• Published 23:12 22.02.10
  • Latest update 10:27 23.02.10

'Military strike won't stop Iran's nuclear program'

Comment by U.S. army chief Mullen comes as State Dept. says it is weighing effective Iran sanctions.

By Haaretz Service Tags: Israel news Iran nuclear

A military strike will not completely stop Iran's nuclear program, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said in a Pentagon briefing on Monday.

"No strike, however effective, will be in and of itself decisive," Admiral Mike Mullen said, adding that he supported using diplomatic and economic pressure against Iran.

Iran's uranium enrichment, in defiance of several rounds of Security Council sanctions, has spurred world powers to consider tougher diplomatic measures, against the backdrop of threatened military action by Israel as a last resort.

When asked on what steps the U.S. intended to take to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters Monday that Washington was "continuing to look at other steps that we can take both multilaterally and prospectively on a national basis."

Crowley added that the U.S. was "looking at the full range of possibilities."

"We want to see effective sanctions that have the impact that we want to put pressure on Iran. And as the Secretary has said, we will be paying specific attention to the Revolutionary Guard Corps that is playing a more - a growing role in Iranian society and in the Iranian economy," Crowley said.

Earlier Monday, a nuclear energy official said that Iran has already earmarked potential sites for new nuclear enrichment plants and construction of two of them could begin this year.

"We have earmarked close to 20 sites and have passed the report on those to the president, however, these sites are only potential," Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization, was quoted as saying on news agency ISNA.

"We should begin the construction of two enrichment sites next year ... In the two new sites, we plan to use new centrifuges. "The next Iranian year begins on March 21.

Washington fears Iran's nuclear energy program will allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies any such intention and says it only wants to generate electricity.

The head of U.S. Central Command, General David Petraeus, told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that the United States is placing its efforts to thwart the Iranian nuclear program on a "pressure track."

Petraeus said that he thought "that no one at the end of this time can say that the United States and the rest of the world have not given Iran every opportunity to resolve the issues diplomatically."

"That puts us in a solid foundation now to go on what is termed the pressure track," the U.S. general said, adding that "that's the course on which we are embarked now."

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called foran immediate embargo on Iran's energy sector, saying the United Nations Security Council should be sidestepped if it cannot agree on the move.

Netanyahu told foreign Jewish leaders that if the world "is serious about stopping Iran, then what it needs to do is not watered-down sanctions, moderate sanctions ... but effective, biting sanctions that curtail the import and export of oil into Iran."

U.S. army chief Mike Mullen.

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  • 75. 0 0
    re: Mark Lincoln
    • UsedToPostHere
    • 28.02.10
    • 01:05

    Rebuilding your enemies is not necessary for success. The American Occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan are necessary for an invasion of Iran. An occupation of Iraq is necessary for an Invasion of Syria. "Getting out of Iraq" is only necessary for the weak cowards who w2ould rather live in Slavery than Risk War for their future. America dropped the ball when it chose not to follow through and solve the Iran problem, but don't worry, the world will be alright when you are no longer a superpower. Israel will take care of Iran and the whole world will see, that you are no longer worth worrying about. You can be a wonderful third world country like Mexico and sell trinkets to Saudi and Chinese Tourists in the hopes of buying bread to feed your many illiterate starving flea infested children.

  • 74. 0 0
    re: Still posts here
    • UsedToPostHere
    • 27.02.10
    • 01:57

    If America does not take care of the problem in Iran, Israel will insure that there is no Iran to take care of.

  • 73. 0 0
    #61 Joseph E
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 24.02.10
    • 10:13

    Due to our blind support of the policies of Israel. As was quoted by Bin Laden. He had the idea for 9/11 by watching US manufactured planes with Israeli markings dropping american provided bombs on Beruit in 1982. The Anthrax letters were caused by a disaffected scientist running out of funding. ie, he was an American working for the American government. Nothing to do with the middle east.

  • 72. 0 0
    #68 Josiah Ben David
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 24.02.10
    • 10:03

    So what you are saying is that Israel woill blackmail the United States to attack Iran on it's behalf by unsing the threat of nuclear weapons?

  • 71. 0 0
    To Chris: You think Obama knows what he is
    • Josiah J. Ben David
    • 24.02.10
    • 08:18

    talking about ? He is , after all, the Commander-n-Chief. He is timid, weak and indecisive, all things not characteristic of a real leader. Military strategists and national leaders have often been wrong since recorded time. There is certainly no consensus though liberal/progressives want to tout one. Israel can't afford to be wrong. Some situations call for a strong military response. Ignoring the situation or appeasing Iran will on confirm weakness. Europe tried your approach with Hitler and what did it get them? Some wars are not avoidable. Iran's regime must change or there will be war. If there is war then the U.S. will be drawn into it. Israel does not have the conventional means for preemption. The only other option is nuclear preemption. That is the reality. There will be war in the Middle East. The stakes are high and it is only a matter of time and circumstance.

  • 70. 0 0
    Allang Iran will be really dead
    • ARIK
    • 24.02.10
    • 08:05

    If Israel and United States strike Iran, Iran will probably retaliate against Tel Aviv and against American fleet and troops in teh Gulf. That is all they have, plus terrorism. If they do that they will back to the Middle Ages. NMeither Russia nor China will help Iran and the Arab copuntries will be glad to see the Iranian regime being crushed. Ohhh I forgot Chavez....He will come to Ahmedinajad's aid. Iran is doomed. I think that Obama will indeed attack it.

  • 69. 0 0
    Mark of Lewiston: I whole heartedly agree withj you
    • True Blue Jew
    • 24.02.10
    • 07:34

    Then US of A should only care for its own well being. It must not sacrifice its young people in useless wars. I don't understand why or how the Congress allows so much waste and blood letting, and for n tangible purpose whatever.

  • 68. 0 0
    Natallie, I disagree, President Obama gave Bibi rope...
    • BBSNews
    • 24.02.10
    • 07:20

    ...he opened as everyone expected, and then he "gave in to AIPAC" as expected. Or did he? It was quietly said last week in a briefing that the US had not changed its position on illegal colonies, diplomatically it has simply dropped below the radar, and that's as it should be as the rope is played out. Bibi, becoming bolder and bolder has been led right into a Khaled Meshaal moment. He didn't really own the War on Gaza, that came from those who used it to try and hold onto power before him, but now he owns Dubai. He does not even own the Goldstone Report yet it haunts him. The inevitable personal scandal has happened for Bibi as well. And now an array of bristling neighbors in the region have become very very touchy in the face of Bibi's nationalistic moves that convey to them, the occupations will never end. It is a powder keg. President Obama owns none of it. He is understandably tied up with the economy and health care. Give it time Natallie, Bibi will need something soon.

  • 67. 0 0
    Rob, you are simply brilliant! Not.
    • BBSNews
    • 24.02.10
    • 06:49

    Do you seriously believe that the leader of the free world, would authorize an attack with a dozens of nukes to completely destroy Iran and its people? Because that is what it would take. That is why Admiral Mullen quite rightly says that a military strike would simply not do the job. Because to do it, an entire people would have to be destroyed. Is that what you call "leadership"? It's insanity Rob. You should seriously consider reading Anthony Cordesman and his take on the most likely outcomes. If Israel for instance nuked Iran by itself, there would likely be more than 80,000 dead *outside* of Iran and hundreds of thousands more would be sickened. The effects on the world would be catastrophic from a security and economic standpoint and it would may very well change the balance of power forever. There is no way to fully predict the day after's unintended consequences. I think what is clear, is that you owe Admiral Mullen a public apology boy.

  • 66. 0 0
    Irans Nuclear
    • Dave
    • 24.02.10
    • 06:25

    If the World would use all the might and bombs they have,their would not be much left from the Nuclear Bombs buildings left.

  • 65. 0 0
    A fundamental inability to comprehend Reality
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 24.02.10
    • 06:06

    George W. Bush listened to those on the right who told him that a quick strike in Afghanistan would lead to a perfect conclusion. A year later he was listening to the same people who told him that if we simply invaded Iraq in three months we would be out of Iraq and able to attack either Syria or Iran. Needless to say the right-wing lunatics were totally wrong. What is amazing is that those same right-wing lunatics have learned NOTHING from the experiences of their Decider in Chief who followed there every delusion. Yet we still read them on this forum. Lunatics who have no comprehension of military reality, who think all that the USA or Israel has to do is say 'boo' and Iran will collapse into a state of docile submission. What can anyone do about the lunatic right? Not much. They are totally out of touch with reality. And they are incapable of intelligent discussion.

  • 64. 0 0
    I'll let you in on a little secret
    • Frank N. Stein
    • 23.02.10
    • 17:56

    IRAN ALREADY HAS THE BOMB!!! Supplied by China. Why do you suppose they are putting their LEU in plain sight, even as we speak. THEY ARE BAITING YOU! So by all means... attack! I'm sure the last words of all Israelis will be "(Duh,) anti-semite! (Duh)" {BOOM!!!}

  • 63. 0 0
    Obama is too weak and wishy washy
    • Natallie Durson
    • 23.02.10
    • 17:05

    When Obama was faced down by Netanyahu over the settlement freeze, he tossed away any chance that others would heed his advice and warnings. Iran would not only look weak, they would also look foolish if they complied with Obamas demands when Israel ignored Obamas demands. We all know that Obama will not attack Iran nor will he support an Israeli attack upon Iran. Result? Iran moves forward with their nuclear program.

  • 62. 0 0
    Norm T #19
    • Bill
    • 23.02.10
    • 16:58

    Norm, if Israel be,ieves itself to be threatened by the possibility of Iranian nukes...then by all means Israel should eliminate that threat. BUT...it's not a US responsibility to do so. Whoever bombs Iran will inherit a massive reconstruction/regieme building mess just like we now have in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thanks...but no thanks.

  • 61. 0 0
    # 60 Chris Linthwaite
    • Joseph .E
    • 23.02.10
    • 16:52

    Quote " to disengage from the middle east all together " (for energy reasons) . The middle east comes to the west and east in the form of: civil airliners crushing into towers , shoe and underware bombers, anthrax letters, kidnappings or hijaking oil-tankers or cruise ships,small boats crushing into military ships, explosive barrels drifting on seaside-shores, cars bomb,trains bomb,trail or road side IEDs, suicide bombers damaging public and civilian properties and bringing death to civilians in metros,tubes, open air markets,malls, buses, movie theaters, military bases, in synagogues, churhes, museums , etc... The middle east comes to you in the form of economic (natural resources: gas, oil,)political ,diplomatic and medias pressures.. And by the OIC-Arab League marshalled and herded UNGA resolutions falsely viewed as costumary int'l Law . And by abusing the 'people' human rights discourse in order to promote dhimmitude thru Sharia Law ... Say again , how do you want " to disengage from the middle east all together " ?

  • 60. 0 0
    #58 Joseph E
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 23.02.10
    • 15:28

    Which is precisely why we are investing heavily in putting on stream oil fields off the coast of Brazil and the Falkland Islands. The long term lan is to disengage from the middle east all together and concentrate on the Pacific where the planet's future is at.

  • 59. 0 0
    #56 Zionist Forever
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 23.02.10
    • 15:26

    but if the Joint Chiefs of Staff had said that Iran should be attacked because he was a Republican Jew with joint Israeli passport (like Chertoff) that would be OK. As he would have been independent of the bush administration as Under secretary of state for Homeland security or whatever he was under the Bush admimistration and calling for war on Iran. Fact is you will discard anyones opinion which doesn't fit israel's agenda until you find one whose opinion does fit Israel's agenda and then tell everyone we should listen to this guy/or gal.

  • 58. 0 0
    Saudia could pressure the U.S to strike Mullahs' nukes program.
    • Joseph .E
    • 23.02.10
    • 15:14

    by curtailing its import of oil into U.S. Lybia could pressure the EU to strike Mullahs' nukes program, by curtailing its import of oil into EU. Both Saudia and Lybia could do so to signal their strong desire that the military of the U.S and EU to mount stikes against the Mullahs nukes program till such program is completely stopped . All the Sunni OIC-Arab League wealth is worth nothing if ruled by Shia mullahs expansion thru their Military Revolutionary Guards oppression with extortions by nukes threats . The Sunni OIC-Arab League must not fall into the trap of defeatism as set against them both by Iran nukes potential' threat on one hand and the U.S-EU big oil compagny(s) interests on the other hand that $300 be the price of oil barrel, after Iran retaliate against Saudia-Arab Gulf and Lybia oil fields . Or the Sunni OIC-Arab League have also the military power to bythemselves take down the Shia Mullahs nukes program.

  • 57. 0 0
    Obama is a fool,enemy of israel and his crow
    • emanuel
    • 23.02.10
    • 15:14

    Obama he thinks ,just because he studied in law university ,he is more than any one else .even he is politising the military and USA genrals.but historz will never write good about you.

  • 56. 0 0
    is that the opinion of the joint chiefs or the commander in chief
    • zionist forever
    • 23.02.10
    • 14:32

    The joint Chiefs are all political appointments and if the president doesn't like their expert opinions then if he says he wants their official opinion should be that a military strike will do no good then that will become official policy of the Joint Chiefs. All they can do is behind the scenes try talk Obama into taking a realistic line based on their advice and not just one designed to rubber stamp his political policies. Military men who are in their jobs because of political apointments are not military men we should consider independent experts.

  • 55. 0 0
    #49 Cipora... Obama's multi-layered plan
    • allang
    • 23.02.10
    • 13:43

    Cipora... President Obama's plan toward Iran is multi-layered. First, diplomatic engagement... and including Russia, China and the EU to produce UN sanctions. Second, placing unilateral sanctions on Tehran... targeting oil and banking sectors and especially the IRG, which basically monopolizes the economy. Third, militarily monitoring every aspect of the Iranian navy and air assets, including their expanding long range missiles. Utilizing satellite, drones and covert spy missions to acquire human and tactical intelligence. Obama at Maj. Mullen command has 6 ICBM missiles sites in the region, targeting Iran's air force and army installations. The Fifth fleet is in the region and least we forget there are 120,000 US troops in Iraq and 80,000 in Afghanistan... that are bordering Iran. If you think that's not leadership or a plan... I don't know what is. Sending an embassador to Syria... every hear of an intelligence attache. They have been used for many years all over the world.

  • 54. 0 0
    It's inevitable
    • Clarity
    • 23.02.10
    • 12:38

    Without China on board, sanctions will not work. Israel is trying to drag the US and the world into a war that nobody supports. If North Korea cannot be prevented from having nuclear weapons, then Iran certainly cannot. People here that attack Mullen as disloyal or uninformed should consider that his statements are based on the intelligence he has received, so it is the consensus of the US military command. This isn't like Israel, where everybody with a title just says what he wants others to believe.

  • 53. 0 0
    #48 Josiah Ben David
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 23.02.10
    • 12:38

    And Iran will be doing what exactly before waiting for the next installment?

  • 52. 0 0
    Isarel´s bombe programm
    • n
    • 23.02.10
    • 12:23

    Israel demands pemanently to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities. Please explain, why the world should not start at the same time the demolition of the Israelian nuclear facilitiesi Iran has not initiated a war durung the last century, but Israel was responsible for several wars. Which country the world can trust more?

  • 51. 0 0
    MAD, patience
    • Sam
    • 23.02.10
    • 12:13

    and the two states solution will help to contain the mullahs and strengthen the Freedom-believers in Iran. A war is out of the question. America and China, the two superpowers need each other.

  • 50. 0 0
    #23, allang
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:59

    it is the responsibility of the u.s. president to devise a plan. his engagement plan, which he has pursued for over a year, has been an utter failure and a loss of time. thus far, he has not given any indication of what he plans to do. he has not said one word about the matter. bush is no longer in power. every situation is different. the world is looking to the u.s. president for leadership. obama, unfortunately, is not providing it. sending an ambassador to syria is absolutely foolish. syria has no intention to split from iran. since the elections, the extremists have only been emboldened and there is increasing chaos in the region. the clear antipathy toward israel is also emboldening the extremists. leadership also consists of perception. if he intends to let iran go nuclear, he should say so.

  • 49. 0 0
    Look at the first strike as an installment !
    • Josiah J. Ben David
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:54

    It may take multiple strikes and cutting off every drop of petrol transported by sea. Appeasement will not work and will cost Israel perhaps a few million or more lives !

  • 48. 0 0
    So Many Not Joining the IDF
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:40

    If everybody who wants a war joined the IDF, Iran might be intimidated. Join the IDF or buy Israel its own carrier or both. The US is busy elsewhere. Mullen remembers the Iraq war and is aware of the law of unintended consequences. He's also responsible for the American deaths that would result from a strike or strikes. Take your own risks and do your own killing. Leave the US out of it. For the record, nobody posting in favor of a US strike has yet paid a single dime towards the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. Nobody has, except those dead or maimed. Come up with a $$Trillion IN CASH for that and offer you and your children as the manpower before trying to destroy the rest of the US and its military.

  • 47. 0 0
    #5, Reason, on respect
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:38

    north korea has nukes, but absolutely no respect.

  • 46. 0 0
    #17 Used to post here
    • Still posts here
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:24

    Has Israel got the military capability to invade and occupy Iran?

  • 45. 0 0
    #8 Josiah Ben David
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:17

    Israel have sufficient naval capability to maintain a naval blockade of Iran? And sufficient numbers of aircraft and cruise missiles to mount a sustained air campaign against Iran? Or are you suggesting that American politicians go against the explicit advice of their military experts and bomb Iran anyway unleashing a whole world of hurt for no strategic gain? You seem to be under the assumption that we can bomb Iran and Iran will not retaliate in any way shape or form. Obviously the stimulations that have been running in the Pentagon are showing scenerios which you'd rather not think about. So forgive me if I'd rather listen to those who know what they are talking about.

  • 44. 0 0
    No bang bang in Tehran then
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:09

    because unless we are planning on invading and occupying Iran there is no point. Looks like the International Community will be relying on sanctions to make the cost of obtaining nukes prohibative. Like when Pakistan and India decided they wanted nukes. Israel's defence forces will be reconfigured to have a second strike option. Welcome to the wonderful world of MAD. The investment Israel has made in nuclear weapons has come to nought. Israel will no longer be the only nuclear armed power in the region. I expect Egypt and Saudi Arabia to follow suite.

  • 43. 0 0
    #14 Cipora... what plan would you like to see
    • allang
    • 23.02.10
    • 11:01

    Cipora... Don't mean to be confrontational, but please tell us... what plan you would like to see president Obama enact. Maybe you can tell us how Cheney and George W's plan has worked out. Mind you, this would be a concrete plan... to stop Iranian nuclear activity for years to come. Sorry Cipora... it's really easy to point fingers and lay blame... btw, frustration is understandable. But let's see the brilliant plan you possess. Of course... if you say a military strike, then tell us the contingency for the day after. Iran isn't simply gonna play dead... are they.

  • 42. 0 0
    # but US would not be a superpower without jews knowelege Man!!!
    • spider
    • 23.02.10
    • 10:14

    instead of crying about your tax because if jews think first what Jews bring to your contry in order you become a superpower today? except few of you of american people has no culture!!!!

  • 41. 0 0
    "looking at the full range of possibilities"
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 23.02.10
    • 09:59

    the us is totally confused and lacking in leadership. it is obvious that while the obama administration hesitates and sends out meaningless messages, the terror state of iran is continuing with its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons program. when will the u.s. president tell the world openly what his plans are? does he have any plans?

  • 40. 0 0
    I spent 20 years with Russian nuclear bombs...
    • Dave
    • 23.02.10
    • 08:50

    ...aimed right for my chair seat. The teacher told us that if one hit, we should go under our desks and cover our heads with our hands. Somebody should tell Israeli bitachon this great idea...

  • 39. 0 0
    Force is the Only Possibility
    • UsedToPostHere
    • 23.02.10
    • 07:48

    There is no chance of Universal Sanctions and even if there was, it still wouldn't work. Forced sanctions, like an Embargo, are just the first circle of the Anaconda, strangling a country that will next be met by Siege, then Surgical Strikes, then Massive Destruction and Finally, Full Fledged Invasion. This is the Only Way to Avoid a Nuclear Armageddon.

  • 38. 0 0
    #1 - IIene - Very well said
    • US Taxpayer
    • 23.02.10
    • 05:43

    IIene, very well said and it seems that not all US citizen are not paranoid as israelis and jews in USA. In fact, this is schooling for US and israeli govt. to live with Iranian nukes and threats in the name of self-defense and exporting democracy, it's real balance of power. Paranoid people are impotent to do anything except hunking, punking, junking and lomping (sorry for slangs, good way to express the feelings) simply because Iran is not Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. Read newspaper today, how many Afghans are killed yesteday. Real trouble are waiting ahead if US continues to satisfy israelis through spending our tax payers money.

  • 37. 0 0
    Not possible and not necessary anyway, even usefull
    • FT
    • 23.02.10
    • 05:20

    Usefull to press Israel and Saudi Arabia into the U.S. wishes, according to some commentary in the NYT.

  • 36. 0 0
    Adm Mullen not a student of history
    • Morris Valentine
    • 23.02.10
    • 04:47

    "No strike, however effective, will be in and of itself decisive." The Israeli strikes against the Iraqi and Syrian nuclear sites seemed to get the job done rather nicely, Adm Mullen. They've been out of the nuke business for some time now. Iran will be no different. MV

  • 35. 0 0
    A military option that delays Iran's
    • Loku
    • 23.02.10
    • 04:34

    acquisition of "threshhold" offensive capability... is no doubt still being considered in Israel. Existing bunker busting bombs can -- if used skillfully -- penetrate to the known depth of underground facilities. Any strike that sets Iran's capacity back even 3-4 years gives Israel time to further develop it's considerable anti-missile deterrant. And in that time frame, it is not inconceivable that there will be a more responsible regime in Tehran. I'm not suggesting that Israel should necessarily undertake a military strike. I trust that those decisions will be taken with full consideration for the enormous risks. But neither would I think that Mullen's statement in any way takes the military option "off the table" for Israeli planners. Mullen does not address the fact setting the Iranian program back 3-5 years, without triggering a regional war would definitely be a success.

  • 34. 0 0
    Then make the first strike an installment on
    • Josiah J. Ben David
    • 23.02.10
    • 04:32

    as many as are necessary to get the job done. At the same time cut off all refined petroleum products to Iran and go after their command and control . On the other hand one nuclear strike from Iran would cripple Israel. What's it going to be, pay now or pay later ?

  • 33. 0 0
    Does h e wera sandals to unifom this american Father Theresa ?
    • Absolute Sweden
    • 23.02.10
    • 04:07

    Or is he just an associate of Jima Carter ?

  • 32. 0 0
    'no one can say', well except for Brazil, Kuwait, China, Venezuel
    • Richard Pearce
    • 23.02.10
    • 04:06

    and on and on and on. The number of countries who are willing to consider the US trying to dictate to Iran that it can't do what the NNPT says it can do to be an 'opportunity to resolve the issues diplomatically' is small, as is the number of countries willing to aid the US in violating international law. That is why, even with the disproportionate distribution of seats on the UNSC in favour of the US closest allies, it does not have the votes to get sanctions passed there, even if China decides not to veto.

  • 31. 0 0
    When an admiral talks like this
    • Murray of Montreal
    • 23.02.10
    • 04:00

    rest assured that cruise missiles are being fed the coordinates of high level targets in Iran. With the spring comes less need for homes to be heated (with oil)so the Straits of Hormuz can be free of oil tankers for a couple of weeks no problem. By a Persian rug fast because there will soon be a great shortage of them.

  • 30. 0 0
    Military Strike Won't Work But Military Strikes Will
    • Lavi
    • 23.02.10
    • 03:47

    Iran's Crown Jewels aren't found in breath-taking master craftsmen silk carpets or in the magnificent ruins of Persepolis anymore, as the ranting regime in Tehran is instead modernizing and empowering their version of Islam by investing heavily in polishing atomic payloads to cap their ICBMs. Saddam was kept off balance and contained with the sustained air campaign that preceded the 2nd Gulf War. The Iranian Regime might need the same hard taps on their proud shoulders to keep them in check. They can't afford the time or the money to move all their operations underground, especially with the new-gen MOPS being readied. May the good, common people of Iran be liberated soon from this demonic force clutching their throats and spirits and who are seeking the worship due only to G-d!

  • 29. 0 0
    stop
    • Shmuelshacho9r
    • 23.02.10
    • 03:30

    A strike can always be effective.It depends on how you strike and whom you strike.Sometimes a pinpoint hit is more effective than a sledge hammer...

  • 28. 0 0
    get used to it Israel---you are no longer the big bully
    • Labhras
    • 23.02.10
    • 02:36

    on the block. Time to start acting in a lawful and neighbourly manner. 1 billiom Arabs are not going to leave on your account.

  • 27. 0 0
    Correct
    • Donald B. Nemer Esq.
    • 23.02.10
    • 02:32

    Admiral Mullen is correct that even if we strike Iran they will still continue with their nuclear weapons program. We can only delay but we can not stop them since they are hell bent on obtainibg nuclear weapons. The only thing we can do is tighten the screws ( sanctions) against them. Hurt them in their pocket book.That may cause change but did it stop Saddam Huesine from avoiding sanctions. NO! They will find ways to weaken the impact of sanctions. The only way of detterence is the tried and true policy of the cold war tactic of " MUTUALL ASSURED DESTRUCTION" Israel, Egypt , Jordan and Saudi Arabia should be placed under the Nuclear Umbrella of NATO /USA.

  • 26. 0 0
    Why a "strike" as air bombing?
    • Fortuna Benmayor
    • 23.02.10
    • 02:29

    There are so many other ways. Ultimately, regime change is the goal.

  • 25. 0 0
    Iran as a nuclear power
    • Reason
    • 23.02.10
    • 02:01

    My one concern about Iran as a nuclear power is the possibility that a bomb could find its way into the hands of non-state terrorists. Beyond that, a nuclear Iran might provide some balance to the clearly nuclear Israel. Mutual assured destruction worked during the Cold War; perhaps it would work here to. And it is just possible that iran wants the respect from the west that comes, sadly, from being a nuclear power, and that it could actually use it responsibly. Certainly they have been, if anything, less bellicose than the Netanyahu crowd in Israel.

  • 24. 0 0
    This Road leads to Israeli and Jewish
    • George
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:50

    The perfect storm is brewing for complete annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people. Take a minute to think about it. There is absolutely no chance of an agreement with both sides stated positions in there current form. Immigration to Israel (barring the current economic downturn) has been at an all time high for quite some time and Iran is just one crazy enough mullah away from lighting up Israel and Tel Aviv like a Christmas tree. Israel has no choice if it has any survival instincts to not only make a fair peace with the Arabs but also convince them that they are safer in a Israeli dominated ME as opposed to an Iranian one. If they cant do that, Israel is finished.

  • 23. 0 0
    What a laugh!
    • r cummings
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:45

    Who the heck does Bibi think he is??? "Netanyahu called for an immediate embargo on Iran's energy sector, saying the United Nations Security Council should be sidestepped if it cannot agree on the move. " The UNSC - the USA, China, Rusia, Britain and France, plus the rest - should be sidestepped to enable Israel's goal of continued hegemony in the Near East??? Bibi represents a divided nation of 7 million people. His government is in breach of 180 UN resolutions and facing war crimes. He heads a nuclear power that refuses to sign the Non-proliferation Treaty - which even Iran has done - and has tried to get the major powers to attack Iran for a year now. Who does this pipsqueak sock puppet think he is???? Nobody is listening, he is just a minor player in the wings. PLEASE pipe down Bibi, you are just making a FOOL of yourself. Sure, it's only for domestic political consumption and the Zios lap it up, but it's getting embarrassing out here in the real world.

  • 22. 0 0
    Move over Israel....
    • American Citizen
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:42

    there's a new power rising in the region. The only way to get Iran to stop its nuclear program is to declare the Middle East a nuclear-free zone. Barring that, it's only a matter of time, with sanctions or even a military strike, before Iran matches Israel's regional hegemony.

  • 21. 0 0
    Military strike
    • S. Cabral
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:35

    This a very disappointing statement, to say the least. Maybe the military strike should not be on the nuclear facilities. Maybe it should be on the Government offices, on the camps and offices of the revolutionary guard, and/or surgical strikes with drones on the offices, facilities and even homes of the military leaders, the political leaders including the so called president of Iran, and why not on the so called religious supreme leaders. Strike on them and not on the innocent, educated, and well meaning people of Iran, most of whom are suffering under this tyrant regime!

  • 20. 0 0
    Mullen-a disgrace to US military.Will Israel listen to this fool?
    • Pssd off American.
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:34

    If he had been commander of Atlantic or Pacific operations during WWII he would have urged suing for peace with Nazi Germany & Japan because they were ultimately militarily unstoppable.

  • 19. 0 0
    Iran
    • Norm T
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:32

    The world has been talking and talking and talking for 3 or 4 years and has done nothing. Now we have a WhiteHouse with a Jimmy Carter type. Nothing is going to be done by the U.S. It's up tp Israel to stop it or live with it.

  • 18. 0 0
    If the Zionists
    • George
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:24

    If the Zionists will lead us to another war, like they did in Iraq, I will denounce my Israeli citizenship.

  • 17. 0 0
    2 big bangs worked on japan
    • vik
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:19

    Who would have though japan would surrender so easily during WWII ? You dont need to strike all the nukes site, just enough sites plus other areas to send a message. This time the enemey knows for sure we arent bluffing about having more bombs.

  • 16. 0 0
    iran
    • stan
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:18

    I think we should listen to Israel and cut the oil off if we are serious about stopping Iran's weapon program.

  • 15. 0 0
    The Americans have always picked their enemies.
    • Stephen.
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:12

    OK, they fought a minute British Army for their Liberation. Obviously thanks to the French Army under Gen. Lafayette. They fought the Mexicans, finally took over a great part of Mexico. Thanks again, to some great Generals of which lost hundreds of thousands farmers and their sons in the civil war. Where cousins and brothers fought each other. America fought in many wars, where they fought alongside the British and other Allied Forces. America has a great military, yet they cannot win a war alone. Manilla, Gen Mac Arthur.? Except in Grenada and Panama. Not to mention the fracaso in Somalia. So, now, after Korea, Vietnam,Iraq Afghanistan and numerous conflicts where they are bogged down for more than 6 years. They are so,consciousness and full of themselves, they will now tell, Israel. yes a real winner of wars, how to conduct itself over Iran the magnificent, forget it. AS they say in South America. Yankee,..go home. Good night, Miami Beach,I have had enough. Goodbye key lime pie.

  • 14. 0 0
    Mullen is either dumb or lying, so the message is clear
    • Rob
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:10

    US could bomb Iran back into the stone age, so certainly into slowing down to zero the production and weaponization of nukes. Who is telling him to play dumb? Did we forget Teddy Roosevelts slogan about the carrot and the big stick? With this kind of leadership we would be still fighting the Japanese and WWII.

  • 13. 0 0
    Mullen's fallacy
    • Brod
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:05

    Only the naive would think that talks or sanctions will stop the fanatical Ayatollahs from pursuing their nukes. The fact is fanatics are immune to this crap. They are hellbent on their nukes. For Mullen to keep repeating his crap shows that he and his associates prefer the sitting duck position for Israel which is basically facilitating the Final Solution on Israel. Israel should reject this crap and do what is necessary to defend herself against any state that has threatened to obliterate her. Mullen should STOP spewing his crap.

  • 12. 0 0
    # 1
    • Jake
    • 23.02.10
    • 01:02

    Tend to agree. The ME is chock full of harsh, ugly realities. This one is no worse than some. Mays as well get over it.

  • 11. 0 0
    Of course not
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:42

    At best a military strike could only delay enrichment for a few years. Worse, it would almost certainly ensure Iran did pursue a nuclear weapon. The ONLY military option which can terminate with certainty is the conquest and occupation for an unlimited time of Iran.

  • 10. 0 0
    This kind of talk will make Iran even more resistant to sanctions
    • Joe
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:33

    Unless admiral Mullen is (unlikely) using disinformation to hide preparations for a surprise military intervention, his comments can only make iranian leaders happy to hear that the US brass is only going to rely on sanctions. And since everyone knows that sanctions are going to be ineffective (because several countries are not going to cooperate & some will even do their best to counter them)the only result of this kind of talk is even more arrogance & dangerous daring from Teheran.

  • 9. 0 0
    Mullen's Mindset
    • Jasper
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:26

    "No strike, however effective, will be in and of itself decisive" [Mullen] Does he mean that if Iran levels Tel Aviv, or Rome, that it is useless to do anything about it because nothing anyone could do would be decisive?

  • 8. 0 0
    There are no good options
    • Stephen A
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:17

    ...work the diplomacy

  • 7. 0 0
    What kind of military General is he?
    • Dean Blake
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:16

    US General telling foreigners that the US military will not act because it will do no good? If it was the USA and not Israel on the target end of an Iranian nuclear tiped scud I'll bet he'd have a different reaction other than "It can't be done, its no use trying". This guy should be retired or treated as a shill for the State Department. Israel is being given no choice whatsoever but to demolish the Iranian military infrastructure. Not just bomb the nuclear material production sites, but the universities that produce the engineers and the metal fabrication and chemical plants and ship yards all at once. The Iranian people are in much the same situation as the Germans a year prior to the end of WWII; either get rid of the current government or face utter anhilliation. What have the Israels got to loose by not trying? That's the choice the Iranian's need to be put to. Israel needs a demonstration test of the Arrow system to show how it can be used to drop incoming Scud on Jordan

  • 6. 0 0
    #1
    • Harold
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:15

    True and well said. If we live longer we will see many countries in the Middle East become nuclear and Israel will see itself in the middle. US will never take Israel's advice and recommendtions to preemptively strick countries they don't like. Sharon gave Bush bad recommendations and look what happened in Iraq. I hope my comment will be posted by Haaretz.

  • 5. 0 0
    It it really in the world's interest to go after Iran?
    • Mark
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:13

    It's easy to see why Israel wishes to continue as the only nuclear power in the Middle East, but the rest of the world would benefit more from a nuclear free ME much more than it would from backing Israel on this. Most of the world would probably consider it a more likely that Israel would be the first to use a nuclear weapon in the ME than would Iran. How many wars has Israel launched? How many has Iran launched? There is no comparison.

  • 4. 0 0
    Better them then us
    • Afraid
    • 23.02.10
    • 00:09

    'Military strike won't stop Iran's nuclear program' maybe, but supper powers must prevent iran before they strike us.

  • 3. 0 0
    This non-stop sabre rattling is becoming tedious
    • Stephen
    • 22.02.10
    • 23:50

    Let's turn the debate to Israel's nuclear programme, shall we?

  • 2. 0 0
    Middle East - Nuclear Issues
    • A.MO
    • 22.02.10
    • 23:48

    The middle east should be free from nuclear weapons, without any exception. Iran,can and will obtain the weapons either now or later, and if that happens, then follow egypt,saudi,sudan,algeria ,syria...etc... the only solution is to set the ME nuclear free region, do you hear me Israel?!

  • 1. 0 0
    Softening Up World Opinion
    • Ilene
    • 22.02.10
    • 23:39

    This is just part of the process of schooling the US and Israel that Iran will become a nuclear power and that we will have to learn to deal with it.