Posted on 06/12/2007 4:59:20 AM PDT by IrishMike
Barring a "catastrophic development," Middle East Newsline reports, President Bush has decided not to attack Iran. An administration source explains that Washington deems Iran's cooperation "needed for a withdrawal [of American forces] from Iraq."
If correct, this implies the Jewish state stands alone against a regime that threatens to "wipe Israel off the map" and is building the nuclear weapons to do so. Israeli leaders are hinting that their patience is running out; Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz just warned that "diplomatic efforts should bear results by the end of 2007."
Can the Israel Defense Force in fact disrupt Iran's nuclear program?
Top-secret analyses from intelligence agencies normally reply to such a question. But talented outsiders, using open sources, can also try their hand. Whitney Raas and Austin Long studied this problem at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and published their impressive analysis, "Osirak Redux? Assessing Israeli Capabilities to Destroy Iranian Nuclear Facilities," in the journal International Security.
Ms. Raas and Mr. Long focus exclusively on feasibility, not political desirability or strategic ramifications. Were the Israeli national command to decide to damage the Iranian infrastructure, could its forces accomplish this mission? The authors consider five components of a successful strike:
Intelligence: To impede the production of fissile material requires incapacitating only three facilities of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. In ascending order of importance, these are the heavy water plant and plutonium production reactors under construction at Arak, a uranium conversion facility in Isfahan, and a uranium enrichment facility at Natanz .........................................
That Israeli forces have "a reasonable chance of success" unilaterally to destroy key Iranian nuclear facilities could help deter Tehran from proceeding with its weapons program. The Raas-Long study, therefore, makes a diplomatic deal more likely. Its results deserve the widest possible dissemination.
(Excerpt) Read more at nysun.com ...
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. or WOT [War on Terror]
----------------------------
"Islaminator."
“Israel has always stood alone.” AND...
“Goodbye beloved country of my youth.”
This is not your father’s Israel AND...
not much point to saying goodbye, just wait on the autopsy report.
things will die down if and when that loud mouth president of iran turns up missing, which I hope is soon......
If you take them at their word (that they intend to destroy Israel) then saturation bombing or use of tactical nukes is long overdue.
I personally think GWB will take out Tehran after the 2008 elections. Nothing to lose, and it will seal his legacy.
BTTT
If this is true, it’s sad beyond words, although not entirely unexpected. I think the current administration has pretty much given up on the middle east and now figures to let the next administration deal with it. Israel is going to have to deal with Iran on her own, like we all figured. Thank you, Mr President.
Commanders veto sank Gulf buildup (Admiral Fallon opposes military move against Iran?)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1834992/posts
Top US War Boss: We Cant Ignore Iran [No other way but arrangement with Iran.]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1840806/posts
Military action in Iran not in anyones interest, says Gates
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1843874/posts
Thanks for the info.
can’t argue with that
The Arab world would come completely unhinged in you plan.
I am not an Israeli = I am an American.
And what I see happening in America today induces me to say:
Goodbye beloved country of my youth.
If Iran acquires nukes, the Arab world will be pleased to bow down before the new Shia regional superpower.
I think you are correct. Power sells on the Arab street
You mean they're hinged now? LOL
Only slightly.
There's yer link ................ FRegards
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.