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The case for an Israeli strike against Iran
atimes.com ^ | Feb. 18, 2010 | Spengler

Posted on 02/17/2010 6:36:42 PM PST by Free ThinkerNY

The fact that Ha'aretz, Israel's left-leaning daily, found it necessary on February 17 to warn the Benjamin Netanyahu government not to attack Iran [1] strongly suggests that the option is on the table.

It seems clear that the administration of US President Barack Obama never will use force against Iran, despite the Iranian regime's open contempt for Washington and the international community. US Secretary of State Clinton this week responded with a direct "no" - not "all options are on the table" - when asked if America was planning a military strike.

During a February 16 visit to Saudi Arabia, Clinton talked about responses to Iran as if America had already decided that Iran was developing nuclear weapons, something Tehran vigorously denies. Clinton was quoted as saying that the "evidence doesn't support" Iran's claim it is pursuing a peaceful nuclear program.

Israel has a strategic problem broader than the immediate issue of Iran's possible acquisition of nuclear weapons: it is an American ally at a moment when America has effectively withdrawn from strategic leadership. That leaves Israel at a crossroads. It can act like an American client state, or a regional superpower. Either decision would have substantial costs. To remain in Washington's pocket is to show weakness and invite the contempt of its adversaries; to ignore Washington's demands would incur the wrath of its most important financier and arms suppliers and possibly result in a reduction of aid.

That is the concern of the editors of Ha'aretz: "The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, warned in Tel Aviv on Sunday of the unexpected consequences of an Israeli attack on Iran, just as he did during the days of the [George W] Bush administration.

(Excerpt) Read more at atimes.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
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1 posted on 02/17/2010 6:36:42 PM PST by Free ThinkerNY
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To: Free ThinkerNY

I hate it when the lefty Media “Warn” leaders not to take the right action. Or when the lefty drive by media in America warns Republicans not to do things in their own best intrest...like putting up conservative Republicans in elections or speaking out against horrible liberal policy...


2 posted on 02/17/2010 6:40:56 PM PST by jakerobins
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To: Free ThinkerNY

Go Bebe...


3 posted on 02/17/2010 6:43:30 PM PST by hstacey
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To: Free ThinkerNY

Iran has made the case for them, end of story.


4 posted on 02/17/2010 6:52:32 PM PST by muddler (Obama is either incompetent or malicious, and it makes little difference which.)
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To: Free ThinkerNY
...America has effectively withdrawn from strategic leadership...(which leaves)Israel at a crossroads. It can act like an American client state, or a regional superpower.

Well, I submit that that damned fool now in the White House and his almost as much of a damned fool Sec of State are too damned namby-pamby to even manipulate Israel into making a strike, much less demonstrating "strategic leadership".

Israel and her citizens have never tolerated being a "client state" and Netanyahu is anxious to show the world that they are a regional superpower.

So, I strongly feel that Israel will step up and attack Iran, sooner or later, and will go out of their way to make it as much of a "lone wolf" act as possible.

I think the Israeli's are done with Obammy and his muslim-smooching crap and they are fed up with Hillary.

Obammy will not be able to contain the backlash against the Great Satan and every damned mullah and ayatollah on the face of the earth will be issuing fatwas against westerners.

I do hope they strike selectively and surgically and that the resistance is able to profit from the actions and maybe overthrow the bunch of perverts in power there now.

Maybe they can time it when Ahmadinnerjacket is visiting one of his "power plants".

5 posted on 02/17/2010 6:53:37 PM PST by OldSmaj (I am an avowed enemy of islam and Obama is a damned fool and traitor. Questions?)
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To: OldSmaj

I agree and really who else is going to step up to the plate? They will be the first hit and we are without a leader...


6 posted on 02/17/2010 6:57:30 PM PST by hstacey
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To: OldSmaj

Anti semitism is so strong in those countries that an israeli strike against iran would probably strengthen the iranian government, not weaken it.


7 posted on 02/17/2010 7:04:47 PM PST by mamelukesabre (Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum (If you want peace prepare for war))
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To: mamelukesabre
Anti semitism is so strong in those countries...

Correct.

But obvious...so much so that I didn't feel there was a need to say so.

Antisemitism is what the whole damned thing is about.

At least for now.

We all know that if Israel were wiped from the face of the earth and every jew killed, the damned muslims would find someone or something to hate.

They are spiteful, hateful, ignorant, disgusting creatures that cannot be truly happy, even while committing the mayhem and murder that their vile religion calls on them to do.

8 posted on 02/17/2010 7:39:57 PM PST by OldSmaj (I am an avowed enemy of islam and Obama is a damned fool and traitor. Questions?)
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To: OldSmaj

Huh?

You implied that an israeli attack on iran would embolden iranian dissidents to attack their government. That’s pure hogwash. If anything the dissidents would be swayed to stand with their government.


9 posted on 02/17/2010 7:56:25 PM PST by mamelukesabre (Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum (If you want peace prepare for war))
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