U.S. defense chief: Iran intends to develop nuclear arms

I think that we, those of us who are in touch with reality, and are coherent....I think we all realize that this mouthy little man in Iran, could not stand up to say anything, but for 2 things: The mercy of The Creator, and the restraint of Israel. In my opinion, he is as a mouse thumbing its' nose at a Lion. As for the U.S. and President Obama, I advise you to stay on the right, and righteous side of the issues.

The first Zionist Congress itself used the phrase Jewish home or homeland, by which they meant state, but they did not want to provoke the Ottomans (Makovsky, Churchill's Promised Land, Yale University Press, 2007, p. 55). Later the Balfour Declaration followed that usage as well. Balfour, Churchill, and Lloyd George stated that "by the Balfour declaration they always meant an eventual state" (Khalidi, Iron Cage, 2007, p. 259). In fact, Zionism was a typical, perhaps prototypical, national movent for statehood, as the movement for Palestinian statehood is another typical such movement (Gelvin, Israel Palestine Conflict, Cambridge U. Press, p. x).

I too hope for an historic Jewish HOMELAND in what is now Israel but NOT a Jewish State, which is fundamentally undemocratic and "smells" of racism. Present-day Israel represents POLITICAL Zionism which seems to be what the founders of Israel had as a goal but was NOT was world JEwry had in mind when they so enthusiastically supported Israel's creation.

What more can I say, theire your biggest problem in the Middle-east USA - not the Iranians.

"Iran is not a peaceful nation" Would you give me a fact and not just your illigical paranoid rheotic! Iran has NOT Invaded any country in the last hundreds of years. By the way, I'm sure that you regard Israel as the MOST peaceful country in the world. Right?

"Why is Ahmadinejad President of Iran? Was he elected?" Yes, He was elected. There might be some vote rigging but that would not have changed the equation. Might have changed his margin of victory. Percentage wise, he got wayyy more than what Netanyahu's party got in Israel election, but you don't question Netanyahu's election? How convinient!

Although my wife and I are non-jewish, we, like millions of other non-Jewish Americans, want to let the citizens of Israel know that we support your struggle and determination to remain the lone hope for freedom in the entire Middle East. In contradiction to the insipid, appeasing comments made by our own President at the United Nations last week, decent Americans of all stripes were inspired by the simple, yet profound truths spoken by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. His speech gave us hope that good people everywehere can, should, and will defeat evil wherever it raises its foul head. Again, we are with you, and praise your country and your righteous cause. Thank you! Fred & Karen Perry

Yes, but maybe Obama has the "same stuff" as JFK. When i was young i heard a story once that "maybe it was mostly theater?" regards

I helped a neighbor dig a fallout shelter. That blockade was an act of war. But Kennedy and Khrushchev made a deal of pull back. The US gave up it's Jupiter capability in Turkey and Russia pulled its nukes from Cuba. I don't see any Kennedy's in Israeli politics.

You left out some important facts of the interview. Although Gates does not rule out a military strike, he thinks the best road ahead is negotiations followed by harsher sanctions.He doesn't feed the fire like some politicians. Also, I am sure I am not the only one to wonder why we wait so long to impose harsher sanctions from the start. I assumed a lot of these sanctions they were talking about possibly implementing were already in place. There were some that didn't require cooperation from China or Russia.

Your entire posting is flawed. Your logic that each nuclear country developed nukes as a 'defensive' measure against other countries who had already developed nukes omits one simple fact, ie: Israel was not and is not threatened by America/Russia/India/China/Pakistan/NK/etc. Israel developed its illegal nuclear programme solely to achieve military dominance over the other countries in the region. A nuclear hegemony that will soon be countered by Iran.

Iran is the perfect vehicle for Israeli propagandists to take the focus off the Palestinian issue no more no less.

I guess you would blame Israel for the earth being flat.The story started a little different. The Soviet had to get it because they have just seen what the Americans are capable of in Hiroshima and Nagasaki,and i can certainly understand them.The Chinese were worried about the Soviet bomb,so they have got it too.India affraid of China got theirs,and Pakistan worries of India so they got theirs.I guess that if The US didn't have the nuclear weapons,and didn't demonstrated for the world its power in Japan other countries wouldn't have been eager to have it either. Thuse it is fair to say that the US is largely responsible for Russia's,China's,India's,Pakistan's Israel's NK's and Iran's nuclear programme.

What a logic you have.Not attacking Iran is cowardice.Do you know what you want?. You'r as loud mouth when you threaten Israel every other day,let see you do anything about that.The one that will attack Israel will not leave to see the result.Who ever talked of occupying Iran?as usual you distort the facts. The Americans can hit Iran without even being near,i don't think they should,but they can. Iran talk of destroying Israel or boast of their capability.But they will do nothing about Israel,the loud mouth cowards will just let the cannon-fodder from Gaza and Lebanon take the fall for them.

The Palestinian"bravery"is known to us all. The Israeli are to strong for them,so they run wild on the killing fields of Afghanistan,Iraq, Pakistan,Chechnia,Darfur,Lebanon,Bosnia,any place but Israel.They are the"Global bullies".

They should apply the 'Crippling Santions' on Israel first, the only rogue state in the area. See you in the Hague.

.. and even a less-than-half-Iran's-size 30m Egypt gave it the existential scare of its life during the Yom Kippur war. "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.." and "the line between stupidity and courage is thin" are the golden sayings in the middle east.

nothing. Why repeat 3 posts that no one has bothered to respond to? It was boring the first time.

did you ever hear of the Cuban Missle Crisis?

I notice Israel won't freely go into Iran or strike it from the air because Iran compared to defenseless Palestinians can give Israel more than a bloody nose. Which only goes to show Israel gains satisfaction from dehumanizing the Palestinians because like most bullies, they dare not fight someone their own size (military power size).

You know most folks who are so easy to push the U.S into a war with Iran, obviously don't understand the grave consquences and repercussions this conflict can have. Sure, Iran can be destroyed, just remember, it sure isn't no Iraq. I assure you when we hit Iran, it will throw the kitchen sink at Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States. Hell, maybe even Turkey and Egypt get it too. It ain't our fight to fight. It is Israel's. Since you're so deadset on hitting Iran, go to your nearest recruiter and enlist. I've done my time in the 1st Gulf War only to learn that the second Gulf War was full of lies and we had no right to invade Iraq. Yet, we can't leave. Trust me, go enlist so you can get stuck in the quagmire known as Iran you chickenhawk!

"Action must be taken in all areas to increase pressure on Iran and impose crippling sanctions on it." Another proclamation from the boy who cried ze'ev. If you want sanctions on Iran, Be our guest BiBi.

You are a realist and despoiler of fantasy, sir. How dare you? Gates, another realist said that at most military action might delay a weapon if Iran is determined to build one. It seems the US determined to build a weapon and invented the science and technology and built its first in under 3 years. Iran doesn't need to invent either the science or the technology. What am I missing? They have the plans from AQ Kahn. They know the science and have the technology. If they wanted one, why don't they have a bomb?

Well, now we know what he believes but how about some hard evidence! The IAEA has always reported Iran is conforming with the NPT treaty. It has found NO evidence of ANY diversion of nuclear material. NO evidence of enriching beyond the permitted 5%. Under the treaty Iran can build as many nuclear plant as they wish. The only requirement under the treaty is to advise the IAEA of it's existence 6 months prior to making it operational. Iran allows inspections, how about Israel?

You are right, of course. Why should anyone be concerned about women raped by American soldiers in Iraq and the under-reporting of that fact. I'll try to stay on topic from now on and you won't have to worry your pretty little head about this irrelevant issue.

Where did YOU get the idea that Iraq and Iran are NOT related problems, genius?

So why no reply? Clearly ANY nation willing to pay the price may develop nuclear weapons. What nation which has been willing to pay the price has failed? Iraq? Sorry, Iraq tried to do it on the cheap. It was a most bungled and inept attempt. Iraq is the classic exemption which proves the rule. So how can the world stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons? They can bring Iran back under the Additional Protocols which would allow the IAEA free reign across Iran. Or the world can pick whom will bell the cat. Which nation will invade and occupy Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Any volunteers? American? Israel? Why no volunteers? Are these nations cowards or loud mouths? Or both? yes - both. Occupying Iran would be a long and bloody fight. Longer and bloodier than occupying Ira, longer and bloodier than occupying Southern Lebanon. Longer, and bloodier than either the USA or Israel has been willing to suffer in the past. Reality intrudes.

What do women raped in Iraq possibly have to do with the world threat of a nuclear armed Iran dedicated to wipe Israel off the map?

The back-channel reports are coming in hot and heavy. Let's not worry our little heads that the Qom site is actually on a military facility. Or the fact that intel-satellites have been monitoring the goings-on for some time. The best part is what happened at the Security Council meeting. Where Gen. Jones left his seat walked over to the Russian security chief. Whispered in his ear and both urgently left the room. Minutes later an aide summoned the Chinese counterpart. Yeah... they were not exchanging Iranian lamb-shank recipes. No... General Jones advised his colleagues there's something fishy in Qom. Now it appears, Mr. Medvedev is angry....and the Chinese want a peek at the evidence.

A blockade was considered an act of war leading to the supposedly defensive war in 1967 that started with a Pearl Harbor-like attack on Egypt's air force. I think that was called preemption. Iranian politicians seem to think like Israeli politicians. Maybe they'd take a blockade the same way. It also might be that the US would do nothing without a commitment of half a million Israeli troops. They were talking about invasion on the Sunday talk circuit in the US, today. The US doesn't have the troops to commit. Maybe Israel does if it strips them from the West bank?

Great! Now why don't you follow his example and compose a little prayer for the souls of the Iraqi women who killed themselves after being raped in Abu Ghraib prison. ("The number of women raped by American forces in Abu Ghraib jail has for the most part gone unreported" Chehab, Inside the Resistance, 2005, p. 110). The author details the women who killed themselves in shame afterward. But you are too busy bragging about your undivided loyalty and patriotism on Talkback to do that, right?

for the insight, i back peaceful jews 100%, at least they/you know, that if this continues, it will eventually destroy israel, and THAT would be a real shame, seeing as jews need a home for themselves as i've alwyas said and supported. shalom

your posts whould be made into a movie, nice and fictional.

Right you are - well said!

As long as Israel is the source of the troubles in the Middle East while blaming others for it, Israel has to be Obama's first priority.

The back-channel reports are coming in hot and heavy. Let's not worry our little heads that the Qom site is actually on a military facility. Or the fact that intel-satellites have been monitoring the goings-on for some time. The best part is what happened at the Security Council meeting. Where Gen. Jones left his seat walked over to the Russian security chief. Whispered in his ear and both urgently left the room. Minutes later an aide summoned the Chinese counterpart. Yeah... they were not exchanging Iranian lamb-shank recipes. No... General Jones advised his colleagues there's something fishy in Qom. Now it appears, Mr. Medvedev is angry....and the Chinese want a peek at the evidence.

A good day for Jews to finally atone and repent for the key role they played in 70 years of human suffering, enslavement, death camps and murder under Communism. The victims are still waiting.

bound by it. On the other hand Iran has signed it as is therefore bound by it. Israel has never threatened to wipe any other country off the map, Iran has. Therefore Iran must be considered differently from Israel. Iran threatens the world and Israel only threatens terrorists and those who wish to destroy her. Wake up. ************ The US, Russia, UK, China and France are signatories to the NNPT. India, Pakistan and Israel also have nuclear weapons,but have refused to sign it. Why has Israel refused? Your contention that Israel has never threatened to wipe another contry off the map is false. Wake up. ::::http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=59102§ionid=351020104

Oh how they laugh down there where the waiting for the imam to come up from the well intensify.OLAM GOLEM if we ever saw one.The only one screaming about Iran's nuke industry was Israel who was looked down at as a histerical entity. Does the world grasp now the danger to it ?Frnakly , I doubt it.

Obama knows that the sanctions will probably not work even with Russian co-operation. The Iranians are on a high and will not back down from conventional pressure. Maybe the Americans and their allies will attempt to "blockade" all goods destined for Iran beyond foodstuffs and medical supplies? Additionally, they might try to prevent Iran from exporting goods including oil?

Obama knows that the sanctions will probably not work even with Russian co-operation. The Iranians are on a high and will not back down from conventional pressure. Maybe the Americans and their allies will attempt to "blockade" all goods destined for Iran beyond foodstuffs and medical supplies? Additionally, they might try to prevent Iran from exporting goods including oil?

David, A major difference is that Israel has not threatened another country with annihilation, nor has she denied the legitimacy of another...except, perhaps, until your last election.

I am not convinced that attempting to take out known nuke facilities in Iran would not do more harm than good. First, they will just start it again elsewhere and second it would probably start a regional war that no one wants or needs. Sanctions should be accompanied by a massive diplomatic push by all concerned states including the west and the Arab states that are against the idea of an Iranian nuke. I think we should all take a deep breath and think this through so it doesn't end up another Iraq or worse. Iran knows Israel would retaliate them back to the 7th century so I doubt they would ever be able to threaten use of nukes. The threat alone would trigger a holocaust in the region. Thank God we have a sane president who will manage this situation. I'll say an extra prayer for him this Yom Kippur.

Sanctions only work if everyone is in agreement,good luck with your folly Natiyahoo.

Iran is just copying North Korean tactics: offer promises than renege on them later in order to buy time to build nuclear weapons. Once they have the bomb, like North Korea, it becomes a "fait accompli"; and then it is too risky to try for a military solution to the problem. Iran's President knows that possession of nuclear weapons will ensure the survival of his corrupt and fanatic regime for a very long time.

but you cannot extinguish the knowledge gained. The only way to do that would be to invade Iran, and that is not an option. Regime change if it is possible would be one way but as we saw after the elections in Iran. Even internal dissent within the actual regime does not lend itself to this. So Gates is right in his assessment we have to persuade Iran that it doesn't need nuclear weapons. One way to do that is to lift the ongoing sanctions that Iran currently faces, and to normalise relations like we have done in the case of Libya. Prehaps even promising to defend Iran if it ever came under nuclear attack, like the US has promised Israel. The crux is like with Israel once the knowledge has been gained to produce nuclear weapons it cannot be unlearned and the hardest part of gaining the bomb is acquiring the fissile material to make it possible. And crip[pling sanctions could mean Iran turns off the oil, or even worse for the US demand payment in Euros. I

Boker tov, Rob.

Please enlighten me, boyo. Who is Israel's supreme leader. Not Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, I hope.

had these weapons for decades upon decades and never used them as anything but a deterrent andnever would unless it was the absolute last possible resort to prevent a further attempt at its annihilation by yet another wave of arab armies intent upon wiping it from the map (ie a repeat of the exact situation of 48, 67, and 73) next , if anyone were to need a deterrent its israel, not iran (as israel has certainly never threatened or attempted to wipe it from the map) in fact, only Hussein attempt to invade Iran , but no has attempted or threatened to wipe it from the map (and that was not the intention of hussein either)

Joshua... I'll assume that you are Jewish. On Yom Kippur day, pay particular attention to the powerful prayer to heed Isaiah's call to do what G-d really desires from us on this day of atonement, namely, not only fasting, sackcloth and ashes but compassion and justice for the stranger and help for the helpless and poor . Also take note, ALL States that hold another people under occupation and take their land claim that now they only want PEACE, but it is the peace of the conqueror!

the history of the region in the last century, as well as the years 1948, 1967, 1973 lend credence to an israeli nuclear arsenal if there indeed ever was to be an argument made for having such an arsenal(which is much more substantive than that of the rest of the nuclear powers) the continued and stated desire by iran to eliminate israel as the arab countries had done of their own accord (all the while turning down peace on many occasions) is further justification....(which mind you has never ever been a position of israel toward any country)....next iran is obligated to the NNPT as it is a signatory, israel never agreed to sign and despite whether or not you think it should sign is therefore not obligated by its mandates, next iran is run by fanatical ayatollahs who in no way can be counted on to use nuclear weapons as an ultimate and final last resort (in fact with their stated intent to create a shia caliphate in the region,...farfrom it), israel on the other hand has likely

I can certainly understand Israel wanting to have nuclear weapons. After all it has 1.5 billion hostile Muslims that welcome its destruction. What ME country wouldn`t want to destroy Israel, and all of them have tried. It is only natural that if one country is so threatened, that it would want to have nuclear weapons I guess that Israel would not have a nuclear programme and nuclear weapons if it had not been threatened so often. Thus it is fair to say that Israel is not responsible for Iran`s nuclear programme but Arab countries are. In any event, fortunately Iran will soon no longer exist in its present form

excellent thinking, david.

More political theater preparation for the upcoming Geneva talks which will be reported by all the participants as a "win". Obama is diverting domestic attention from his now characteristic unwillingness to do what is necessary(like Reagan and Bush senior in earlier US/Israel confrontations)to keep his promise and force Israel to freeze settlement expansion. Netenyahu will be able to "put off" attacking Iran without political fallout and Iran public opinion will consolidate around the government. The actual result?... probably some increase in Western sanctions that will not be seriously enough to trigger a Russian and/or China veto on the Secruity Council.

The millions of neocons, troglodytes and couch pansies who are ever demanding an attack on Iran should be identified, armed and toss into the Persian Gulf to wade ashore and take control of Iran. Several points they never discuss are: The USA has found it impossible to occupy either Iraq or Afghanistan NATO has found it impossible to occupy Afghanistan Israel waged the war it did in Cast Lead because it has found it very costly to occupy Palestine for the last 42 years. Now, about the question of occupying Iran? Why does EVERYONE go silent when subject of - the only possible way of stopping Iran by use of force from building the bomb - occupation, is raised?

"What is a "crippling sanction?" What is an "act of war?"" - Mark of Lewiston Ask Dick Cheney. As head of Halliburton he evaded all trade sanctions upon Iran quite easily by forming subsidiaries in foreign nations. If Iran intends to build nuclear weapons they will. The only way to stop them will be by someone invading and occupying Iran.

...but were you foaming at the mouth when you typed them out for our perusal? How do you know of these 'never ending strikes' against Iranian facilities, that you say are planned. Did you see these plans or the information they were based on. Are you a secret agent Eli?

At least Iran's nuclear programme is under the IAEA unlike Israel's nuclear programme. There is a far greater risk of Israel's undeclared, unaccountable nuclear WMD's falling into 'terrorists hands'. For common sense and the safety of the entire world Israel should open its nuclear sites to international inspections. Until this takes place I see no reason why Israel should not subject to the same sanctions and international pressure as Iran is getting.

I can certainly understand Iran wanting to have nuclear weapons. After all it is within range of Israel's nukes. What ME country wouldn't want to match/counteract the daily threat of Israeli nuclear WMDs. It is only natural that if one country in a region has nukes other countries will. I guess if Israel didn't have an illegal nuclear programme and an illegal stockpile of nuclear weapons other ME countries wouldn't be so eager to do the same. Thus it is fair to say that Israel is largely responsible for Iran's nuclear programme.

and using israel and u.s. leaders to sing same song. because besides same broken record nothing else tangible exists as a result.

It's called self preservation....

Crippling actions on Israel are necessary until it gets rid of its own nuclear weapons and stop bullying the Palestinian population.

Iran has the right to a nuclear weapon because Israel has it,and they have it becausePakistan has it,and they because of India,and they because of Russia,and they because of the US.If or when Iran will have it too,the Gulf states will want it,and who can tell them that they don't have the same right as the Iranian. And then maybe Africa?.

You say that the leaders in Iran talk stupid stuff. What do you think Hilter sounded like before he wipe out, Massacred, murdered 6 million jews. I am sure he too was letting his stupid stuff be heard around the world. Will we have history repeat itself?

BE NUCLEAR ARMED. And the terrorist in some of these respones are backing her up. The world can trust IRAN about as much as the world can trust HAMAS and HEZBOLLAH.

...but were you foaming at the mouth when you typed them out for our perusal? How do you know of these 'never ending strikes' against Iranian facilities, that you say are planned. Did you see these plans or the information they were based on. Are you a secret agent Eli?

If Iran pulls out of the NPT and therefore is no longer bound by it, would you still put forward the same argument?

RE: #18. TC "When exactly was the last time Iran invaded anybody?" - you (TC) ask... But given a mad-mad at the helm, his hatred towards Israel and the West,his threats to wipe Israel off the map, his pursue for nuclear arms, I should consider it more than reckless to wait until Mr. Dinnerjacket is able to push the button!

...but were you foaming at the mouth when you typed them out for our perusal? How do you know of these 'never ending strikes' against Iranian facilities, that you say are planned. Did you see these plans or the information they were based on. Are you a secret agent Eli?

The back-channel reports are coming in hot and heavy. Let's not worry our little heads, that the Qom site is actually on a RG military site. Or the fact that intel-satellites have been monitoring the goings-on for some time. The best part is what happened at the Security Council meeting. Where Gen. Jones left his seat walked over to the Russian security chief. Whispered in his ear and both urgently left the room. Minutes later an aide summoned the Chinese counterpart. Yeah... they were not exchanging Iranian lamb-shank recipes. No... General Jones advised his colleagues there's something fishy in Qom. Now it appears, Mr. Medvedev is angry....and the Chinese want a peek at the evidence.

Yosemite - again with the goldfish memory Was Netanyahu voted in fairly too? Or was he chosen by its (Israel) supreme leader too?

When father is waisting family money on alcohol, drogs etc. ultimately whole family suffers.... When leaders act like fanatics, ultimately all people may suffer...

thank u haaritz for providing this platform.Jews and Arabs cannot simply wish each other away. imagine a world where Islam , Christianity and Judaism form an unbreakable bond based on mutual tolerance and respect.This will be possible if we strive for it .We could eliminate world poverty and instead of applying our gifted minds towards destroying each other ,think of the possibilities of solving world energy problems , eradicating diseases etc ...PLEASE DREAM WITH ME .....AND STRIVE TOWARDS MAKING IT A REALITUY ....

when I saw the headline i was sure this guy was a friend & lover of Israel. When I read his posting I realized he dosen't read Haaretz much. Now if this gets thru the censor it will be an accomplishment

#1, I agree with your logic, and am surprised Haaretz published it. #19, Iranian might can also endanger entire middle east and not Israel alone. Your logic does not make sense. The world needs to treat Israel and Iran the same by both getting rid of their nuclear weapons and/or ambitions.

Don't think the mullahs are Iran. They tried to export their Islamic Revolution and take the lead of the 1400 years old muslim imperial dream. They tried to kill saddam hussein, to topple saudi king (remeber the Mecca fighting?) , they trie hard to take over Irak via its shiites (Moctada Sadr...) they took over siuth Lebanon and lounched a vicious war on Israel, they try to take over the PLO via Hamas. The revolutionnary guard (IGRC) put Mubarak's head on 1000000 dollars recently. In short they threaten the region and ultimately the world: they beleive that they can hasten the coming of the hidden imam by great catastrophes and as Khomeini said : "let this earth (Iran) burn if it permits the reign of Islam on the world" , they don't fear Irans destruction. In 1933 many people warned about "mein kampf" everything was written there! We should beleive what they say and act accordingly! Israel never threat anyone. Israel waited 8 years before acting (with enormous restraint) in gaza!

when it comes to the subject of war. ( and he's no expert on 'peace' either) Rather than to verbally attack Israel for the 'settlements' he should have allied w/ them sooner and gotten an education re: ME politics and Americas role in leadership instead of a luke warm pro muslim stance that costs America more than we know. Madras education is not close to a real education that doesn't include 'religious wars' as their primary theme. The worst president ever when it comes to understanding ME politics ad the state of Israel.

it. On the other hand Iran has signed it as is therefore bound by it. Israel has never threatened to wipe any other country off the map, Iran has. Therefore Iran must be considered differently from Israel. Iran threatens the world and Israel only threatens terrorists and those who wish to destroy her. Wake up.

This is the question, which must be answered too after the submittal of the Goldstone report. Israel is a war cime country. It is urgent to take actions against Israel in the same way as Israel is asking them against Iran. There is no double standard although Israel is permanently dealing differently.

Natanyaho calls for crippling boycot on Iran, a starnge logic! Israeli policy is arrogant because of the support of world powers and the weakness of Arab regimes. It is Israel, the iternal bad guy and aggressor, that should be the one under siege. But, that wouold not last forever, Palestinian rights will be restored and peace would prevail once the balance of power in this region is reached. Iran's might would facilitate that event.

I do not know who to worry about more the Iranians or the Israelis. Regardless to all this hype by Western powers there is still no concrete evidence that Iran intends to produce nuclear weapons. Israel, on the other hand, has a large arsenals of nuclear and chemical weapons and refuses to allow any inspection. So crippling sanctions if they are imposed they should be imposed on both. What really worries me most though is what I read in these posts. People are shamelessly advocating the elimination of 500000 people and the use of germs and such horrible things. I just don't understand what you think make better than the Iranians if what you claim about Iran is true!

Maybe you're not old enough, but I remember Ronald Reagan as President. He wasn't as big a fan of killing people as you'd have people believe. We bought and invented the B-2s and F-22s and F-117s to deal with a Soviet threat. The threat ended without using one on the Soviets or anybody else. And it's a shame the F-22 can't fly through rain. But that's just one of the reasons it was discontinued. The F-35 is newer and not for sale yet to foreign governments who might want to modify it or use it as a strategic platform. Unlike you neocons, Obama seems to care something for the welfare of American troops and Americans in harm's way. There are about half a million in the Gulf region. As a Senator, he actually voted to care for the wounded from the Iraq and Afghan wars; it wasn't too expensive for him. He also voted to provide decent veterans benefits, too, unlike his opposition.

It is a vicious circle.They didn't solve the problems with North Korea,and now they have Iran How does one tackle that?.They are trading informations,and know how,and they can get the products for each other. The sanctions might be crippling but not fatal. We all know that a wounded animal is even "less rational",and two of the kind is worse,and one of them already with nuclear weapons make it the worst.Obama,No you can't!!!

Bibi,drop it it is a waist of time.I don't think that China will agree to that,and if they will after dragging it for some time,it wouldn't be crippling,for the population maybe, but not for the regime,and not for building the weapon.We have had sanctions before in Iraq Iran,NK,NO RESULTS!The reasons for that is Greed,one can always get what one need if one can pay the price,and they can.They can also get Chavez to get things for them,What would you do then?more sanctions.That is why i laugh when they threaten Israel with sanctions. The only thing Israel should do,is make it clear to all,what will happen if Israel is attacked.Knowing that Iran will never dare to attack,it will be the end of the Islamic republic!

I'm not in Iran. I Don't particularly like the Iranian leadership, but David's points are valid. When exactly was the last time Iran invaded anybody? The leadership may be obnoxious, say stupid things, and repress its own people, their wish that the "Zionist entity be thrust into the sea", and Israels open threats to launch attacks against it don't get anyone closer to peace. The whole region will pay for a military strike against Iran. Iraq will look like the cakewalk it was supposed to be. Settle the final status issues with the Palestinians. Agree on borders, then build within them on the Israeli side. Payoff the refugee's and let them resettle in the west bank if they want, and recognize E. Jerusalem as a Palestinian capital. What will you get out of it? Peace with the Pals, recognition by the Arab league and all its member nations, trade, fly over rights, and many more billions from the US (after all that's what you got for the peace deal with Egypt). Not good enough?

And then, Iran gets whatever it asks...anytime it asks...everything it asks...forever. Which shows the ridiculousness of sanctions. Now, figure out: will they demand only things related to Israel? Nothing else from the West?

Benjamin Netanyahu is a hypocrite for advocating crippling sanctions on Iran because of the Iranian nuclear program whilst remaining silent about Israel's own nuclear arsenal. Mordechai Vanunu told the truth and the State of Israel ruined his life for it.

Obama has to show his face on TV another 200 times in the coming months. He would have to admit his Liberal far left policys are a failure. He would have to give the command to attack Iran. He doesn't have a Present button. The last reason is Barry Hussein Obama is a Coward. He doesn't have the balls to give the word to attack. If Reagan was president he would say We bought B-2 Stealth bombers, We have F-117, F-22 and F-35 fighter bombers Its time we try them out. Netanyahu and Israel will have to do the job. Sorry Israelis, Americans voted the wrong man in to power in the last election. So we won't be able to lead till 2012 when we get this UnAmerican President out and a real leader in. I am apologizing for America on this one. After all We Americans love a good fight. We just don't have a anyone we can call a leader at this time.

No wonder iran needs the nuclear weapon.no one can blame them if they want to protect themself. you can only blame yourself and others who think that they can turn iran in to another iraq.never again for iran as well

Maldives Announces Renewal of Relations with Israel: Signs three Agreements 25th September 2009, New York: The Maldives on Thursday announced that it will renew diplomatic relations with Israel within the framework of its policy to pursue friendly relations with all members of the United Nations. The announcement was made in the address by His Excellency President Mohamed Nasheed to the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly. The President also reiterated the commitment of the Maldives to the establishment of a fully independent and sovereign state for the Palestinians. The President?s Address was warmly received by the members of the General Assembly and several delegations lined up to greet him. The Maldives signed three MOUs with Israel for collaboration on health services, educational services and tourism promotion. The agreements were signed on the margins of the General Assembly Session. http://www.foreign.gov.mv/v2/news.php?news=3150

if israel genuinely believes Iran must stop developing nukes, and an air attack is unlikely to accomplish it and risk the horrofic potential of captured Israeli pilots, Israel should resort to non conventional warfare. specifically sprinkling germs and radioactive waste by UAV's directly on the site so they will be uninhabitable. if it's the survival of the jewish state, any means is acceptable.

Evacuate West Bank settlements, in return for 'crippling sanctions'.

what solution is there beyond military action and sanctions? you can't make peace or negotiate with their leaders or people like davey in 1... and 500,000 fewer people like him sounds pretty good to me. so sanctions until they're forced to form an agrarian society. in all seriousness it's an ugly situation, but the solution can't be to let things continue on their current course... and i'd rather iranians die as a result of iranian rhetoric than anyone else.

Iran is not a peaceful nation

The runways, byways and highways of the Kurdish region are all set up for multiple and never ending strikes against multiple and never ending strikes against the nuclear facilities of Iran. Just as important, the strikes will also attempt to take out the leadership. Oh...the Brits and the French will be joining...probably from the south.....Kuwait??? Saudi Arabia???, the Emirates???????

The runways, byways and highways of the Kurdish region are all set up for multiple and never ending strikes against multiple and never ending strikes against the nuclear facilities of Iran. Just as important, the strikes will also attempt to take out the leadership. Oh...the Brits and the French will be joining...probably from the south.....Kuwait??? Saudi Arabia???, the Emirates???????

Why has Netanyahu changed his tune? Because now Israelis know that there is no single strike that can take out the enrichment capability of Iran?

Why is Ahmadinejad President of Iran? Was he elected?

Perhaps when Israel gets rid of it's nuclear arsenal.

"Crippling Sanctions" will only hurt average Iranians, not the leadership of the country. Just as with Iraq, remember? About half a million Iraqi children died as a direct result of U.S. imposed sanction. Do you want to repeat that scene with Iranians? Netanyahu, Lieberman and others in the Israeli administration are cruel bastards, no two ways about it.

What is a "crippling sanction?" What is an "act of war?" Where is the dividing line? What if Iran responds or decides to preempt defensively, like the Israeli politicians like to do?

WHEN NETANYAHU HAS ISRAEL JOIN THE NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY, AND COMES CLEAN ABOUT ISRAEL NUKES THEY HAVE IN THEIR ARSENAL (MORE THAN 100-150), AND JOINS ALL THE OTHER NATIONS BY BEING REGULATED BY THE I.A.E.A., ONLY THEN CAN NETANYAHU BEGIN TO ASK OTHERS TO BE SANCTIONED AGAINST. AND OH BY THE WAY ISRAEL HAS OVER 60 U.N. SANCTIONS BY THE U.N. MOSTLY OF THEIR OCCUPATION OF PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES , AND THEY THUMB THEIR NOSES AT THE U.N. ONCE ISRAEL STOPS THEIR ILLEGAL SETTLEMENT BUILDING AND LEAVES OCCUPIED TERRITORY, CAN THEY BEGIN TO ASK FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST OTHER PEACEFUL NATIONS...