Israel can't launch strike against Iran on its own

casualty on war with Japan.

Pierre (and others), you mentioned that Israel starts all of the conflicts in the middle east, let me ask you which one that Israel has started WITHOUT getting attacked first??? If someone were to attack your home, would you not have a reason to defend yourself? I'm not sure what information you are getting but I would say that you are very misinformed. Israel gained the land in 1967 due to an attack on them, they did not start the battle.. in fact 3 countries (plus troops from 6 additional countries) ATTACKED Israel. The Land that Israel now occupies was Their?s from the beginning, look it up in your history books. How many innocent Israelies have to die do to some sick militants launching rockets at them? I really cannot believe the responses I'm seeing on here that Israel is to blame and that they are the aggressor. See how you respond when someone bombs your home before you say something so ignorant.

if iran or surya get mess with isrel the end of arab will come forever. its the lest war for this animal. hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..... we have the god, and the..........................

The only way to end this is to send Special OPs or Mossads to IRAN and eliminate the problem and don't get caught. WAR is not an answer.........

CONT. When Israel struck the Osirak reactor in 1981 she was universally and zealously condemned by the whole world, (USA inc.) but because Israel struck the reactor then the US and her coalition partners did NOT have to face a nuclear armed Iraq in 1991 or 2003. knowing the Iranian leadership?s statements and it?s history do you honestly believe Israel has any real choices left open to her and would you prefer to have a corrupt, zealot theocracy with nuclear WMD at their fingertips? Once again logic dictates the answer as NO.

"..unless God keeps the city the watchman watches in vain..." Please read Ezekiel 38 to see what God says about this eventual confrontation.

Jake T., I'm not 100% sure about Alexander, but I've studied the Mongol conquests of the middle ages and can tell you with great accuracy that the Mongols mopped the floor with Iran (not to mention the Chinese, Russia, Eastern Europe Arabs, and just about anyone with which they came into contact). As for Alexander, Greeks showed that the great Persia (Iran, etc.) could be handled by a few misguided city-states in the west. Alexander walked over Persia until God took him out...

The left never seems to be able to offer a viable alternative..I wonder why... harel is naive. this whole discussion is a moot point. They will blame israel, when the real blame should be on iran..naturally, it's more acceptable to blame the jews..talk about a perverted reality...iran will bring us all down...your're all fools.

you two gentlemen are expecting too much from an ignorant war monger like Peter Williams. Honestly gentlemen did you expect this character to have read any of those reports? Cheers

Amen to that dude, well said.

Iran is not Iraq nor Syria. Iran has been there for past 3000 years. Confronted invasions by Alexander , Mongols and you name. It will be delusional to think that Israel can attack Iran like they did Iraq and Syria and remain in one peace. SAY NO TO WAR

Harel writes: "What Israel needs now is a responsible adult, one who knows how to pull the emergency lever should the need arise." What is meant by that 'emergency lever' ? One which triggers an attack against Iran, or the other one which triggers the next exodus, abandoning Israel ? In the first case, Israel needs somebody who knows how to NOT pull the emergency lever (suicide is no solution). In the second case, Israel needs someone who knows WHEN to pull the emergency lever.

You have plenty of atrocities in your own backyard to contend with. Leave Israel alone. You have already overstepped the mark with your support of Hamasbollah.

war in future is asimitric war,if was conquest any country you need big power like usa or china you people have 7 million do not little with islamic 1,4billion you need christian ally protect you country if war beggin 170.000 do is liitle,any way you need peace not war war is just last choice,if trike iran you need 10 divis ground force(18.000 1div) your need 3 div marine(45-60.000)30.000 airborne,6 batalyon special force,2000 tank,6000 amouer mobile(8-12 soldier,600 strike air force,8-12 submarine,20lzt 20 frigate and 15 ship like korvet logisktik and bbl,and you need 45000 traiining counrty if iran have destroy is goverment and 90.000 ground amry back up,you do no have any resouses like usa or china

"did you even read that article" Your evidence cited in #140 as proof of Irans evil intent to acquire nuclear weapons belies your reliance on a cherry picked quote from el Bareidi. I have access to dozens of el Bareidi quotes which fly in the face of the one you cite. Have you read or understood any of them? "pretending to have a civilian program" wow... really persuasive. You claim pretense, ergo it must be! "stockpiling way too much enriched uranium" erm, ALL the enriched Uranium which you seem to know about is also known by the IAEA. No one has ever found additional undeclared Uranium. In order to run a civil programme on the scale Iran has indicated they have nowhere near enough. Great argument PW. ...groan. "perfecting their missile delivery systems" Like any modern nation with an army would not be "perfecting their missile delivery systems". Truly conclusive. ...deep sigh. "miniturising [sic] the warhead" Misspelled as well as misunderstood? "perfecting neutron intitiators [sic]" Unadulterated BS. Could you not read up on the subject of the dubious nature of the "neutron initiator" as maoriboy has mentioned? U.S. intelligence has concluded that the document published recently by the Times of London, which describes an Iranian plan to do experiments on what the newspaper described as a "neutron initiator" for an atomic weapon, is a fabrication, according to former Central Intelligence Agency official Philip Giraldi. Philip Giraldi, was a CIA counterterrorism official from 1976 to 1992 and it was he who spilled the beans on earlier forgeries like the Niger Yellowcake imbroglio, has now said [in The American Conservative]that the United States had nothing to do with forging the document, and that Israel is the primary suspect. "The Rupert Murdoch chain has been used extensively to publish false intelligence from the Israelis and occasionally from the British government," Giraldi said. That's some argument you put forth PW. As thorough in it's ineptitude as it is effortless in it's research. You should advertise your services to someone deserving of them. How about the National Enquirer?

Nothing evidence you could post could convince a stiff necked warmonger that there is no need to implore the rest of the world dive in the hole with them. Israel is a paranoid country, and for good reason given their theft, but nobody is gonna bomb Iran and if Israel does lob something over there, well, they will be left totally alone to wither like a grape and lick their wounds from the Iranian blowback. Never saw a group so hellbent on killing somebody else for no good reason. Thankfully, the int'l community is wise to Israel's constant claims of victimhood as they understand clearly she is the aggressor. She had better relax. It's funny how a country who clandestinly developed nukes, and still won't admit to them, now raises hell about somebody else ostensibly doing the same thing. They can't read any handwriting on the wall and their history attests to it. It's called the Masada complex and will be their undoing. So sad.

Peter, it is easy to yell 'go to war' when you are living in Australia. Maybe you need to give this situation some more 'open minded' thought because your comments lack factual support or objectivity. Do you have any family in Israel or Iran? Think about them first. To help in your research, google or youtube Bob Baer (Ex CIA agent and expert on Iran/Middle East). I have influential friends in Israel and I can assure you that they are less certain than you are about Iran's Nuclear ambitions. Most of them know the propaganda spread by Israel, Mossad, MI6 and CIA in order to justify the killing of innocent people which will follow. Iran is only a threat to its own people. Tell me your opinion on the last successful war? There is no such thing. And the repercussions of attacking Iran are a far greater threat to Israel than letting them continue their nuclear ambitions. Based on History a nuclear Israel is the worlds biggest threat.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5811V120090902 "ElBaradei said there was concern about Iran's future nuclear intentions and that the Islamic Republic needs to be more transparent with the Vienna-based U.N. nuclear watchdog" This is consistent with his view that Iran is working towards a breakout capability. So once again Maoriboy, El Baradei believes Iran is seeking nukes. Iran is under 3 sets of sanctions for violating the NPT. And you are in denial.

I am glad that some Iranians like you are not infected by the antisemitic propaganda of the regime in power.But you should also forget what the official Iranian media is telling you about Israel & the fate of the Palestinians because the extreme Islamists who rule Iran have a strong interest in preventing peace between Israelis & Palestinians. As long a there is a conflict,the regime hopes to increase its influence & power over Palestinians & other Sunni Arabs by supporting terrorist groups like Hamas & Hezbollah which are like Ahmadinejad on record to "wipe out" Israel from the map.Peace was rejected in 1948 by the Arab side & to this day there has not been a majority of Palestinians ready to accept the exitence of Israel.So peace is still not in sight because the conditions are not right in large part due to extremist Hamas,Hezbollah,Al Kaeda & several others.As regards atrocities,check carefully the record of Palestinians be it those of the Fatah under Arafat or Hamas under anyone

"Why would Israel launch a strike when it can get the U.S. to do its dirty work and have US taxpayers pay the bill" Israel is trying very hard to do just that, with its constant scaremongering about Iran's non-existent nuclear weapons... "Furthermore, Israel only attacks defenseless people/countries" Right. Like Gaza.

iran is an extremely powerful country and attack on iran will be disasterous.we iranians dont love islamic regime and we dont have any hostility with the jews but as an iranian i think israel should halt the attrocities against the palestinians and make peace with them.

Peter Williams:"Ballistic Iran`s nuclear strategy is DRIVEN by what they WANT, miniturising the warhead, perfecting neutron intitiators." December 29, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, Dec 28 (IPS) - U.S. intelligence has concluded that the document published recently by the Times of London, which purportedly describes an Iranian plan to do experiments on what the newspaper described as a "neutron initiator" for an atomic weapon, is a fabrication, according to a former Central Intelligence Agency official.

Peter Williams:"ElBaradei believes Iran seeking nuclear weapons technology" Wed Sep 2, 2009 12:00pm EDT VIENNA (Reuters) ? Iran is not going to produce a nuclear weapon any time soon and the threat posed by its atomic program has been exaggerated, the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief said in a published interview.

"200 Arabs against 1 israeli in `67 it was I believe" Rubbish. Israel had 264.000 troops (reserves included), Egypt-Syria-Jordan had 280.000 (combined, but not coordinated)

Your Powerball analogy is ridiculous. Iran started this program by defining what they WANTED. (a nuke) They get what they WANT by pretending to have a civilian program, stockpiling way too much enriched uranium, building way too many enrichment plants, perfecting their missile delivery systems, miniturising the warhead, perfecting neutron intitiators, all the while insisting all these activities have other purposes. Only a complete imbecile could ignore the military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear program.

I may already be too late. Did Begin ask for permission? NO! So what do we care about what Obimbo says. But alas, we may soon see missiles falling on Tel Aviv.

An attack on Iran would only unify the good people with their filthy government. The Persians are a proud race and one with great history of battles. In retaliation to an Israel/US led attack, Iran knows where to point their missiles and if they hit, oil will be $300/barrel plus, global economies (particularly US), will go into deep depressions, the world will be in tatters. Let the people of Persia bring change and let's make sure we support the people. The mullahs are only a threat to their own people, they will never start a war with Israel or US if unprovoked. They are holding on to their power of tyranny with the skin of their teeth, let's hope it rips into pieces and set the people free.

To Amos Harel "an open-ended operation against a nation of 70 million people." "It is best to disabuse ourselves of illusions about our ability to dictate a new Mideast order." Thank you for admitting the truth!

Israel has pulled off some incredible millitary feats over the years. It was in the '67 Yom Kipper War that they were outnumbered 200 to 1 if I remember right..........they have bombed Iran before to target nuclear facilities. Why would they not be able to pull it off again?

Iranian response" are the operative words of your post. Forget it; it ain't happening. I wouldn't hire you as a lawyer. You aren't realistic and the operative words in your post argue against attacking. Have tea.

Israel will then have learned a valuable lession which is never let your mouth and preemptive actions sign a check your arse cannot possibly cash!!! Regards.

As I recall, Israel couldn't handle Iran's little brother, Hezbollah. Seems they got irritated and then just leveled the infrastructure, however, hand to hand, hmm, what I saw was a rag tag bunch of determined fighters give Israel a bloody nose. She wants the US to bomb Iran; Israel has no intention of doing so herself not wanting to lose a shekel in the deal. Typical attitude I'd say.

How's it going. Still think Palin will make it for President? Happy holidays and happy new year. Regards.

to hit Power Ball!!! Wanting and having are two entirely different notions. They WANT an equalizer because of Israel. Whether they have one is the issue. El Baredi said he found no evidence they were working on one. With all this talk about pipsqueak Israel bombing them, they would be stupid not to want one. Cheney/Bush didn't bomb them for a reason. Hmm, guess what it might be as Cheney is warmonger #1! Relax, have tea.

As long as the Iranian regime enjoys a large supply of petrodollars it will be able to find other rogue & semi-rogue states & individuals to overcome any sanctions strictly applied by only a small number of states.It is true that the violent repression of the internal opposition is sealing the fate of the regime but when its downfal is to occur is critical. With its demonstrated will to use any type of fraud, any criminal way to crush opponents,it is likely to last long enough to cause many tragedies inside & outside Iran.Such a dictatorial regime can only survive by distracting its people of its miseries with made up scapegoats to fight internally & externally.It will not bend down unless its survival is in danger in the short term & that near term danger can only come from outside Iran.

Here's the headline boys: "ElBaradei believes Iran seeking nuclear weapons technology" Wed June 17 2009 http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE55G21P20090617 I actually watched the interview, you must have missed it Mark. There was no doubting what El Baradei meant. Iran WANTS NUKES. Iran is using the NPT to build up nuclear infrastructure to give themselves break out capability, which they will use. They are not interested in nuclear power.

Israel and Iran should learn how to peacefully co-exist. One of the main reasons that there is so much tension is because there is no dialog between these two great countries. One thing that makes America great is its diversity. In my small neighborhood alone there are Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians peacefully co-existing. This is very common. In America everyone is exposed to all kinds of nationalities, religions, cultures, etc. There is no need for tension because we are all part of the great American family. There is no separation. We are all one. Israel and Iran should have bilateral talks so that they can learn about each other and how to live peacefully together. Maybe it is time for both of their governments to swallow their pride and work together. This would be the best long term solution. They could focus on their similarities instead of their differences. The entire world would benefit, but mostly them.

There is a great chance that it may trigger Hezbollah, Hamas, and all the surrounding Arab states. How many wars can you fight at the same time?

"most of those reading this nonsense ... are self inflicted victims of 60 years of Israeli propaganda and disinformation! " Granted! But Israel's weapons and delivery capability are not in question. The question is: how long could Israel last? Great Britain, France, and Germany were running out of cannon fodder to man the front lines when the USA stepped in with a million more soldiers. It was not long before Germany sued for an Armistice, and WWI was over - for 21 years, exactly long enought to raise another generation of cannon fodder. Israel is afraid Iran might sttack her. So her politicians unceasingly provoke Iran into doing exactly what Israel is afraid of. This makes sense? Will the USA be her White Knight in Shining Armor and fight for poor Israel? Will Israel stand on the sidelines, cheer, and boo while the USA and Iran duke it out? Only if the Americans are the fools Israeli propagnadists and disinformation artists take them to be.

Iran wants to be attacked by Israel to launch a decisive and lethal blow! Remember, once Iran em barked on the nuclear program, it began the measures for retaliation against any eventuality. Iran learned from Iraq! Even, criminal Bush warned against attacking Iran. Ask Bush why he said that!

Peter Williams:"you should talk to El Baradei then." El Baradei:"the world needs to take account the fact that Iran does not represent an imminent threat as it is not accelerating its production of enriched uranium.You cannot describe a country as part of an "axis of evil" and then turn around and expect them to have trust or behave in certain ways." Still talking twaddle Peter?

had sense enough not to mess with Iran. Obama is smarter. You go ahead and bomb em and then sit tight and wait for a response.

uninformed. The proof of the inaccuracy of what you say is that there are no credible sanctions against Iran. China and Russia will never agree because they know the real deal; that the aggressor and oppressor is Israel. That's the problem.

talking about them giving the US/Obama the finger by building in Jerusalem and their incessant cry to bomb Iran. Americans aren't buying it this time around. We remember Wolfowicz and his clan re the Iraq War. Regards.

Iran might not be perceived as a real threat to US before it perfects an ICBM. Israel is within range now.

If necessary, Israel must consider the use of pre emptive nuclear weapons as there is no precedent other than hitler for the existential threats emanating from Iran. Israel must not allow the anti semites to make them a canary in the coal mine as many 2000 year jew killers would like. The jewish people cannot take risks, those who threaten genocide must be destroyed first. It is better for jews to be the ones regretting using the weapons than being the ones annilated. That is what "never again" really means. It is not about convincing the jew killers to reform, it is about destroying them before they can destroy the jews. This is not PC but would guarantee a future for the jews.

Israel has been very very lucky so far since it was founded in 1948. It has committed many massacres and Stupid deeds and got away with it for 61 years. They messed with Hamas/ Hezbollah/ PLO/Egypt/Syria/Iraq/Jordan etc.. Now they are messing with a heavyweight! The result would be suicide. Iran sent two million men into mine fields against Iraq!! Don't you think that Iran will have about 10 million volunteers willing to visit Israel ?? I think They can easily get that. I doubt if Israel will exist then????

"Israel can not even defeat Hamas and Hizbullah w/o navy and air force." - Latin Lover This is the unfortunate truth. The IDF is not the force it was once. Nor is it's real enemies. Thus, I suspect, the need to invent a threat from Iran to deflect public attention to the consistent failure of the IDF to win any war since 1973. The problem is that if Israel gets the war with Iran it lusts for, and cannot defeat Iran, then what?

So please, go ahead and attack. you may have the shock and aww for the first day or so but then look out.

Get the U.S. to do its dirty work and have US taxpayers pay the bill. Furthermore, Israel only attacks defenseless people/countries.

El Baradei has never said he is convinced Iran is developing nuclear weapons. He has repeatedly stated he has not been able to confirm it is not. A big difference. Oh, and when did El Baradei go from being the Devl's Defender to his Accuser in your fevered mind?

Well, like it or not. The Arabs, Persians and the Babylonians tried to deny it but they knew the Israel is a bit special after wot they've witnessed during the 6 days war. All they got were some planes from the US, other than that? Well, nothing else. If they go for it, I believe they can do it.

The US and EU don't want a nuclear armed Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia and Egypt don't want Iran controlling the Islamic homeland. Saddam was able to fight Iran for 10 years even though Iraq is half its size. That is because Iran's army is poorly trained or equiped outside the Revolutionary Guards. In the 1st Gulf war the "coalition" killed about 200,000 Iraqi troops while losing only about 50 of their own, primarily due to accidents rather than battle. US helicopters sat 5 miles away on the other side of hills watching Iraqis moving around on their video screens. There was no real battle. Even Israel could make Iran a wasteland if is chose to do so since it would never try to occupy the territory. Israel just needs a US aircraft carrier from which to conduct 24/7 sorties and a few US supply ships to re-arm its fighter jets and bombers. Israel's big worry is certainly Hezbollah and Hamas rockets more than anything after the initial Iranian response.

There seems to be an implicit assumption that should the demonstrators succeed in toppling the regime in Iran, that its replacement would no longer wish to obtain nuclear weapons. Why that should be escapes me. Has anyone seen any Iranian demonstrators protesting their government's attempt to acquire nuclear weapons? Indeed, and ironically, Israel should pray the current regime stays in power. It's successor will probably be far more popular with the West -- and it will be correspondingly more difficult to drum up support for action against its nuclear program. ...not that I mind. Just pointing it out.

"Israel Will Use Cruise Missiles Not Fighter Bombers" And cleverly hope that no one will guess where the missiles came from, no doubt.

"so ummm...how frequently does israel plan on striking iran" It is standard Israeli policy to strike only once, against a weak enemy, then withdraw and claim victory. In Israeli mythology, is Iran any different? Lool!

I say it again! I am an old man. Get on with it! I don't want to die guessing.

Distribution of nuclear weapons among such nations as can afford them was assured when the Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. All nations should reject the development of nuclear arms - except, of course, the USA which just deployed 30,000 more troops in Afghanistan and fights for peace (naturally! why else kill your fellow man?); and Israel, who is against all anti-semites; and Pakistan who has not yet declared just who she is against; and India, who refuses to commit herself to war; and Russia who has just decided to make more nukes, and GB, who is circumspect about who the enemy is, and. Iran, and ..... etc, etc, etc. I do believe Gadhafi actually declared Libya would not develop nuclear weapons! Probably the only sensible man in governments today, except, perhaps, the Indians But the USA is working on the India problem right now. Fools go in where angels fear to tread!

"iran`s conventional forces are rather weak. iran has no air force, nor a strong navy. iran`s major weapon thus far is its missile capabilities. a country cannot win a war with missiles alone." The Taliban have neither air force nor navy, no missiles, no tanks. Nevertheless we see America NOT being able to win the war against them. Superior technology cannot win a war, either. And when one side declares "Mission Accomplished", the other side might disagree ...

Revolutions sometimes work. But they do have a weakness. Their people are trained in revolutionary thought and tactics. So a revolutionary government is constantly in danger of counter-revolution Which is why a revolution seldom replaces an establishment with anything better than they had under the old regime. Force and suppresion are necessary to support the revolution. Their best bet is to hold out until a new generation arises who has forgotten how to revolt against the establishment. Lool! As if this is possible! However, some revolutions do succeed. But it usually takes several generations Witness the formet USSR states which are far better off today than they were under the Czars (or the USSR); or Cuba which is far better off today than it was under Batista.

"Countries ALWAYS act in their own self interest." It is arguable that the US has not been doing so in the Middle East. However, is it in the US's self interest to allow a five-month hold-up (your estimate) to oil supplies through Hormuz? I don't think so.

Israel can hit Iran, they have the most experianced military in the world, & the God of Israel is with them, He will protect Israel & He will destroy their enemies, Himself, wait & see Him do it. God is always with Israel, they are the apple of His eye. May God bless & Take care of Israel, you have nothing to fear God is with you.

George Bush Republicans certainly got support following 9/11... everyone busting at the seems to invade Iraq.

The cival unrest in Iran is itself an option to exploit, the more money and man power they pour in to quell the uprising the better for Israel. A new government however radical will inherit a weaker Iran. Israeli support for the people will cause the fires to burn even hotter. There is no adult sitting in Washington D. C. at this time, Israel is on it's own. This option is best, if Israel attacks Iran, no matter how much Obama condemns it, America will be seen as having given Israel the green light, and this will bring America into the fight, however unwillingly. Obama is a two dimentional novice politician. He would want to look strong and support Israel if he wants the Jewish vote and yet lose the Arab vote.

I know little of air force capabilities and such but I do know Israel asked for bunker busters they did not get from Bush. I appreciate that you take in the economic and political consequences of an Israeli attack in your essay. Because that is essential, for any Israeli military success will be overruled by the political and economical retaliation for Israel that would follow from the WORLD. Israeli's may think you can screw the world without a price to pay, but there are so many who thought that before them and who burned their ass.

Konstantin Sivkov(Russian commander)stated Iran would be a "hard nut" to crack for Israel. Israel has limited capacity for an air strike because of the lack of enough refuel tankers and Iranian TOR- M Russian systems. IF Iran acquires S-300, NO chan ces for Israel to attack Iran!!! Ground invasion against Iran? The end of Israel!!!

"Military preps are essential to prod the United States and Europe to exert ... pressure on the Islamic Rep. This will not happen unless Western states come to believe that IAF planes are starting to rev up their engines." It won't happen anyway. If Israel starts a war with Iran, Israel is on its own. So rev 'em up, and suffer the consequences. Israel seem to think the only solution to any problem is a military solution. She tried in Lebanon and failed. She tried again in Gaza and failed. She has yet to learn the meaning of the word diplomacy, and that the bitter end of a real war does not come when Israel decides she wants to retire from the battle field. If she engages in a war with Iran, she must take it all the way to the bitter end. Or she must rid herself of an emotional Foreign Ministry which only adocates more trouble for Israel. And that now. What Israel needs today is a responsible adult as PM who will keep his itchy fingers off that lever.

Worry about the "Narcodemocracy" and corruption in Colombia and leave the Iranians leave in peace! The Iranians do not forget when the West armed Saddam to kill Iranians. That is why they will get the Nukes because the criminal West is responsible for genocides around the globe. Have you heard about European-USA colonialism? EH?

If Israel wants to choose the way to selfdestruction and to become the pariah of the world, it should attack Iran, launching war in ME and creating nuclear pollution around the globe. After that Israel will never ever have the chance claiming to be the victim?.. Probably Arab nations, harmed by Israel-driven chaos and war in ME, might retaliate against Israel, too. Maybe the words »understanding, humanity, justice and peace« don?t exist in Hebrew language??

It would also be nice to have a responsible adult as Israeli PM and in the Knesseth - judging by their recent actions that's not even on the horizon ! Irresponsibility ( and that's an understatement ) is the the preferred state of affairs. David

He believes Iran is trying to develop a nuke. So does Obama for that matter. You need to drop your flat earth argument and move on.

I have always thought that the major powers would only act decisively against Iran if they understood that an Israeli attack was both feasible and imminent.Consequently I have long felt that Israels passive policy has been catastrophically flawed. Israeli leaders have vastly over estimated US capability and intent. Countries ALWAYS act in their own self interest. In my view the Iranian threat is existential for Israel and, given no other choice,Israel must act irrespective of the policy impact on others. I believe given the choice between a transient spike in the cost of fuel and another Holocaust the conclusion is simple. It is not Israels fault that it is prepared for war and the US,which spends 55 times as much on defense, is not!

Iran will declare Palestinians traitors to Islam, and declare that now it is even easier for Iran to deal with Israel, because they can nucke it without worrying about lifes of the traitors that sold out islam

Ask military experts about the chances of destro ying Iranian programs by air strike. Would you in vade Iran with ground forces. Israel can not even defeat Hamas and Hizbullah w/o navy and air force. Iran's old military? When you get a bullet It does not matter if it is polished or rusty.

Umm, did anyone think of the idea that if Israel and the Palestinians settled their conflict, and both states lived in peace, with legit borders, Iran wouldn't have a leg to stand on? Second off, SCREW IRAN. Israel conveniently uses them to scapegoat its main obligation, that is to come to a fair agreement with the Palestinians based on prior agreements, UN Resolutions, etc. Iran has a bunch of backward Ayatollahs whose main mission is to spread the SHIA SPHERE in the heart of the Sunni Arab world, to which all Arabs, Sunni, Christian alike must reject. Again, Israel seems to miss the big picture (PALESTINE).

A nuclear Iran is no more threat to Israel than it is right now. The Iranian leaders are not so crazy as to use nuclear weapons. They didn't even use chemical weapons against Sadam Hussein. But I know the answer: Zionists need such external threats to legitimise the existence of a Jewish state ..., not to the outside world, but to themselves!

Isreal cannot handle the response from iran.Isreal willl be attacked from all sides and muslim resentment of 1 billion people will be fierce.It will be suicidal for the isreal.The IAEA has repeatedly stated that iran is not deveoping nuclear weapons.Why can isreal have weapons and not iran,double standards.Most people in the world know.

http://broweronnationalsecurity.blogspot.com I read your blog, very interesting. I think that you underestimate the effect on Israeli civilian morale of missile strikes on cities and ignore the possibility of a radiation leak at Dimona. However, your argument is that an Israeli attack on Iran would be successful but for the US and the rest of the oil-consuming world, a disaster. If the Americans agree with you, they will do *whatever it takes* to prevent such an attack, even if it involves economic or military sanctions against Israel. Logically, that would be by far the lesser evil.

When isreal attacks iran, iran will send a barrage of missiles into isreal. Irans nuclear sites are heavily fortified and the chances of the aircraft returning to isreal is highly unlikely.In addition Hamas an Hezbollah will will launch their own attacks.Isreal couldn't even handle hezbollah a few years back. You only need to lose a war once and you cease to exist.

Iran is on an irreversible collision course with the end of its sovereignty as a nation as we now know it. Iran has blown many opportunities for a peaceful rapprochement with Israel and other nations but instead, has chosen a lonely path of self-inflicted, certain destruction.

Did anyone really expect diplomacy to reverse Iran's drive for induction into the nuclear weapons club ? Those of you have realistically expected that to happen have fundamentally misunderstood the Iranians and have overrated you own persuasive abilities.

Iran and Iranians a bit more. Iran's main fear is that is surrounded on three sides by hostile forces. The US forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. Pakistan and Israel with their "unregistered" nukes because neither is a NPT signatory. On the other hand Iran has no record of military aggression against other nations since the 1600s. Although I am against the current clerical regime, I have confidence they are not suicidal. Contrary to what people like you like to believe, Iranian clergy have a good idea what attacking others, especially Israel can do to their regime, mainly end it abruptly. So, you my friend, need to educate yourself about Iran and stop looking at the pictures not meant to scare kids like you. I hope you can get some good sleep. Just think how dangerous Israel is in the eyes of the others, then you'll understand.

Depend on Washington? This is like saying that the Jews of Europe in the 1930's and 1940's could depend on there governments to protect them from the Nazis. My advice to Israel attack with what ever force you can. Do not allow the marriage of radical Islam and Nuclear weapons. Defeat the Babylonians and forge an everlasting peace!

Maybe it will have nothing to do with strinking the nuclear weapons programme, but with an imploding tyranny brought down by its own people.

Cipora Julianna Kohn:"there are no responsible adults in the white house, unless by "responsible adult" is meant letting iran have nuclear weapons." Thats an irresponsible response from you Cipora, when theirs no evidence that such a programme exists.

"Israel you have a choice either Tel Aviv goes up in a mushroom cloud or Teheran" If those are the only choices you can see, it's a good thing you aren't Prime Minister of Israel...

Since you have become a military expert, based on your assessment of Iran's "weak" military capabilities, can you explain why Israel is so sheepish about attacking Iran? Can it be that Israeli regime officials know something that you don't, general?

"iran has no right to build nukes" Iran has as much right to build nukes as Israel does. "iran is so forbidden under the rules of the npt, and also under the mandates of the un security council." How many of these has Israel broken?

Absolutely agree, but when Iran announced that it has some atomic bombs to attack, Israel will respond them immediately, and the only way to do it is through a nuclear attack. Time escapes us in our hands in Jerusalem and the settlements continue to grow. The Armaggedom is coming (As Zapatero it's)

"Dropping bombs on people drives them into the waiting arms of the prevailing authority" How true the above is. During WW2 the Nazi Blitz of London only made the citizens support their government more, not turn against it.

"Israel can fly 700 sorties a day over Iran and drop over 1,500 one ton PGMs daily" That assumes that the WHOLE Israeli fleet of F-15s / F-16s (including all model variants) is at a serviceabilty rate of over 95% and that EVERY SINGLE aircraft flies two missions daily. It also assumes that mysteriously somehow Israel has found the AAR capacity to support older-model aircraft which even with all external fuel cannot fly the round trip unrefuelled, let alone supposed to carry two tons of PGMs. Need I elaborate more on the expertise of self-proclaimed experts???

I am dismayed at the various responses from Europeans decrying Israel. I respect Europeans desire and respect for human rights. But, frankly, Israel was created because of the horror that was the Holocaust. Israel was attacked in 1967, and won, gaining a substantial portion of land. To act like Israel somehow 'conquered' that land is very disingenuous. Implying that Israel's people, who are constantly threateded with destruction, somehow are not attempting to act in self-defense, is silly. I do not always agree with Israel's' actions. But rememmber, during WW2, appeasement is what allowed Hitler's murderous regime to flourish. Israel may be too zealous in acting in self defense, but self defense is the intent. Again, Europeans, as an American I respect your principals. But unfortunately, pacifism is not always the only answer. World War 2 showed us this.

It has been said that a Jew will always live to stand by the graveside of his enemies, and thus Israel (once a Jacob who strove with almighty G-d and actually won due to him striving for His blessing and protection as the only true safeguard against his enemies) will be empowered with this spiritual legacy to strike back successfully against the 30 yrs. of taunting and terror by a spiritually blind Iranian Regime hell-bent on uprooting what G-d has re-planted in the region.

Who Founded the Iranian Nuclear Program? Amir Moussavi, Who is the leading candidate for Change in the Islamic Republic of Iran? Amir Moussavi, so a change in the political scene might change things internally, but with regards to Iran's Foreign and Nuclear ambitions how can we be certain that we won't see more of the same?

Here is the cheapest,fastest and the most humaine way out of this problem: 1-Leave the occupied territories and let Palistinians form their own independent state,east Jerusalem being the Capitol. 2-Do away with nuclear arsenal and use this technology for energy purposes only. These might sound impossible to the zionist but they are the only logical solutions to end Moslem(Arab)hatred against the people of Israel thus making a long lasting peace in the region a reality.

yes....my mistake I meant No. 2 and 3 .....not 3 and 4................what amazes me from these posts is the lack of understanding of Israel's military capability.........if they do find it necessary to attack the world will be quite amazed at the power and intelligence used..........no picnic....but also no doubt about the outcome..........it will be a message heard around the world...don't threaten us!

will be to sabotage the Iranian opposition movements. The idiocy of laptop bombers seems not to have an expiration date. Dropping bombs on people drives them into the waiting arms of the prevailing authority, and dissent is easily crushed. If Israel really wants this regime to fall (I am doubtful) it will sit this one out.

I am the author of two internationally recognized middle east military net assessments. Read http://broweronnationalsecurity.blogspot.com for details. Irrefutable facts are that Israel can fly 700 sorties a day over Iran and drop over 1,500 one ton PGMs daily....5,000 in a short limited strategic air operation.Concentrated on a narrow target set the Iranian WMD program could be set back 7-10 years and its means of retaliation neutralized. Israel could easily crush Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria given firm directions by the Government under wartime ROEs. I know this, the general staff knows this and perhaps someone in the DIA/CIA even knows this. But it is obvious that most of those reading this nonsense do not....they are self inflicted victims of 60 years of Israeli propaganda and disinformation! I doubt this cabinet has any better understanding of military realities and the balance of power then the one in power in May 1967!Israelis overestimate American military capability.

Israel right now has only two choices either kill or be killed. Israel absolutely cannot destroy iran's nuclear instalations with convential weapons,but being that right now they are the only nuclear power in the middle east,they have only this one choice,give that criminaly insane murderous government 48 hours to let in the UN or the US to dismantel their nuclear instalations,and if they fail to do it,do what the US did to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Israel you have a choice either Tel Aviv goes up in a mushroom cloud or Teheran.

I fully agree disarming Israel of Nuclear weapons must remain a priority

Iran is not Iraq. Multiple hardened targets, advanced air defense networks, no strategic bombers, a limited mid air refueling capability. The leaders in Israel know they cannot disable Irans nuclear ability without the help of the United States, and the US knows this as well, as do the Iranians. Without the United States, a successful conventional attack on Iran is impossible.

Amos Harel is wrong to underestimate Israel's capability. His pessimism is due to ignorance of the facts. Silence is better than spewing one's ignorance. The fact is Israel is highly capable of meeting any challenges.

to add to your list. Make that two. Iran can foster unrest in Iraq. The Sadrists have not gone away, they were just stood down by the Iranians. Secondly Iran borders Afghanistan. Taliban are traditional enemies of Iran, but the enemy of one's enemy...

I don't agree that USA need what Obama wants

Israel knows what to do to deal appropriately with Iran and will do it when the time is right. Israel will not let Iran become nuclear. Iran is weak but tries to look tough, like a growling poodle. They fool no-one except Natallie Durson. Israel is the ultimate power in the ME and will slap other countries when they need it, such as Iraq and Syria. Iran is next and the slap they get will be very harsh.

The Iranian leadership has NOT been pushed into an uncomfortable corner and it is wishful thinking to say so. They simply go ahead with their aim of acquiring nuclear warheads, so that they can first blackmail the West and then destroy Israel. Obama couldn't care less about Israel. This is why this naive and incompetent 'president' is waiting for Iran to attain the nuclear threshold, before attacking it or letting Israel do its dirty work.If Bibi has any brains, he will order the attack during 2010.

RIGOLLLETO THE IRANIANS AND THE ARABS HATE AMERICA POSSIBLY MORE THAN ISRAEL.

"I`m not naive enough to think the Iranians will back-down thru negotiations... that`s simply not their character." a There is something to be said for trying to offer Iran something more tangible than threats and a fait-acomplit if they are to 'back down' as you crudely put it. In the recent offer (rejected by Iran)they were expected to hand over all their LEU and receive back on some unspecified date 20% HEU, hardly an offer Iran would be likely to accept unless they were truly 'naive', knowing full well they would quite likely never see the Uranium again(even today Natanz is delayed indefinitely by Russian delays). Their counter offer was to exchange LEU for HEU on Iranian territory simultaneously. So ensuring that Iran would not engage in any further enrichment, whilst ensuring Iran that she would not be at the mercy of Russia and France (and the US of course) who may decide Iran has to wait a little longer than expected for her HEU. Now if there was ever any real intention of a negotiated settlement, the US would not have responded with a hand wave informing Iran that their original offer was non negotiable and not open for discussion. As for your contention about Iranian character, please remember that it was Iran who in 2003 made great efforts to open negotiations with America on nuclear issues as well as Lebanese and Hamas issues. It was however not in the American character to accept such overtures from Iran.

The US and Russia should strike the nuclear reactors in Iran and in Israel. We really need a nuclear-free Middle East.

The Iranian people may currently have evry public differences of opinion. But, an attack on their country will unite the Iranian people against the enemy. An attack by Israel on Iran will mean the end of Israel in it's current format. That is why Israel has not attacked Iran despite promising for two years to do so. And why Israel's defence strategy is moving to anti ballistic missiles and second strike capability. Welcome to the wonderful world of Mutually Assured Destruction.

Netanyahu made the election pledge knowing that Israel could never attack and expect to defeat Iran. Israel cannot fight wars of a few months. Iran can fight wars for years. So Israel was never going to pick a fight. Israel's central strategy as with Iraq was to provide the intelligence to persuade Planet Earth to do the attacking on it's behalf. Now with the dire economic situation that looks like it is not going to happen, Israel is desperately trying to get out of any promises it had to it's people that we can take out Israel can take out Iran's nuclear programme. At least conventionally. Hence Barak's comments yesterday and Amos Harel's article today.

Iran has no plan to win a war against what-so-called-israel, but preparing for the simple issue risen some time ago by its leaders toward your existence. that perfectly could be accomplished using what they r working for "MISSILES".

it will happen very soon! the esraelis will gamble everything than letting iran produce their nuclear bombs and drastically change the regions stability.

I imagine that Israel has the best defence system it can devise around Dimona, but would it be good enough to stop every single missile aimed directly at it? Do you feel lucky? One small radiation leak would be enough to cause mass evacuation of Israelis, Jewish and Palestinian.

They all have their Swiss Army Knives. Watches & Chocolates too

Iran must enjoy knowing that feeling amongs who supports of (what-so-called-Israel), because they are part of your defeat, keep on till Iran is fully NUKE POWER.

Cipora... There is something I would like to clarify... I am not in favor of attacking Iran. Even though, a large part of the international community [including you and I] believe Iran is a threat... with or without nuclear weapons. Still, the only justification would be... if [and only if] they attack first. This puts me in a very awkward position... because I'm also not comfortable with the situation that exist right now. But like you said... 'responsible adults' have difficult responsibilities. And believe me Cipora... I'm not naive enough to think the Iranians will back-down thru negotiations... that's simply not their character. This leaves all of us with very few good options. In this kind of situation... I would suggest not to do something that everyone knows would produce catastrophic events... and still not accomplish the intended goal. Regards...

...that in spite of all the rhetorical "bla,bla bla", most world leaders have already put up to the fact, that Iran will become a nuclear armed power one day. Several statements made by important (military and political) figures close to the Obama administration over the past year are also clearly pointing in that direction. The only realistic aim/hope for them now is, to have the current extremist leadership toppled by some slightly more moderate Mullahs. But you (and the Israeli people) must finally learn to understand, that the world is no longer willing to fight one war after the other for Israel "for free".... ...at least not for an Israel,that isn't playing a more positive role on the world stage.

I think you misunderstood my post. I don't disagree with you.

Now, what on earth has Switzerland and its army got to do with this? (Usual tactic of insults and diversions, Lieberman style). Let us agree on one thing: the only real threat to world peace and regional stability is Israel. Iran has not started any wars lately, whereas Israel..... The war you are waging and the crimes committed against people under occupation make most civilised people pretty upset. That includes the Iranians. Iran will never attack Israel. Hopefully they will continue their support to Hizbollah and Hamas, in the same way the US helps and supports Israel. When will you realise there is no military solution to the ME conflict?

Israel can't act alone, Israel will never succeed. Go for it and may G-d bless!

Israel could expect missile attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Iran?s Republican Guards could launch maritime attacks against civilian and other shipping in the Gulf. Iran would also more than likely engage in terrorism against Jewish and western targets by activating Hizballah cells around the globe. As in 1991 and 2006, Israel and the Gulf states would be able to sustain the Iranian response, even though the loss of life and the destruction of homes and infrastructure might be considerable. Israel and the GCC states would prefer to sustain Iran?s retaliatory response to an attack against its nuclear reactors than to live with a nuclear-weaponised Iran, which would threaten the political independence of the GCC countries and the very existence of Israel. A military strike is unlikely to end Iran?s nuclear ambitions. But it would set back Iran?s nuclear enrichment program and buy time to allow sanctions to work, if still required.

If Israel already has more than 140 nuclear warheads, violating the npt, what's wrong with Iran or any country making its own nuclear arsenal?

iran will be dealt with, one way or another, independently of any other issues. iran is a threat to world peace and regional stability. iran is by no means the sole problem of israel. the swiss will most certainly have no say in the matter of iran. they can decide on the very crucial issue of minarets, but not on issues that decide the fate of many millions. after all, the only troops the swiss have contributed are the swiss guards.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has wisely maintained that Iran's nuclear program is not an Israeli problem alone, but rather is a problem, for the entire Middle East, the U.S. the West and the world as a whole. This perception is now shared widely. So it does seem that unilateral action by Israel is not necessary at this time. But all this could change in a second should Tehran suddenly have a real nuclear capability. So Israel has to be ready, cautious and wise in its actions.

This time, the arrest of whistle blower Mordachia Vanunu + images of Israel's *nuclear* Dimona.

Most little children, who are brought up well, learn from the beginning of their life, that if you would like to get something, you got to be prepared to give something in return. Unfortunately Israel was never ever taught that lesson from her American "daddy", otherwise the Israeli people and its political establish- ment would clearly understand, that the rest of the world expects from Israel a political payback (accepting of a fair compro- mise on all 3 core issues of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict) in return for an eventual help on Iran. Until the Israeli people and its political leaders will finally realize that, they will remain a people in deep trouble/danger.....

iran's population is barely 70 million. it is surprising you do not know this. iran has no right to build nukes. iran is so forbidden under the rules of the npt, and also under the mandates of the un security council. this, too, you should know. an attack on iran would not be suicide, not by israel, nor certainly by the united states. iran's conventional forces are rather weak. iran has no air force, nor a strong navy. iran's major weapon thus far is its missile capabilities. a country cannot win a war with missiles alone.

I have no bad will towards the Iranian people for they have much in common with Israelis it their evil theocracy that must be destroyed in order to liberate our Farsi brother and sister. We are not the Iranians enemies only the enemies of the oppressors of Iran and those who threaten the world and will bring tragedy onto Iran if not stopped. We need Iran to help Israel topple it's wicked dictatorship.

To Prevent Israel from being Foolish... But by all means.. May the IDF attack and show the world how grown up Zionist are. Just be prepared to Reap what You Sow.

The US knows only too well that an Iranian missile strike will not only be aimed at tiny Israel. No doubt said attack will hit the various US Bases in the Gulf region. Even certain Sunni nations know that they are a target. Nobody doubts that the theocratic regime will fire its enormous stockpile of missiles hoping that a first strike will obliterate any chance of retaliation. The IAF may well be confident that together with Israels vast space military technology and sophisticated ICBM·s that Iran·s current regime could well become another lesson for the history books. The only question is,"Who will strike first"? Answer, "Iran"! When..? 2010. Good day from snowy Swiss Alps.

Well, Iran does not worry me at all. What really worrys me is Israel. We have all seen what Israel did in Aza. Israel commited a war crime. Times must change in 2010. Iran has, like countries in Europe, every right to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes. If Israel wantws the support of the world, it has to go back to its boarders bevor 1967. That all. Until then, for us Israel is the only real war monger in the middle east. And after all, we saw what catastrohy happend in Irak. Things turned worse after Sadam.

It had better find a way ..and quick."Can't is not an option.

Iran is a country of 130 million Muslims. Iran has the right to build nukes. Any attack on Iran by Israel or the United States would be suicide.

"An Israeli attack must be the last resort" Well duh, we all know that. The fact is that we are drawing closer and closer to the moment.

Israel is as every one knows a small country with the majority of its people massed within and around the three main cities. Iran is a big country albeit with a much larger population. Yes Israel could destroy Iran's nuclear plants, but the effect of Iran's and its allies retaliation on Israel would be almost the same as a nuclear attack without the radiation. But even this is not guaranteed as a so called dirty bomb could be used spreading radiation, but without the nuclear blast. No Israeli PM will want to go down in history as the one who caused the third Temple to be destroyed. Conclusion: Iran will not be attacked. One day in the future they will get the bomb, and just as the US & the USSR had to live with their atomic arsenals, so will we. Or a change will occur in Iran, and they will destroy what nuclear stuff they have, Just like South Africa did when they became democratic. We can but dream.Happy New Year.

"An attack must be the last resort, not just another option placed on the table." How many attempts at diplomacy are you willing to give? Seems to me Iran has said stuff it to world opinion and is rushing to make bombs. I think diplomacy "option" is finished. Now what ?

Cruise missiles can't do nothing against the facilities engraved like bunkers under thousands of tons of rocks. Same goes for the actual bunkers of Iran leaders. Also, we've got Saudi Arabia's authorization for flying their country, then the Gulf and the troops are there:

Who told you Israel had no idea where Iran's important enrichments plants are? God? Diskin? Netanyahu? No, I think you just said it like that.

It can't attack us with it own small and old military. It could just launch its slaves Hamas and Hizbullah and give us the opportunity to finish them both once and for all. Between getting passively nuked or fighting for my life against an older military, I choose the second solution. How many Israelis have been killed by rockets so far? 200? And what about the Dome and the Arrow defense systems? Actually, I prefer to not think about what happens if Iran gets it, with Iran becoming the center of a Khalifate after "convincing" its Arab neighbors to join it.

Israel is a suppressor of weak people and don't have power go alone against equal opponent

Soviet's Satellites would notify Iran as soon as Zionist planes take off. Cruise missiles would not locate underground facilities, and do not forget that Iran, Hamas, and Hizbullaz will try to HIT the Dimona reactor to destroy Israel!!!

"The problem target is not Iraq`s nuclear facilities but is Iraq`s missile facilities" Surely you meant Iran, not Iraq

Former Prime Minister Olmert said as much, even referring to the number of cruise missiles that would be required. The main question is, can Israel manufacture these alone, without purchasing them from the US, the total number of missiles required being very large. Israel does not have to destroy or hit every nuclear facility in Iran, it only has to hit enough of them to slow down the manufacturing process and buy time. There is political turbulence within Iran that may finish the Ayatollahs regime, and also Obama is losing popularity and it is likely a Republican with an aggressive foreign policy will be elected next presidential election. So if the Iranian bomb programs are set back 3 years, in three years the next President will very likely be someone who will demand to see regime change in Iran, and who will insure that the US military eradicates this threat to the American people. Or Obama might see the light and bomb these weapons sites before an American city is hit by a nuke.

The whole world worships Obama, and Israel will do whatever he says. If Israel attacks Iran, it willbe because Obama told them to. Why pretend you're anyting but thralls?

every year? every two years? are the repercussions, which the whole world will feel, going to be worth the relatively short setback to the iranian program? and does israel think the world is going to be cheering it on? the answer to any of these questions is: "not likely".

What surprise do you expect with Israeli planes flying over at least two Arab countries on the way there? This is not 1981. Israel will use cruise missiles. Cruise missiles can even be used to seal the graves of the scientists at Esefan by hitting the air vents. Yes, this would start a war, especialy on the Israel's Northern Fronts. The problem target is not Iraq's nuclear facilities but is Iraq's missile facilities.

totally agree with you. while the u.s. is chasing worldwide islamists armed with everyday conventional weapons, the country of iran, with its "cocktail of religious-military" and its revolutionary guards with the recources of "a full military-industrial complex" is rushing headlong toward full nuclear weapons capabilities. a nuclear iran would be more dangerous than any present nuclear power. iran is a terror state and as you said, religiously inspired. the probability of nuclear proliferation would be very real.

there are no responsible adults in the white house, unless by "responsible adult" is meant letting iran have nuclear weapons. iran will have nuclear weapons within a year. iran already has the missiles to deliver such weapons. diplomacy has failed miserably. the revolutionary guards will never allow iran to renounce its nuclear weapons program. their power is intimately linked to the nuclear-ballistic program. contrary to what is being trumpeted, ahmadinejad is just a puppet of the revolutionary guards. russia and china will not help. to the contrary, they are gleeful at the embarrassement of the united states and its young president. these two countries care only about their own national interests. russia has announced just recently its intention to produce new nuclear weapons. the uprising in iran by the young will only harden the regime. there is very little chance that the regime will be overthrown before it acquires nuclear weapons.

It is a doom's day to attack Iran without land troops. If, Israel attack Iran seven capitals will vanish quickly off the face of the earth: Namely, Riyad, Manama, Musqat. Abu dhahabi. Talaviv. Kuwait, and lastly Doha; after that America will reply all force out against Iran. Only fools under estimate the Mulahs' power.But wait! the rockets of Hisbullah will rain dogs and cats on Israel cities and almost 90% of Israels will move underground shelters. Everyevery Jew should remember the problems Russian Jewish immigrants like Natanyahu the Mullahs of Iran both are danger to the world generally and Middle East particularly. I Wish God forbidden that senario

your days of fooling the world are over. Without american aid you've got jack... Lookup israel's GDP on wikipedia, nuff said.

Let's see. Hariri in Damascus. Jumblaat dictating to Druze in Israel. Doesn't it seem like Iran is trying to get even by stirring revolution on the Westside?

Your insightful article leaves out some really vital factors. If Israel had 100, or even 1000 times the current number of strike-capable planes that it has now, it would have no way of knowing where to strike to destroy, or even seriously damage Iran's atom bomb-making capability. I think that a lot of musing on this subject goes back to Saddam Hussein, who, in typical fashion, set up his reactor out in the open for all the world to see and Israel to bomb. Iran isn't doing anyone any such favors. It may (probably does) have half a dozen or more hidden facilities deep within its mountains. And, as for dreams that the current opposition there, will actually topple its regime, good luck! Eventually the US will impose stricter sanctions on Iran IF it can get Russia and China to go along, but China is becoming less cooperative. And even the toughest sanctions will have little effect on a regime, which doesn't care about its own people.

There is going to be a civil war there sooner rather than later.

you both have no idea what you are talking about.....when push comes to shove.....Israel will take care of business............and you can go back to your wishful thinking..........never again....means never again.............no second chances............

There has been talk of an Israeli attack for years now. What do the people on this forum think? If there is an attack, when do you think it will happen?

The truth is simple. Israel cannot rely on the USA regarding anything. Everybody will wait to see what happens and hope that the Israeli will perform ther usual miracle. what is now worse is that the arrogant and incompetent USA are trying to block Israel and bend them to do what they want and need for themselves.

Who knows where these demonstrations will end up? In the overall scheme of things not many people have died. Iran, like all countries, has a valid argument in using force against any demonstrations that turn violent. All of this is a distraction. Meanwhile back at the nuke labs the centrifuges keep spinning. Israel's date with destiny is unavoidable. It can't be stopped by Obama nor by rioting Iranian students.

Articles premise is that western nations can be forced by Israel to put Israels priorities before their own. This is not a safe bet these days, Israel lobby or not. The question for America and the EU is, are you willing to begin a major war on Israels behalf. If the answer is no, then Iran can proceed with their nuclear program. Israel will never stand alone against Iran no matter how much chest thumping they exhibit. If Israel were to stage any attack against Iran, successful or not, then the world will sit and watch as Iran makes their response against Israel.

An air strike would ONLY set back Iranian nuclear programs according to military experts. On the other hand, Iran will launch a barrage of missiles against Israel to turn it into DEBRIS!!!

We always hear... religion and politics don't mix. What worries me... is what kind of explosive cocktail a religious-military makes. Not the Taliban and al-Queda... or some Houthi tribe in Yemen, they're too primitive... too elemental to worry about. But the Islamic Republic of Iran... with resources driven by a full compliment of a military-industrial-complex. And Ayatollahs in charge of generals that swear allegiance to a Hidden Imam. A completely autonomous military-sector... the IRG, that has grown to a behemoth of incredible proportion. That's what fills my sleep with nightmares. The other day, I saw a photo. You know... one of those images that makes you stand-up and take notice. It had three Iranian Ayatollahs pointing at a futuristic looking, short-rage missile ejector gizmo. I kept wondering... what possible religious concept can they be discussing. Hmm... certainly didn't make me sleep better that night.