[anotherview]

Is that concern or a hope?

[Frank_Discussion]

A diplomatic shot across the Iranian's bow.

"We don't know how long we can hold back the Israelis, so consider your options."

[Allan]

ping

[demsux]

I think that is the ideal solution. The arabs/persians already hate the Israelis, so whats the harm.

[lawnguy]

There have been several quotes from Iranian officials who have said they will not stand by and wait for a first strike from Israel. This is one of those situations where if you're going to talk about it publicly, you better be prepared in case some Iranian official decides not to wait and see if your serious or not.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Old Cheney sure has a bucket of balls.

I'd say its more a plain statement and we (US)probably ain't gonna stop them.

BigMack

[MattinNJ]

He said this on Imus show this morning. Nobody, but nobody, lays the political smack down like Cheney.

[steveegg]

Just as long as our guys don't shoot down the IAF over Iraq or Saudi Arabia,....

[Southack]

Israel has substantial military flexibility against a pre-emptive Iranian attack...especially with American ground forces bracketing Iran on the West and in the East (i.e. in Iraq and Afghanistan).

So there is no doubt that VP Cheney just raised the pucker factor in Tehran today.

...to which I say: OUTSTANDING!

[Sam Cree]

IIRC, Iranian Officials have already declared that one of the uses to which they hope to put their nukes would be the destruction of Israel.

[traumer]

Not that there is anything wrong with that !! :o)

[Question_Assumptions]

Well, it is inevitable that either (A) Iran will back down and stop pursuing nukes, (B) Israel will destroy their nuclear program, or (C) the US will destroy their nuclear program. Given that the UN will probably work on (A), I don't give that any chance of happening. Pick between (B) and (C).

[Walkingfeather]

Did everyone hear that? It was a very clear shot across the bow of Iran. That was loud and clear.

[Righter-than-Rush]

I WISH that Israel would act preemptively, to take care of Iran. Someone should.

[drt1]

Probably has something to do with the fact that the US sold Israel a couple of thousand bunker busting smart bombs barely three months ago. I doubt they are needed to stop Palestinian suicide bombers.

[traumer]

Can you at least wait till the end of the INAGURATION... ?

[hang 'em]

Wink, wink,...nudge, nudge,... say no more, say no more

[crazycat]

"given the fact that Iran has a stated policy that their objective is the destruction of Israel,"

I'd say that covers any objections, good on Cheney.

[gakrak]

If the Israelis do attack Iran it will be a very short war (remember when they were attacked in the six day war). I am sure they know exactly where the Iranians Nuclear locations are and they won't be shy in destroying them. It should also be noted that we are pledged to support Israel not a good position for Iran.

[Dark Skies]

I would guess that this statement was well thought-out and has a particular purpose of both putting Iran and the world on notice that action is imminent.

Such a statement is a natural follow-up to so much of what was said, however tacitly, in the President's inaugural address.

[Marano NYC]

The Israelis do not have the capability to do this. I wish they did but it is up to us.