Panetta believes Israel could strike Iran this spring
By Barbara Starr
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has come to the conclusion there is a growing likelihood Israel could attack Iran sometime this spring in an effort to destroy its suspected nuclear weapons program, according to a senior administration official.
The official declined to be identified due to the sensitive nature of the information.
Panetta's views were first reported by the Washington Post's David Ignatius, who wrote Panetta "believes there is strong likelihood that Israel will strike Iran in April, May or June - before Iran enters what Israelis described as a 'zone of immunity' to commence building a nuclear bomb."
Asked by reporters in Brussels, where Panetta is attending NATO meetings, the defense secretary refused to comment. But Panetta told reporters the U.S. has "indicated our concerns" to Israel, according to a transcript provided by the Defense Department.
But the official also noted that Israel goes through cycles of making aggressive statements about its intentions toward Iran in an effort to pressure the United States and the West to take more action.
Iran's supreme leader issued a blunt warning Friday that war would be detrimental to the United States - and that Iran is ready to help anyone who confronts "cancerous" Israel.
"You see every now and then in this way they say that all options are on the table. That means even the option of war," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said during Friday prayers in Tehran. "This is how they make these threats against us.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned Thursday that Iran may be close to the point "which may render any physical strike as impractical," according to Reuters.
But just a few weeks ago, Barak suggested things were not as urgent, saying an Israeli decision on whether to strike Iran's nuclear program was "very far off."
A "confluence' of intelligence has led Panetta to this conclusion, the official told CNN, but declined to offer any specifics except noting that the United States conducts intelligence operations aimed at Israel as it does with many other allies.
The senior administration official also noted that there is a general understanding in the administration that Israel may have come to the firm conclusion Iran is developing a nuclear weapon. Just last week, the recently retired chief of Israeli military intelligence told CNN's David McKenzie that the "Iranians have already decided that they want nuclear weapons," he said. But he added they haven't decided fully to go through with creating the weapons.
The official U.S. assessment is that Iran has not yet made that decision, the source said.
At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus, who said he has regular discussions with Israel's leadership and intelligence head, noted that "Israel does see this possibility as an existential threat to their country, and I think that it is very important to keep that perspective in mind."
At the same hearing, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper noted the United States works closely with the Israelis and said the notion that Israel could strike is "a very sensitive issue right now."
"This is an area that we are very, very concerned about," Clapper said.
Panetta's press secretary, George Little, declined to comment on the report. Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently said it would be premature for the United States to consider striking Iran.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
Oh, gawsh.. Panetta thinks Israel is going to attack Iran? Someone needs to give David Ignatius a freakin cookie for uncovering this HUGE story..
DERP..... Just about everybody that knows of the existence of these two nations believes Israel will launch a preemptive strike.. But, good job on deciphering the code, Mr. Ignatius.. Good job.
Israel has no need of a preemptive strike. Israel has a missile defense system which will have plenty of time to defend against any incoming Iranian missiles and a submarine strike capability to turn Iran into an Iraqi parking lot should Iran try to attack. Sadly the same cannot be said for the US great friend Saudi Arabia (you know the place where 15 of the 19 911 bombers came from) who a) are right next door to Iran b) the Iranians hate worse than Israel even c) have lots of oil and US military personel and d) have little defense against incoming missliles. Israel did the world a favor in 1981 by getting rid of saddam's nukes at osirak – this time someone else can do the work.
I was not meddling in the theory of whether Israel would or would not attack. I was simply admiring the redundancy of this here story. The vast majority of those I have had experience conversing with, on the subject of Israel, believe that she will strike at any time she feels capable. This, being one of those times. Certainly, this 'vast majority' is an uneducated bunch, regarding Israel. And I do not allow their simple-minded theories residence in mine own mind.
My extreme hope is that Israel will hold, and allow operations to continue, for her own, and our (those of us at the mercy of our national leaders) sake.
Some of you people need to get a clue. Look up emp bomb on youtube. You will see the type of destruction one nuke can do. It just takes one nuke detonated over the u.s. 300mi. above us. It will burn up all electronics/power lines. Cars, power plants, planes will fall out of the sky. Not just shutting them down but burning up the circuit boards in the electronics which we don't have parts to replace them all. Within one yr. 90% of all americans could succomb to disease,starvation. No power equals no running water, no trucks to haul food. Not saying it would happen, but if it does, this is what you could expect. Do your research before giving in to you Liberal tendacies. Obama and alike politicians could be the death of this country. It would be different if Iran wasn't ran by madman that are hell bent on the destruction of the U.S. and Isreal and some European countries. You can bet your ass that if Iran gets the bomb one or more will end up in the hands of Hezbolla or another Terrorist regime and will make its way to Isreal or the U.S.
Iran has already test fired a long range Missile off of a ship. What would be the reason for that? All it would take is a Container ship off of one of our coast. A quick launch over our atmosphere and in 5-7 minutes it will be lights out. Literally. Jesus people, sometimes use your brain.
Remedy?
Remedy... Bomb the shit out of Iran.
Remember the Sudetenland, Prime Minister Chamberlain?? "We have peace in our time......" History will repeat itself, just give it time. Most boneheads out there think we are perfectly immune to danger and National Socialism...... yeah right.
You really don't think the current government administration have defensive plans in place and more advanced technologies being researched at this very moment? why do you think the U.S. military budget is so high. all of that money can't be going to waste.
Lonnie – I am not disrespecting your post, because you are right in what you say. I just want to comment that we saw first hand what nukes can do from above the land mass. We saw the horror of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on film and news programmes of the survivors.
There is a possibilty that Israel will attack the facility to prevent the completion of the programme [ for which Spring may or not be the deadline] However – Panetta is not fit to be a politician for leaking that informatipn. He should be sacked. NOW.
Israel is the Apple of Gods eye; you all know that the world know that thats why they are so deeply hated ; the Real God the father of Jesus [ My / Our Dad ] said it himself in his word : people we all know that in the end all of israel shall be saved .that is the end of the story meaning the out come: along with it's victors ... Israel wins in the end : I love you all
So you think God put you and all your fanatics in charge of fulfilling prophecy?
Nice impression of a "righteous Gentile," a/k/a dirt-eating useful idiot.
Israel will soon be the death of us all.
lets not forget the our escape route " the Rapture "
The only death you face is your ignorance
KILL OR BE KILLED
"Panetta Calculus" Could be all smoke. But it's clear the elite, with fingers, family, and money, in Israels pie, are h e double toothpicks bent on having another war to both prop up 'defense' stocks and to make Zion the ruling nation in the world. Either way, bye bye Washtington.
Please do not let them Start WWIII:
Apart from US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta saying Iran is not currently developing a nuclear weapon ; and the fact that we’ve been being told Iran was about to develop a nuclear weapon for 20 years, including among many, many others, some CIA claims in 1992 and Israeli intelligence claims in 1995 that Iran would have them in 5 years and US State Department claims that they’d have one within 16 days in December 2006; not even the current head of Mossad thinks Iran would use nuclear weapons on Israel if it developed them.
see: http://alienatedleft.blogspot.com/2012/01/when-even-head-of-mossad-doesnt-believe.html
let them kill each other. it'll be two less evils on earth.
CNN allows all the idiots to post don't they emigdio?
you may presume anything you want. I speak the truth and that hurts and now wanna blame an Arab or Shitte
Anyone else concerned that this is the beginning of the end? This will not end well...maybe WWIII on the horizon. Sounding kind of bleak out there. Our poor kids.
Leon Panetta is the defense secretary of the US ? I thought only GWB had some crazies working for him, obviously not; How does it sound if the French defense minster says 'I know that Germany will attack country-x this winter' ?. Europe will have cartoonists running around for a suitable caricature of that guy; but here...it is serious stuff. Let Israel do what it needs to do; my question is why should Panetta be its announcer ? May be he has a few childhood Brooklyn friends who settled in Israel, but that's still no excuse for saying this !!!! Silly guy speaking serious stuff, another buffoon!
I think I have to agree with you. He should shut up. Unless this sick twisted administation has a reason for the announcement.?.
So as November 2011 approaches, I happen to glance over my collection of news articles from 10 years ago, and what do I see?
C.I.A. Says Iran Makes Progress On Atom Arms
By ELAINE SCIOLINO
New York Times, November 30, 1992
A draft Central Intelligence Agency report on Iran concludes that the country is making progress on a nuclear arms program and could develop a nuclear weapon by 2000, senior Administration officials say...
But don't worry, if Iran didn't have the bomb last year, doesn't have the bomb today, it will in another couple of years. Or another couple years after that. And so on, and so forth, for ever and ever...
here we go again. Why do we always have to get involved. What about Europe and China they like oil too.❔
Who is the aggressor and the rogue nation here? Why don't we Americans demand that our government introduce sanctions against Israel? Why don't we rally NATO to start bombing Tel Aviv??
Because the Right Wing Christian Coalition is the Israels willing tool/stooge in which they exploit the sacredness of this Holy site. It's all about God and demonizing Islam. That's why we have these enemies.
How could we appy sanction when Isarel own the Congress?
look how much AIPAC spend on our turncoat congress. All the free trip for schooling and ideologizing into the Zionist philosophy.
"Avi" – We can presume your real name is mahmoud ibn-Shiite
because isreal isnt a bunch of crazy dumasses threatening to blow other people up. Isreal doesn't fund terorists and threaten the U.S. Unlike Iran. Isreal isnt governed by dictators that kill their own people and threaten to nuke another country of the face of the earth. What has Israel done to NATO
oh so the rhetoric doesn't exist in Iran as well and you hear one side and therefore believe one side. Every nation has the sovereign right to defend themselves and Israel also threatens Iran and they have nukes. You sound pretty bias.
Iran thretened to wipe Israel off the map, I'd be pretty paranoid too
What about the rockets that have been supplied to Hamas, what about Iran threatening to wipe Israel off the map!!!
Remember the USS LIberty! No one else seems to...
Let em. Like we care. Plus it could kill 2 birds with one stone.
Wow – CNN is a left leaning news organization and the amount of anti semitism in this comment section is really unbelievable. So much for that progressive outlook.
When you add anonymity you get peoples true feelings to come forth.
Anti-semitism? Where? I don't see it. Anti-israel? Some comments, yes.
Some people have been saying that "Israel causes all the problems in the world", which is just replacing the word Jew with Israel. You can be Anti-Israel without being anti-semetic, but the moment you use parts of the Anti-Semetic Candar as part of the critism, that were it goes into Anti-Semetism
Speaking out against Israel and the US being in the middle of their problems for decades doesnt make one anti-Semitic. I am really tired of hearing from people like you that it does.
By the looks of the comment section it looks like the world is finally waking up to these Jew liars.
Funny how liberals are tolerant of every other culture and religion except that of Judaism.
Actually we're critical of them because they are doing the WRONG thing.. Israel is war-mongering and racist. Guess what- I'm jewish...... JEWISH blood. But what's wrong is wrong..... That's the difference between nationalistic sheep and people with objective thinking. Go find the real story on ANY media OUTSIDE the US or Isreal...
Hypocrisy! Hypocrisy! What about Israel's nuclear weapons? Nobody want's to talk about that! Just bomb Iran, bomb Iran, like that idiot McCain said. Well, I believe this problem could be solved very easily - just nuke Israel and the world will be at peace .
It is Israel that is an existential threat to world peace. The US was stupid enough to invade Iraq and remove Saddam for them at a cost to the US of four trillion dollars. If the Israelis get into trouble with this, I am sure our Jewish patriots can't wait to get them out of their mess. Semper Fi
what a coincidence, your name sounds german and your opinion sounds german (1932 vintage)
Before people start attacking Israel here they should do one simple exercise. Visit you local football field and take a deck of cards with you. Walk to the middle of that field and put the deck on the 50-yard line. That is the state of Israel and the rest of the field are Muslim states, several of which do not recognize Israel's right to exist. This is not about Jews per se. It is about the existence of a Jewish state in what many Muslims believe belongs to them. This is why many Muslim leaders refer to the Zionists when attacking Israel. The fact is, many Israeli citizens are Muslims. Many Iranian citizens are Jews. This is about the existence of the state, not the religion.
well said.
So go back to your original boundaries set by the original British Mandate and stop making enemies at our expense.
the original boundaries set by the British gave the Jews the entire land of Palestine. They then later reduced that by 77% which they handed over to the indigenous arabs and set up a king over it and called it Jordan. The fact is that %77 of Ottoman Palestine is in Arab hands. Of the remaining %23 belonging to Israel %20 of it is occupied by Israel's Arab/Muslim citizens who have more democratic rights (and0 fewer duties) than in any Arab country. Go back to the original British lines – great idea – just remove the Jordanians from the area.
huge lie. you people have no shame and will say anything. Even natanyahoo admits it by saying the original boundaries are indefensible in his opinion
. . . and if you examine the deck of cards known as the state of Israel, you will notice the deck is heavily stacked in favor of Jewish Israelis who stole land from the Palestinians because they believe they are "God's Chosen People."
"God's Chosen People" refers to a covenant with God whereby Jews believe they have more responsibility, not that they are superior to non-Jews. And there was no such thing as "Palestinian land." Please point out one kingdom, ruler, currency, piece of infrastructure, etc. that was ever "Palestinian". Before 1948, it was British, Ottoman, Arab, Roman, Greek, Babylonian, etc. Never Palestinian.
Between 1948 and 1967, when Jordan controlled the West Bank, there were no "Palestinians" protesting to have their own land. It was only when it returned to Israeli controlled that they started protesting.
Israel has been directly responsible for more US deaths than all the Mooslem countries combined. Do you not realize that all the wars we've had since the first Gulf War have been wars for Israel? If you don't, you're not paying attention. So shuffle that into your card deck.
What? You are insane! The 1st Gulf War was because Saddam invaded Kuwait...
the 2nd was so George Bush could take out Saddam... the war in Afghanistan was to destroy Al Queda... Shuffle your brain a bit more and we can see how much more vile hatred you can muster!
Those whom the gods would destroy they first make mad. A military strike on Iran is sheer madness.
shall I expose us all too what [Dad] God {I am } {Jesus] has to say about it all : in accordance to his holy word ..meaning the rythem of the days before the Rapture . wars and rumor of wars: remember Israel is the father's "holy nation" the apply of his eye regardless of what man thinks or feeling on the subject ....
I very highly doubt that. That is something a bunch of Jews wrote in that book that has been rewritten hundreds of times. If we were to go by your logic then Gods favorite now would have to be the Muslims cause they got the last book and that book clearly states otherwise. So please don't write something so ridiculous that it makes you look like you were in the one of the slow classes as a kid.
Big comment from someone who rides the short bus, John...
I am a Jew and this is one of the main reasons I do not support Israel. The Israel Lobby is way to influential and strong int he US, and its time people need to wake up and realize this. What is it any countries right to go into another sovereign country and preemptively attack them because they choose to possess nuclear technology. I'm sick of the US trying to be the policeman of the world, I say every country has a right to do whatever it chooses too within its legal boundaries, and its no other countries business to be mingling in.
You're right, why would we want to prevent Iran from having nuclear technology? I completely support allowing a country to develop the technology to completely destroy another country (which it has stated it wishes to destroy).
You illiterate, he never said that he wanted to destroy Israel. Ahmadinejad stated that the ZIONIST REGIME will be wiped off the face of the earth and that its time of corrupting the world has basically run out. I am not a fan of the guy or his regime, but when people like you constantly bring that fake quote up with no evidence to support it cause you heard it on fox or cnn it pisses me off. Educate yourself fool.
Wow, it takes a lot of intelligence to read between the lines of "zionist regime."
Yawn. Keep repeating that lie until all you Fox News watchers believe it. The fact is, Iran has NEVER threatened to destroy Israel or any other country, whereas Israel has attacked all of its neighbors (they started the Six Day War, for example) and is now threatening others. So again, who is the rogue country? Undoubtedly, it is Israel.
Except the Iranian government HAS threatened Israel and it runs Hamas and Hezbollah by proxy (two terrorist organizations who's charters call for the destruction of Israel and Jews).
And as for the Six Day War, it may have technically attacked first, but it had several casus belli (internationally accepted reasons for starting war), and the fact is the Syrians and Egyptians were preparing to attack anyways.
One person statement does not present a nations will, Iranian are peace loving and God fearing people and would never support anyone to attack and destroy another nation. We have to work on peace between people and love each other.
dear responser, you are feeding pearls to the pigs.....
Corey, you're as much a Jew as Jesse Jackson. If Venezuela started aiming nukes at NY and openly spoke of using them to destroy the US, the US military would respond in a heartbeat. Iran speaks openly of using their weapons to destroy Israel and neo-nazis like you pray for their success
you are the new NeoNazis.
obviosuly you can't produce nothing BUT the typical lies of the Israeli Propaganda machine.
US is Israeli's biatch
If I was Iran and getting all these talk from the West about attacking my country, they would be fools not to make the bomb.
I had lunch with a Jew once. He agreed that we would split the cost of an order of a bakers dozen (13 ) wings. Without saying anything at all... he at the last wing. It was not his to eat! He did not even discuss who would eat the last wing.. nor did he even ask politely if he could have the extra wing.. he just ate it! It was my last meal with a Jew! I don't know what that has to do with this story... maybe it mean.. Israel acts like they are friends with the U.S, but the U.S better watch out.. because Isreal WILL take the last chicken wing. I'm still mad at that!
You definitely sound like someone I would like to have lunch with. Prick.
It means you are a dingbat.....but do not worry.....you can add a Mitt to the game.
TC "he at the last wing." please stay in school.
By your logic, I once got mugged by a Christian, which means all Christians are just criminals and thieves. And a Hindu once stepped on my foot, better avoid them forever too...
Jim.. you have to admit.. Jews are extremely tight with their money. there is some truth to most stereotypes.. and this one is no exception. I have had more than a few Jews for friends.. and though they can be funny, they are not very good at sharing.
Can you please shut up with your stereotypical generalizations?
You are telling the truth and this is coming from a Jew who does not like what Zionism have done to us.
You are a fucking retard.
Another ignorant comment! Keep up the good work, David Duke is waiting for your call!
Wow, you need to have your head examined.. This is 2012, Jack, and you live in a netherland. Disgusting. Shame on you, hope you have no children.
Oh come on, that's racist. I have had very courteous Jewish friends
Go back to the history and you will understand to what happen to the Jew .And that why they will fight Iran .Germany proved it.
can someone please tell me what Iran has done wrong, and why everyone (specifically America and Israel) hate them? they really havent done anything.
Iran sponsors and pay the Hezbollah to to commit terrorists attacks against Israel because Israel keeps stealing land from the Palestiians, acording to Newt Gingrich and Israels biggist alley in Washington, aren't real people so therefore they are less than human === sort of like what Hitler called them === same thing acutally.
Their only sin is to have nuclear bombs, which is exactly what Israel has. Except that Israel never acknowledged it. But of course Israel is the spoiled child of the US.
The leader of Iran made what was taken as a threat against a group of people in collective psychosis. Predictably, this has created a great deal of paranoia which continues to smolder and gain momentum.
It's a proven fact that Iran has sponsored and initiated terrorism around the globe.
Have you watched the news at all since the Iranian revolution in the 1979??? Not exactly the most stable government over there (mentally).
It's about oil. The west is desperate for oil resources at a cheaper price. They are DESPERATE. Israel is west, US is west, EU is west!
They have repeatably threatened to wipe Israel off the map and fund and supply weapons to Hezbollah which is a terrorist organization responsible for killing civilians since the 80s and who have also vowed war against the united states. They also have been supplying Insurgents with weapons and money on the Iraq border. If they build a nuclear bomb and give it to terrorists, well you can imagine the consequences. If you think this is OK, then you are just another anti american who lives within our borders.
Nothing except make its intentions known that they want to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, and express their hatred of the west. That's all.
They sponsor terrorism globally. Many US soldiers have died from their exporting materials and expertise to build IED's.
They threatened to wipe israel off the face of the earth. Said thet they will kill all of the people in the "Zionist regime" and destroy the "christian crusaders"(U.S.) They threaten to block the Strait of Hormuz and send the global economy into another recession. So thats some of the reasons were mad at them.
Are u stupid? what has Iran done wrong? they have constantly ignored our requests to stop enriching uranium. They have also said that want to wipe Isreal off the map. If the U.S. was in range of Iran the U.S. would be just as big of a target. Iran wants a sphere of influence in Iraq, which makes things unstable. They have also been making aggressive moves near the straight of Hormuz. This is why all options are on the table, this is why everyone is shiting their pants.
US-–Israel-–UK
Axis of dEvil
And WWIII begins.
This is a funny subject WWIII after Libya think we have all lost count at one point was World War 6 or 7 ...
WW3!!!! It's amazing to me, that in the 21st century, civilization may end because of the ancient, moronic biblical/koranic, "my god's better than your god", nonsense. Hopefully, the rest of the world will have enough sense to stay out of the conflict, but I have my doubts.
got i hope israel does bomb iran. the only people to benefit from that?
...iran.
Who did not see this coming. What will the U.S. position be is all I am interested in. Will the U.S. go to War with Iran to fight Israel's war?
Obviously Newt Gingrich will if he's elected. Ron Paul would do all he can to disassociate us from this tyrant of a nation.
vote for Ron Paul.
ofcourse, US is the Second State of Israel
Why did we go to Europe for WW1 and WW2? France and GB would be speaking German right now!
Why did our defense secretary give the world including Iran the detailed schedule of the attack? He was even specific to the point of mentioning April, May or June. If you tell the enemy this much information, how can Israel carry out the strikes successfully? What is our current administration trying to do here?
they're just trying to scare Iran. isnt it obvious?
Tell me. Why should the U.S. fight Israel's War? if Israel wants to go to War with Iran, they have every right to do so. Why does the U.S. have to join in. We just got out of a War. It seems to me that Israel does not listen to the U.S. at all and if they do not want to work towards peace, then have at it without the backing of the United States. We do enough for israel. We do not want WAR.
Just trying to scare Iran into giving up their nuclear technology. I say we let Israel bomb the crap out of Iran as much as they want. What would you do if China said it would nuke the U.S. Israel has the right to defend itself from getting annilated. Israel could take Iran by themselves so we shouldn't get involved. We can just sit back and watch Iran get its ass kicked.
Wolf, wolf, wolf
Yes, why not , start another War. Solders are cheap. What is another 5000. We can print more money. np.
North Korea, with Nukes, is right next to South Korea, And they test-fire their missles all the time. No one is upset about that. I don't agree with Iran saying let's wipe out Israel.
Of course,that is just 'talk' to make some people happy in Iran and buy votes. Iranians don't want war, Israelies don't want war. Just bomb making companies want war.
Iran is a big threat to Israel and the West, it is a lot more dangerous as Iraq was in early 2003. Just like Iraq, Iran does not have the dangerous weapons, nor the weapons programs the West and Israel fear it has. But that fear will likely lead to a badly planned war. Iraq was less dangerous, because it could be attacked with impunity for the West and Israel. When things went bad there, the negative consequences were suffered mostly by the Iraqi people.
A war against Iran will have grave consequences for the West; Iran has a large number of short range missiles (a few hundred thousand) with which it can attack oil installations in Saudi Arabia. Stopping such attacks is very difficult, as Israel found out in its war against Hezbollah. So, Iran can shut down about a quarter of the Worl oil trade without it having to deploy its Navy (the latter option obviously won't work if the US would get involved, the Iranian Navy would get annihilated).
prevent the end-war, vote for ron paul!
Ron Paul is an idiot. Peace never works. You can't send Iran flowers and say "pretty please don't nuke Israel." We have to fight fire with fire. We have to kick some ass.
we all know which party should be wiped out for humanity.
Its about time lets get them. Getting one way ticket back home.
It is absolutely maddness that a country like Israel with 5 million imigrated population call another country that we are going to bomb you since we do not like your bear or you may have atomic bomb, but we do not have proof. Please tell me whta is difference between Hilter actions and Isralis leadership. I know what is common both are arrogent and stupid. Such small country keep thrething all world. I am sick of it. Ok, you bomb, then what, keep bombing? drag US in war.
You need to learn English first and then post your distortion of the facts! Israel is as much a nation of immigrants as American Indians are here in the US. It's true, most are from Europe. But, that's irrelevant. It's a sovereign democracy!
Start talking about 200+ nukes Israhell has. wait they are the Chosen Ones, they can kill anyone
yeah, start another war.........................ww3 here we come
another reason to vote for Ron Paul. He will cut off Israel from our foreign aid, stop killing our soldiers for the sake of Israel by trying to nation build for a safer world for Israel and therefor stop making us enemies. I'm all for that and I'll vote him just for that reason === and I'm a Democrat.
On that matter I too agree with R. Paul
good. f*ck iran.
give me one good reason why you hate iran.
Because like any other moron in this country, he hates whoever the government tells him to hate.
The real enemies of US are the Israel-Firster Jews not Muslims.
These Jews live here and create problems after problems for US and drag US into wars for Israhell
You know, millions of American Jews live in Israel and hold dual citizenship. You think they are danger to the US?
yes – let israelis do what they want. don't drag US into it as it is v r bankrupt
which wars has Israel dragged us into
Iraq – 911 done by Mossad
BOICOT ISRAEL AND ALL THEIR BUSINESS IN US. WE HAD ENOUGH WITH THE JEWS LOBBY IN THIS COUNTRY. NEBODY CARES ABOUT IRAN EXCEPT ISRAEL AND US. THE REST OF THE WORLD WE DO NOT CARE. IS THEIR PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS!!! WE DO NOT WANT ANOTHER WAR IN US !!!!
Boycott all Israeli products and products developed in Israel? Better start a list...instant messager, cell phones, voicemail, intel processors, many treatments for cancer, several medical imaging technologies...
It has already started. Where has this moron been. I say let Isreal do it. They are very good at quick quiet strikes. They are sneaky lil bustards.
the anti-semitism in the comments is really appalling. blame it on the jews.. they've been scapegoats for centuries. too bad the collective intelligence of this country is minimal. arrogance, racism, sexism and religious opposition has divided this country enough. unfortunately there are world issues that require more thought than pidgeon-holeing an entire religion.
Before you say scapegoats, consider this.... Isn't it just possible that they bring this upon themselves. Remember nobody is born to dislike anyone.
the last time we ignored threats against jews there was the holocaust and millions of jews died. i'm sure most of the people posting here would not want to see their relative die. i'm sure if it involved their own family their views would change quickly. this is not israel's fault. they have the right to have their own state. they're not perfect. but far from the criticism and disgusting comments posted on here.
The problem with this is their religion is going to drag the US into their BS holy war.
Get educated. Israel is not in the business of starting holy wars. Wrong religion, wrong government. Wrong state.
Anyone who criticizes Israel is labeled anti-Semitic and it got old a long time ago . . .
Mohamid – I can tell you now its comments like yours that get us here.
That was a bad idea, to say that with his outloud voice. It was an even worse idea to let it leak. A very, very bad idea. Mr. Secretary...please do better. Don't say stuff outloud, or if you do, control the leaks. Please.
If he said it publicly, it was for a reason. Panetta didn't get where he is by being careless.
Yeah...I hear you (and mostly agree). Way I read it, he said it privately, and there was either a deliberate or unauthorized leak. Either way...comments like that from someone at his level makes people very nervous. This is not good.
Panetta got where he is because someone else was careless.
The problem is the Israel-Firster Jews in US.
AIPAC is the hornets nest. if it was not for them we would not have attacked Iraq
very scary. I don't see that this is something Isreal would be bluffing on, and something we may not be able control regarding them. What is apparent, there are very troubling times a coming. And waiting for one side to blink, alarming
no please trust me on this. Israel is just spewing crap again. They don't have any physical evidence that Iran is making nuclear bombs. There will probably be troubling times up ahead, just because somebody is going to act on some stupid decision and then everyone will feel dumb. the best thing to do would be to have everyone leave everyone else alone. because Iran, even if they did have a bomb, knows it would be a death wish to use a nuclear bomb.
Let me know the morning after; I'm kind of busy right now...
Its called "verbal diarrhea." The Israeli terrorists know better.
Israel acquired nukes in an illegal manner and nobody stopped them.
They're still not supposed to have them.
Haha. Isreal does not really give a rat's ass for what America thinks. If they want to go after Iran they will. They will do it in complete defiance of the US. And they don't care if a democrat is in power or a republican. As far as Isreal is concerned both are weak with their tails tied in gay-marriage and abortion. Isreal knows this and will exploit it. That is the kind of guts and determination that Isreal has. And nobody can do anything about it.
Israel has been paid by you for nearly 50 years to do what YOU couldn't do. That is – keep the Arab world in check so YOU could satify your greed for OIL, oil and more oil.
You OWE Israel big-time because if you hadn't had their help in getting unlimited oil, you wouldn't BE the strong military power that you were [now – not so much!].
When you Americans ended the WW2 in the far east by destroying Hiroshima and Nagasaki – you were so proud of yourselves, but think on – the BOMB was invented by Oppenheimer – a brilliant Jew. Maybe you;d like to thak the Jews for that too????????
Jews are the most greedy blood thirsty people on earth. they will drag US into war for Israel
pretty much haha
Dumbasses! over time you all will realize that Israel did America the biggest favor ever! Iran publicly states that the US is the great satan and Israel is little satan. Israel actually has the guts to get the job done and protect us all...A strong Israel is a strong America..
Actually you got the satans reversed – just saying
What's the matter, Boy – are you jealous because Israel has
[1] courage – living for 60 years surrounded by enemies who attack them on a weekly and sometimes daily basis [ whereas you Americans wet your collective pants when you get an orange alert for terrorist attacks!];
[2] the best brains [ you ended the WW2 in the far east by nuking Hiroshima and Nagasaki but the A Bomb was invented by Oppenheimer – a Jew]
[3] a fine Democracy unlike you,who have lost more and more personal freedom since the Patriot act]
[4] the best Intelligence service in the world which YOU have relied on for years [unlike the CIA who are as much use as a chocolate teapot!]
See what I mean ?
From the CNN story:
At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus, who said he has regular discussions with Israel's leadership and intelligence head, noted that "Israel does see this possibility as an existential threat to their country, and I think that it is very important to keep that perspective in mind."
WHAT THE HECK IS AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO THEIR COUNTRY? Is Israel afraid of getting its feelings hurt? No, this is a physical and real threat to Israel. The question is whether we support or endorse Israel's potential actions against Iran. This is a very tricky game. Hopefully, the Obama Administration will think this through more thoroughly that the Bush Administration did in Iraq (almost by default, that will be the case).
Oh please dont attack Iran. They don't even have proof that Iran is trying to make a nuclear bomb. They just assume. And assumptions will be the death of all of us
Yup... just like Iraq
I heard Iran is afraid of Barbie Dolls, just send them a large shipment from Matel
The problem is our Jewish Politicians like Feinstein, Lieberman, Berman, Sherman, David S Cohen, Schummer are more concern about Israel than America and for sure Our Jewish Media and our Jewish Banking system are protecting them CNN is just another Bias Fox news
its funny that you mention that last sentence, because if you look into it, you'll find that fox news and cnn are both owned by the same investment companies
Anti-Semitic much?
Well, I couldn't help but laugh at the comments. As a European who travels to Israel very often, they're not the most courageous people on this planet. Israel will not move a finger if it doesn't feel backed & protected by the U.S. & maybe some dumb European politicians. I don't like Iran, but I think that Israel & the U.S. are really pushing it too far...even when the U.S. is broke, fortunately.
Iran really shouldn't have the bomb...I don't think they'll end up getting it. If the Iranian people don't realize that they're going to get seriously punished in a war over the Ayatollah's little w@nker and take matters into their own hands there's going to be trouble. They led the way for Middle East protests in 2009...surely those emotions haven't subsided. I don't want more innocent people to die, just the bad ones. Though if we start lobbing missiles both kinds will die...
By all means the U.S. should attack first. wouldn't want any precious Isreali lives lost.
Americans are really committed to Israel with blood & money...of what little they still have. Luckily in Europe, we stepped aside in the 70s and came to our senses. We áren't Israel & Israelis aren't our first priority.
We've been down this road before with dictators having (rather, not having) weapons of mass destruction. I can't believe someone in the Defense Department would be authorized to leak the idea that we think Israel is positioned for a war with Iran. If anything, even if we know about it, we need plausible deniability so we're not instantly thrown into the mix. I sincerely doubt the U.S. public would be willing to go to war again unless U.S. interests are directly threatened (directly against the U.S., not our allies).
Just remember that if and when there is blowback from an Iran strike , they are not terrorists or any of that bull since YOU made the first move America and israel will contribute to the tough times already seen by the American people. Iran may hit back understandably and the American people can expect what? patriot act 2.0? 3.0? This is madness citizens of a superpower do not have to look for a jihadist under their bed everynight. STOP the madness this is not good for anyone. Oh and did I miss something learning American history about the unconditional worship of Israel?? Honestly....
The question at this time is not if but when there will be a miltary strike against Iran. This timeframe just gives Iran a last minute chance while IAEA inspectors are involved to back down with their nuclear ambitions. No doubt, a nuclear armed Iran will create havoc in the region. The Iranian government has made it very clear that they are not opposed to sending nukes over to Israel. Military action must be take nIn the best interests of stability in the middle east to prevent destabilization in the region. I don't think this will create WW. If the U.S. get involved (which it most likely will once Iran starts sending missiles over to Israel in the event of an Israeli strike) then Iran's military will not exist afterwards. Let's be realistic. A far greater worry than an Israel/U.S. strike against Iran is the fact that this country led by a bunch of religious nutcakes having nuclear weapons. Iran wishes the destruction of both Israel and the U.S. regardless of whether we support Israel or not. There is already plenty of intelligence on Iran. Do you really think that drone that went down a couple of months ago was a mistake? Iran's entire military operation is in U.S. and Israeli intel.
Will someone please show me a shred of EVIDENCE that they are actually building nukes? Does anyone remember Iraq and WMD's? For some reason critical thinking has dissipated in this country. So many are quick to rush to war... EVIDENCE not a hunch based on emotion... but actual EVIDENCE.
Maybe they'll wipe each other off the map. Nobody is going to fight a war over a radiation-soaked "holy land."
very stupid mistake...
I do not know motive, but it seems to be stupid and insensitive to tell the world that we are about to attack the enemy in spring! Its bad for Israel, its bad for the US who claims to be an ally to Israel, and its bad for the peaceful world community. Please do not do that anymore Mr Leon Pineta and staff members by leaking this and telling the world! BAD MOVE !! I am very disappointed with the white house!
You are a very smart person! I completely agree with you!
If the head line news really meant what I am reading Mr. Panetta's prediction. i am sure the decision must have been made while smoking pot both by Panetta and Israeli government. Iran is not a calf anymore and I on the other hand can challenge Mr. Panetta prediction.
If Israelis do that, then they will be indeed wipped off the map. Give it a try if you don't believe it.
Last time anyone fought Israel, they lost parts of their map.
Maybe so, but do you think that Iran will do what Iraq did.Nothing ?? Don't bet on it. They will retaliate when THEY decide,. So watch what one wishes for. We (USA) may pay a price just for allowing Israel to attack.
lol
This should make the warmongering GOP happy, as now they will have an excuse to invade Iran as well.
Uh, in case you hadn't noticed, the Commander in Chief is a Democrat.
Yikes, I can see where all this is headed: Please Panette, stop stirring up trouble and encouraging our military-industrial complex to make more weapons and murder more people in our name!! How about sending in the Peace Corps instead of the Marine Corps????
Another war for Eratz Israel pushed US into by the Israel-Firster Jews of US.
Israel will never attack Iran, or anybody else for that matter. We are their lapdogs and will gladly continue to fight their battles for them, free of charge.
What year were you born? Did daddy just teach you how to use a computer?
You mustn't have ever heard of...
Operation Opera or Operation Orchard or the recent assasination of an Iranian Nuclear Scientist?
You're right though... Israel would never attack hostile countries... they're just too afraid and can't ever back themselves. No, especially when 4 neighbouring countries try to invade us at the same time...
LOl, you're so dumb, that a dumb look like a genious compare to you.
Here's my question, can Israel go to war on it's own? hell no.
Did Israel fought the 6 days war on their own? hell no, Uk fought their war, now that UK pulled away, the USA is the big daddy who sacrifice he's kids for Israel, how stupid is that, wake up America!!!
lol When has Israel ever threatened to wipe another country off the face of the map? From what I'm reading its safe to say that many of you walk around with a helmet on...
By the way, Iran actually has threatened to do just that to Israel. Fact.
are y that naive? iran said " israel will be wiped from pages of history" if they continue this way. that was not a threat – crabby Jews have been threatening its neighbors since they have been there . blood sucker jews!
If by threatening our neighbours you mean defending our borders every time one of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, or Egypt try to invade us... let alone the time they tried to at the same time... only to fight them off in 6 days and actually enlarge our borders for safe measure and ensure future attacks don't occur again...
... then yes, you're 100% correct. How did you get so smart?
are y that naive? iran said " israel will be wiped from pages of history" if they continue this way. that was not a threat – crabby Jews have been threatening its neighbors since they have been there .
That is wrong. Ahmadinejad never said "wipe off" and never said "map". I speak Farsi. He said Israel must "vanish from the page of time".
By way of example, this is similar to President Reagan saying that "communism is consigned to the dustbin of history" rather than saying "we will reduce you to dust".
Translation error at best. Israeli lies. As per usual.
The problem with your response is that Communism is a ideology and Israel is a Nation.
We need to get out of the business of taking sides in a Holy War. No more aid to Israel . . .
ELECT RON PAUL... He is our ONLY HOPE.
Israel has the second most powerful and aggressive armed forces in the world.
Iran does not have a chance.
The best Iran can do is bury everything they deem strategic under those big mountains, prepare for a guerrilla war if it comes to invasion and last but not least, buy those Russian advanced anti-aircraft missile batteries.
Then wait for the mighty Jewish host onslaught.
The rank and file Israelis will support war as long as Israelis aren't dying. Once Israelis start dying, public opposition will be overwhelming . . .
you stupid moron, Israel could not even beat the Hezbollah!! Hezbollah gave them a lesson. Israel will not attach Iran: Iran signed a treaty with China+Russia! the US would not even attack Iran. This article by Barbara Starr, a warmonger ugly woman, is designed to put pressure on Iran via the Defense secretary.
Mark, Jew for Peace
wow, unfortunately I dont see the US standing by Isreal on this one, soley because the US does not want to be cut off from any oil from any of the OPEC countries.
And. of course, your genius prez and thick Administration turned down the Keystone pipeline from Canada – who will be the world's THIRD largest oil producer in 2 /3 years – AND live on your doorstep!!!!!! How amazingly stupid is that?
I believe Iran wants nuclear weapons, but I do not believe this is an existential threat to Israel's existence. The "wipe them off the face of the map" is just bluster, and should not be used as an excuse to start a war whose course and result are impossible to predict. Israel has many nuclear weapons. It would be suicide for Iran to attack Israel, and while it's convenient to demagogue the mullahs, there is no reason to believe they are suicidal. I believe Iran wants them for deterence, to prevent an attack by the US or Israel, which is why Israel doesn't want Iran to have them. A nuclear Iran is bad (like a nuclear North Korea) but it doesn't justify a military attack. If we could outwait a nuclear USSR, we and Israel can outwait a (feebly) nuclear Iran.
Just bluster? They have tried a multiple times in the last half century. It is not an "existential" threat, it is a real here and now threat.
Well said, Ben.
Well said.
Kunst, if I would be Israel, I would;d take VERY seriously Iran's threat to "wipe her out". Look back at history, no one took seriously Hitler when he said he wants to "wipe out" the Jews, and we all know what happened. We should learn from past mistakes. I am very disappointed of US, Israel is really the ONLY country in that region that US can count on, look at the "Arab Spring", how they are changing to very radical states, and yet, US is standing by the side, instead of helping. Lets not make ay assumption, that Iran wants to conquer Israel only, the mysterious explosion 2 weeks ago in a nuk plant, caused damage, to a plant that was in process of producing missiles that can reach the US. Why is Iran developing them?
This country is hell bent on getting involved in another war. As if the last 10 years were not enough. And the United States or Israel really give a damn what you think. They only want your kids to fill the ranks.
Richard, you have a good point there.
Also when countries are failing economically their governments go out of the way to find a war. Wars = Big Bucks!
Only reason why we help stupid isreal is because they have a lot american companies there McDonalds, Subway, cocacola etc... If Iran let's McDonalds in there country than there would not be any problems.
damn, why didn't i think of that reason?
Streuth! and here was I thinking you paid them to keep the lid on the Arab world [which they did for 5 decades ] So you could satisfy your need for oil, oil and MORE oil.
You really are an ungrateful wee Muppet aren't ya?
Obama left Israel no choice, he left them flapping in the breeze. We wasted the past 10 years on sanctions knowing the Russians and China were sending Iran the equipment to enrich uranium.
10 years??? You do know that Obama has only been in office for 3 years right?
Right, and even though many think Bush was President for 7 of those years, it was Obama. Yup, Obama's been President for 10 years.
Really? So what was Obama supposed to do? Invade Iran and make another GOP warmongering blunder that will sink this country into further debt and destruction? You Republicans don't know when to stop do you?
Obama was a Senator before he was president. The Democrats supported those sanctions.
What Obama has done is sold Israel down the river by announcing that they should return to pre-1967 borders. He showed the world he was willing to throw Isael under the bus last May.
to Youbetcha: stupid moron! Obama is on Israel's side. the 1967 borders are what the whole world believes is a just agreement. Many israelis as well ! so please go and say your stupid stuff somewhere else!!
Give it a rest!
What a non-story. Unsupported claims from anonymous tipsters. Good grief. CNN stretching things again.
and big surprise, this is from Barbara Starr, an ugly sad warmonger jew who promoted big time the war against Irak in 2002....this woman is so sad to watch on tv, and she is always making agressive statements towards countries which are not friends with israel. she is not a journalist, but a war propagandist jew!
Mark, Jew for Peace
ATTAK NOW
Learn to spell, NOW!
Good Heaven's! Panetta has the biggest mouth of any government knucklehead of the last century. Who does he work for, the United States or the Arab League?
Whomever assigned him to a secret organization should be fired! (2012-the End of an Error)
That'll never happen. Too many worthless politicians are owned by rich Jews.
Racism is kept alive on your lips JP.
Jp, for your information, US consist of people of different nationals and backgrounds, some are rich, some are not. Opra, as far as I know is NOT Jewish, Jobs, was NOT Jewish, Gates, is NOT Jewish. You getting it? I see around losers, who have to blame someone, for their problems. Wake up, and take responsibility on your life, don't blame the rest of the world.
Unbelievable all the aid we give them and they don't even take our advise. Time to leave Israel cold.
You are crazy. Don't heed our advice? We work hand in hand with them, and if you really think that any of these public statements are not well planned and agreed upon in tandem, you are extremely naive.
Good for you, Jim. Great post
Politicians have fat mouths and should keep them shut where military operations are concerned. If the US is planning to send their people, or their friends, in to danger then one of the best ways to keep them alive is for it to be a surprise. Politicians never seem to understand security. But then so long as it doesn't reduce their personal wealth they don't care.
agreed. how is this helpful? i get the whole diplomatic pressure thing, but this borders on reckless.
Perhaps it's because he doesn't want to be involved in such action, and is trying to use propaganda to curb Israel from doing so.
Perhaps, perhaps we should let Israel be destroyed? Perhaps that Iran will continue developing the missiles that were destroyed 2 weeks ago, which built to rich the US and Europe? Perhaps then those countries will wake up, and it will cost many human lives, instead of cutting off the head of the snake when it's little?
Panetta should be sacked. He made an anti – Jewish remark publicly recently so obviously has his own agenda. Apart from which – there are so many leaks lately from the top down that it appears that none of your politicians can hold water let alone state secrets
The anti-Jewish mob here would have been spluttering into their lattes if one of these dimwits had give the timescale for the Bin Laden raid. Just so long as YOU'RE ok then. Selfish monkeys!
War, War, War! Can the President explain how getting into yet another War to protect Israel is in America's best interests? If Israel want's to fight Iran, go right ahead, I'll hold your coat, but I won't be helping you.
ummm, this isn't about the President advocating for war...but based on your other posts its clear you'd rather see Israel destroyed and Iran with nuclear weapons – so I guess then you would understand why Iran has to be dealt with forcefully.
carlin123, for your information: the mysterious explosion 2 weeks ago, in an Iranian nuk plant, damaged misses that are developed there to rich the US. I don't believe that US has nothing to do with it, and why do you think is Iran developing this type of missiles?
to John Sun: you talk like a stupid warmonger ! Irak was attacked for their "wmd"...where were they??!! teh same for Iran, we don t know anything, it s just assumptions. and Israel has the nuclear bomb, then other countries want it as well.
Mark, Jew for Peace
Well, all I can say is that, if they do, I hope they wipe them off the face of the earth completely and be done with it.
You would have made a very good Nazi . . .
JP, you can hide in your hole, and your initials. Iranians developing misses to reach the US, the explosion 2 weeks ago, was in that nuk plant. If you don't stop the snake when it's little, it will cost you much more later. PS – learn something from WW 1 & WW 2. Maybe you don't know history? Do you read at all?
YES!!! ABOUT TIME. KiILL all Terrorists
Muslims? Yup agreed
Israel, the US puppet state in the middle east... using them to do our bidding. The US will probably be at war with Iran w/in the next 5 years; believe that.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Forget war. Nuke 'em off the face of the earth once and for all.
And whose weapons will Israel be using? It is time we stop subsidizing Israel and their terrorist activities. If they want to remain a country they need to learn to get along with their neighbors. First it was making settlements in Palestinian territory, now aggressive measures against Iran. Israel needs a wake-up call. They are not our children and we are not going to step in to take care of them nor to defend them against others who will take action to defend themselves.
Hey genius, Israel will attack with or without the backing of the US. Learn the history of the region before you accuse Israel of being the one having problems getting along with their neighbors. They are surrounded by enemies and 98% of the middle east has wanted Israel's destruction since it's achieving statehood in 1948.
Exactly right, Steve.
Wrong.. Israel's Rightwing Netanyahu is trouble and even they know it– they do not like the guy/.. they need to get rid of him.. These Righties love war no matter where they live and do not care if they blow up their own and the rest of the world.. Iran may blow tiny Israel away.. I just hope we keep the hell away from all of them.
Mornigstar, As far as I remember, Iran started the intimidation against Israel not the other way, first they were talking, just to see the reaction of the rest of the world, when they realized, no one cares, they started to develop the nuk, saying it openly, that it is to destroy Israel. i would like to see the US reaction, if terrorists would shoot on schools buses from the borders of Mexico, if the authorities would not act. that's what is happening in Israel, when terrorists are attacking kids on buses and in schools with their rockets. I admire that tiny country who is in such a bad neighborhood, and fighting to survive. God bless them.
John sorry – your comment is brilliant. My comment was for morning star. Should have said so.
Did you just arrive here from the planet Zog, or what????
Your country has paid and ARMED Israel for 50 years to keep the lid on the Arab world [Which they've done brilliantly] so YOU could have unlimited oil.
You've needed Israel from the word go; you just have trouble admitting it.
And by the way THE bombs, which you took credit for when you decimated Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended the war in the far east were invented by Oppenheimer – son of a Jew. So you owe them for that too.
Whoa.....get ready for WW3....bye bye Earth, hello desolate wasteland.....
Well, we';re all supposed to be wiped out on Dec. 21 this year anyway. I say bring it the hell on!
Go Heebs! Let's start a world war. Then India nuke smelly Pakis.
Go worship and lick the dick of your god Shiva
Izzy sees most of the rest of the world as an existential threat. It's that damned paranoid solipsism working its magic again.
The Iranians, OTOH, don't suffer from said mental disease. They're rational and sharp as tacks, contrary to Top 40 agitprop. They've chosen their path, so bring it Izzy, if you dare.
Are you that naive and sheltered??? Have you not noticed Russia supporting Syria...China supporting N Korea...US supporting Israel....Iran supporting any terrorist group that hates on Americans and Jews...WW is inevitable. Wake up Dana. And we really are important to the world. If you don't think so, then gladly fly yourself elsewhere.
All that has to be done is for Obama to make a phone call and tell Israel that if they go off their rocker over Iran, they'll be doing it on their own. No more weapons sales, no more billions of dollars to prop up their military...
Then Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia just need to call Israel and say "No, you may not use our airspace to attack the whackos across the pond from us...".
As for Arab countries going nuts over Israel doing something stupid, just remember that Iranians are not Arabs, so there may be a good chance they will let Israel poke Iran in the eye if they are afraid to do it themselves.
It's gonna be a busy year for the US Navy!
thank you Tom for making sense. Not many people are able to do that based on some of these idiotic posts.
then Saudi says we need a nuclear weapon, then UAE says we need a nuclear weapon
You analysis is shortsightedf and bigoted. This has to do with way more than Israel. A cold war in the middle east over nuclear weapons will affect the entire world
The Saudis and UAE don't WANT nuclear power. Their power and vast wealth come from oil!
Above all, they are sick to the back teeth of Iran funding strife IN the Middle East.
They will all stamp, yell and chew the wallpaper if Iran is attacked but then – back to drilling, refining and piping oil – no problem.
Tom, Saudi Arabia is scared to death of Iranian nuk and they ARE waiting for Israel to destroy it. The Iranians have ambition to become an empire and rule the whole Middle East, they are involved in every terrorist organization to support disorder in the area. They are developing missile to reach Europe & the US. destroying Israel is only the beginning for them.
The military option should be a last resort. Sanctions should be given a chance to work – in order to get Iran to negotiate. It would be wrong to rush to war before diplomacy is given a chance to work.
I think the point here is that Israel is claiming that it has already gone to far, and if they do not strike by Spring, then it will be too late.
There is still time for sanctions and diplomacy to work – we must not rush to war – that is the last resort.
Israel has been claiming this for a decade at least.
Yep Thomas – you sound like Chamberlain who waited for warnings and santions to work against Hitler.
Result – While WE were waiting for the much vaunted sanctions and diplomacy to work – Hitler was arming himself to the teeth.
Hitler was arming himself with money provided by transnationals. The build the monster so they can then go out an kill it. It repeats so many times now it's boring. Saddam first friend with the US, then becomes the arch villain, the Gadaffi, best buddies with Blair one day, the next, the arch villain.
A World War over Islam....
and judaism. and christianity. don't forget those.
This is some BS, if israel starts a war, we better not get involved. They have started problems ever since they were created in the 40s. We shouldn't fight against them, but we better not fight their battles for them. I have never once protested or anything like that but if we back this bully-state I will be doing whatever I can to get us out of there. Bad idea israel, we didn't attack russia or north korea or china when they were developing a nuclear weapon and look....they haven't used one yet....
Israel has never asked for assistance with their battles and they aren't now. If Iran is getting a Nuke, then Israel is going to do something about it. What do you think America would do if Mexico's public stance was that it wanted to wipe the US off the map, and they were less than a year away from acquiring a Nuke? Thought so.
Love it. Couldn't have said it better myself!
They couldn't take care of Nasrallah in 2006.
That was my thought exactly. If Mexico made a credible threat to nuke Houston, America would...well ok, maybe not for Houston. But...
Brilliant, Jim, absolutely blooming brilliant!
Don't worry; the American drug war is doing the job of wiping the Southwest of the United States off the map without nukes. Add to that Fast and Furious and see how the administration is protecting the United states.
You are an idiot. First off, Iran is not connected to Israel. There are several countries between them. It would be like if Colombia wanted to shoot a missile at us. Israel will only start a war that will destroy it. You are what is wrong with the world. Simple minded public school educated people who get their news from comedy central. Good luck being a waste of oxygen. I hope terrorists murder you and your family.
johnny use your brain. North Korea wasn't going to point their bomb at Israel. That was for South Korea. Russia was pointing them at us. China I don't know who they point them at
Iran will point the bomb at Israel
Can you understand this? If you have to, try real real hard.
JohnnyOrlando – BS happens when someone like you THINKS they understand history.
[1] Israel [tiny country] have been fighting a daily battle for survival since 1948 – surrounded by actively hostile countries.
[2] You supported them financially because without them keeping the lid on the Arab countries there would have been chaos and YOU wouldn't have had your greed for unlimited OIL satisfied
[3] IF you hadn't had your greed satisfied you wouldn't have had the oil you needed to become a superpower {although that's diminishing daily}
[4] You've also heavily relied on Mossad – the best Intel in the world [ and they make the CIA look like Peter Sellers in Pink Panther!]
[5] You took credit for ending ww2 in the far east when you destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki BUT the A bombs you used were invented by Oppenheimer who was JEWISH. Strikes me they've been fighting for you – NOT the other way round
[6] You didn't attack Chin@ and Russi@ because unlike Isarel – you didn't have the guts!
C'mon ! Israel, BRING IT ON !!! Attack Iran !! Get us [ the USA] dragged in another war just to defend you like it usually happens...
lol Start another war? Defend us? What exactly do you mean? When did Israel start a war? When did another country defend Israel's lands for them?
Definitely not in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the Retribution operations, the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, the War of Attrition, the Yom Kippur War, the 1978 South Lebanon conflict, 1982 Lebanon War, First Intifada, Second Intifada, 2006 Lebanon War, Gaza War...
All but one, by the way, were initiated by either "Palestinians" or our surrounding Arab neighbours...
According to the 9/11 Commission Report, one of the reasons terrorists attacked us is because of our favoritism toward Israel. So yes, our being buddy, buddy with Israel has cost this country trillions of dollars and thousands of lives.
Who is better off with our wars against Afghanistan and Iraq? Israel.
“Regarding what took place on September 11, well it’s very good… Well, it’s not good, but it will generate immediate sympathy for Israel.”
— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the attacks on America as reported in The Jerusalem Post, September 12, 2001.
You're a moron. Israel is our only ally in the middle east. They don't just hate us because we support Israel. They hate our way of life. They hate that we are not Muslim. They hate Muslims who have come to America and don't have the same radical beliefs as them. They hate everybody and everything that differs from their beliefs. You simple minded fool. Do an internet search for attacks against Israel. 99% of all the attacks against Israel are against Israeli civilians, not Israeli military. Your mind is too small to even understand the truth of the situation as it has existed in the middle east since before Israel even became a state.
evensteven – the reason OBL planned 9/11 was because American troops used sacred arab land – Saudi Arabia – as a base to attack and kill other arabs.
Fanatics jumped on the bandwagon and pinned Israel to OBLs plan to suit their own ends. OBL was quite explicit about America – he made no mention of Israel. Get your facts right.
OBL was a patsy on dialysis who accepted being the patsy in exchange for giant construction contracts for his extended family; courtesy of the Carlyle group and the Bin Ladin Group. Sorry sonny; there is no Santa Claus...............
Dana, hit it right on the nose! This hole article smells of war making! CNN what now, telling futures!
Panetta seems to stick hi foot in his mouth like Binder does.
who is "Binder"?
Yeah, CNN! Yeah, state department! Louden that drum beat! Prepare the dumb Goyische US populace for that war that you're fully supporting behind the scenes, but make them think you don't have a hand in it! We're all dumb gentiles so we're too stupid to know the difference!
I think Panetta is working his own agenda and not the white house. There is no sane reason for that elephant nose prick in making that kind of statement unless he actually is trying to create havoc in the region. Is Panetta trying to pull us into a W.W. that can not be won? If this country or this government believes the Arab countries will just sit idly by while Israel does what they please we are just to into our own thinking of how important we really are to the world.
Saudi Arabia and many other Sunni Arab countries do not want Iran to have Nuclear Weapons as well.
Arab coutries should not worry about Iran having a Nuclear Weapons. They must worry about Israel having 200 of them.
So I take it you guys are OK with Iran having nuclear weapons and them also vowing to destroy Israel and half their buildings have murals saying "Death to America!".
Yep.
I'm not okay with Israel threatening to take down the entire world.
That's idiotic. Do you really think that you know the inner workings of all that is going on to make such statements, assumptions, and generalizations?
Dana, you are wrong about many things. Those Arab countries WILL sit idly by if Israel destroys Iran's nuclear facilities. Because no one has ever proved that Israel does or does not have a nuclear arsenal. I know most people whole heartedly believe they do, including me, but the Arab's are not stupid and they are not going to take the chance of getting their entire country destroyed. And like Sean said in his reply. Saudi doesn't want Iran to have the bomb either. I have spent a considerable amount of time in the middle east and my bet is that the Saudi's and almost every other Arab country would sit by, rattle their swords, condemn the hell out of it and stomp up and down in the UN if Israel destroys Iran's facilities but behind closed doors, they would be saying, "Thank God we didn't have to do this."
Dana, are you a female? If so, that would explain your ignorant, idiotic, and in terms you would understand "duh da duh" statement. Stop regurgitating sh*t you hear in the news or read on the web and do some real research of your own. I am sure too most your sorry self identification of being "well-informed" is either excruciatingly embarrassing or infuriating to people with brains.