U.S. officer: If Israel strikes Iran, U.S. will likely join

Really david from Boston, Israel will leave the U.S. to fights its war in Iran? Have you been to Israel, spent time among the defense forces? Israel fights for her right to exist and finishes her wars against those who intend to destroy her, unless pushed off by unfounded international criticism. Read, Study, Learn. Ignorance is no excuse for idiocy.

Balfour is 0ver 80. How old is is G-DS gift? As for defensive invasions or pre emptive war aren't they all? With that logic Japan had every right to bomb Hawaii, oil embargo and huge long range bomber orders by the US government! Do you not see a flaw with this might is right Bush doctrine? It increases the need/want for nukes in the first place. AS for thugs running a government, Israeli's seem to be giving theirs a big hug themselves! How easy will it be to shrug them off?....PEACE EVER?

I think that "put up or shut up" should be the appropriate term to use here. The whole affair reminds me of the threats that Sadaam used to make before the 1st and 2nd Gulf wars. Israel is going to have to do what it has to do here and forevermore.

There is no doubt that the electric car will reduce oil dependency and many countries and companies are working on batteries and ultracapacitors. At the moment they are stuck on short ranges, long charge times, short lives and high changeover costs. Then there is the issue of how you charge these batteries (which currently don't exist in a viable form). If all the cars on the road run on batteries you would double the load on the power stations. While many batteries could be charged overnight utilising excess power station capacity you would still be up for building 30% more power stations than exist now. Coal? Bit tricky now. Nuclear? Too expensive. Renewables? Same again. Even the most ambitious countries only plan to be 50% renewable by 2050.... and guess what? They're not making their own targets. Then if a viable battery were invented tomorrow there is the issue of changing over an entire fleet of cars and service stations. Like I said, oil will be with us for decades.

USA is trying to bring peace and quiet to the world and Israel needs a green light from US to attack Iran,then in the case of attack ,Iran won't be silent and her allies,Syria,Hamas,Islamic jahad,hizzbollah may come to Iran's aid.

It won't take them weeks or months. They know how to get it done.

Will not happen-it's that simple. This person is speaking without authority . The only purpose of this article is to cow Iran into stopping nuke weapons drive. This also will not happen. Iran is suicidally committed to pursuing its weapons goals.

I would like to give a proper reply to #142,but I'm finding it a bit difficult to understand.Possibly,jim the mechanic is implying that neither Mr Netanyahu nor myself are rational in thinking that one should be prepared to take defensive action against nihilists who want to kill you.Cannot help but think that isn't too practical when nuclear weapons are involved. Regarding #143,the coup that he's referring to happened more than half a century ago and the world has moved on.The Iranians definitely have the future of their country in their own hands now if they would only take it from the thugs.The Iranians certainly were radicalised by the Shah;towards western,liberal democracy,not towards the nihilistic fanatics who hijacked their revolution. THREE CHEERS FOR ISRAEL!!!

Israel has the 4th or 5th largest military in the world. Israel has plenty of nuclear weapons and everyone knows this. Israel has ICBM's and submarines to take these facilities out. Regime change is the ideal solution though, which the majority of the freedom-loving Persians want. The Sunni arab countries want Iran's nuclear weapons facilities taken out. There is no sane reason for a nuclear arms race in the middle east. Israel has had nuclear weapons since the 1960's, but now it's a problem? Instead of taking out the weapons facilities, how about taking out the ayatollah, the president, and the revolutionary guards?

This will mean all out war against Israel and the USA on all fronts. Be warned... (This is not a threat, is a prediction).

The ONLY way to stop Iran is to support the ongoing widespread pro-democracy Green Movement that will topple the militarstic mullacracy. Reform = No Nukes

and aims to be a world leader in the field. That should reduce oil requirements a bit.

"The feud between sunni and shia will be a pivotal point in the development of the behavior of Iran in the near future. Religion is the cause of many wars" The West learned a long time ago that religious wars are a waste of humanity and divested religion of the power to wage war. Some of the nations of Asia have a ways to go before they reach the same conclusion and take the same action. The sooner the better; but don't count on it any time soon! Iranian sunni and Iranian shia may have to decimate each other first. In any event, the Iranian revolution must wither away and expire before we can count on any improvement.

at least mark lincoln is consistent with his views. his loyalty is not to men but to ideas. i might not agree with him, but he is usually not a hypocrite.

Remember Genesis 12:3

Obama will not allow the US to strike Iran. Obama is not a decisive person, don't expect much anytime soon. If anyone strikes Iran, it will be Israel acting by herself.

Not even a "temporary" freeze. In fact a settlement expansion! Bombastic rhettoric aimed at Iran a machavelian form of black mail. So is the line an Iranian invasion? The line has almost never held back any Israeli leader before. They even double crossed Reagan. Obama has to play hardball with Bibi NOW it could be to late already....PEACE EVER?

by purchasing one from either North Korea or Pakistan

when democracy was turned over to their installed puppet Shah.....his brutal iron fist rule(supported by the US,Britian and Israel) radicalized Iranians in the first place! We can't afford anymore NEO CON "help"! Hasn't Dubya proved that to you already?....PEACE EVER?

and nihilist clique are rational? Having him at the wheel in a game of chicken with us on the bus doesn't feel to good to me!......PEACE EVER?

and the Caucuses

from the Swiss, Whack-a-minaret. They will be voting in the cantons whether to allow them to be built on mosques (mostly storefronts) The game is pretty interesting, if you don't whack the minaret, you get to go for the muezzin as they call to prayers. Tell me again how much you want to defend the Swiss?

along with ACORN, Maddoff and anyone else who would abuse the system for their own gains. What do you call corruption? Are you sayng it's OK for the Swiss to be just as corrupt?

US administrations have changed,Obama's the POTUS and Wald is deluding himself if he thinks the US is going to attack another country on behalf of Israel.

"Maybe if the US can put aside its blind greed it can directly help Israel (for a change)." What is even more stunning than Israel's utter ingratitude, is America's continuing and unstinting support of Israel. Is it possible for a nation to have such low self-esteem that it remains in an abusive relationship? what happened to America, the great and impressive power I admired in my youth?

apparently this "bomb" can penetrate to 65 metres underground before exploding so i've read, unfortunately, it will explode withing 10 metres before becoming a pancake, because anything hitting the earth cannot penetrate to far before defying the laws of physics, it's all a scare tactic.

ML: "George Bush signed a Status of Forces Agreement, a treaty, with Iraq" Yeah, he did. ML: "That treaty REQUIRES the US to oppose any foreign air force invading Iraqi air space." No, it does not. It gives the USAF a free hand to tool around in the skies over Iraq (that, of course, being the point). It also obliges the USA to consult with the Iraqis should the Iraqi's come under armed attack, or if its airspace is violated (that is the necessary lip-service). That obligation to *consult* does not oblige the USAF to *engage* and, indeed, nothing in the SOFA obliges the USA to do anything except pay that lip-service to the idea of Iraqi sovereignty. The only OBLIGATION I can see is that the USA is obliged not to launch attacks FROM Iraq without first informing the Iraqi leadership.

Let me make it clear for you then. Israel does not call for the destruction of Iran and is only threatening to destroy their nuclear capabilities which is in the entire worlds interest. India is close enough to Iran, do you really want a third party to enter in your arms race with Pakistan? Maybe you are irresponsible enough to want it since Iran is not exactly allied with your enemy Pakistan.

"I rate your assumption that Obama would let America look like that as somehow over-pessimistic." - Axel I hope you are right. But I have been underwhelmed by his willingness to be pushed around. Increasing Settlement expansion after flat out nixing any peace talks was the equivalent of Netanyahu spitting in Obama's face. "Thank you sir, may I have another!" is not a response one would expect from a man willing to stand for anything. American politicians tend to fall into two camps, those who want to be loved and those who want raw power. Obama, unlike Bush, is of the former fashion.

You should learn how to read. He was not an Israeli spy but just a scientist trapped by the FBI, who was willing to sell information. Israel was not involved in that case.But I understand your interest as a dutch to learn arabic rather than english.

Who freed the slaves in your country? Lincoln, 1863! Any relation of yours? I doubt it. Lincoln's name was Abraham and Abraham is a Jewish name.

Does Ahmadinejad have nukes? If not the Iranian people will be FREE!

Israel will not strike anyone but stands ready to assist any self-defence operation by any country. The Iranian people will be free!

the masin reason they lost in Vietnam, and have excellerating problems in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Iran has accused Pakistan of giving sanctuary to the Sunni freedom fighters of Iran." Ian R Sunni freedom fighters of Iran? Dude you are so off that you couldn't even see the line!! They were Jundollah TERRORISTS BASED IN PAKISTAN. You'll just take what's fed to you, wouldn't you? Jundollah is an organization with extremeist sunni beliefs and STRONG ties to al qaeda who believes in TERRORIZING everyone into submission. Freedom-loving? Haha, good one! I don't even need me catnip now.....

I do not have the intellect to solve these imortant world issues. As you said developing alternative energy sources is a long term projec. What I was insinuating was that someone with the strategic and tactical wisdom - like Henry Kissinger was in the 1970 ies - could analyze the needs and weeknesss of Rusia and China, make them offers to bring them together with the USA and Europe. Once this is acieved then the issue of nuclar arms in the hands of Iran and North Korea could be resolved without military means.

Obama has lost nothing. Texans shoot quickly & BLINDLY from the hip. Better wait until that fat lady sings!!! Obama will get health care and the public option and Israel will tow the line. You underestimate Mr. Obama. Please do post us after the fat lady carries out her performance. Until then, better hold onto that egg you think is on Obama's face. Bets are it will be on your face after Healthcare passes and Israel realizes she is in a losing battle with her settlements and other assorted nonsense. Any state whose reps advocate for "secession" in this day and age, and those who support them are, well, NUTS!!!!!

"That treaty REQUIRES the US to oppose any foreign air force invading Iraqi air space. I, however, agree. Obama would never have the balls to stop Israel." Violating said treaty would show the whole Arab world that they can rely on the USA as much as on a piece of wet toilet paper. I rate your assumption that Obama would let America look like that as somehow over-pessimistic.

Obama should've poured his billions into developing alternative energy sources and maybe energy independence could've been fast tracked. Unfortunately the energy independence argument will currently happen on a timescale of 50 years or more. In the meantime the demand for oil will go up and the price will rise as supplies dwindle. Countries like Iran that have oil will make a lot more money before the demand drops off.

I was just pointing to some facts but in no way I am saying that the current activities in China are enough to become oil or energy independent. What I was trying to say is that if big consumer countries can find ways to become oil independent it MIGHT have an afect on Iran.

George:"Iran is not a threat to the US..." Just think a bit beyond tomorrow will you. If Iran goes nuclear so will the entire Middle East. You are already at war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. You're not exactly the most favoured nation in the area. The nuclear blowback will bite the US in the ass big time. You will not be able to keep a lid on it. The best policy is "Not one more country to go nuclear"

Once again an apologist for terrorism uses the good old tactic of calling villains victims and victims villains and claiming things to be the opposite to what they are. Since they hijacked the democratic Iranian Revolution,the Iranian regime has engaged in kidnapping,hostage taking,arming terrorists and threatening the west.But according to Vladek,the instability comes from elsewhere. Years have been wasted while the EU tries to negotiate with the Iran government that was just stringing them along while it developed its weaponry.As for Russia,it has been shameless in its support for the Iranian position for no other reason than that they want to sell them weaponry and even more nuclear facilities for hard cash. The time's coming when the west is going to have to look to defend itself and its own values.If the Iranian Clique think that Russia and China will fight a world war with the USA for their sake,they're deluding themselves. THREE CHEERS FOR ISRAEL!!!

DI:"China is in the process of buiding 40 nuclear power plants which will reduce its need for oil at the same time investing in oil fields in south America" China's plan is to have (only) 5% of its energy coming from nuclear power by 2020. Most of China's electricity is produced by coal, not oil. Most of the oil China requires goes into vehicles, not power stations. Upshot? China will still require shiploads of oil.

You totally misunderstood. 1. As peter very well undxerstood Iran is a threat to modern Turkey therefore if and when there will be a new secular Turkish administration then it will not support Iran's nuclear ambitions and silently with the support of the secular Turkish miiltary it will be on the opposition side to Iran. Will it happen? When will it happen? Who knows? 2. Peter's last sentence: Turkey may have been at peace with Iran for 360 years but only the last 30 years with the mullahs in control are relevant. In that context about 15 years ago Turkey had expelled an Iranian diplomat for his illegal activities among ultra religious groups. For secular Turks and the military Iran's Mullah regime is a serious threat for a long time.

In my Humble opinion the key to stop Iran from developing nuclear power is China and Russia. Once US can find mutual interest with Russia and China and create a strong alliance Iran will peacefully stop its nuclear ambitions. Now teh wuestion is what does USA have to offer to these two big countries: China: which has a growing economy and thirsty for more oil and energy and has lots of money to buy it. Russia: Taht has lots of oil and natural gas but need money China is in the process of buiding 40 nuclear power plants which will reduce its need for oil at the same time investing in oil fields in south America.

I overestimated you. I never realised that you come here to play a game.Check out the Vatican. I couldn't care less who brown noses who. Our leaders are corrupt. They are our collective problem, Nationalism is the root cause of hatred. Nationalism and Religious bigotry.

M:"Having said that I hope very much that the nuclear issue does not escalate further." It WILL escalate further and Turkey will be forced to either support or reject a nuclear Iran, a nuclear Middle East and proliferated nuclear weapons. Turkey may have been at peace with Iran for 360 years but only the last 30 years with the mullahs in control are relevant.

"US to let them fly over Iraq and not shoot them out of the air, that is the extent of the US involvement, do not expect more than this from the US." - An American George Bush signed a Status of Forces Agreement, a treaty, with Iraq. That treaty REQUIRES the US to oppose any foreign air force invading Iraqi air space. I, however, agree. Obama would never have the balls to stop Israel.

I laughed my ass off when he said the AKP will not be in power in the near future if and when Israel decides to attack Iran. I say to Mehmet: You are in a pipe dream. Turkey and Iran are becoming two snuggling little brothers, and the Turkish Military no longer has the mettle or the power to press its demands on the Turkish Gov't. I notice by reading your comment that you are still holding on the unavailing possibility of Turkish-Israel reapportionment in the near future; it won't happen.

"What is U.S. going to gain by attacking Iran?" - George Nothing. The US isn't going to start the war George, Israel is and then Obama will have to join. He clearly is incapable of standing up to Netanyahu. Israel has convinced itself that all of it's problems will go away if it attacks Iran. Irrational, but that is the case. The government of Iran is an ugly customer but not suicidal. Israel has gone nuts, and is determined to goad it. And Uncle Sugar has gone from being run by a psychopath to being led by a man without the gumption to defend himself. "Attacking Iran would be madness." - George Israel is itching to do it. "I don`t think Obama would go for it, he is smarter than that." - George Netanyahu could care less. Once the war is on, Obama will do as he is told.

Iran has accused Pakistan of giving sanctuary to the Sunni freedom fighters of Iran. I think that the Pakistanis now have enough on their hands with their own terrorists and their concern re India. They do not need a third front.

What is U.S. going to gain by attacking Iran? Iran is not a threat to the U.S. but by attacking it, Iran would help Taliban and insurgents in Iraq to unleash hell on U.S. forces in those countries(enemy of my enemy is my friend). Sure U.S. can destroy the regular Iranian army, but so what? Does Taliban have a regular army? and they are kicking American's a** already. Now imagine if Iran start supporting Taliban. Attacking Iran would be madness. I don't think Obama would go for it, he is smarter than that.

and not shoot them out of the air, that is the extent of the US involvement, do not expect more than this from the US.

It would be a tragedy for the USA to be drawn into a war with Iran because of some unilateral action by Israel. Historically Israel has not supported the interests of the USA, and through their violent actions against the Palestinians, Israel has alienated the Arab and Muslim world. Israel provides fodder for Muslim extremists. Russia and the European Union are more reliable allies in dealing with Iran. They have a commitment to developing Middle East peace, and they understand the consequences for the world. However Israel expansionism benefits from continuing instability in the Middle East.

If the Iranians are rational,and they generally are,they'd realize that a crippling strike on the nuclear sites is better than letting things go so far that the US gets alarmed and uses all its tremendous power,even nuking population centres. Unfortunately,the religiously fanatic,nihilistic clique around Ahmedinejad are not rational and are leading the Iranians to a disaster not of their own choice. THREE CHEERS FOR ISRAEL!!!

Interesting responses. It's quite silly to say the US "lost the war in Iraq", or is incapable of taking out Iran's facilities. We're not talking invasion here. Hmmm, seem last time Iran tried something we sank most of their Navy in a day. Nobody wants a war, but Iran will never be allowed have nukes. Israel is quite capable of launching submarine and land based missiles at Iran. Their Air Force is, plane for plane, the best in the world, and has already solved the distance issue. The problem is not if Israel strikes, it's what happens afterward. The US needs to vie for peace, but stand by Israel.

If Israel attack despite US warnings against it, the scenario Brzezinski have described is much more realistic.

"What`s the saying? "To assume makes an ass out of u and me" - Jane There is a Texas saying that the boy is 'all hat and no cattle.' Obama was skunked by Netanyahu, the republicans decimated him on health care (he has, finally started fighting back, but far too late0. There is a pattern of behavior beginning to show. Obama talks a big line, but in a knife fight I'd bet on Netanyahu.

"Why do you have the impression that Obama is bowing down to Netanyahu?" - Jane Obama got everyone on board for a big push to halt settlements and start serious negotiations towards a two-state solution. Netanyahu made it clear before they met that he was not going to halt settlement expansion and that he would force Obama to concentrate on Iran instead of the Palestine problem. Everyone who tried to urge Israel to halt settlements ended up wasting their breath. Settlement expansion is stepped up. Obama is paying only lip service to the Palestine problem and concentrating on Iran. Netanyahu got EVERYTHING he said he would, and Obama ended with egg on his face. To say nothing seen US allies like Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Saudi made to look like fools. In war or diplomacy the winner is who gets what was intended and the loser is the one who gets nothing. Or, in diplomacy, sometimes both win by getting the goals important to each. Netanyahu got everything he wanted and Obama lost.

Of course, US would likely join because Israel would never attack without the U.S.'s complete approval. This is accepted as FACT throughout the world. The US would be attacked as an active participant in any Israeli attack on Iran despite any US denials.

....Mr. Berlusconi might probably think now that gratitude was not really a Jewish thing, after all the support he gave to Israel over the past couple of years...:)

I thought that was the US. The home of Al Capone, the Godfather, Bernie Madoff, AIG and Lehman Bros. I read about the judges sending two thousand kids to institutions for petty offences in return for $, about the Mayors and Rabbis of N.Jersey arrested for trafficking in human organs, the worlds biggest drug barons residing in Florida, Enron, Congressmen with their hands in the lobbyists pockets, the same supporting endless 'pork' projects to further their own careers, the $9 Billion that went missing from Iraq [BEFORE they stopped counting]. What do you call corruption blondie?

I guess Iran is praying for beeing attacked so it justify its future action for making a bomb.

to paraphrase a US general. No real air force, no real navy and not enough gasoline for their 540,000 member ill equipped army to travel. On top of that they have a Sunni terrorist group that made fools of them the other day and a population that to a great extent want the mullahs out of power. With luck Iran will implode, and the sooner the better!

So says 'William Shakespeare'

Why do you have the impression that Obama is bowing down to Netanyahu? I don't see that at all. The negotiation process is full of give and take and I believe the President is negotiating in good faith with Israel. I am sure he will show his limits when Netanyahu steps over the line which he will. The settlement freeze issue was not a deal breaker but something that can be delayed until negotiations start - in other words part of a future deal to be made. If you notice the Palestinians did not make as much noise as usual on the issue and that's probably because the President made commitments to them for the future when the settlement issue will be addressed. Let's not assume we know all of what has been discussed behind the scenes because we certainly don't know at all. What's the saying? "To assume makes an ass out of u and me"

Institute for Near East Policy is PNAC repackaged. If these people are allowed another war, all Jewry will be held responsible ebcause of teh irresponsible behaviour of the Jewish lobby in the US and Europe. The [sic] Jewish lobby may have its grips into governments, but these governments are increasingly mistrusted by their own people. WE are the ones playing with fire here.

None of your suggestions are in US interests. Those items might make haters of Israel happy but none would help either the US or the Middle East in general. Obama will do what is right and best first for the US and then for its allies.

The odds of an attack on Iran are now about 40% and will grow after Iran makes a mockery of the current negotiations. Nobody wants an attack and we all know Iran will respond with unconventional (terror) attacks from every corner. Yet, that may turn out to be a price worth paying when compared to the power the Mullahs would have if they achieved a nuke arsenal. The regional nuclear arms race would be a nightmare, as would Iran's power to dictate to everyone. We'll see Hezbollah and Hamas free to wage war under the protection of Iran's nuclear umbrella. Iran is good at brinkmanship. A bomb in their hands would be a huge game changer, even if they are not suicidal. It doesn't restore "balance". It is a recipe for huge instability.

Despite the fact that I hate the mullahs, I would never want Turkey to get involved in any attack towards Iran, you know why ?: Because with Iran we have been at peace, practical peace, since the Treaty of Zuhab (or the Treaty of Qasr-e-Shirin) which was signed in 1639. Ever since the Turkish-Iranian border line did not change a milimeter. It would be stupid to destroy this peace for israel, why should we ? If israeli jets want to fly to iran, they have to go the other way around, not over Turkey, never ! Having said that I hope very much that the nuclear issue does not escalate further.

When the Russians said "BOO" to BHO over the rockets to protect Poland the Czechs, he immediately fainted; scores are murdered by Ahmadinejad and BHO called it an "internal matter;" 5 Iranian terrorists are killed and he bemoans "the killing of innocents;" US soldiers are dying by the hundreds in Afghanistan and he is throwing up afraid he would have to decide what to do; Arabs are killing hundreds of thousands of Blacks in Darfur and he offers "incentives to reduce the killings;" Only a fool, whether here or in Israel, would believe this President has the ability to do anything decisive other than paying off his corrupt supporters. A one term president and none too soon!

why would you think for a moment an Iranian attack would not put every Arab State in Iran's crosshairs? That would include Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, every last one. The mullahs want to own you and yours too.

Saudi is not going to back an attack against a Mulim nation by Israel no matter what the wing-nuts say. The guardian of Mecca and Medina cannot risk being seen as a lackey of Israel.

"The President hasn`t had time to prove what he`s worth yet with less than a year in office." - Jane We have seen a total capitulation to Netanyahu and Obama doing just what Netanyahu said he would make him do. It does not take a year to capitulate, grovel, then roll over like a craven dog. "These generals speaking at the Washington Institute do not speak for the President or the US government, " - Jane True, the represent whom ever is paying for their efforts. "He will do whatever it takes to prevent an Israeli attack and would be insane to commit the US to yet another war." - Jane He will have no choice, Israel will start the war and the US will be drawn in. Obama will not risk all hope of reelection by failing to support Netanyahu. We have already how submissive he is to Netanyahu. "I must say you are an equal opportunity sceptic when it comes to presidents." - Jane I have lived long enough to see a bunch of them and only Eisenhower truly impressed me. I liked Ford.

the land of corruption in banking and money laundering. Don't forget the billions intercepted by Turkey on its way to the Swiss banks from Iran. The Swiss are corrupt, just in different ways.

waldd is kidding himself. he is making a joke out of our soldiers.

Wald's words sound like thise of a good salesman. Try somethung else. No more wars

I don't believe that Israel will atatck Iran in the near future. However if one day there is a need to do so it will not be Israel alone or just Israel and USA. Guess which country will be in strong support, allowing its airspace and logistic routes used? TURKEY And guess what? It will not be the Turkey under AKP. But lets hope that Iran will come to its senses and no military means will be used.

one of the results will be India/Pakistan nukes. Do you think your gov would never use them? Do you think Pakistan won't seize the opportunity? You won't be safe and neither will anyone else. We don't need any more nukes in the world. Stop supporting the ignorant mullahs.

He is talking out of turn and should be dealt with for sending the wrong signals. We are not a puppet of the Israel government.

chuck, my friend, please save your years of service and steer away from the neocons who could care less for America.

"The President hasn`t had time to prove what he`s worth yet with less than a year in office." That's just nonsense -- need more than a year to prove you're a man? More than a year to show you have spine, substance? Are the boss of Netanyahu, not the other way around? How about not blocking the Goldstone report? How about telling your diplomatic staff not to meet with Avidor Lieberman? How about giving the Israelis six months to end their occupation or see the end of US financial, political, diplomatic support? Any of those would have worked.

Jordan and Egypt are hardly in a position to fight the US and Israel. Egypt's defense minister went on record early in the decade noting that it would cost Egypt approximately $100 billion to fight Israel and noted quite clearly that it's bank account can't cover such a war. Despite the oil windfall over the past decade, the Arab world is hardly in a position to hand Egypt the cash to do that. Figure a similar price for Jordan, which in any event has nothing to gain from another war. That leaves Syria, which, given the drought and economic burden is in little position to start hostilities over Iran.

"There are multiple reasons why our time on earth is drawing to its logical conclusion" A friend of mine is a Jehovah's Witness and she talks about us being in the "last times on earth" and "our time coming to its end" Not that I believe it, though...!

The names you're putting up hardly amount to WWI. Think of the major players involved in the "Great War". The British Empire, France, and Russia, vs. Germany, Austria-Hungry, and the Ottoman Empire. These were the six major powers of the day. Toss in the United States, and you're talking an all-out war of the major political, military, and economic powers in the world. By comparison you're plugging in Hizballah, HAMAS, and Fatah. Three powers with negligable economic backing, reliance on outside military and financial support from Iran and all the diplomatic muscle of well, not too much. Indeed, two of the three groups are little more than cannon fodder for their Iranian masters, while the third (Fatah) has already fought one battle with the second (HAMAS), while the first (Hizballah) fought with its own nation's other ethnic groups. Turkey is not going to fight a NATO ally (the US) over Iran given the potential losses (EU entry and Cyprus to Greece).

"He will do whatever it takes to prevent an Israeli attack and would be insane to commit the US to yet another war" Obama has certainly not proved himself to be insane enough to launch America on another pointless war, I agree with you. Let's give him a chance to see what good he can do in the Israeli/Palestinian situation and let us hop0e for the best from him. No-one said he was stepping into an easy position when he got elected!

Israel should not depend on the US and this administration. They should have already attack. waiting for them to stop, or stop lying just makes them closer, and stronger.

How come no body questions the Israeli nuclear arsenal? Why is it OK for Israel to own hundreds of nuclear warheads without allowing the UN to inspect their facilities? This policy of double standards can not go on forever. Before attacking Iran, the world must demand Israel to dismantle its huge nuclear arsenal first.

it used to be tel aviv decides and now slowly u see more and more Jerusalem decides. peace is now nothing more then wishful thinking, its apparent that Israel's agenda is on a clashing course with the arab/Muslim world, sooner or later that war will take place, until then all that is taking place right now is nothing more then an act to get ready until the clock strikes Zero.

Israel acts with the advantage of surprise. The hiper crowed air strikes over Iran have zero surprise and little chance of changing the situation for the better. I am sure you are right, and there are more ways to skin a cat. I see bits and pieces of a puzzle appearing here and there, and so lets shut up. Choddesh Tov, Fortuna.

"The Saudi`s would welcome a strike against Iran, as most western Muslim pseudo-allies would. They all consider Iran a threat to themselves as well." Your strategic foresight is nil. Everybody agrees that israel can only delay the Iranian bomb, which Iran could then pursue openly and without NPT obstacles. No Arab country would like to appear as Israel's bed companion - Iranians have memory, too.

Sorry....Israel, North Korea, Pakistan,Italy Afghanistan,Somalia, Sudan, Sri Lanka,Nigeria, Zimbabwe....Everyone with corrupt opportunistic leaders, that's just about the whole World...except Switzerland. Feel better?

Heide, Read the news carfully, the american was arrested because he passed information to an FBI agent, in other words the spy passed info to the FBI, no israeli or Israel involved. Even the FBI say that. I dont think that the FBI can use that trick involving Israel in any way, in this one or other. Why dont use Holland, how you will feel then?

The President hasn't had time to prove what he's worth yet with less than a year in office. These generals speaking at the Washington Institute do not speak for the President or the US government, certainly not this US government...I believe Obama will approach the Israeli Arab problems fairly keeping in mind that it is Israel under threat of destruction from Iran. He will do whatever it takes to prevent an Israeli attack and would be insane to commit the US to yet another war. US presence in Iraq is declining and will probably ramp up Afgan front as soon as the elections there are finalized. I must say you are an equal opportunity sceptic when it comes to presidents. We fought for 8 years about Bush and now can continue about Obama!

I'd pay to see that.

Strange view and not one to be taken seriously. Iran wouldn't stand after an attack from Israel. Count on it. makes Gaza look like a cake walk... Grow up.

We don't either. Iran has threatened 'to wipe Israel from the map." Now, just substitute "India" and maybe you'll get a better understanding. OK?

After having favored an Iraq Attack. This warped strategy is the result of American interests being cooked abroad along with disloyal Americans.

General" uses expressions such as "Our Great Ally" , "Should Israel Decides" , "Support Israel". Wald is looking for job! A retainer is not sufficient.

Did he take into account that we are financially broke and we are still trying to pick up the pieces.

Military sanitizers. Oh, they have the military wherewithall to strike and their careers and bush/cheney realpolitik is no surprise. But they are utterly clueless when it comes to the...."but then what"?? Obama better prepare real fast to kick some sand in the face of netanyahu and let the world see it. So far, he seems to be bowing and scrapping to the most right wing zionist line as possible. A strike on Iran would really help him out in the Afghan sinkhole, wouldn't it?

You lost me there. The Saudi's would welcome a strike against Iran, as most western Muslim pseudo-allies would. They all consider Iran a threat to themselves as well.

to strike Iran!

It is very easy to start a war but impossible to know when it wil stop. We in the U.S. we thought that the Iraqi war ended when Bush declared "Mission Accomplished" American soldiers are still dying there. Same with Afganistan, we have no clue when this will end.So Israel thinks that they can Bomb Destroy, kill and then go back to living normally and happily. Well, think again. Haven't they learned from their wars and nightmares in Lebanon? so Israel BEWARE.

Obamas goal is,and always has been to push the mideast peace process and to extricate American troops from the mideast wars. The idea that he would reverse his stand on both of these prime goals and to voluntarily take on an even larger war is laughable. Americas mideast policy needs to move forward from the past policy of dong whatever Israel wants us to do. If Obama is not strong enough to do this, then it will take on a life of its own as the "one way" American/Israeli relationship becomes more and more obvious to more and more people. If Americas leaders will not provide leadership, then there will be a catastrophe which will burden the American people. They say that people get the leadership that they deserve and hard lessons must be learned and relearned every generation.

If I was an intellectual involved in policy discussions over war and peace I wouldn't speculate that a war would not be too long given the spectacular history of this prediction never materializing. In 1914 it would be over by Christmas. In 1939 Christmas I believe too was the intended goal (although the Germans almost succeeded). Iraq War 2 was supposed to be a quickie and Afghanistan is the stalker ex-one night stand that just won't leave us alone. "the war would not be a long one." Any military commentator who says this clearly means that he actually thinks the war will be long and bloody but knows to admit so may jeopardize his political position

Hey Charles, I wish you would stop selling yourself to Daniel Pipes and make a mockery of your years in service.

....and I have to wonder why...??? :)

Very logical post, Kelly. The answe is: You do not need an expert opinion here, because, your post indicates deep analysis and logical of what you suggested.

these people talking crap, are all former government employees. They are prophesizing at a right-wing neocon think tank, preaching to the converted. I wouldnt hold my breath waiting for B-2's and F-22's to come to the rescue. But having said that, if Israel attacks I hope that they prevail.

First, let's agree that Israel is against Iran's having the bomb only because it desperately wants to preserve its nuclear blackmail. It has nothing against nuclear proliferation; this was proven when it helped apartheid South Africa to get a bomb. Second, what you call blind greed is simply our working in what we consider our best interests. Can you say Israel does anything different?

They have to talk like that; otherwise they can't justify the billions of dollars we send to Israel every year. Actually the whole concept of ally is pretty ridiculous, when you think about it. Israel, as it should, will work with us if it is in its interest, and work against us if that should be in its interest.

Yes, where have I heard that before? "A matter of days not weeks." Oh yeah, it was the US military bragging at the start of the war with Iraq that is now...lets see...over seven years and still going on. But Iran will be soooo easy for the great US military to knock out. The Iranians are only a teeny tiny bit more sophisticated than the Iraqis, and the Iranian missiles can only just barely barely reach Rome and Bonn and Tel Aviv, and the Iranians really only a teeny weeny bit want to defeat the West. The US/Iranian war will be over in the twinkling of an eye. Or maybe two twinklings. Or maybe only after years and years. Or maybe the US will lose hands down. Big mouth know nothing Army brats....

Probably the reason Obama got Nobel Prize was to prevent US attacking Iran. How can peace prize winner start a new war?

This outfit is a rightwing, neocon, aipac-oriented think tank which comes nowhere near expressing official u.s. policy.

To #28: inasmuch as English is obviously not your mother tongue, your comment is less offensive than it could have been. If you had been able to read the communique more carefully (and/or your brain been in gear), you would have noticed (a) that FBI sources stressed "Israel was not involved" and (b) that the FBI contacted Mr. Norzette in a 'sting' operation (some people's version of 'entrapment') by posing as a Mossad operative. As money changed hands, that 'Mossad' operative could have been MI5, Deuxieme Bureau or any other country's Secret Service - the man is only a mercenary. There are more subtle ways to spy these days!!

As Groucho Marx said, "There ain't no Sanity Claus", There are multiple reasons why our time on earth is drawing to its logical conclusion. The ancient mystics, so called Prophets could add up properly. They knew the nature of Man. Obama, good or bad doesn't run America. Pollution, the end of the great Rain Forests,Poverty, War and viruses are slowly suffocating us all. Arrogance has led us to believe that we are greater than Nature but Nature has a way of regaining control. Look around you, Gaza is a miniscule problem compared to what's about to hit us. I pray that the good people of Iran and the USA and the UK and China and Russia and all the other countries who are ruled by greedy opportunistic people win over in the end, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

It is stupefying that people do not condemn all this warmongering. Iran has not attacked any of its neighbours since Cyrus! This must stop.

But of course if Israel strikes iran, US is guaranteed to join not because israel needs it but to show that US is always a servant of israel. Not friend of israel but servant of israel. Israel, if it strikes iran, will have also to invade whole lebanon because Hizballah will become more mad than ever, so they beyyer budget also this invasion.

is not to attack iran but sanctioning it cuz the people there and out of iran re sick of the regime.. i think this whole situation with iran is a theatre cause iran helps isr by denying holocaust and isr US helps the regime by threats of attackin...

AB: "The Tehran regime doesn`t seek suicide" Therefore, even if it had nuclear weapons, it would not engage in a first strike. QED" But it may give them to others who are not at all fazed by suicide or it may decide that others should come under their nuclear umbrella. If you want nuclear weapons don't threaten other countries with destruction and supply their enemies (who are terrorists) with weapons funding and training.

.Another american military,certainly with connections in the weapons business,hopeful that the israelis will take the bait,attack Iran,after what,with the yankees participating or not in the attacks,the international atmosphere will be poisoned enough to have an arms race and they can pocket some more billions from the american tax payers.That is what they did in Vietnam,Irak,Afganistan.What will happen to Israel after,is of no concern to him,he doesn't live here.No,thanks,Israel doesn"t need or can afford such stupidity.Our nuclear weapons are dissuassion enough.

We have always read that if Israel is attacked the US would come to its aid, but will the US come to Israel's aid if Israel attacks Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi... whoever? Obama voted against going to war with Iraq and that decision took him all the way to the White House. Now some right wing Christians, that served in the army, is raising the question. Will Barack Obama fight the neo-cons new war? They have already tried to convince him to prepare his army so that it would be good and ready the minute Israel strikes, but I am convinced that the message has already been sent to Tel Aviv 'if you don't behave, you're on your own'. Barack Obama isn't going to be conned into going to war for the Conservatives-NeoCon-Right wing Zionist allience if he has a single Liberal in his cabinette that remembers the justifications used for going to war with Iraq and he has plenty of them. However the very question is an interesting one.

Yesterday a Israel spy arrested by FBI in America, yes Israel a great alley from America!

maybe the top people understand whta you dont and that is that radical islam wont stop at Israel....christians are infidels too. Now what is difficult for you to understand...let me make it easy: Shia and Sunni Islam cannot reconcile themselves with each other....so you think they will make peace with jews + christians ? you dont need to be bright to answer that question but let me help you: NO is the answer

To all of you who think that Israel doesn't have the capability of neutralizing Iran by itself, think again. It is about worldy considerations, ie oil, gas etc that Israel is waiting. My advice to all of you "Israel Bashers" is to get a grip. Israel is very capable but Israel is also full of suprises. NEVER underestimate us, as time will surely show you! You may just wake up in the morning one day soon and read the newspaper headlines. JOB DONE!

sir, haven't you heard that the president of Iran calls for "wiping the Zionist entity (Israel) off the map'? And he is a puppet of the Mullahs in Tehran. Shalom from Holland

If Iran wasn't seeking Nukes to destroy Israel with Israel wouldn't need to threaten Iran. Simple or don't you see this?? Stop building the nukes and Israel would never threaten Iran again. Again very simple. You've got it totally the wrong way around.

The USA will bomb, kill a lot of civilians by mistake, get into a mess with US planes shot down, and Israel will send commandos to finish the job and rescue the Americans with the help of Israeli UAV's that currently Nato use to protect themselves in Afghanistan.

M: "Anyone know where this weapon should be tested?" No, but I do know it can't be "tested" by the IDF, because none of their planes can haul it into the air. Maybe they plan to mount it atop a Merkava tank and slowly, slowly drive it towards Iran, hmmm?

and another prefabricated prejudicial UNHR fact findings 'delegitimation', 'demonisation' of the right of self defense and premtive strike against the political and military aggressions of the war process called 'Oslo accords' reframed as the Saudia initiative and renamed as the '2 states vision' or as Ahmadinajad says 'to wipe Israel off the map' .

How convenient that the name of the think tank that sponsored this event was not mentioned. If it was, we would likely see that this event was sponsered by people invested in the outbreak of a war with Iran, namely the Neoconservatives: The most disreuputable group in American politics. Nobody wants to be labeled a Neoconservative, not even the neocons themselves.

If Iran had its own version of the Bush Doctrine, would it be legally and morally right in pre-emptively attacking Israel? After all, enough threats have been thrown at it. Some expert please enlighten us.

Therefore, even if it had nuclear weapons, it would not engage in a first strike. QED.

Word has it the Pentagon is speeding up delivery of a colossal bomb designed to destroy hidden weapons bunkers buried underground and shielded by 10,000 pounds of reinforced concrete. The 15-ton behemoth - called the "massive ordnance penetrator," or MOP - will be the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal and will carry 5,300 pounds of explosives. The bomb is about 10 times more powerful than the weapon it is designed to replace. Anyone know where this weapon should be tested?

we have been hearing the same story for years that USA or Isreal want to bomb Iran.USa can not or do not want to start a new war since they are stuck in Iraq and Afghanistan and they do not want to start a new war and we have a Democrat in the office.Israel can not attack Iran either because Obama is not going to give her the green light.

John, Don't get worried. Isreal has the ability to calculate to attack or not. Be sure if Israel decides to attack it would be the great success. Without knowing nothing on this subject, I like people to comment as a great military expert to suggest Israel not to attack. Dandy boy Aby

until then, no one knows what the fates hold in store for iran. chances are, iran will not be allowed to go nuclear. there are rumours that iran's stockpile of leu has been contaminated. there is more than one way to skin a cat.

I don't know the extent to which the US will 'join'. The US may facilitate air space for Israel. In any case, Iran will be stopped one way or another---either peacefully or by force.

Probably not coincidentally, a very propagandistic 'news analysis' entitled 'Painful Mideast Truth -- Force Trumps Diplomacy' has appeared on the New York Times website. It's authored by Ethan Bronner and really pulls out all the stops when it comes to distortion of the facts. However, I don't think this is going anywhere. Israel has lost touch with reality. Obama is NOT going to sanction a military strike on Iran. It would be a ridiculously indefensible act. Then again, maybe it's all just cover for the settlements. The administration can 'put its foot down' on this -- and the settlements can keep expanding.

Israel cannot rely on Russia (who provides Iran with nuclear secrets and technology), Europe (who are cowards), the Muslims who want to usher Jihad and Armageddon, and the seems the rest of the world (are in the pockets of Iran) so only Israel has the courage, morality to intercede in Iran and protect the world from nuclear holocaust. Maybe if the US can put aside its blind greed it can directly help Israel (for a change) and hep stop Iran from menacing the world?

Israel will strike then subsequently push the US to join. When we become too deep in Israel's mess, Israel will then leave our men to fight it's war alone. How we can be fooled twice in 8 years into falling for these childish gimmicks is beyond the least brightest Americans, let alone the ones who have something in between their ears.

is a lunatic right winger nobody.

United States lost the war in Iraq and losing in Afgansitan so I don't think they are in a position to start another war. Beside they are broke. Iran is not a joke. They will unlesh all their power in the middle east and it will be a mess that no one wants. It is better to solve this issue peacefully rather than war.

Not Israel nor the U.S will attack. All the high level talks are just for people who think the are important to sit in conference rooms and achieve exactly nothing. Nothing new under the sun.

The Obama administration isn't interested in helping Israel to secure the lives of its citizens. It is perfectly willing to pretend away the Arab violence against Israel. Whether motivated by naivete, an overarching desire for international peace conferences, a plan to align US foreign policy with that of Europe, or hostility towards Israel, that fact that Mitchell can talk about peace when the Palestinians have just declared war makes clear that the Obama administration is uninterested in playing a constructive role in quelling the violence. It certainly isn't interested in helping Israel to secure the lives of its citizens. As to the popularity of obama : http://xrl.us/bfq9gu

Israel will hit Iran, only when the US thinks there is not another recourse, then the US will have to act for their own protection. Iran is becoming a problem in the whole region not just against Israel. The feud between sunni and shia will be a pivotal point in the development of the behavior of Iran in the near future. Religion is the cause of many wars

the campaign against Iran's nuclear weapon development seems to have failed. talk, spin, threats, bluff, and yet their program goes on. to publically fantasize about an attack on Iran will only serve their purpose more, and should such an attack come to pass it would make Israel a pariah forever. Israel has the bomb, so by what right does it have to prevent another country by force? The US failed diplomatically and now the consequences will be further tension in the region.

There won't be any attack on Iran. Israel knows it, the U.S. knows it, and Iran knows it too. Sabotage and regime change is necessary and the crucial path.

Zbigniew Brzezinski (Can I buy a damned vowel?) will be parleying with his buddy Tom Lantos.

What has this guy been smoking? If Israel decides to attack Iran, which would be extremely foolish, Obama isn't going to "stand by Israel" and join in the attack. Our Nobel Peace winner isn't going to further destabilize the Middle East, cause the Arabs to hate us even more when relations are finally getting a little warmer, go against everything he has said concerning foreign policy, just to help a government that has snubbed him and has the entire international community against it. In addition, the American public is growing increasingly tired of Israel thinking it is pulling the strings and shows nothing in return but arrogance.

Because what this guy (who was probably trying to drum up business for one of his clients) was talking about could go that way. The US joins Israel in the attack on Iran, and then Pakistan joins in with the defence, and so it goes. Israel faces a full out attack by Hamas, Fatah, and Hezbollah, Depending on how things play out, Jordan and Egypt sit it out (officially) but probably turn a blind eye to the use of their territory. Depending on the casualty rate, EU countries either join in the attack (and diffficulties at home), or sit it out. Turkey might sit it out, but is likely to join the defence. And that ignnores possible attacks on US bases around the world, and what happens to the US, Canadian, and other troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

BS...I don't believe it! If Israel were to attack, which I don't believe it will (as it's already been decided that Iran will be nuclear by the US), she would be on her own..period. And everything that everybody connected with this administration has said or done indicates the opposite ie Anita Dunn's love for Chairman Mao's philosophy, or Van Jones-no lover of Israel. or the Jew-hater, Zbignew, etc.

The entire premise assumes that some local Gulf government will volunteer its territory as retaliatory bait, i.e. a launching pad for war with Iran. Which Gulf country does he plan on volunteering? And like most Air Force pukes, he assumes that shock and awe will win the day. That's what they said about Iraq and Afghanistan, too. It's also probably what the IAF said about Gaza 2006 and 2008-9 and Lebanon II. Wald is as irresponsible as Brzezinski in making this pronouncement, perhaps even more irresponsible. He's also a great example of why the military should stay out of politics.

- The first day, Israel attacks Iran - Israel prepares for Shahab3 and other missiles attacks but nothing happens - The world laughs at Iran - One year later, or 2,3,4,5 at most, Iran makes its first nuclear bomb test - The next day, everyone laughs at Israel THE END, of the story of course.

"Charles F. Wald, former deputy commander of United States European Command, said a military strike on Iran could set back the Islamic Republic's alleged nuclear weapons program by several years, but cautioned, "I don't think Israel can do it alone." - Haaretz Only an idiot who could not count would imagine Israel can attack Iran alone. It simply does not have the tanker assets to conduct the mission. Nor can it do so without the US surrendering Iraqi airspace or neutralizing Saudi's airforce.

Of course Obama will do what his master Netanyahu wants. Is there the slightest evidence he will not? Has he not done everything Netanyahu said he would demand of Obama? Has not Obama acquiessed upon every point Netanyahu demanded? Get real folks. Israel will start the war, and Obama will fight it. Having failed to win in 'his' Afghanistan war, and failing to beat Iran, Obama will be defeated by whatever Likud and the republican party run in the next US election. Obama has proven his substance, his guts, and his spine. He has none. He is the willing, and supplicant slave of Bibi Netanyahu. Is there ANY evidence to the contrary? I didn't notice any either. Obama will be a one-term president followed by something from the extreme right, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin or Rush Limabaugh, but someone in love with war. And America, will do it's duty as Israel's servant. We didn't have much choice in the last election, a gutless liberal or a senile fool. America was lost either way.

What the h**l. Isreal every day thretens Iran with attacks and nobody raises an eyebrow..Iran mentions once and everyone starts crying foul. No wonder Iran must get a nuke to shut the hell up.