors, than let it be their thing. But to try to pull others into WW3 because of their stances is outrages and one can only be glad to have President Obama that will prevent that! One has often the impression that the hawks in Israel have already eaten all doves.
Here's my take:
What does Israel want?
Pure & Simple – PEACE!
Blitzer again tries to tinker with political thought. Rehashing the obvious and subtly playing his stand-offishnes when it comes to a Jewish state – old trick of uppity Jews. I love his "world-shaking" discovery that "US military is better suited to bomb Iran than Israelis..." Another idiotic line is that US bunker busting bombs are better than Israeli ones – didn't Israelis acquire the same bunker busting bombs from US already ? Israelis are talking too much ? Well, didn't anyone notice how much public preparation went in when it came to Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Anyone here remember the little "princess" of CNN Amanpour running shows on abused Afghan children or those winded discussions of Sadam's WMD's. Blitzer confuses one "visit" attacks on specific targets with a prolonged campaign which Iran promises to be.
These countries have been at war for over 2000 years. war is the only thing they know how to occomplish do to the fact that other international counties have to step in a pay for their wars. time is now to have international sanctions on all of the middle east includind israel. it must stop or all of the world will suffer economic down falls. you cant give to any of these counties without starting a fight with another. we gave to israel which caused the terrorist to attack our country. now its time to stop and hault all efforts of peace with these countries. have all of the united nations call for economic sanctions against israel and all surrounding middle east countries until peace and talks resume. all middle east countries will be dissarmed and all nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction will be given up including israel.
As an outsider to the region looking in like most of us are I have to wonder what the driving factor behind Israel's reaction really is...... is it a fear that Iran will want to "wipe Israel off the map" an opinion voiced by one or two people with a megaphone or is it perhaps if one is more cynical Israel wanting to keep itself as the only kid on the block (not including the US naturally) with these sorts of arms?
Go ahead and attack Iran.
and Saudi's will love you for that. Oil prices will hit roof and possibly oil supply will be disrupted, Iran is incensed and retaliates against US and Israeli interests. No more US recovery and the economy is in the hole again. Just lovely! and guess what? every American will feel it at the pump and their pockets, while Isreali's, are screaming bloody murder and cowering in their bomb shelters and complaining how the world is out to get them as Hisbollah rains rockets on them. Of course, pretending innocence and a lack of aggresive tendencies. The Iranians on the other hand unite against a common cause. Who cares about all the economic issues that the past several years of sanctions have incured. Nothing like a war to control and pacify the masses.
seriously get your heads out of your derrier and dont start a pointless war...
but if you do... ill be investing! nothing like a recession to buy into cheap undervalued stocks 😉
Pakistan and North Korea are bad enough. At least they have Secular Governments. Allowing Iran or any other theocracy to acquire nuclear weapons technology will be the biggest mistake in human history. Good intentions pave the road to hell.
Let's back up a month or so when Leon Panetta spilled d beans of a surprise Israel attack on Iran, hey Wolf, u got it backwards.
Mr Blitzer.
Do people reading this article know that you were a contributing editor and member of AIPAC ?? That is the Israeli lobby group in the U.S supporting a war with Iran. I hope that doesn't influence your journalistic works sir
We are $15trillion in debt. The FOOLISH people and govt officials of USA are listening to the cunning Israelis when it should be the other way around because we pay their bills, give them weapons and suspected to have provided them with nukes also. Do their presidential candidates get asked abt USA like the USA presidential candidates get asked about ISRAEL? NO. We should not get involved in this war. We invaded Iraq because we listened to Israelis crying about iraqis having "yellow cake". I say NO! NO more war. If your really in the mood for bombing something lets bomb Syrian govt thats killing its ppl. Lets bomb Alqaeda again. But NO TO WAR with IRAN. If Israelis want war they should fight them selves. We should not get into this just because the stupid UN and ISraelis think and suspect that the Iranians are making WMDS. There is no evidence of that, just speculation. NO MORE WAR!!!
If you are a Christian, then you know you cannot abandon Israel, for the bible speaks of all countries leaving ISRAEL to its lonesome leaving ISRAEL to defend itself. And in those days, the bible speaks of a time called ARMAGEDDON!!! MEANING THE END. And for AMERICA TO DO THAT WHEN THE DOLLAR THEY SPEND SPECIFICALLY QUOTES, "In GOD we trust" would be to allow the bible to be true, cause we all know it would lead to nuclear.war!!! Im completely AGAINST.WAR, BUT I'M ALSO COMPLETELY AGAINST.GENECIDE!!! LET'S NOT.FORGET WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE HOLOCAUST....!!!!! DO.WE HONESTLY.NEED A PART 2?
Churchill was the prophet who preached vigilance against the rising threat from Nazi Germany, and few listened. Now we have the Islamic Fascists centered in Iran. Fight them now, and vanquish their evil. You may continue, foolishly, to deny their imminent threat to peace, but thankfully there is a statesman in Israel who understands the lessons of history. Strike Iran now, hard and without hesitation. You are all afraid of the evil coming from Iran, just as the French were afraid of defending their country from the Nazis in the prelude to war in June 1940. CNN's correspondents are the sycophants of defeatism, ready to appease the tyranny and evil coming from the Ayatollahs. They do so at our peril.
The US and Israel are fighting a common enemy – global Islamic terror. Iran is controlled by fanatic mullahs, hell-bent on spreading a global islamic empire. Until this threat to Western civilization is eliminated, ideally with both the US and Israel working together, there will be more global instability and terror attacks.
This has nothing to do with western or eastern civilization. This is all about Isreal getting on top of everything in the middle east to controlling the palestenian land
Rubbish, the muslim world is a threat to nobody that`s just what America`s politicians want you to believe.
The biggest problem is Israel and only Israel that should not be there because its population is made up mostly of Ashkenaze eastern European converted Jews who have no connection to that area and are not semitic. The Sephardic Jews are semitic but they represent a minority in Israel. This is why the Islamic world is against Israel because these people are foreigners.
If our bunker busters are sooo much better than Israels why not give them a few?
What are a few military supplies between friends.
Dear Mr. Blitzer,
You may be correct in your assessment but you have left out a very important point. The Israeli Prime Minister is a hawk. He is not afraid to start military action rather than use diplomatic means to solve problems. It is not clear that Israelis truly back his ideas. I am not sure they want to fight again. It is time for peace in the Middle East.
Even if the government were to change in Iran I do not think much will be different. They realize they can put pressure on the allies and continue their rhetoric. Chine and Russia will still back them and sell them weapons.
Were was all the self righteous indignation hand wringing sanctions etc when Israel developed the bomb? If we are going to enforce nonproliferation then why do we pick and choose who and who can't have them sounds rather cynical.
xvet
Israel has a nuclear arsenal. We know, because we gave it to them. The only thing (supposedly) we
do not know is exactly how large it is, but we know they have full nuclear capacity. Every other
Middle Eastern government is also aware of that. Such is reality. One of the strongest of arguments
among political scientists has been the necessity of balance of power for the maintenance of peace.
That's what it was all about in the years of East-West confrontation. Balance the power. Mutually
assured destruction (MAD) was touted as the magic solution. Just think about it for awhile. The
answer will gradually present itself. During the Reagan administration the Israelis took out a
nuclear reactor in Iran. Does anyone remember that?
What's so strange about not wanting our enemies to have the same weapons that we and our friends have? You live in a dreamworld where everyone plays fair.
Obama can't stand Israel. He fired Emmanuel after he got sick of his Israeli war dance. The people of the US also have little patience for the world's number 1 disaster.
Since when is Israel America's greatest ally ? Which one was the last War that Israeli' soldier's have shed blood with American soldiers again ?
Henry Miller, Israel DOES NOT want American soldiers to fight, if you listen carefully, Obama does not let Israel to fight, the Israeli soldiers. The inspectors keep reporting again and again that Iran is hiding facts, They don't let them in to certain facilities. What are they hiding? In the last explosion in Iran, there were reports that there were developing missles that can reach long distance such as Europe and longer, much more far than reaching Israel only. Why are the Iranians developing these type of missiles? Why is Iran supplying weapons to Yemen, the Hezbollah, the cruel Syrian regime? The answer is simple, Iran wants to be an empire, take over and control the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is scared to death from Iran, and so are the rest of countries who are close to Iran. A nuke in Iranian hands is a danger to the whole world. Remember, you don't stop a bully in nice words, he'll not listen to you.
There is NO comparison with bombing the two relatively minor powers Iraq and Syria, which Israel did pre-emptively (and effectively).
In order to carry off an attack on Iran, which is a firm ally with the Putin government of the former Soviet Union, armed to the nuclear teeth I might add, they would need the help of the US.
The propaganda build-up is important because a unilateral attack by Israel on Iran would have immediate consequences to the very land of Israel, from a bristling quiver of enemies including Russia, Turkey and Iran itself.
The US must be drawn in, and this takes time and perhaps even provocation of Iran to strike US forces or for something more interesting to occur. As has been broadcast everywhere, Iran supposedly has its not-so-invisible tentacles in everything... not out of the question (in this narrative) that it may strike in the US.
You're on point.
Israel exists in the land of Israel, the land of the Jews before Christianity, before Islam. The palestinians in the West Bank have jobs, own homes, have a dinified life. Obama cannot be trusted on any level and Wolf – you're so ignorant to assume that this president cares about global issues – he does not even know or understands what they are!
and you know the issues? you should run in the GOP primaries.
Israel wants the US to fight the Iran battle. And pay for it plus let the American soldiers take the beating. And then give Israel a couple dozen billions of $'s to pound the Palestinians.
I have made the same observation as wolf did. The israeli government is trying to get the US involved when we don't need to be. IN fact, given the fact that syria, iraq, kuwait and saudi arabia and jordan are between israel and iran. I strongly doubt that the isrealis can logistically engage the iranians given the relationships with the aforementioned nations. If the US doesn't participate, this war may not happen at all. I respect israeli's right to defend itself but this is their problem, Not ours. We do not want to wage another needless war for profit, hegemony, oil, w/e. We have lived thru 11 years of useless war and are in ridiculous debt. If israel decides to move forward with this attack, they do so on their own. And good luck to them. We are going to watch on cnn from the sidelines.
You are certainly right about the debt. Members of Congress have been beating their breasts and
wailing about the national debt for almost four years now. Some of them, quite naturally, want to
blame it on the opposing party and their "socialist big goverment spending habits" instead of
blaming it on a useless war that was running up the debt by the billions every week. If we're
already drowning in debt at this point and destroying the future of coming generations.....as
some claim we are....then why would even consider becoming embroiled in another
confrontation that would only make the current situation worse? Inquiring minds want to know.
If Israel takes out the Iranian bomb making sites, it will be with paratroopers on a near suicide mission.
Israel wants to do it now, but the US is holding them back. Israel doesn't want the US to fight its battles, it will do it themselves. If there is a war gas goes to $7 a gallon and the stock market goes down and thousands lose their jobs.
Thats why Obama is trying to hold them back. If iran gets the bomb and then threatens Saudi Arabia to stop selling us oil, then what? Its too late to start bombing them. Iran has no respect or value for human lif. Just as today we have suicide bombers tomorrow we could have suicide nuclear bombers. They are dying for Allah. How do you beat that? They must be stopped now or all of Europoe and the US will be in oil trouble
The same thing was said about North Korea, what happened ? Did they bomb South Korea? No.
Israels know how to manupulate Americans to make them do what Israels want to do during the election year. DONT DANCE ON ISRAEL's MUSIC, AMERICANS.
Isreal CAN'T do it themselves. That's why Netanyahu is making a big stink in front of everyone. Obama is entirely correct to stand back and act formal. Let the schoolyard bully fight his own battles.
i agree with you but what about all the other players. What will Putin do, China? If it's to be done by Israel, they need to just do it..but we must be prepared.
Syria is the key to the near future of Iran. All the players have focused upon the struggle in that country. As Syria goes, so goes Iran. To understand the conflict in Syria & Iran one needs to know the players.
In the west, wearing red white and blue trunks, we've got US, UK, Israel and the shadowy presence of France (some say). The west has stirred up the poor folk who compose the rebel faction and promised them the 'freedom' to be milked of their resources and personal liberty if their group wins the day. America always sets up a dictatorship, never a democracy. It's easier to deal with a puppet dictator than a puppet parliament.
In the east, wearing the green and black trunks, we've got the established Syrian government backed by Russia, China, Iran and their compatriots in crime; Lebanon. Their goal is to retain power of the legitimate Syrian totalitarian regime and to provide a buffer between Iran and the demons of the setting sun. The bell rings, the combatants touch gloves and retreat to their separate corners. The bout is about to begin in earnest.
In the middle, and invisible to all, are our friendly allies and benefactors the Saudis. Master chessmen all, they benefit from tension in all directions and quietly weave their webs in the shadows created by the smoke of a million refineries.
The national anthems have been sung and the crowd falls silent. Somewhere a newsman giddily cries, "gentlemen start your engines" as the pilots of tanks and jet bombers rev up their machinery in hope that the day will soon come to prove their worth as trained killers and servants of the all powerful financial cartels.
Truly exceptionally well said. This should be required reading for every American of voting age
and even those merely approaching it.
The Jews want in on that oil money!
It is in the entire worlds interest not to allow Iran, a country run by religious fundamentalists to become a nuclear power.
A country run by religious fundamentalists? A Lot of people would say that about the US. Different religion, same result...
Israel is the most religious country in the world. Have you seen videos on youtube how Christians are being treated in Israel by some Jews?
The entire world (The US, UN, Europe) has repeatedly said we want a two state solution, want them to stop occupying more land, and stop building more settlements outside Israel. Israel has kept ignoring the world and kept on doing what it wants. That's their choice, but it does affect people's attitude if/when they come asking for help with eg Iran.
That's right, and it certainly does.
Blitzer asks why Israel is being so vocal this time compared to their relative silence before with Iraq and Syria. And then he goes on to point out that the rest of the world was barely aware of the reactors attacked back then. He answered his own question. Because the rest of the world was mostly unaware, there wasn't much need to defend their actions in advance. Plus, the attack was surgical and employed conventional weapons, i.e., not really a big deal in that region.
Contrast that with today. Everyone knows what Iran is doing. Everyone has heard Ahmafreakingidiot refer to Israel as a cancer that should be wiped off the face of the earth. Heard him say that Israel should be annihilated. If Israel strikes, guaranteed it will be massive. Does anyone realistically think that they would simply be silent in the days leading up to an attack and then leave it to chance which way world opinion would sway? Or would they be more likely to use the time prior to an attack to publicize their dilemma, their concerns, their position, and thereby hopefully create understanding that will lessen the aftermath?
What made this country great was America comes first. What will make this country is break is American comes second after bibi.....i want my America to live on great...how about you?
We're ALL sick of the neighborhood bully and its right-wing complaining. Obama is right about Netanyahu.
Israel wants war AGAIN. But they want the US to fight it for them AGAIN. Enough already.
I agree with you Wolf. Israel is posturing for Iran and seeking input from America on just what and how much they will get involved should Israel try to take a course of war.
There is an old saying Wolf that goes like this. " Never worry about a man telling you what he is going to do to you. You already know what he thinks he is capable of because he just told you. You worry about the man sitting in the back of the room saying nothing because you don't know what he is capable of."
The worst part about all of this is that no one knows exactly what Iran currently has in the way of atomic achievements. They have sequestered their nuclear works deep inside a mountain to prevent a direct attack from taking it out. Of course if you shut the entrances to the mountain with ordinance then nothing can come out to harm anyone. Iran would be sealing it's fate in a tomb of it's own doing. No one on the outside of the mountain even needs to be harmed for it to be effective and you can bet that strategic forces are already planning for that event. They can build all they want within the mountain but nothing is ever going to come out alive once the decision is made to strike..
Israel trying to manipulate America into fighting a war for them? Gee who ever got that idea that must be the most silly thing I ever heard.
I am with you Paul. These people...the jews are still crying about how mistreated they were in WWII. Now they think that they can rob, steal and kill the anyone that they choose. Wolk is suppose to be nutural but he was a paid lobbiest for the jews. America dosen't give 2 cents about Israel. Fix the problems that we have at home, let the UN police the world...that is their job.
I am with you Paul. These people...the jews are still crying about how mistreated they were in WWII. Now they think that they can rob, steal and kill anyone that they choose. Wolf is suppose to be nutural but he was a paid lobbiest for the jews. America dosen't give 2 cents about Israel. Fix the problems that we have at home, let the UN police the world...that is their job.
Mick21,
Israel has no leverage over the US – the US does what it wants. I specifically don't buy into the "Jewish Lobby" theory either – Jews around the world are less than 0.2% of the population. I DO believe that the US (and Europe for the matter) do care what goes on in the Middle-East for their own interests (mainly oil). During the two Gulf wars, the US demanded that Israel keep out of the fighting and gave Patriot systems to somewhat placate Israel.
Lastly, Israel does not only "cry" about what happened during the Holocaust of WWII, but "cries" about the persecution of thousands of years – for some reason the world just loves to pick on the Jews. Israel was established by the UN as a final safe haven for the miniscule Jewish population, in a miniscule country. They have every right to protect themselves from any threat, now the hatred-filled psycho leaders of Iran (an otherwise lovely country and people).
Bottom line, Israel is creating the rehtoric FOR the US and EU. Otherwise, to use an american term, they will "go for it" and very successfully. But, considering the extremely limited capabilities of Israel compared to the US and EU, the attack will have to be a knockout, with a lot of collateral damage. I expect that a US and EU alternative will be better for the world in general.
As usual he is more interested for Israel than for USA, and that is shame, every thing done is to promote this agenda, and to insult US citizens at large.
What does Israel want? They want the freedom to create an entirely Jewish state within all of Israel. They want the USA to continue financing the illegal settlements and starvation of the Palestinian people by Israelies while the USA also wades in and tames the local bullies of Syria, Iraq and Iran after Israel has spat in their faces to taunt them.
Congress and Senate members: please get off your Bibles, stop accepting money from groups affiliated with other nations and let the USA get its dignity back. Wipe that smudged turd off your noses.
Well said.
Indeed, there are groups within Israel that desire a larger land for Israel (religous groups mainly). but, there is an even larger group of Israeli's that are working hard to create a two-nation solution. the problem with Israeli politics is that smaller groups canactually band together and block the larger political groups. Such is the case when democracy is taken to the edge.
"The American bunker-busting bombs are a lot more powerful." Whaaaa? Israel has whatever munitions the U.S. has, and to think otherwise is incredibly naive.
Wrong !! The latest BB bomb is 30,000 lb beasty. It was recently tested in the US desert, and according to the commander of those tests, it will be capable of reaching the designated depths. Israel has no such bomb and no way
to carry one that heavy.
blitzer is on the tv screen and the israeli flag is shown behind him–he should move to israel if he loves it so much–all the goddamn jews do is whine and ask the american government to protect them–PATHETIC–the vast majority of americans don't give a damn if israel lives or dies–actually, as you kmow, there is and always was a deep vain of anti-semitism by americans-so get over it WOLF or move to israel
r j baskerville
To bacstaber.When musli dan with Israel they will do you.Get redy for D-day if you keep your head in sand
Israel put the screws to America which in turn put the screws to Iran and the American public known as the 99 % got screwed by higher oil prices. I wish Obama had not sanctioned Iran. Its non of our damn business what Iran does or doesn't.
We must defend Israel, Jerusalem is the key to another Persian empire. Jerusalem lies directly between the North African radical countries and the Gulf Countries. If Israel is goes away so does the 'keystone' country that seperates what could be the largest empire in the world. This plot of land is so militarily strategic that since history has been recorded it has been at war. Call it religion or call it whatever but every major empire that has ever ruled the middle east has controlled the area that is Jerusalem. If you lose control of Jerusalem, you lose control of the middle east. It is so important in fact that just controlling that area splits the countries enough to where they are basically useless as an empire. We do not need another Persian Empire, there will be no way to police a completed empire and it will result in the destruction of the west. Be careful to think that Israel is being selfish in wanting to control that region, just be happy that some people are brave enough to stand that are not let the entire middle east unite. Do some research, all major empires of the middle east run through Jerusalem...until you can teleport over the Med, you need Jerusalem and that region can not fall into the hands of any radical middle eastern country.
This doesn't matter anymore...If the middle east unites we will just use a bigger bomb.
So your answer to the whole scenario is let one country be entirely destroyed (genocide in fact) and then to commit another form of genocide in the form of nuclear war in the middle east? Very diplomatic, no wonder our citizens are the laughing stock of the world, this is our capacity to 'think'.
I respectfully disagree. We don't want to be involved. If you feel it's that important, take a plane and defend it. But our army is staying out of this wasteful craziness.
You will see whose opinion is the majority here real soon, I don't have a plane but my guess is that planes will be headed that way. You will find that your opinion does not sway policy much when that happens.
You have no idea what you're talking about
This may be true but you have not offered up any other explanation other than that I am wrong, what is the right explanation?
...have you seen any of the countries in the middle east lately? i very much doubt they could make a 'fearsome' empire
Unite them and give them 25 years, apparently you are unaware of the progress many of them have been making in even the last 10 years. There is a saying that history repeats itself, hopefully we can study enough to prevent it from happening.
Allah Akbar!
Long live Saddam Hussein
The Israelis are smart. They will let the Americans shed blood and money to take care of Iran. Just wait. It will be the United States that pays the price. So I just say to all Americans. Accept the fact that you must sacrifice for Israel.
Washington is Israeli occupied territory. Cantor is a jew.
Re: US air attacks on Syria: Everyone talks about how dangerous Syria's air defense system is. Doesn't anyone remember that we have nearly 200 brand new F-22's – super stealthy, very fast and capable of taking out Syria's radar sites. These new jets have never been in combat yet. Let's find out if we got our money's worth when we bought them. Use the F-22's Barack Obama. Also, cruise missiles.
Whatever maneuvering the Israelis want to do is up to them; however, U.S. actions should be responsive to this question only: "What is in the best interests of the U.S.?" A U.S. attack on Iran for the purpose of making the Middle East a little safer for Israel will be seen throughout the world as just more bullying by the U.S. to clear the neighborhood of Israel's enemies. Our European allies see it as a mistake, as do a majority of Western nations. An American attack on Iran will most certainly inflame Muslim hatred of the U.S. and become a recruiting tool for the jihadists. Israel has hundreds of nuclear warheads (thanks to the U.S.) and delivery systems (ditto), yet Netanyahu wants us to carry the ball. Our blessing of the IDF's bloody 2006 attack on Lebanese civilians and of the constant assassinations-by-drone being carried out against the Palestinians has properly caused Muslim outrage against Americans. Is that truly in line with America's own security interests? No way.
Where are we getting the idea that there is a need to bomb Iran?
1) Iran does have a right to develop nuclear electricity.
2) Iran has not enriched uranium beyond needed for electricity or medical needs.
3) Any attack on Iran would enable the oil traders to boost the gas price to $7 a gallon. A weak US economy would
start massively losing jobs.
4) Russia and China over the last 5 years have sold Iran some very sophisticated air defense systems. This is
not the broken down military of Iraq. Iran also has some very dangerous anti-ship missiles.
5) Any accusations of an Iran nuclear weapons program are based on suspictions, not facts.
6) Before we wreck the US economy, spend $5 trillion on another war and have another 20,000 soldiers wounded
let's stop and realize that Iran can be contained or even ignored. Let's wait until we know for sure there is a real
danger.
Is that you Neville Chamberlain?
Question for mbi:
Iran happens to have one of the largest oil reserves in the world. They can use their 'abundant' resource to fuel power plants which will create plenty of electricity, like every other industrialized nation. For this obvious fact, it is absurd and ridiculous to believe that Iran really needs uranium enrichment for electrical purposes.
Iran having a nuclear bomb = very real danger.
So gas goes to $7. Is that a bad thing or a good thing? At $7 maybe it finally is to expensive to burn so you find other ways to power the cars. In the long run $7 gas is a great thing as it would finally get us all away from oil. It worth whatever the cost to get away from the need to buy oil
Then if we stopped using oil we could stop giving a hoot about the middle east.
Go ahead and move to anywhere in Europe where they have gas at about 15.00 per gallon.
Thats the same attitude that the allies had about Hitler.....
Your statement that Iran has barely enough enriched uranium to run medical tests, is is based on someone that told someone that told someone. The latest report from the IAEA states that they have enough enriched uranium to last about 40 years. The IAEA has determined that they are embarking on the development of a weapon.
Israel has the right to defend itself from an aggressor that has said that they would like to wipe Israel off the earth. If they want to mount an attack, let them. I would suggest they enlist the aid of the US for refueling though.
It's time to cut Israel loose. They are hoping to get the US to do their dirty work in Iran because they lack the military capability. Sure, I'd love to bomb the whole middle East into a sheet of glass, but let's do it because there's a clear and present danger to the United States, not over regional belligerence.
Will someone please explain to me what Israel "has" on the US that justifies the bend-over mentality that every administration of the last 4 decades has followed.
Lobby
Oh Al, honey!!! You are just so right.....and honest, too....not to mention courageous.
So many people will not come out and speak the truth for fear of being labeled
anti-semitic. This isn't about anti-semitism or any other anti. It's about reality.
The frothing at the mouth supporters of Israel have had the United States Congress
over the barrel for over sixty years now. Every time we raise an eyebrow they
raise the spectre of the Holocaust. There is no longer any valid POLITICAL
reason for the State of Israel, and certainly nothing to justify any argument for
Zionism If America is truly dedicated to the ideal of separation of church and
state then why have American citizens been taxed for over sixty years to
sustain a government that denies that very principle. Non-Jews pay taxes to
support a government that is grounded in religious principles (which are not
those of the majority of Americans) and is for all practical purposes overseen
and frequently dominated by the Orthodox Rabbinate. Being of Jewish descent
I don't have an anti-semitic bone in my body, but I have a very real problem
with this particular issue and thoroughly resent being taxed to support it.
fruition of a Biblical idea?
IIf not for the US, Israel would not even be a state. The fact that Israel is now the puppet master and the US the puppet resulted from Israel understanding that politics mean everything to the US leadership. They simply put in place lobbies that gave a lot of money to politicians. The political system in the US is a major reason why the US blindly follows the demands of Israel. It has nothing to do with the Bible. Anyone that knows their Bible will know that the decedents of Jacob (Israel) are gone. The 10 tribes in the north were conquered by the Assyrians and inter-married to become the Samaritans and the 2 tribes in the south were persecuted by the Romans. Most were killed and the few that got away went into Africa where they inter-married as well. Israel has power of the US because of politics only. The people in Israel today that cal themselves Jews are converts. They are decedents of Japheth. Noah's son that is the father of the European nation. Do some research on Ashkenazi and you will know the true identity of the majority of the people in Israel today. They are not Semitic with the exception of the Arabs.
Israel has the right to determine their own future. Sure they have. Once they start paying their own bills. As long as my dollars pay for the Israeli military, they better do as the American president says. Any client state that is being kept alive by American financing has the decency to follow our lead. Just the jews dont. Is that because of some mystical special place in the world because of the holocaust? Like I said, let them bomb Iran if they can, but I dont want so see America dragged into it. Alas, about 80% of the American people happily follow the Israeli lead, probably because of some religious bias toward them. Well, I for one don't want to be dragged into a quagmire just because the majority of Americans also accept Jehovah as their overlord.
Idiot! The vast majoruty dont accept Jehovah! You speak of things you do not know Fritz...
The vast majority do not accept Jehovah...
To bad you live in a Democracy. Majority rules. You could always move to Iran...
Unfortunately, our politicians are under strong jewish lobby. While America pays for their military, the politicians depend on Israeli lobby for their election. So things are not going to change till politicians put American interest before their own selfish reelection
3words:
Mutually Assured Destruction
Israel has nukes, Iran having nukes will not affect its natural security.
What ever the Iranians launch will be responded with dozens of Israeli nukes heading towards their cities. No country, no matter how insane their leadership is, would consider trading in 1 Israeli city for all their major ones.
Its the same deal with the USSR and America. The price of a nuclear exchange is so great, neither side will ever turn the key.
You are aware that there is no USSR any more? (just giving you some grief)
One word: nut. It only takes one nut to spoil the most intricate balance of power.
Who was the nut that used Nuclear Bomb.
WRONG!!! The Iranians view a exchange of nuclear bombs with Israel (and the devastation/calamity that it would be bring) a way to hasten the return of the Mahdi (hidden Imam in the Shiite doctrine). The Iranian view such an act as a motivation, not a deterrent. The root of the problem is the vile Islamic ideology.
Sure, but with Israel and Iran it's the size difference. Unless Iran is stopped soon, a first strike from them coordinated with attacks from Syria, Hezbollah and possibly others, and Israel as a nation no longer exists. A counterattack from Israel against Iran would be crippling, but Iran would recover.
Put yourself in Israel's situation. How long would you be willing to exist, always looking over your shoulder knowing that a country that has stated categorically that you should be wiped off the face of the earth is becoming increasingly able to do exactly that? What leaders could face their citizens if they allowed such a thing to happen?
I think it would be awesome if Isreal no longer existed because then all this whining about the Middle East this, the Palestinians that would go away and we could all go to sleep earlier. In 1920, Isreal was barely in the news at all... wait a minute, it didn't exist then! Wow, how did we ever get along without it???
No one wants to see our sons and daughters fighting these wars but lets be honest with ourselves. Deep down, most of us have to admit that sooner or later.. this has to be done. The results may not be ideal, the means may be too costly, but the alternatives are more likely to be a nightmare of greater proportion. When one country claims another doesn't have the right to exist, it cant end well.
So one person can say were going to wipe another off the planet and its ok to justify preemptive action huh?
Thats sort of like saying we as an independant nation can have nukes but you as an independant nation cannot?
mmm sounds fair to me eh.... Hypocrisy abounds in this schoolyard of international politics with the bullies pushing round the little guys because they can. I say if Israel can have nukes (despite the rest of the world condemning that action????) than good on Iran for trying to get back on a level playing field and us Americans should concentrate more on our debt than another countries right to bear arms
There comes a time when, in a relationship, one party takes the other for granted. They begin to expect to be placed on a pedistal and worshiped and believed they can do no wrong. I'm not quite sure how Israel should be viewed, but they only view us in a good light when we are giving the gift that keeps on giving. They want us to see them as doing no wrong, when, in fact at times they are. It's like a marriage. Would you stay with someone who took advantage of you and only loved you when it served them? I support Israel as a friend, but I'm not so sure of how much they support us as much as they use us in the world theater. Just sayin...
Is this the same Wolf that bombed in Jepardy?
I agree Wolf and quite frankly It will be suicidal for Israel to attack Iran even they may have better military and nuclear weapons. Iran is much powerful and no Syria or Iraq.
and Iran has terrific chicken barg. They also have a bunch of kooks running (ruining) the country and oppressing their citizens. Other then that, it's a wonderful place to avoid.
i am a strong supporter of israel, but i have to agree with wolf blitzer. Why ARE they talking about it so much? Usually they're much more covert. I do not want them to bomb Iran, because I don't want another war in the ME.
For those that are assuming that Israel expects the US to fight their battles, FYI US soldiers have never been on Israeli soil to fight Israel's battles. That's what the IDF is for. And they are very good at it.
Let Israel take care of itself. The US should stay out of it. As usual where is the rest of the world a region on this? I agree with Ron Paul that the US should stop being the world's police force.
who cares, let the Jews take care of their own problems.
Let's hope there is no military action.
What Israel really wants? War...
Blitzer, please get it once and for all, nobody CARES what Israel wants. The same way that they do not care what the Palestinian wants.
US should start worrying about WE (US) want.
The "palestinians" want the death of every (jewish) man, woman, and child in israel.
Do you expect Israel to cater to their wants?
I just thought they wanted their land back
And the Israelis want every Palestinian man woman and child to disappear from the
face of the earth. The State of Israel is the product of the Zionist Manifesto. If
you don't believe it, then read it. This is what Lord Rothschild lobbied for before
Britain joined in WWI. Did you ever see Lawrence of Arabia?
because they alreay have the bomb. At least in rudimentary form.
"In all those movies made about Germany's drive for power in the 1940's there must be dozens of ideas to deal with the likes of Iran, who are so isolated from the way the world works. 99% of the Irani's are robots to their government, and have no idea who they're dealing with."
Israel wants to go to war and destroy America....For once I agree with Putin if war is declared on Iran there will be hell to pay. Haven't America destroyed and killed enough young men and women, mothers and fathers for an unjust war (Iraq)
If Israel wants war then by all means go bomb Iran but with your men & women....Leave American soldiers out of it.
Israel has never asked US soldiers to fight its battles, and I don't see why they would do it now.
They don't ask them to fight their battles, but they demand that United States citizens pay for
them. They are and have been for over sixty years the largest single recipient of foreign
aid. Even sums granted to them as loans have consistenly been forgiven as classified as
"gifts". Just Google it and get the numbers. You will be overwhelmed.
Dear Wolf,
I'd suggest that the rampant war mongering and speculation cease and that people like Vali Nasr, an Iranian, and Professor at Tufts are brought into this to make it more beneficial for all concerned.
Thanks,
Dick
Nope. That makes for boring TV...what do you think this is, public television?
Thanks Wolf for that analysis! it's just that nothing you said was new. You probably , like many of us, read Haaretz. But i am glad at the end you ensured, ONCE again that the relationship between the two countries are really strong, really thank you! i feel totally at piece now.
"What they don't want is Obama looking through his window of frosted-glass, and talking stupid!"
My question is...what will Iran do if the US or Israel do strike the Iranian nuclear sites? Will Iran retaliate and escalate the conflict or do nothing? We all know that the Iranian military is no match for US military, but if the Iranians feel the need to retaliate they are capable of causing some damages.
Also, we should not forget the increase of oil prices. Any strike by the US or Israel is 100% guaranteed to drive oil prices overnight and no one knows by how much. The impact on world economy will not be unknown until that day.
my bigger concern is the proxy war Iran might choose to war on civilian subjects. You know, all the terror groups they sponsor!
The second half of your note answered the question from the first half. The reason this time is different is because unlike Iraq and Syria, there is a reasonable chance that the US would instead lead military action against Iran, and this is far preferable to Israel. So the talk is designed to achieve that outcome. If it fails, Israel will go it alone to defend its vital interests, notwithstanding the unusual preceding public talk. Also, this will be a protracted campaign rather than a surgical strike. The first round of action will in retrospect be seen as the first inning.
The US would have to be nuts to engage in another very costly and no win war in the middle east. Any bombing of Iran will just delay their nuclear ambitions and likely encourage them to pursue nuclear weapons, if they have not already, to act as a deterrent to future invasion or bombings. Why are we ignoring N Korea who already has nuclear weapons?
The Israeli and Iranian people were friendly before the Iranian Revolution.. This this a war between the two governments , not the other 99%, or the people.Starting a new Mid-East war will not make any of these countries safer and more secure.. Now if Israel and the USA wanted to destroy the Iranian economy and topple the government, Israel would use it's advanced technology sector and come up with new alternative energy products, electric cars etc. that would make oil obsolete.. No oil money, no Iranian money to support terrorism and the dictatorship.. The problem is that Politicians are short sighted and greedy.. They would rather start a nuclear war and kill millions of people, than progress and move on from the oil teat that they nurse on.. Choose your destiny: oil and more wars, or clean , green technolgy which could save the planet from nuclear devestation.. If only we had brave, wise and strong leaders!
Is this the same person who can't decide to shave?
Zionists are crooks,they only care about themselves and money,there is a reason why they are hated everywhere they go.
They are so conniving they call themselves Jewish American,if being Jew is a religion why refer to yourself as Jewish American.
What a filth of a people.
Wolf, read Ezekiel Chapters 35-39. The answers to your questions and why Israel is being very careful are right there. In 2007 when they hit Syria they were acting on their own. Attacking Iran will fulfill the beginning of biblical prophesy. Russia (Magog) will be close behind and will join in trying to destroy Israel. But they will not succeed.
In fact the next few years news stories for you are already written. if you knew the bible you could scoop the worlds news operations.
Thats a joke right? Predicting current world events using the bible is about as logical as using chicken bones. Its little wonder that much of the world is sick and tired of fundementists of all stripes
What Israel really wants is to be left alone, in peace, and for its citizens and residents to exist without the foreboding knowledge that their neighbors want nothing more then to completely destroy them. There's not that much more to it. Oh, and while they're at it, they'll continue to contribute a disproportionate amount of science, medicine and technology to the world.
Some excellent points.
Plenty of good points made that most people seem to overlook. Thank you for the insight.
Blitzer again on Israel? What was your last job Mr. Blitzer?
The talk started when Leon Panetta or someone in U.S. leadership said in a speech on television that he thought the Israelis were going to attack Iran in the next few months. I don't think the Israelis ever said anything at all about it.
Wolf the problem with Israel and the media is no one is willing to tell the truth about Israel and their desire to shed blood. If Iran can' produce it's own gas, then attacking Israel is not even on the table. America's problem is Israel and not having the courage to tell the truth to them and about them. Why force a war that is NOT in the best interest of America or the American people. Why should Israel be allowed to have Weapons of Mass Destruction and the other Nations over there are not allowed to have it for their own security. Why must Israel be the bull dog on the block while the rest must be cats. Israel is not a true friend of America and America is not a true honest peace broker therefore there will never be a real peace over there! I wish that y'all would grow strength and let real people speak to this issue. I have nothing to lose and I have no fear of them or their American puppets in the government. Media outlets should be ashamed of themselves for hiding the truth while you know it!
The real reason is to divert attention away from the expansion of settlements. At the same time Natanyahu would like to see a regime change in the United States. He would like to see a Republican president who will not worry about the cleansing of the Palestinian from the Jewish State that includes West Bank.
As usual, Israel uses a security smoke screen to make Americans pay more for oil. Goldman must be loaded with Exxon stock. Higher prices will create more debt, more interest due, more bonds for them to sell to pay it and still less net worth for ordinary Americans. The embargo war was about that and we paid dearly as gas prices multiplied. Thankfully Obama will resist the "Lobby".
Wolf, what you also failed to communicate is that Israel knows that Iran is not Iraq and Syria. Iran is stronger than both of those country put together. Remember, during the Bush administration Iran had drafted a plan to bomb Israel. If Iran is brazen to talk about wiping off Israel off-the-map as the west claim, then Iran is no push over. That being said, Israel will saber rattle, only. Knowing full well that a strike against Iran could also mean that many population centers in Israel wiped out. The media needs to cool it and stop push war against Iran. It would be very very ugly.
Why aren't you talking about Mitt Romney's post-mortem baptism of his wife's father? Her father was a scientist and an outspoken rationist/freethinker/atheist. He is on the record as considering religion to be ridiculous; yet, Romney subjected his memory to this "baptism". Doesn't that seem interesting to you news folk in light of the other forced "baptisms" which are in the news?
Creating the state of israel was by far the world's biggest blunder of the 20th century.
There is also no love lost between Iran and Saudi Arabia. It would take about two hours for Iran to put the Saudis out of the oil business for a long time. The oil industry would not like that. Neither would we car drivers!
You should read the Bible, Wolf~ Israel will "eventually" bomb Iran, when?? But they will carry this "dirty" work out for the Lord GOD and we all will watch and wonder if this will start World War III?? Which it will not! You've got a great show, watch you almost everyday.
Pastor Dennis
Another jokester and a suggestion that the bible is anything more than a fine work of fiction!
Spoken like a true war hawk and zionist. The answer to all world problems is just to bomb the hell out
of it.
Demonstrators throughout Iran are chtainng Death to Khamenei. Amazingly the Supreme Leader is now being compared by Iranian demonstrators to the most notorious figure in Shia history, Yazid (murderer of Hussein). Thugs at the behest of the Iranian Government have martyred Ali Mousavi. Shia religious figures in Qom are being kidnapped, intimidated and arrested. Demonstrators have now turned their anger at the Basij militia and police who they are attacking with a vengeance.About all of this we hear nothing from Ben Katcher (or Flynt Leverett or Hillary Mann Leverett). It seems that the upheaval in Iran doesn't fit in with their preconceived narrative so they're just going to ignore it. I guess the message Flynt Leverett in particular needs to ponder is the message the Iranian demonstrators are delivering to him and everyone else loudly and clearly; “we’re planning a revolution-get over it.”While Iran burns, Katcher treats us to a mindless post constructed around testimony Ehud Barak gave to a Knesset Committee.Ignoring a huge story in Iran while hyping a trivial story about Barak is perfectly emblematic of the obtuse commentary offered by the proprietors of this blog.Come on Ben Katcher, I know you can do better than this!
What are the real ramifications of an Israeli strike on Iran? Especially during the American presidential season.
Wolf Blitzer is a former lobbyist for AIPAC, so that means he thinks special interests groups are more important than the general public's interest. That fact alone is morally reprehensible, and thus his silly ranting should not be listened to.
Americans have been losing lives, limbs, and money fighting Netanyahoo's wars in the Middle East for too long. Let them fight their own wars and keep the trillions in defense spending in America to use for social security, medicare, and to get the economy going.
What Israel wants??? Total power and attention and sympathy....
There is a huge backlash against Israel right now among the younger generations in America. No amount of media, especially Hollywood, pandering or tear jerking movies will fix this. It's not that young people side with the Arabians in the region, it is about all the money given to Israel that is causing this backlash. Also, there is an arrogance among Jewish spokespeople, particularly in the finance community, that belies their God given right to the land. God doesn't seem to be a focus at all for them. I don't know the answer on how to fix it, but don't kill the messenger. I'm just telling you. Israel is losing the common people's support daily in America.
The people in Israel today were not given that land. That land was given to the dependents of Jacob, but the people did not obey so God allowed them to be removed from that land. Subsequently the 12 tribes of Israel have either been destroyed or have intermarried into other races. The people in Israel today are Ashkenazi. They are converts to Judaism. They are Karzar monguls from Russia, Germany, Poland etc. There's a reason that the former president of Egypt stated that the Jews left Black and came back White. These are not the people of the book.
That's because there are a lot of liars that hide their lies behind the words "my perception of", not to mention that anti-Jewish groups latch on and hide behind a good cause. I don't hear the same hateful cowards voicing for the Syrian people, or the Iranian people. Remember that the best way to make peace is to befriend a country's people, which are usually the ones telling the truth, not their government. I know why we won't talk about Sudan, it might focus on real human rights violations. Eastern or Western perspective, murdering peaceful protesters is murdering peaceful protesters, no ,matter who gets angry, feels left out, discluded, offended that their opinion was based on altered information.
Netanyahu should shut up and sit down. These very same clowns threatened to destroy the United States when they were the rulers of the Soviet Union. Where did Israel get the bombs?
Wolf used to work for AIPAC and has close ties within.This is the key statement that Wolf made in his article above.
"If the sanctions don’t result in U.N. nuclear inspectors coming back in and the Iranians backing down, I suspect all the tough talk from the Israelis is also designed to pressure the Obama administration to initiate the military option, instead of Israel."
The Iranians should pay very close attention that Israel is very good at this and has succeeded twice already. There is little doubt they would not be successful again and Iran would want to heed the warnings.
Long way to fly to get there. Besides no one along the way likes you. when you get there you have to think of getting back.....that is where the gulf fleet comes in....guess what...the hate for us will increase....let Isreal be...think of us for a change
The US does not need to bomb Iran and start yet ANOTHER war – we have lost more troops than victims of 9/11. We have spent trillions while our government is broke. Iran is NOT going to bomb anybody, that country would be glass in one hour. A war with Iran will send gas prices up to $10 per gallon and destroy our fragile economy. This is not our fight. We cannot police the entire world. Most Americans don't want these wars. We were tricked into invading Iraq and the same thing is happening again.
I agree! Why are there still many Americans who believe in military interventions to solve preblems? Have thay not learned the bitter lessons of recent history.
I agree that the Israelis want us to do the dirty work for them. As an American voter and tax payer I do not like their interference in our politics or the way the come whining around for money. The Israeli air force may or may not be good. We don't know because their boastfulness rests on defeating Arab air forces, taking out poorly defended targets in Iraq and Syria, and (their favorite) bombing civilians in Palestine and Lebanon. But whatever you believe about them, they are not up to lingering over the sites in Iran long enough to do lasting damage. That's why they are trying to manipulate us. My response is, please just go away and don't come back.
Clearly Israel wants to increase the pressure on Iran as well as the USA. The Iranian leadership is completely paranoid and every time Israel talks about taking out their nuclear infrastructure the Iranians threaten the USA “the great Satan ” and Europe, all in the best interest of Israel and the USA! There is only really one way this ends and that’s with US strikes on Iran after Iran over reacts and makes a big mistake and starts the war with a foolish move by some low level General on US interests! All pre-planned between the USA and Israel! In reality its our only play because Iran can’t be allowed to get and have Nukes under any circumstance!
Rich G
Boston MA
I wonder if that isn't by design. Iran would be more open to working with President Obama if they thought there were fractures in the relationship between him and PM Netanyahu.
Israel are talking about it for the same reason the US have not gone into Syria, The Chinese and Russians are quietly ,but deeply, involved with Iran AND Syria.
Blitzer is basing his theory on the past, The gameplan has changed dramatically. China and Russia are becoming more powerful while the US and western Europeans'npower is declining
Israel knows it cannot win a war with Iran nor can it completely disable Iran's nuclear capability. Yes, Israel is chatting it up to get the US to issue an ultimatum to Iran so that we can fight and win a war. It would be extraordinarily foolish for Israel in an election year or any year to start a war that draws in an unwilling US into a war that Israel cannot win.
"I suspect all the talk is designed to put great pressure on the U.S. and the international community to toughen sanctions against Iran dramatically...."
"I suspect all the tough talk from the Israelis is also designed to pressure the Obama administration to initiate the military option, instead of Israel."
In other words, Israel wants Americans to die rather than Israelis. Israel wants American money wasted rather than Israeli money. Israel, as it always does, wants to hide like the cowards they are behind the US and let the US get all the black eyes that rightfully belong to to that insanely aggressive, warmongering, little pipsqueak of a country.
Isreal will act.
Obama will appologize.
Same ole same ole...
Is Israel really stupid enough to usher in WWIII?