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Bush Can't Afford Inaction on Iran
LA Times ^ | September 9, 2004 | MAX BOOT

Posted on 09/09/2004 5:40:13 PM PDT by neverdem

Hyped reports about an Israeli "mole" in the Pentagon are falling apart faster than the Kerry campaign. It now seems likely that the analyst in question was, at worst, guilty of mishandling a classified document, not espionage. According to news accounts, the memo he's accused of passing to pro-Israel lobbyists called for U.S. support of Iranian dissidents trying to overthrow their dictatorial government. This may not be spy-novel stuff, but it does raise an important question: Why hasn't President Bush implemented the recommendations reportedly contained in the Pentagon paper?

The case for action seems overwhelming in light of Bush's oft-stated warning: "Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists." There is no question which side Iran is on.

The State Department calls Iran the "most active state sponsor of terrorism in the world." Much of its support goes to groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, but the 9/11 commission also reported that Al Qaeda members — including eight to 10 of those involved in the airplane attacks on the United States — were allowed to use Iran as a transit route to and from training camps in Afghanistan. A number of Al Qaeda operatives remain in Iran, ostensibly under house arrest but in all likelihood allowed to carry on their deadly work.

Iran has trained and armed Muqtada Sadr's militia, which has been attacking U.S. forces in Iraq. Former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani, the cleric who now heads an influential government council, makes no bones about what his country is up to. In an April sermon, he declared that the situation in Iraq posed "a threat because the wounded American beast can take enraged actions, but it is also an opportunity to teach this beast a lesson so it won't attack another country."

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


TOPICS: Editorial; Foreign Affairs; Germany; Government; Israel; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: District of Columbia; United Kingdom; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: france; iran; maxboot; southwestasia

1 posted on 09/09/2004 5:40:14 PM PDT by neverdem
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To: neverdem
Why hasn't President Bush implemented the recommendations reportedly contained in the Pentagon paper?

Because it's not November 3 yet?

2 posted on 09/09/2004 5:41:48 PM PDT by VisualizeSmallerGovernment (Question Liberal Authority)
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To: neverdem

Max Boot is the LA Times token conservative. In the letters to the editors, their ultra liberal readers always beat up on Max.


3 posted on 09/09/2004 5:42:23 PM PDT by Uncle Hal
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To: VisualizeSmallerGovernment

Yep...timing is everything...


4 posted on 09/09/2004 5:43:43 PM PDT by joesnuffy (Two Heads Are Better Than One...Unless They're On The Same Person -Andy Sipowicz)
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To: Uncle Hal
The may beat him up but if you get a chance pick up his book small savage wars.

Outstanding read.

5 posted on 09/09/2004 5:46:41 PM PDT by dts32041 (bortaS bIr jablu'DI' reH QaQqu' nay)
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To: neverdem
Why hasn't President Bush implemented the recommendations reportedly contained in the Pentagon paper?

While the MSM was complaining about "the failure to find WMD's in Iraq", they apparently didn't realize that Iran is now flanked on the East (Iraq) and West (Afganistan) by US troops. The Iranians, however, seem to have gotten the point quite well.

6 posted on 09/09/2004 5:54:10 PM PDT by ScreamingFist (Peace through Ignorance)
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To: neverdem

The clock is ticking down for Iran................


7 posted on 09/09/2004 5:55:13 PM PDT by CROSSHIGHWAYMAN (3 Purple Hearts? No blood? No Way!!)
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To: neverdem
We've had over a year and a half to replenish the stockpiles of cruise missles with updated designs.

Iran's nuclear weapons program will be dismantled..........one way or another.

8 posted on 09/09/2004 5:57:44 PM PDT by CROSSHIGHWAYMAN (3 Purple Hearts? No blood? No Way!!)
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To: neverdem

Bush might if as Zell said, the dems hadn't weakened us. Imagine the outcry if Bush did the right thing and took out Iran.


9 posted on 09/09/2004 6:52:34 PM PDT by madison46 (Bandwagon was full when it left the gate - I hope it remains too full for frogs & co.)
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To: VisualizeSmallerGovernment

That's what I'm thinking. I expect Iran, syria and NK are going to be more "negotiable" on Nov. 3.


10 posted on 09/09/2004 9:16:50 PM PDT by meatloaf
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