Posted on 11/29/2005 4:42:25 PM PST by saganite
I was recently talking to an acquaintance of mine, an acquaintance from Saudi Arabia, who is connected with their government. When the subject of Iran came up, a look of gravity came over the man’s face. “Something must be done,” he intoned. “We are all afraid.” Now this man is no friend of President George Bush or Israel, but he expressed the desire to see Israel do something. What an irony: The enemies of Israel looking for Israel to save the world. It is a perfect illustration of Ayn Rand’s point that the world depends on its producers, while simultaneously loathing them. Doubtless, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia would condemn any attack on Iran by Israel in the strongest of terms, while secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
What this conversation illustrates, too, is just how uneasy people are in the Middle East with the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran. The fear on my acquaintance’s face demonstrates just how seriously are taken Iran’s threats. This is no bluff.
Right now we are being dragged through what seems like an endless round of negotiations between Iran on the one side, and Europe and the U.S on the other side. China and Russia are in the middle, although generally favoring Iran. Threats are being made to refer Iran to the U.N Security Council if negotiations don’t pan out. The negotiations have dragged on for so long because Iran has repeatedly reneged on past agreements, frustrating and stymieing negotiators. The latest proposal would have Russia handle the enrichment of Uranium and ship it to Iran, thereby ensuring that it is used only for peaceful purposes. But Iran has insisted on total control of the process.
If negotiations don’t work, don’t expect much from the United Nations. They were not exactly profiles in courage when it came to Iraq, passing toothless resolution after toothless resolution.
With the serious fears being raised by even its Arab neighbors, it looks like action against Iran is inevitable. The pressure on Israel and the United States by Iran’s Arab neighbors will force the issue. And remember, the Bush administration still considers Iran part of the “Axis of Evil.”
Expect military action to be taken before 2008, Bush’s last year in office. Probably it will come in 2007, after the midterm elections are over. While Israel is the most likely candidate to attack, American forces may also be involved. Fears of a wider war erupting seem unfounded as Bush has effectively neutralized two terrorist states, Afghanistan and Iraq, and is now in the process of neutralizing another Syria. Iran will be surrounded, and cut off.
And if the U.S or Israel act against Iran, you can expect loud public condemnation, and quiet private glee.
I believe this article is accurate.
Perhaps this is the scenario depicted in Ezekiel 38...if it is, expect other nations to attack Israel first and simultaneously, not the other way around. Persia (Iran) is named as an invader. But according to the text, the attacking nations are all destroyed. Interesting.
LOL...You do know that all that has already happened eons ago, right? Give the Jack Van Imp stuff a rest for petes sakes!
What the F are we, king's of the world? Containment for a while might be a plan...
If Iran gets nukes and a liberal is horrified, remind him that if the liberals did not undermind the US staying power in the Middle East, a large US force would be next door in Iraq in position to do something.
I don't buy this by the USA, Israel possibly.
You really can't contain a nuclear power bent on the destruction of a neighboring state. All you can do is preempt it.
I've got this one bookmarked. :)
The islamics who rule rian are the type of people who WOULD use a nuclear weapon. The only way to defeat them is to preemt.
The US wants nothing to do with more war; they are simply too costly politically, unless a real opportunity presents itself.
Israel, perhaps, but a international containment and isolation plan would be needed first and the world's corrupt nations will not co-operate. It is an unpleasant situation, which is why Iran feels they can afford to push the envelope.
Containment?
If Israel actually had serious concerns about Iran, then they would destroy Iran.
Containment for a while was a "plan" with regard to the Soviet Union. They were at least rational enough to care whether they lived or died.
Islamic fanatics are often suicidal death-cultists who cannot be trusted to understand or even fear the threat of massive retaliation.
Besides, a nuclear Iran would not hesitate to share its new toys with Islamic Jihad, Hamas, Hezbolla, or Al-Qaeda.
No way. Even the Saudis see this more clearly than you.
Iran's nuclear ambitions must be eliminated before they become a serious threat. And the government should be bombed to smithereens in broad daylight while it is in session as well. That might give the people an oportunity to rise up.
We're sitting back and letting the Europeans flail at the problem proposing diplomatic solutions and UN resolutions. The neighboring countries know Iran is dangerous and the Europeans know it too. Eventually they will have to face the fact that something must be done.
Israel probably has the intel to do this job but it doesn't have the reach. We are the only ones who can do this job.
But this had better be part of a larger, comprehensive plan to take down the ayatollahs, because when we do this, the mad mullahs are going to be looking for payback.
We had better have covered all of our bases.
I wrote "containment for a while"
The US will need a much larger force if the decision is made to occupy Iran until a "nicer to the US" government is installed....
I have a feeling you will not see in Iran what we have done in Iraq. My guess is you will see some very nice bombing runs from a 1000's of feet in the air which will take out some very key installations.
""Probably it will come in 2007..."
I don't buy this by the USA, Israel possibly."
I agree with you. I think the author is too optimistic. I hope this happens, but there is no evidence that the Bush administration has the stomach for another attack.
I understand how they feel---but the situation seems to demand action.
In addition, Israel woudl need complete US backing to pull this off effectively, in my opnion (including political backing of some sort.) Without that, even they may decide to "sit tight."
Bad situation.
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