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.
What else?
What's the matter, Al J.? Scared?
So do they block TOR? Check out Torpark...
I agree with that, but the question is, do we want Israel actually in hostilities, or should we handle it?
I think we should take care of Iran and have Israel handle Syria..
We must get politicians in office and Flag Officers in our Military that KNOW how to WIN WARS, that a completely PC DEAF, who put the JAG corps out of war zones and back into court rooms were they belong, and institute ROE that do NOT maximize OUR OWN casualties and minimize the enemy and civilian casualties!!
10 Signs That the United States is About to Bomb Iran
Before any major military operation, there are always tell tale signs. With all the talk about Israel or the United States bombing Iran's nuclear weapons program, it would be wise to check for the signs before taking the pundit prattle too seriously.
1. – The U.S. Navy stages a "surge exercise" and moves six carrier battle groups into the Indian Ocean.
2. – A "regularly scheduled exercise" moves Patriot Missile Batteies to Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. These exercises happen from time to time, but if they happen when other things are happening…
3. -- Movement of B-52 and B1B bombers to the island of Diego Garcia (in the Indian Ocean).
4. -- Deployment of F117 stealth bombers and F-22 fighters to anywhere in the Persian Gulf.
5. -- Deployment of B-2 Stealth Bombers to Guam, where there are special facilities for maintaining these aircraft.
6. -- Lockdown of Whitman Air Force Base (where most B-2 bombers are stationed) in Missouri.
7. -- Increased delivery of Pizza to Pentagon
8. –Sudden loss of cell service near some air force bases (from which heavy bombers would depart). At the same time, there would be sightings of Middle Eastern looking guys around these bases, trying to get their cell phones to work, while being observed by what appears to be FBI agents.
9. Deployment of KC-135/KC-10 aerial tankers to Diego Garcia, Guam and the Persian Gulf.
10. America asks nations neighboring Iran for basing and over flight rights.
These warning signs are no secret, and intelligence officers regularly run down their check lists. As a result, nations will sometimes stage a false alert by deliberately performing many of the items on someone's check list, with no intention of following through.
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/topten/articles/20060222.aspx
Uh, same reason Bush stopped in Moscow to talk with Putin this week...
and the press reported with a straight face that it was required for fuel. They are so stupid.
Q: What are 4 carriers doing in the gulf?
A: Anything they want to do.
17 posted on 11/18/2006 12:27:14 PM CST by Kirkwood
We have a winner!!
They are LHA's the LPH's bigger meaner younger brothers.
It's really 2 carrier battle groups and 2 amphibious warfare battle groups, double the normal complement. The purpose is open to speculation: Most likely to add weight to diplomacy and shore up the Gulf States. Or for those of a more Machiavellian bent, to rope-a-dope Iran and shore up oil prices. The last time the Iranian navy took on the U.S. Navy, Iran lost 1/3 of its surface fleet in an afternoon. A naval attack would open the way for an aerial attack on Iranian WMD sities. For confirmation, watch for air assets to move to Incirlik and Al Udied.
Despite the showing in Lebanon, Israel can handle any, and/or everyone. How do I know? I read the book and I skipped through to the ending. Oh...and I believe the author.
Be well...
Don't know the name of the carrier depicted here. FYI, the Enterprise battle group returned to Norfolk, Virginia today. Guess that makes only three carriers in the Gulf. I'm one of those who did notice those carriers in the Gulf.
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.