Posted on 11/18/2006 10:15:36 AM PST by PghBaldy
As the American President George W. Bush steps up threatening rhetoric against Iran to force it suspend its nuclear program, calling for worldwide isolation of Tehran until it “gives up its nuclear ambitions,” experts predict that the coming days would see a much violent step by Washington against the Islamic Republic.
What asserts the experts’ fears is the fact that on October 31, two nuclear-powered carriers, the USS Eisenhower and USS Enterprise, arrived in Bahrain, accompanied by their carrier strike groups. And on November 9th, the USS Iwo Jima, and the USS Boxer also arrived.
Is President Bush up to something? Asked Rense.com
On October 11, American officials announced that the U.S., Bahrain and other states will hold their first naval exercise in the Gulf to practice interdicting ships carrying weapons of mass destruction and missiles.
The exercises, organized under the U.S.-led 66-member Proliferation Security Initiative and the first to be based in the Gulf near Bahrain, across from Iran, came as Washington and the European Union member states are pushing for imposing sanctions including possible interdiction of ships on North Korea, following its announcement of carrying out nuclear test, and on Iran, which the U.S., backed by Israel and the EU, claims is preparing to produce nuclear weapons.
Iran considers Washington- sponsored war games in the Persian Gulf, off the Iranian coastline as a provocation aimed at creating a situation of direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iranian naval forces in the Persian Gulf, although a senior U.S. official insisted that the exercise is not aimed specifically at Iran.
About the exercises, which experts say reinforces a U.S. strategy aimed at strengthening America’s ties with the Gulf states, which Tehran and Washington are engaged in a fierce competition to win influence over, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity claimed:
"It’s an effort to bring a lot of Gulf states together to demonstrate resolve and readiness to act against proliferation."
"Reports say the U.S.-led naval exercises based near Bahrain will practise intercepting and searching ships carrying weapons of mass destruction and missiles.
Iran's official news agency IRNA quoted an unnamed foreign ministry official as describing the military manoeuvres as dangerous and suspicious. The Iranian foreign ministry official said the U.S.-led exercises were not in line with the security and stability of the region. Instead, they are aimed at fomenting crises, he said." (quoted in BBC, 23 October 2006)
But some analysts reject the idea that the U.S. plans for another war while its army is struggling in Iraq after the situation there worsened beyond the Bush administration and its war allies’ expectations.
The Proliferation Security Initiative is a global initiative, launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush with the aim of stopping shipments of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), includes a group of countries willing to share intelligence information to combat proliferation of WMD, including through military exercises.
North Korea has already announced having nuclear weapons capability, but Iran rejects the United States and other major powers’ accusations that its developing a nuclear weapons program, insisting its nuclear program is solely aimed at peaceful purposes, including power generation.
Did those guys at Torpark figure out how to get along with Zone Alarm yet? I quit using it because everytime I'd fire it up it'd shutdown my firewall protection, not exactly what I want from my privacy software.
The backstroke? (rimshot)
Just have to say love your tagline
Hey!! Tell that to the guys that sailed her!
Ex Kearsarge sailor here. The Mighty K!
IIRC, there are a couple of pizza-selling concessions in the Pentagon's commercial area - outer ring near the main entrance. But they are closed at night. Hence the call out orders to keep the planning and execution staffs carb levels up while ops go down on the other side of the world..
If Americans got together and ordered loads of pizza delivery, think they might get the hint?
That's a helluva lotta ships and a helluva lotta firepower!
Looks like President Bush is gonna give the World either a Thanksgiving or Christmas Present! Stay well armed and safe, and Thanks for the heads-up, fat city!...............FRegards
If one could get a concession in the Pentagon, think quality. Not totally outrageously expensive, just "very good", day in, and day out. And price it accordingly, remembering, daily or weekly repeat customers. It can't be too high flying & pricey, and conversely, don't serve 'em up the lowest common denominator, either.
I volunteer to supply the espresso. Once they tried mine, I'd be granted the needed security clearance, lol.
I can never remember the name of the one we toured & there was a whole lot of it that we weren't allowed to see.
My apologies to those who've served on the Carl Vinson!
Getting ready to RUUUUUMMMBLE !
These ships are there because Ahm-a-dinner-jug (alias "Adolph II") has threatened to close the strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
"Q: What are 4 carriers doing in the gulf?
A: Anything they want to do."
Pray that our reluctant leaders "want to".
Maybe they are there for the weather.
Why can't Iran have a normal government?
Like Norway or Belgium?
What's the deal with the nut at the top?
Way to establish your credibility there, Al Jazeera.
You mean the little guy with the beard is about to go BYE BYE?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.