Posted on 04/21/2010 8:51:23 AM PDT by jhpigott
In a meeting with students at West Virginia University, a young pilot asked the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Army, Mike Malen, to comment on rumors that if Israel decides to attack Iran, its fighters will need to cross Iraq's airspace to reach their targets. The U.S. military has described this airspace as closed to flights. If so, would American forces shoot down Israeli planes flying over Iraq?
Malen's reply: "We have a strong exceptional relationship with Israel. I spent much time with my colleagues in Israel. And so we have a very clear understanding of where we are. Beyond that, I just would not want to get into speculation about what might happen and who might do what. Frankly, I do not think it serves any purpose. I hope that the issue will be resolved in the way which will never have to answer a question like this. "
(Excerpt) Read more at israelnationalnews.com ...
I bet IAF aircraft are still coded “friendly” on IFF.
Not necessarily. The IAF could fly over northern Saudi Arabia (with the Saudis' blessing) and then over the northern Persian Gulf to reach their targets in Iran. ...and the distance woudn't be that much greater than flying over Iraq. Mid-trip refueling would be a necessity either way.
With the Israelis expect the unexpected.
I take this with a grain of salt. Remember who is running Washington these days, this answer is meant to avoid ruffling feathers there as much as it was to the student asking it.
It’s the DC two-step CYA dance and it’s getting a lot of practice by the big brass right now.
There’s always one.
Reminds of Americans volunteering to fight the Germans prior to the US involvement in WW2...think R.A.F.
Like the strike force staging at a base in Saudi, Turkey,
or one of the ‘stans.
I think when the Israelis finally decide to do this they are first gonna present Barry and Slow Joe Biden with the Mother of All Distractions. The order will not be given until long after the deed is done.
Well, they leave Israel no choice but to nuke Tehran. Life’s a b*tch sometimes.
One wonders why?
Either the Israelis are bloodthirsty monsters or the Liberty was engaged in activity that it wasn’t supposed to.
Looking at the map, it would sure seem advantageous for the Israelis to develop a shallow-water carrier (or carriers) that could be positioned in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and maybe Red Sea. Assuming such a thing is even possible, of course.
Would certainly add quite a bit to their capabilities.
Easy. Build another house for Jews in Jerusalem.
Fire that man NOW!
You Know The Drill
Click the PicHey! FReepers!
Help Fill The Tank!
How About It? Huh?
It Ain't Askin' Too Much
Ya Know....
Another Obama Diploonatic initiative.
2. The question reminds me of the of SNL skit Desert Storm Press Briefing:
Reporter #1: What date are we going to start the ground attack?
Lt. Col. William Pierson: Well, as I mentioned a moment ago, there are certain sensitive areas which we are just not going to go into, and that is certainly one of them. Yes?
Reporter #2: Sir, knowing what you know, where would you say our forces are most vulnerable to attack, and how could the Iraqis best exploit those weaknesses?
Lt. Col. William Pierson: Well, again, this falls into the area of information that might be useful to the enemy, and I just can't divulge it right now.
Reporter #3: Sir! Which method of hiding SCUD missiles is working best for the Iraqis?
Lt. Col. William Pierson: Now, this again is a good example of information that could help the enemy, and I just can't answer that.
I was wondering about that.
i would hate to be the pilot ordered by Bro to carry out such an order
Although Hussein would very much *want* Israeli jets shot down there’s no way he’d allow it.The $hitstorm that would result...both internationally *and* domestically....would be something that even *Hussein* wouldn’t allow.
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.