Jimmy Carter: Iran No Threat to Israel Now

AP ^ | 9/20/07 | David Gross

[freedom44]

ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter said Wednesday that it was almost inconceivable that Iran would "commit suicide" by launching missiles at Israel.

Speaking at Emory University, Carter, who brokered the 1979 Camp David peace accord between Israel and Egypt, said Israel's superior military power and distance from Iran likely are enough to discourage an actual attack.

"Iran is quite distant from Israel," said Carter, 83. "I think it would be almost inconceivable that Iran would commit suicide by launching one or two missiles of any kind against the nation of Israel."

Iran's deputy air force commander said Wednesday that Israel is within range of Iran's medium-range missiles and bombers and that Tehran would strike back if Israel "makes a silly mistake."

The White House said the comments almost sound geared toward provoking a fight and Israeli officials said they take the threats seriously.

Carter did not dismiss the idea that Iran might want to attack Israel, noting Iran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment production despite two United Nations resolutions imposing sanctions on the country. Tehran insists its nuclear program is aimed at producing energy for civilian use but the U.S., its European allies and many others fear the program's real aim is to produce nuclear weapons.

"Obviously, we all hope we can do whatever we can to keep Iran from becoming a nuclear power," Carter said.

Carter said unease between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank is a far greater threat to Israel's security than Iran. He criticized the Bush administration for not doing enough to broker peace in the region.

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[television is just wrong]

Jimmy needs to be medicated.

[television is just wrong]

Jimmy needs to be medicated.

[BillyAqua]

"Iran is quite distant from Israel," said Carter, 83. "I think it would be almost inconceivable that Iran would commit suicide by launching one or two missiles of any kind against the nation of Israel."

Carter is such a twisted freak; the man is losing whatever brain cells he may once have possessed. The phenomenon of Muslims committing suicide to murder as many 'infidels' as possible has been played out so many times that even Jimmy Carter should get the message by now.

[WildWeasel]

So Jimma’, you want to wait until there’s a mushroom cloud over Tel Aviv and then say Iran is a threat to Israel?

Or will you say Iran is just extracting revenge for the Palestinians rage that has been pent up over the last 6 decades?

[hoosierham]

As opposed to when he was President?

All he ever did when campaigning was display that fool grin and folks ate up the "jus' plain folks" swampwater he was selling;maybe the radiation in sub power plants does affect some people's brain!?

[Rb ver. 2.0]

Carter is nuts. He must be growing something more on his farm than goobers.

[WesternPacific]

I pray Carter will realize, before he dies, the damage he did and continues to do to the World’s security and stability.

[Don Carlos]

Hey, you were young and not so seasoned, politically. Don't be too hard on yourself. ^;)

Seriously, Jimmah is right that it would be inconceivable for Iran to commit suicide by sending missiles Israels way. Totally irrational to even consider. They would have to be insane, etc., etc., etc.

One of their threats, or one of the advancements in their nuke technology will one day cross the line. When that happens, stand back and watch the reports on CNN (snerk). Israel or the US, and I'm betting Israel, will one day reach the tipping point, and the Iranian BS will cease in short order.

It would only take a couple of weeks after an effective air campaign before the food and fuel are gone. Hungry, angry citizens, historically, have done pretty violent things to get rid of their oppressors. I'm betting the Iranians will, too.

Regime change? You betcha!

[Walkingfeather]

WILL SOMEONE PLEASE AUDIT THIS BIGOT!

[Walkingfeather]

Your prayers were answered a long time ago, he realizes it and continues.

[bboop]

Aw, shut up already, Jimmuh. And take Billy-Boy with you.

[steelyourfaith]

Just go away, jimmah.

[Bean Counter]

In a way, he’s right about one thing....Iran won’t launch one or two missiles at israel, they will laikely launch hundreds when the time comes.

[Jewels1091]

He criticized the Bush administration for not doing enough to broker peace in the region.

And jimmy did such a good job!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NavyCanDo]

A Man of vision he is not. When I was in basic training the summer of 1977 (Carter was president) we had 2 companies of Iranian sailors taking basic training at the same Naval Training Center, probably paid for by us. You know the rest of the story.

[vetvetdoug]

In December 73' and Jan 74' there were Iranian Air Force troops integrated into our basic training and technical schools. They sure had some spiffy uniforms because I couldn't tell what was an officer and what was enlisted...so I saluted them all until I learned who was what. There were hundreds of them being trained by the US in the USAF facilities...

I remember when the prick Carter got elected Senior NCO's left the military in droves. It was difficult being in the USAF during his administration because supplies were so hard to get. The budget for the military was stripped raw...and there were a good many things Carter did to interfere with the efficiency of the military.

[right wing]

Too funny!

[george76]

Iran funding Hamas which does shoot rockets on to Israel.