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To: familyop
It is true that Iran is a important export market for Europe.

The Iranian import partners are:

Germany 12.8%, France 8.3%, Italy 7.7%, China 7.2%, UAE 7.2%, South Korea 6.1%, Russia 5.4% (2004)

The Iranian export partners (petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and nuts, carpets) are:

Japan 18.4%, China 9.7%, Italy 6%, South Africa 5.8%, South Korea 5.4%, Taiwan 4.6%, Turkey 4.4%, Netherlands 4.1% (2004)

However it is false that Iran is one of Italy's main export markets. This market is too small for the quite powerful Italian economy that it would be irreplaceable. Same thing with Germany and France. The main problem I see are the Japanese who buy a big portion of their oil from Iran. If those countries (Japan, Germany, France, Italy) would join into a complete embargo (no buy - no sell), Ahmadinejad would be in really bad trouble.

I doubt that it will happen, since the economical price to do so is really high. Anyway it would be better than any war. The question is, how valueable Israel will be to those 4 nations.

3 posted on 06/23/2006 2:44:16 AM PDT by Atlantic Bridge (De omnibus dubitandum.)
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To: Atlantic Bridge
"The question is, how valueable Israel will be to those 4 nations."

We're aware of the sentiment in three of those countries and others regarding Israel: much the same as it was before WWII.

As the western European press continues to repeat that wishful canard (of Israel being the only country in danger), the hope is that it will become true. It's no surprise, as leaders from several terrorist regimes have also advised Ahmadinejad to keep the public focus on the idea of attacking only Israel.

Three of those nations and others should rather decide as to whether or not they value their own, because Iran is preparing to reach beyond Israel and would prefer to incur casualties on both sides of an exchange.

Europe 'Within Missile Range of Iran'
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1622436/posts

Iran missiles put Europe in range - report [German intel corroborated.]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1622365/posts

Iran Receives North Korean 'Missile Shipment'
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1625482/posts

Iran Bought Missiles From North Korea: Press
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1543307/posts
4 posted on 06/23/2006 3:16:47 AM PDT by familyop (Essayons)
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To: Atlantic Bridge
Thank you for the trade information. Also, BTW, the one nation of the four that does not generally express the same sentiment toward Israel as before WWII is, of course, Germany.
7 posted on 06/23/2006 4:13:02 AM PDT by familyop (Essayons)
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To: Atlantic Bridge

I'm sorry about not being more specific the first time. Nearly half of the French are anti-Israel. Most of the Japanese don't care one way or another about Israel. Most Italians and Britons who have opinions on the matter are anti-Israel.


8 posted on 06/23/2006 4:21:44 AM PDT by familyop (Essayons)
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