September 2, 2000
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September 2, 2000 |
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Issue in Depth • The Mideast Peace Process |
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ERUSALEM, Sept. 1 -- Prime
Minister Ehud Barak displayed no
anxiety today about reported American concerns that Iraq might be preparing to attack Israel, calmly
brushing aside the news that the
United States has put a Patriot antimissile battery on alert for possible
deployment in Israel's defense.
"I don't know if this Patriot missile battery really needs to be bothered," Mr. Barak said, adding that he did not think Israelis should worry or be distracted by the reports. Indeed, there is no state of alert here, no palpable feeling that there is any cause of concern. The lead story on the evening news was the opening of the new school year.
American officials confirmed today that the Pentagon had ordered an air defense artillery brigade based in Germany to be prepared to move its Patriot antimissile battery to Israel. Samuel R. Berger, the national security adviser, said, "A decision was made that it would be prudent to put these batteries on a shorter leash time than ordinarily." The full battery consists of 64 supersonic surface-to-air missiles built to intercept incoming missiles.
The alert was first reported today in The Washington Post.
It was unclear whether the Pentagon had new information suggesting an imminent attack or was preparing for the possibility that Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader, might consider the timing right for a move, with Americans preoccupied by the presidential election campaign.
Mr. Berger said that he knew of no threat against Israel from Iraq, adding that given "vituperative statements" that Mr. Hussein has made against Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and the prospect of sending inspectors back into Iraq, the batteries were placed on alert.
In Israel, an American Embassy official said: "It's only put on alert -- and publicly put on alert. It's a way to send a message to Saddam Hussein that we're paying attention."
If Israel were attacked or threatened by Iraq, it would be unlikely to rely on a Patriot antimissile battery for its defense anyway, military experts say. An earlier model of the Patriot, deployed in Israel during the Persian Gulf war in 1991, proved ineffectual against the 39 Scud missiles that Iraq fired at Israel. In 1998, Israel deployed a new-generation Patriot missile that is said to be better at intercepting incoming missiles.
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Please, please, please do a search before you post. Regards.
Why not? It will only cost several million dollars and disrupt the lioves of the servicemen for several months. But, it may get Hillie some Jewish votes in NYC. It certainly does make sense.
It's should be clear to anyone with a nose on their face that the generals must be squirming in their pentagon seats for so long without a blood bath war somewhere. It's been months since they had a chance to try out their new missiles, 'smart' bombs and nuclear devices on someone they don't like. Pregnant women should stay clear of hospitals. Heads up Iraq! Look out Columbia!
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.
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