Okay, I hate Bush for getting involved in Iraq, there was no reason to suspect Sadam supporting terrorists, especially when theyre completely different people, Idealist that make up terrorists doesn't mix well with dictators.

But, that being said. We have to realize we are ALREADY involved in Iraq, and Iran is not going to back down from making nuclear weapons, or maybe it will if we capitulate enough to their demands. Personally, I don't think thats an option for several reasons.

As a superpower in both military and economics, the US has a certain image to uphold in the world. A dominant image that has served well to protect American interest overseas. Most countries would think twice about detaining Americans without proper merit and most countries welcomes investment of American businesses and in fact goes far in their foreign policy to welcome American investors.

I know some of you think this is unfair, and it would be better for the US to be treated just like any other country. But I think we need to stop and think on the economic consequences of such outcome. Look at the houses that you live in, the big car that you drive, the large screen TV which you enjoy your favorite show on. These are the products of unequal treatment - the American purchasing power depends heavily on exploitation of 3rd world countries and this is a result of unequal treatment partly because we are a superpower. How do you think our economy will react if we are not longer the favorite client in other countries?

To capitulate to Iran would tarnish that image at the cost of future American interests overseas. Once American gives in because of the inability to stem terrorism in Iraq and stop Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities, what do you think the extremists will do in the future if they wanted to extort America?

Make no mistake about it - They WILL terrorize you, because it has worked for them in the past, it WILL work again.

Suppose we allow Iran to have nuclear capabilities, what makes you think that Iran will not sell those nuclear weapons to their "islamic brothers"? And with nuclear capabilities, these other countries will now have leverage in the world arena - a privilege that I don't believe they deserve. Just look at their country - a government who promote the martyrdom of their own citizens, a government that sanctions violence against women, the list goes on. I don't need these people to be part of the future, they are not contributing to society now, and nor will they in the future.

We cannot change the past, so we have to decide on what to do with the future. A show of force to exterminate Iran's interest to enter the world arena now is a much better choice than to capitulate and suffer the long term consequences later.

If the citizens of Iran does not want to goto war - a war which they will lose, they should rethink on the allegiance to their leaders. Because their leaders are not looking out for the interest of their citizens, and would send them to clear minefields in the name of make-believe martyrdom.

Everyone knows why they are there, write a better article PLEASE straight to the point.
But do you know that with all of Iran's alternant energy talk just last week both Texas and Iranian lobbyist showed up at a conference and both OPPOSED SOAR ENERGY. Its all money baby.

By the way I would NEVER BE A Dem or a Republican

I'm an America and I will defend my freedom to the death with my last breath against any group of fools with my bare hands.

All you wimps, the real women and men of these country will defend your dumb ass so both me and you can write something like this on the internet.

Jim C,

It sounds to me as if you would prefer that all of the physicians in the country that would venture to provide an accurate but unwelcome diagnosis to a patient, be kicked out of the profession for doing so, rather than addressing the revealed problem.

We will only make America a better country by assessing her needs and doing something about it. Are you as outspoken when America decides upon a course of action to address the so-called needs of other nations, which may or may not have any basis in facts?

Iranian leaders are using US military threats to justify Iran's "nuclear weapons program"? WHAT "nuclear weapons program"? Iran unquestionably has a nuclear program for peaceful purposes which includes enrichment of uranium to the 4-5% level needed for power generation (as contrasted with the roughly 90% level required for nuclear weapons). Iran denies having any nuclear weapons program or any intention to develop such a weapons program, and nobody has produced any credible evidence to the contrary. You are a rightly respected commentator on military affairs, and as such I believe you should take more care to avoid making dangerous factual misrepresentations about the (non-existent)nuclear weapons capabilities of Iran.

You need to look at who supported what and when, of course after the war we supported Germany and japan big time, these latter became good allies and industrial giants. The swedes have no comparison in the veil they dealt with, they used slave labor that the nazi's introduced and completed much of hitlers financial transactions during the war.They have blood on there hands, its well documented. To the swedes credit, they have investigated and admitted as much, fine, lets go forward, just dont do the "outsider looks in" and pities our terrible existance. Every nation on this planet has some very bad things to explain.

So it's using the name Jim C. today!
But using the same old words. "We must bomb Iran" . BY THE WAN, wanna take a poll on whether Americans think Israel, vile, savage corrupt Israel, is 'our best ally'? Like who thinks so? And if it's okay to say we should bomb Iran, is it also all right to say the same thing about Israel? For WHICH action do you think the world would cheer?
Not a rhetorical question. For which one do you think the whole world would cheer? Even as nazi groups are springing up all over, latest in Switzerland!

So it's using the name Jim C. today!
But using the same old words. "We must bomb Iran" . BY THE WAN, wanna take a poll on whether Americans think Israel, vile, savage corrupt Israel, is 'our best ally'? Like who thinks so? And if it's okay to say we should bomb Iran, is it also all right to say the same thing about Israel? For WHICH action do you think the world would cheer?
Not a rhetorical question. For which one do you think the whole world would cheer? Even as nazi groups are springing up all over, last in Switzerland!

Posted by: Jim C
It sickens me to hear such talk against your own country. If you truly think America is so evil why don't you just pick up and leave?

F-ck off. Blind allegience is treason.

The founding fathers thought so, and so do I

It sickens me to hear such talk against your own country. If you truly think America is so evil why don't you just pick up and leave? Iran is a direct threat to this country. Do you not believe that if they were to get a bomb it would be headed for either Israel (our only trye ally in the region) or to the United States? No they don't have missile technology that could hit us from there, but they coulod smuggle it in to the states, or give it to AQ to smuggle in. Or they could just set it off in Iraq. Remember, Iran and Iraq haven't been on speaking terms for quite some time.

Placing these ships in a highly visible position is a risk. They could get hit, but having them there sends an important message to Iran. It says; "we're here, and we are watching you. We will not tolerate your posturing, and we will not tolerate you getting the bomb". Unless the Mullahs change there ways (not likely), strikes against Iran are likely.

As far as the "evil bushco" and the "military industrial complex", get another line. Or better yet, adjust your tinfoil hat... it's not woeking very well. Better yet, see a doctor and have your psych meds adjusted.

ITT worked for the nazis until the end & beyond, repairing the system for the Allied occupation as well. Then they wired a good portion of South America... Funny, that's where many of the nazi also fled to... go figure... Follow the money Alex. The looted remaining wealth of Germany was involved in much of the development in South America after WWII

After the war, Ford almostimmediately introduced a German import, the Borgward. Chrysler & GM did the same with similar German imports, who's names escape me now... Who do you think was the recipient of the income from the sale of those cars Alex?

..and have you looked up Prescott Bush yet?

"In 1924, Bush was made a vice-president of Harriman & Co. by his father-in-law, George Herbert Walker, to help supervise the new Thyssen/Flick United Steel Works. Also employed by the company were Roland Harriman and Knight Woolley, Yale classmates and Skull & Bones members, with Bush."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prescott_Bush

The Thyssens were an interesting family:

Fritz Thyssen, businessman and early supporter of Hitler, later an opponent ...
www.answers.com/topic/dachau-concentration-camp

Here's a good summation:
How Bush's grandfather helped Hitler's rise to power

Thyssen owned the largest steel and coal company in Germany and grew rich from ... the company made use of Nazi slave labour from the concentration camps, ...
www.infowars.com/print/Bush/grandfather_helped_nazi.htm

Alex... Pssst Alex..;. You need your meds adjusted.

Sorry Rob,

Just takin a little jab at you there.
I see your point, but I doubt what you would like see happen is going to happen.
Glad to see your not a bush zombie.
The world hates him.
Congress just acts as if hes done nothing wrong while he and his brain dead followers work us towards another war.
He is a war monger that needs to be impeached.
Something else that gets me about all of this, there are rallys across this country
to impeach the 666 demons and the media keeps it all quite.That is not right to make the world think that all US Citizens are war mongers.

They have taken away what few rights we, as american citizens had.
God please help the USA.
***Communist USA***
Thanks to republicans

Posted by: Its My Day Also

"And I don't need Rob to suggest how to spend my time.Sounds to me Robs a little whinny
because he doesn't like us talking about
howdy georgey.Good thing someone is trying to show that this isn't his world to F--- Up.
Even if daddy bush's little idiot thinks it is."

Actually I'm vehemently opposed to the Bush administration, their foreign policy agenda, and general arrogant incompetence. However, I just see tons of immature vitriol being flung back and forth here with neither side listening to the other one iota. Call me crazy, but maybe an actual dialogue would be more constructive than this same-old same-old namecalling...

Buffalo writes :"EVERYONE was dealing with the nazis.. Ford ITT (wired the reich's comm system)GM, Chrysler."

not DURING the war , the swiss were the nazi bankers throughout the war, cant you figure out the context of a situation ?

how about the cold war, did yr swiss buddies do anything then ?, dont hold up countries who have enough dirt and selfishness as some type of "ousider" who looks down at poor americans and there ways. Yr buddy's country didnt send ther army anywhere or fight in any front lines yet they enabled the nazi machine to do there good deeds.They also were hiding behind there skirts when the Russians were breathing down everyone elses necks.

And I don't need Rob to suggest how to spend my time.Sounds to me Robs a little whinny
because he doesn't like us talking about
howdy georgey.Good thing someone is trying to show that this isn't his world to F--- Up.
Even if daddy bush's little idiot thinks it is.

Posted by: Rob

"Instead of wasting time spewing a bunch of irate, inane garbage on here, why not go do something that actually makes the world a better place?"

Because it's my day off.

Because attempting to analyze world events & correct disinformation, intentional or not, IS an attempt to make the world a better place.

Reading these comments is like watching red-faced children screaming at each other. I see zero thoughtful discussion and no listening whatsoever.

You people should be ashamed of yourselves.

Instead of wasting time spewing a bunch of irate, inane garbage on here, why not go do something that actually makes the world a better place?

It was the merchant class Vs the landholding class,not the city Vs the countryside, Gary.

...And someone who professed to want a revolution every 20 years (IMO, revolution of ideas, concepts) could hardly be classified as a conservative by anyone who understands english.

Gary, dear,
Do you have the impression that Thomas Jefferson was Not a liberal? Do you think Jefferson was a conservative?
Do you realize that you are a screaming joke? Why do you make a fool of yourself repeatedly?

Gary, dear,
Do you have the impression that Thomas Jefferson. Conversely, do you think Jefferson was a conservative?
Do you realize that you are a joke? A screaming joke?

JEFFERSON WAS RIGHT WHEN HE WORRIED ABOUT THE RIF-RAF OF THE CITIES GAINING ANY POLITICAL POWER. ALSO I WONDERED IF YOU LIBS KNEW THAT JEFFERSON OPENED GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS TO CHURCH SERVICES EVERY SUNDAY. THAT INFO WOULD CONFUSE YOUR KIDS.

The Trillion-Dollar Defense Budget Is Already Here

March 15, 2007
Robert Higgs

Robert Higgs is Senior Fellow in Political Economy for The Independent Institute and Editor of the Institute's quarterly journal The Independent Review.
He received his PhD in economics from Johns Hopkins University, and he has
taught at the University of Washington, Lafayette College, Seattle University,
and the University of Economics, Prague. He has been a visiting scholar at
Oxford University and Stanford University, and a fellow for the Hoover
Institution and the National Science Foundation.

When President George W. Bush presented his budget proposals recently for the fiscal year 2008, he emphasized that the nation's security is his highest priority, and he backed up that declaration by proposing that the Pentagon's outlays be increased by more than 6 percent beyond its estimated outlays for fiscal 2007, to a total of more than $583 billion. Although many Americans regard this enormous sum as excessive, hardly anyone appreciates that the total amount of all defense-related spending greatly exceeds the amount budgeted for the Department of Defense. Indeed, it is roughly almost twice as large.

In the fiscal year 2006, which ended last September, the Pentagon spent $499.4 billion. Lodged elsewhere in the budget, however, other lines identify funding that serves defense purposes just as surely as--sometimes even more surely than--the money allocated to the Department of Defense. On occasion, commentators take note of some of these additional defense-related budget items, such as the Department of Energy's nuclear-weapons programs, but many such items, including some extremely large ones, remain generally unrecognized.

Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, many observers probably would agree that its budget ought to be included in any complete accounting of defense costs. After all, the homeland is what most of us want the government to defend in the first place.

Other agencies also spend money in pursuit of homeland security. The Justice Department, for example, includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which devotes substantial resources to an anti-terrorist program. The Department of the Treasury informs us that it has "worked closely with the Departments of State and Justice and the intelligence community to disrupt targets related to al Qaeda, Hizballah, Jemaah Islamiyah, as well as to disrupt state sponsorship of terror."

Much, if not all, of the budget for the Department of State and for international assistance programs ought to be classified as defense-related, too. In this case, the money serves to buy off potential enemies and to reward friendly governments who assist U.S. efforts to abate perceived threats. About $4.5 billion of annual U.S. foreign aid currently takes the form of "foreign military financing," and even funds placed under the rubric of economic development may serve defense-related purposes indirectly. Money is fungible, and the receipt of foreign assistance for economic-development projects allows allied governments to divert other funds to police, intelligence, and military purposes.

Two big budget items represent the current cost of defense goods and services obtained in the past. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which is authorized to spend more than $72 billion in the current fiscal year, falls in this category. Likewise, a great deal of the government's interest expense on publicly held debt represents the current cost of defense outlays financed in the past by borrowing from the public.

In Full: http://www.independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=1941

Alex: why dont you ask yr friend why Switzerland
helped the nazi's or why they did nothing to stop Stalin or the communists or why there country has a self serve policy of defending only "themselves". Three quarters of Nazi gold were handled by Swiss bankers, ask yr friend about that.

You ARE as ignorant as I thought the first time I ever perused one of your posts a few months back.

You want ME to respond to your ad hom of another person who wasn't even alive yet for the Vietnam war as to why his nation didn't do anything about the nazis?

You must be kidding!

However, we COULD ask G.W or G H.W about their forebearers dealings with the nazis... Preston Bush... Do you even know where the Bush family tree has it's industrial roots?

EVERYONE was dealing with the nazis.. Ford ITT (wired the reich's comm system)GM, Chrysler.

You name the American corporation, they had dealings with the nazis, and the US government simply slapped their corporate hands after the war.

Speaking of nazis, and fascism... Mussolini call fascism 'corporatism' because the military & 'the monetary' ran it.

The military
The monetary
They get together whenever they think it's necessary
They are turning our brothers & sisters into mercenaries
They are turning the planet into a cemetery
--Gil Scott-Heron, Work For Peace

('Cause peace ain't comin' your way, ya gotta work for it)

Everyone sing out!

Back when Eisenhower was the President,
Golf courses was where most of his time was spent.
So I never really listened to what the President said,
Because in general I believed that the General was politically dead.

But he always seemed to know when the muscles were about to be flexed,
Because I remember him saying something, mumbling something about a Military Industrial Complex.
Americans no longer fight to keep their shores safe,
Just to keep the jobs going in the arms making workplace.
Then they pretend to be gripped by some sort of political reflex,
But all they're doing is paying dues to the Military Industrial Complex.

In full: http://www.zmag.org/Songs/workforpeace.htm

dodger writes :"Old Brear Bush's legacy is in the ditch. Since his nibs took office, the US has experienced the highest gas prices in its history"

Dodge , you need a course in economics, US gas prices with the exception of OPEC countries and a few others are the lowest in the world, as a percentage of income, gas prices have remained relatively the same since the 70's.Since the mid 80's, gas prices as a percentage of income has become even more affordable, recent spike non withstanding. Even with the recent spike, gas prices are 30% lower then the "real dollar" peak in the early 80's. Didn't bother to ck the rest of yr post , assume yr making the same type of errors.

Wasn't Iran on our side of the war on terror before we assaulted Iraq?

Wasn't Iran on our side of the war on terror before we assaulted Iraq?

The thing that bothers me is you have a
two complete fu---- fools attempting to start another war with another country.They have started with two already and Congress is just letting it all happen.
It seems to me its time for someone to take notice and say for the good of the WORLD sombody F-C-I-G do somthing.
Have all in top positions lost their F-C-I-G Minds???? I think so....
Oh I know I shouldn't use that language.
Excuse me , I'll just sit calmly and watch this MF put the whole world at war!!!!

Buffalo writes:"I have a friend from Switzerland. He told me the hardest thing he had to get used to in the US was seeing people in wheelchairs living on the street."

why dont you ask yr friend why Switzerland
helped the nazi's or why they did nothing to stop Stalin or the communists or why there country has a self serve policy of defending only "themselves". Three quarters of Nazi gold were handled by Swiss bankers, ask yr friend about that.

I think what's undergirding our foreign policy fiascos since my earliest days of political awareness is "No One Pays", or if they do, it's a couple of years at some tennis club prison, a declaration that they've 'found the lord', and then it's just back to the beltway, and fine dining.

They need to rot in one of those SuperMax prisons designed initially for domestic 'terrorists', because they ARE those terrorists... THEY are the ones undermining American values and generally endangering the nation... they scare the living crap out of me.

Funny thing... My dad, an 85 year old zionist jew, helped smuggle guns to Palestine after WWII, mil-int, former regional coordinator for the ADL, at one time a registered foreign agent(Israel) ...they scare the crap out of him too.

He knows when the loose cannons are rolling about the deck, but he's too old to do anything tangible about it anymore.

Despite opinions to the contrary, it isn't the 'end times', it's 'scary times', and judging by some of the comments I've seen here, the narcissism is profoundly disturbing, with people commenting as if no future without war is expected for our children, nor desired.

Pitiful.

Old Brear Bush's legacy is in the ditch. Since his nibs took office, the US has experienced the highest gas prices in its history, the single largest escalation of the national debt ($3.4 trillion over 6 years). The highest trade deficits in history ($823 billion last year) the highest rate of mortgage foreclosures since the great depression, 62000 to 68000 dead Iraqi civilians, record profits for the oil companies while enjoying the tax breaks that this administration presented them, the allocation of 67% of Iraqi oil reserves to "private" interests, political corruption that has been linked to the highest levels of the Congress as well as the President's own advisory staff, possibly two rigged Presidential elections (Florida, 2000 and Ohio, 2004), the promotion and execution of the "Bush" doctrine (using faulty intelligence data to unilaterally promote the invasion and occupation of another another country, overthrowing said country's government while methodically stealing their national resources) etc, etc ad nauseum. What better way to end your "career" than to bomb Iran? Kind of the "cherry" on top of the proverbial Sunday, wouldn't you say? Geez, and they impeached Clinton for lying about having oral sex!

I'll tell you exactly what it means: it means I'm no fan of Bush, the evil Cheney, but I KNOW WHAT I KNOW, AND I KNOW IRAN IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO THE WORLD TODAY. And if I DON'T give my political creds., then people will think I'm just some sort of administration hack. Far from it. Unfortunately, we have cried fire in the concert hall too often, and now, when there is a true, real dangerous threat (one that has been there for years but no one wants to mess with that fire) we're in a hugely weakened position to do anything about Iran militarily.

However, being in a weakened position is NOT the same as saying we can ignore it-we can't. We'll have to use nuclear firepower on Iran, because that's all the Persians will understand.

Mr Arkin states that the Iranian's continue their development of nuculear weapons. The lying Bush administration has always stated as much but the Iranian's say they are developing for peaceful purposes. Has Mr Arkin categorical evidence to suggest the Iranians are indeed developing nuculear weapons or is he just a mindless propagator of Bush hysteria?

Buff'lo,
So Glad to read your post with the new information re Feith.
Two things:-- for whatever comfort, realize that there must be some wise men in the country taking down the neocons slow but sure (or not so slow) Libby, (convicted) Feith, investigation and debunked, Wolfie, ha ha,ha
Perle, the Prince of Darkness still out there but a joke, the Wurmsers still in the VPs office, Hadley, etc etc....and Sharon incapacitated but Netanyahoo on tap. Elliot Abrams at the NSA, still. What next?
Two--DOES it horrify you to recall that
Wolfowitz, was a
FOREIGN POLICY ADVISOR to Bush in the runup to his first campaign? And that much of the war against everybody stuff was planted in his head then? Wolfowitz, Elder of Zion AND the father of American foreign policy! Thank God for the
wise men at the World Bank.Knew what they were doing. Do you suppose we'll be seeing PW at Washington dinner parties soon?

Our Commander-in-Chief likes to play war.

Unfortunately for the entire world he is
playing with REAL HUMAN BEINGS, not toy
soldiers.

What an arrogant, ignorant, incompetent
leader we have!

Iran isn't the really enemy of our state (country), the current administration is.

If we allow bush to continue serving in office, the constitution will mean nothing.
If we impeached one president for lying. Why then are we not impeaching this one? And for all who say; "it will tie up congress and nothing in Washington will get done, Bull S***T!
Would you tell the mother of someone who was murdered that prosecuting the criminals was a waste of time??? Bush and Cheney are enemies of the state and are guilty of treason, lying and yes Murdering our troops for their own finical ends.

Why are our troops, not being brought home? Because they would be serving Bush and Cheney a big fat eviction notices, and giving them a lift to Kansas, that is why.

NO MORE BLOOD FOR OIL.
The time for alternative fuels in NOW. Not twenty years from now. Even if you don't agree that Bush and Cheney are blood thirsty, little cowards who never served a day in a combat zone, rich boys feeding off the deaths of working class kids, who jump at serving American not just because it the right thing to do, but because it was the only decent job offer they had going out of high school.
You have got to be able to bang out the simple thought that all the money we spend on gas this weekend is going to help our "enemies". And by that I mean yes all of the radicals in the middle east who want American to drop in the dark ages with them, but I also mean Bush and Cheney!

Peace.

Anyone wanna take a bet on the moment someone gets nervous and a remake of "USS Vincennes (aka. 'Robocruiser') vs. Iranian Airbus" is gonna be played?

Here's hoping that this time the 'Murricans have their civilan frequency manuals handy.

Just what are we protecting with our failed policies in the ME? Iranian nukes pose no treat to the US except as they could treaten the Saudi oil fields. No, the real target of Iranian nukes would be the failed state of the Jews in Palestine. Of course, the Iranian nukes could just be a deterrent to the Jewish and American nukes; the Zionists have vowed to use theirs to prevent any conquering of the Zionists by any means and America is the only country to actually use them and has so many in so many hands that their control is a debatable concept. Besides George and Dick seem only to willing to use WMD for dubious ends.

The only threat that Iran can make is to use one of its Kilo class sub. And if they did the P3's, would be all over them like stink on a camel.

More on Zionism, and the staff of the US State Department from Juan Cole's Informed Comment:

The Bushies Just Make it Up: Iraq & al-Qaeda

Bush was out there again on Wednesday trying to link Iraq to al-Qaeda and maintaining that the US was mainly fighting it in that country. In fact, No Mahdi Army Shiites are al-Qaeda. Almost all Sunni Arab guerrilla cells are Baathist or Salafi rather than al-Qaeda. Probably of 100,000 guerrillas fighting in Iraq, perhaps 2% could be categorized in some vague way as "al-Qaeda" if you take that term as referring to a franchise. They are mainly foreign fighters and if the US left Iraq, the local Sunni Arabs would slit their throats. Some slitting is going on even now, and the Bushies celebrate that while not seeming to recognize the implication that "al-Qaeda" doesn't amount to anything as an Iraqi political force.

But this making up things out of thin air is typical of W.'s Propaganda Presidency, or what Chris Floyd calls the "powerful odor of mendacity."

And all along the Bushies have invoked al-Qaeda with regard to Iraq. It doesn't matter what the real situation in Iraq is. Is it ruled by secular Sunni Arab nationalist Baathists who are afraid of al-Qaeda according to documents Bush himself captured and released? Nevertheless, Bushies find al-Qaeda in Iraq. Is Iraq dominated by Shiites allied to Iran? Bushies find an alliance with al-Qaeda. Like tax cuts, it is the answer to every problem.

On 25 July 2002, Doug Feith's Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (OUSDP) issued a statement linking al-Qaeda to Saddam Hussein through a Dutch company named Vlemmo NV.

This sort of allegation was typical of Feith, who had been asked in January of 2002 to come up with material on the [imaginary] relationship of Bin Laden and Iraq by his superior (who had hired him apparently for this sort of purpose), Paul Wolfowitz.

Feith had been investigated by the FBI earlier in his career as a possible Israeli intelligence asset and was raised in a fringe, far-rightwing Zionist family. His father was a member of Betar, the organization devoted to teachings of fascist Zionist thinker Vladimir (Ze'ev) Jabotinsky and to "Greater Israel" expansionism. Persons in this tradition often believe that Israel extends into Iraq itself.

Now it turns out that Feith just made up the Vlemmo firm. According to the Netherlands Foreign Minister, it does not exist. . Just like virtually none of the things Feith peddled to us has has any reality. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz put Feith in a position to lie our troops into harm's way, as the number three man in the Pentagon. Feith bears responsibility for his lies and fabrications. His superiors are even more culpable.

Copious links on page (...and the comments ARE moderated): www.juancole.com/2007/05/bushies-just-made-it-up-saddam-al-qaeda.html

Iran is getting the bomb, Israel already has the bomb. Iran bombs Israel, Israel Bombs Iran. It's over! Armageddon! After the radiation clears up, we get 1000 years of peace according to my religious zealot acquaintances! So let's get on with it. According to the religious right, it's going to happen eventually anyway. AND, by the way, we get to see Jesus riding on a cloud! Far out!

Chiaramente,
If you know intelligence your realize that
the Zionists are an existential threat to Jews and all mankind. Their declaration of war is clear in the papers Cleanbreak: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm and The Project for a New American Century. I suggest you study the history of Zionism. It is an ideology created by the psychopathic priesthood of Judaism to corral the assimalating masses of normal Jews. These men without conscience in Israel and the USA are willing to destroy mankind in their psychopathic lust for power. Read The Controversy of Zion-Douglas Scot Reed on the internet for the true history of Zionism. A few Zionists are dragging the USA and Southwest Asia deeper into the hell of war as so many on this blog advocate the attack on Iran,some are ignorant and some are paid to spread propaganda. This Zionist War is destroying the reputation, morale,
finances, and freedom of the United States.
Now, to comment on the "targets" in the Persian Gulf. Iran has lined the Gulf with
Chinese Silkworm and Russian Sunburn cruise missiles, the US carrier strike forces are vulneralble to these missiles.
They are positioned in the Persian Gulf as
bait. It thousands of US sailors were to die in the Persian Gulf the Zionists could
stampede the American people into supporting a larger war in Southwest Asia and giving up more of our freedom in the USA. This war mongering against Iran is in the interests of a predatory elite who intend the subjagation of all mankind. People who support this war are mostly ignorant of the larger picture of history, economics, politics, and power. They are being used in a psyops war against the planet in this reckless and criminal venture.

Posted by: dan
Isn't wonderful how we've allowed Iran to be the big winner in this whole fiasco? They have to be amazed at how we've handed the region to them on a silver platter. Nice piece of work W. Worst president ever. Period.

I dunno... I don't think they could have done a better job of it if they had actually planned it that way. (Snicker)

They are traitors to the very tenets of American democracy they are sworn to uphold, and it's easy to observe in their deconstruction of the constitution to suit their purposes.

Dan,this may come as surprise to you,but it is their region.They have been there as far back as any one remembers.

Jersincl:
Can anyone see the similarities between the rhetoric of the Iraqi government before we took them out in roughly 16 hours and the Iranian government now?

16 hours? Did you kill your television after bushboy appeared on the deck of that aircraft carrier with it's Rendon supplied 'mission accomplished' banner?

The current casualty count is 3,440+ and they are continuing to kill us even as we have 4000+ soldiers currently exposed to enemy fire attempting to locate the two remaining POWs the insurgents have captured.

The military equivalent of a temper tantrum.

I CAN see the similarity though, in rhetoric of GW Bush, who is trying to increase that count geometrically... Bring 'em on!

They will, it's what the muslim world has done for thousands of years, and any threat to mecca will bring the s-ithammer down on Americans ALL OVER THE WORLD, not Iran.

Isn't wonderful how we've allowed Iran to be the big winner in this whole fiasco? They have to be amazed at how we've handed the region to them on a silver platter. Nice piece of work W. Worst president ever. Period.

Can anyone see the similarities between the rhetoric of the Iraqi government before we took them out in roughly 16 hours and the Iranian government now? I'm sure glad were fighting them in the desert over there than over here.I just think we can stop all this violent radical islamic terror by just saying,"The next attack on the United States or it's allies no matter how big or small,will result in the complete and utter destruction of Mecca!" Watch the rest of the muslim world crack down on them then.Sometimes it takes a lot more strength to be more harsh than your enemy.It seems to be the only thing they understand.

Can anyone see the similarities between the rhetoric of the Iraqi government before we took them out in roughly 16 hours and the Iranian government now? I'm sure glad were fighting them in the desert over there than over here.I just think we can stop all this violent radical islamic terror by just saying,"The next attack on the United States or it's allies no matter how big or small,will result in the complete and utter destruction of Mecca!" Watch the rest of the muslim world crack down on them then.Sometimes it takes a lot more strength to be more harsh than your enemy.It seems to be the only thing they understand.

By this display of force, the U.S.sends the
"unconditional surrender" message to Iran.
In WWII, the war was extended for years and millions died because of nationalism.
Iran will only use this as a fear tatic to keep it's people in line, and justify it's actions. we run the risk of killing the moderate factions in Iran if we haven't done so already. With a son in Iraq, a history of military service on both side of my family, I am totally against any action against Iran. It would be a blood bath. Our ships are in a confined area that restricts tactical manuvers. What is really scarry is, this administration ignores history, and would pull the triger
in a minute.The only history the president
listens to is biblical, and he thinks he's
destined to fulfill prophacy.Think about it

By this display of force, the U.S.sends the
"unconditional surrender" message to Iran.
In WWII, the war was extended for years and millions died because of nationalism.
Iran will only use this as a fear tatic to keep it's people in line, and justify it's actions. we run the risk of killing the moderate factions in Iran if we haven't done so already. With a son in Iraq, a history of military service on both side of my family, I am totally against any action against Iran. It would be a blood bath. Our ships are in a confined area that restricts tactical manuvers. What is really scarry is, this administration ignores history, and would pull the triger
in a minute.The only history the president
listens to is biblical, and he thinks he's
destined to fulfill prophacy.Think about it

Posted by: Alex
"...because we are a hegemon..."

Because we play too much pok e mon, and elect leaders with the same psycho-emotional profiles as a 5 year old. Thowing a temper tantrum at Iran will get massive numbers of Americans killed.

Not like throwing a tantrum in front of mommy... Can you distinguish the difference?

"...its not like we are sri lanka."

Give it 20 years when the TRILLIONS of dollars in war created debt comes due, but you wouldn't care, unless you are 40 or under. The kids will pick up the tab with currency that will be worth next to nothing.

If you want to "do nothing" and live within yr 4 walls, then move to switzerland.

I have a friend from Switzerland. He told me the hardest thing he had to get used to in the US was seeing people in wheelchairs living on the street.

He's a world traveler, constantly, without fear, and American travelers are quickly becoming 'soft targets' when they travel abroad.

Who is going to have to live behind 4 (blast-hardened) walls?

Re: Imademocrat.... I just checked, and my gonads are still in place as they were when I was army enlisted and fighting in the first war in Iraq, when we actually had a valid reason to be there, what have you done for your country?

A nuclear armed United States with overwhelming conventional military superiority is the nightmare of the entire world. Reading these comments just ensures another sleepless night.

Endlessly delusional and drunkenly violent you are all a far greater threat to the rest of us than you realize.

Anyone who has more than a one cell brain realizes that bush and cheney are insane traitors that need a firing squad.

A lying traitor and his criminal henchmen are killing more American troops everyday.
Sad fact is that bush and cheney have killed more Americans than 9/11 did.

Guess we really know who doesn't support our troops. The traitors that lied and sent them to die.

Arabs were fighting for 10000yrs before we got there, they will keep fighting for another 10000yrs after we leave. Let the barbaric savages play in their sandpit.

What would happen if we took the trillions and trillions of dollars we spend on createing facts on the ground in israel,and put it in to feeding the hungry.Would god not send the messiah.

buffalo writes:"We spend more on our military (and obviously USE that military), than the other top 20 spenders in the world."

--well duh yeah, because we are a hegemon, its not like we are sri lanka. If you want to
"do nothing" and live within yr 4 walls, then move to switzerland.

I'll tell you exactly what it means: it means I'm no fan of Bush, the evil Cheney, but I KNOW WHAT I KNOW, AND I KNOW IRAN IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO THE WORLD TODAY. And if I DON'T give my political creds., then people will think I'm just some sort of administration hack. Far from it. Unfortunately, we have cried fire in the concert hall too often, and now, when there is a true, real dangerous threat (one that has been there for years but no one wants to mess with that fire) we're in a hugely weakened position to do anything about Iran militarily.

However, being in a weakened position is NOT the same as saying we can ignore it-we can't. We'll have to use nuclear firepower on Iran, because that's all the Persians will understand.

and something tells me you're a Jew

"Something tells you im an iranian ex pat".Were did i say anything about being from Iran, lil buddy.Thats my point,your clued out man.Cant you read,with out reading what you want to see.I dont see any iranians on the reserve my lil nameless friend.Maybe you think their is.But that would not surprise me.Because you know so little about the destruction you cause.Your to far in never never land.Take care and keep up the god fight their good old boy.

Bruce, learn to comprehend wht you read first, it will lend soooo much more veracity to your non-argument:

"How many Americans do you think would agree that America was the world's greatest purveyor of evil in 1967?"

I said:
MY COUNTRY is the greatest purveyor of VIOLENCE in the world today." -- MLK, Jr.

It was in 1967, and is now...moreso.

We spend more on our military (and obviously USE that military), than the other top 20 spenders in the world. Much of that weaponry is supplied BELOW COST to our 'allies', henchmen, and client states.

Crunch those numbers and get back to me.
I do hope your math comprehension is better than your reading skills.

Here's a good reference source:
The Arms Bazaar
by Anthony Sampson
# Hardcover: 288 pages
# Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd (June 1, 1977)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0340213310
# ISBN-13: 978-0340213315

Who is the person who keeps posting...
"I is a democrat, a democrat, a progressive democrat. Etc.(under how many silly names) Like does it (sic) think if it's a democrat (he isn't) it means diddley?
70% of Americans are against that war. That includes democrats.
And I'm among the 77% OF THE WORLDof the (latest poll published by BBC) who thinks
the biggest problem in the world is ISRAEL.
Second biggest, the Israel-first neocons who are determined that US blood and money should be used to bomb it. And use the little mouth offs on chat rooms to promote it.

something tells me you're an Iranian ex-pat Geronimo.

...correction...read that--in line 3...

...need to blow their little pretend macho hornes, ...

Does this mean the messiah is comeing.I cant believe sitting bull lost to a bunch of wacked out ignorrant prophesy seeking bigots.talk about destroying a great land,and for what,this greedy lot of lieing cheating bafoons.Your behavior has not changed since you decided to kill millions and millions of native americans,Putting all the survivers on reserves.And im supposed to feel like we had it comeing,take a hike you racist jackals.Now your out hunting the other bad men of the middle east.Tell me what is so godly about your actions and the death you have created in the last 300 years.Take a look in the 5000 dollar mirror on the wall and tell me if you see blood on your fangs.

John you and your Arkin ilk are WAY off base. You don't know Persians, and the Persian mind.

There's no question that Iran is mightily armed, and has a huge revolutionary force who will literally die by the millions before they let US forces or anyone else anywhere near a draw. That's why I say what I do, any military action will come at great bloodshed and great cost BUT IT MUST BE DONE NOW AND SOON, THEY ARE THAT DANGEROUS NOW-DO YOU UNDERSTAND - NOW.

As strong as they are, however, they are not as strong as THEY WILL BE. And if it takes limited nuclear firepower to get the point across to Iran, then so be it.

Remember, I'm a progressive Democrat-but I know intelligence matters, I know who's behind all these terrorist attacks, and I know, as I've known for over 17 years, that this country is very very dangerous, and it will not stop until it has a nuclear weaponized force.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the greatest danger in the world today BAR NONE.

Perhaps we need all those comments by sub-adolescents; maybe it's okay to let them use the four lettered here that are not used elsewhere. They've the strength of cupcakes and need to blow their macho hornes, or something? Kill everyone, everything,everywhere and then bomb it, their credo.
But could we somehow demand that their IQ is above 12?

Hey Dumb Ass.
Read what she said....and how she said it.
She is against both parties.
Think before you speak.

'i am a demcrat' is infuriating.
Does this person have the impression that only republicans are fighting in Iraq? That there are no democratic soldiers?
And, that only Republicans put their faces in books?
The poster is undoubtedly young, or something, but one has to fear for this country, not because they don't love war, as that poster, but because of sheer
idiocy.

I am a Democrat for now...But I will not be much longer..just sitting here and reading what the Democrats are saying on here....it really makes us look weak...

Re: (wwildman) Hey he does not sound that bad. My father died in Vietnam and my husband and 2 brothers are in Iraq. They have told us how they have their hands tied. (wwildman)I can see what you mean.

And for (me again) If you would take you face out of the books long enough to smell the roses. Maybe you would grow some balls to fight for your country.

The republicans and the Democrats have done everything they can to destroy this great country of ours.

We really do need a New Party.

Mr. Arkin, I suppose we should depose the administration and let you take over, I'm sure you would straighten everything out right away (or maybe you think Hillary, or Teddy, or Kerry, or some other left wing nut would)! You'd make friends of all the enemies of 'The Western World', friends of all the fanatics who feel disenfranchised by the developers of technology and distributors of research which enables their underdeveloped and largely uncivilized countries and peoples to hope for a better quality of life, just because you 'think' so. Instant gratification, you'd give it to them! They'd love you (right?) because you are a great armchair critic, slamming those who they don't like and whom you disagree with politically. They wouldn't mind left wing infidelities, greed, deceitfulness, malice, etc. Jonathan Swift notwithstanding, there are far too many 'political' media hacks contributing to all manner of discontent and crossing the lines of good diplomacy, contributing to the destablization of the Western world - in the name of 'journalism'. You give impetus and hope to fanatics because you labor to discredit and depose those who are in office trying to deal with them (for better or worse - Get it?). You think you are smart and sassy, but you are hurting our society and (along with your brother and sister media hacks) shooting our country in the foot. There are a lot of stupid, unstable people in America who can be led by every wind that blows. Why don't you show some real diplomacy and good will? Why don't you give those who are under far more pressure and have far more responsibility than you (and, let's not forget, are far more important to the health and welfare of our country and this world than you) the benefit of the doubt? Why must you rip and tear at the President and the Administration? It only helps destabilize this country.

Dumboat diplomacy from Dumbya. We'll all be lucky if that cretan doesn't get the world blown up before we finally get rid of him. Just as a precaution, I'm stocking canned goods in the basement.

Go suck bush and greet him with the commie sign.

Re: wwildman

lmao...

"Anyone in an elected office that speakes out against our President whomever he or she is during the time of war should be shot for treason."

laughable.. this sounds like you want the USA to morph into the very totalitarian regime we are currently fighting against. Not to mention that it goes against the very core of our government. And what our fore fathers envisioned when creating it.

"We need to declare war with no rules of engagement in Iraq. This will save more lives of our troops. Look people, the insurgants are there with no rules. Wake up and smell the coffee."

Yeah so lets lower our standards even more so that we can be just like the people we are fighting. Brilliant!!! You fail to realize that rules of engagement are also there protect our troops as well as innocent civilians. Maybe the insurgents do not respect our rules of engagement but you are setting up a precedence for future conflicts where those rules may have been observed.

"And for Iran.....They either play right or be removed. We have the strongest Military in the world and it is time to show it."

once again what orifice are you pulling this from?

From our own governments CIA world fact book: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html

you can find the following statistics:

USA: Manpower available for military service: Definition Field Listing
males age 18-49: 67,742,879
females age 18-49: 67,070,144 (2005 est.)

China: Manpower available for military service:
Definition Field Listing
males age 18-49: 342,956,265
females age 18-49: 324,701,244 (2005 est.)

and in addition to having about 5 times the military manpower we have they also possess Nukes as well as a huge supply of conventional warfare equipment. Please stop deluding yourself that we are all powerful, those days are long gone.

oh... saved the best for last huh?

"If you do not have what it takes to stand up against other countries that want to destroy ours and quit worring about if the gays rights are protected, do not run for office.

Iraq wanted to destroy the US? and they actually had the means to pose a threat? I guess I missed the recovery of the WMD's they were planing on using against us to achieve this.

Bringing gay rights into this does little to validate your points, just as much time and effort was wasted in this arena protecting the "sanctity or marriage" by our current pro-war administration, the lives of the unborn, and let us not forget the whole Terri Schiavo debacle that many of our conservative elected officials felt the need to weigh in on.

Everyone around the world are laughing at us because of our government officials because the are weak."

I wont argue this point Old Georgie boy is definitely weak (between the ears) and has made us the laughing stock of the planet with his rush to get into this war.

This is a message from the office of Stupid Watch.

You all are invited to join now. You all have been prequalified.

Please go to our web page or you may call 1-800-2ST-UPID

We will give you direction.

I agree with Al Globus (post at 11:48 AM). The recourse of the United States to a nuclear armed Iran is severely limited by our previous and current actions in the Middle East. Do not forget that Iran has a larger, more homogenous population than Iraq and a stronger army. There will be no "Mission Accomplished" ceremony in any war with Iran. The Iranian army will not throw their weapons away in the face of the American Military. Dominance of the skies above Iran is no guarantee either. We have already lost the support of most Arabian nations. We won't be able to fight the next war on the cheap; it will mean a draft and an unpopular one at that. To paraphrase Dana Carvey (doing his imitation of Bush the first) "na ga da" (not gonna do it). All that Bush can do is rattle his rusty saber and fantasize about his "perfect" world. He can't even try diplomacy because he has scuttled the diplomatic corps and the Department of State. He and his neofascist kabal have to accept a large part of the blame for a nuclear armed Iran. When the Iranians supply a portable nuclear weapon to a terror group, the blame will fall squarely on Bush and his incompetent cohort.

" "I hope they don't get a message," he told CNN, referring to Iran. "We certainly don't want any miscalculation on anybody's part on what we are doing."

-------------------------------------------

Sure! The Iranians think that you guys are just amusing yourselves... Is Quinn as dumb as he sounds?

So, what's going here? Bush & Cheney are itching to get into another war? I would not put it past them that they fully intent to bomb Iran. I would not even be surprised if Cheney is pushing for a nuclear bomb.

Let's give peace a chance! Send Jimmy Carter to Teheran!

Anybody who thinks engaging in sabre-rattling at Iran is a good strategy is an idiot. Iran is a country six times the size of Iraq. We are not in any position to engage them militarily. They know it, we know it. Trying to isolate them will work about as well as trying to isolate Cuba. It's time to stop all the tough talk. All it does is give excuses to the existing regime to do things we don't want them to do. Arkin has it right. It's "dumboat diplomacy".

WOULD YOU ALL JUST STOP IT

WHO REALLY GIVES A SH----- ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY.

NO ONE IS LISTENING.....BEACUSE YOU ALL ARE FULL OF IT.

SO JUST STOP IT......

JUST KIDDING........ALL MORONS NEED A PLACE TO AIR OUT THEIR EMPTY BRAINS.

YOU ALL ARE REALLY CRAZY IF YOU REALLY THINK ANYONE REALLY GIVES A RATS ASS ABOUT WAHT YOU HAVE TO SAY.

SHUT UP AND JUST LET THE COUNTRY DIE QUITELY.

I just want to thank you ims, from the bottom of my anti-war (never anti-soldier) heart.

Posted by: ims

I did serve as a Marine and it strikes me as absolutely asinine when people who did serve comment that people who didn't shouldn't voice an opinion on war. I served to protect Americans rights to their opinions, whether about vanilla vs. chocolate ice cream or about war and to say that because someone didn't chose a military path somehow negates their opinion about their country entering a conflict is for morons who would have been better off serving Stalin rather than the US of A. You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting that carrying around a rifle somehow gives you dominion over the validity of conflict, especially considering that the prosecutor of this war has never served in combat. Every American has a right to an opinion on war for two obvious reasons, they are American, and they pay for it. If only people who served were granted an opinion then we would be living in a military dictatorship, not a democracy, just as if only police were given purview to make decisions about law we would be living in a police state. Unfortunately, because of idiots like these, those to things may become a reality for Americans.

The Chinese are set to become a real force in the international cheese market. Cheese consumption there is detonating on an astronomical scale. It may come to pass that Chinese Cheese Consumption rules the fate of the entire industry. Such is critical to the discussion here, but the link will not be realized for many years. I have spoken.

May you be blessed by Allah. Here we have paid for propaganda excoriating the US and its elected leaders to no avail when we merely needed to subscribe to the Post. Please contnue to further our cause through articles like this by being our voice for tyranny, terrorism and most of all, nuclear madness. We also have special needs to repress our subjects and your description of US ineptitude has been a gift from heavem. We cannot wait to place your publication under our subjugation where you can fulfill your destiny to become the beacon for appeasement to all. As a guiding thought, please bone up on your Farsi. At your rate of progress, you'll need it soon.

Quit you bickering. What you need is Leadership. I am here now. Shut up and listen. If I want to go to war I will. You little people shut up. I am your leader and you will obey my wishes or you will be punished. Now shut up and get off your computers and go home and wait to hear from me. I will send soilders to your homes and make you obey me. You little people make me sick.

Now that you understand me. Come strap on a bomb and die for me. Do not worry about your family. They are probably going to die anyway. And if you do not die for me thery will die. I promise.

I gues this is the way you people are wanting to live..Bullsh------ I will die for my country and you weak people just to be able to give you the freedom that you have now.

I am a dyed in the wool Democrat. Let's get that out of the way RIGHT NOW.

That said, however, Arkin, a Post reporter, who, as a Post reporter, thinks himself sooooo savvy, smart and sophisticated-but who, like his brethren, JUST NEVER SEEM TO GET IT. (which is why I like LA Times reporting on terrorism matters much better-gosh! they actually CARE about getting the story right, instead of sucking up to some USG official who feeds them leaks which they eagerly publish, regardless of who or what damage it does-'cuz I get a byline that way-wowooooow!)

Yeah, I don't think too much of the Post-less of the NY Times however, if that's any consolation to you.

But back to the subject at hand: I've been dealing with intelligence matters for quite a few years now, and this has always been my mantra: IRAN IS THE SOURCE FROM WHICH ALL TERRORISM FLOWS-if it has to do with US and Israeli interests-the hand of the Islamic Republic IS RIGHT THERE IN IT.

Let's take a list:

Khobar Towers bombing-check
Buenas Aires synagogue bombing-check
TWA 847 hijacking in Beirut, where Hizbollah stomped on Navy Diver Stetham's body, and threw it out on the tarmac? -check
Pan Am 103 Lockerbie-financial and logistical support?-check
9/11 Hijackers, where Atta and co-attackers came through the country on their way to the US? check
William Buckley murder-CIA station chief? check

very very short list here, because the REAL list goes on and on and on.

Now, anyone who actually believes what the Islamic Republic is currently saying about their nuclear facilities has only 1/4 of a brontosaurus brain. I am quite sincere when I say that.

Whatever Iran says on the international scene, at any time, by their UN spokesperson, by the odious Ahmadinajad, or anyone else, IS NEVER NEVER NEVER TO BE BELIEVED.

Unlike Arabs, Persians don't negotiate, they don't compromise, they only know one thing: it's our way, and our self-interests, or the highway-and anything we say to the contrary is purely lies.

This is a country where still waters run very very deep.

The cancer of the Islamic Republic of Iran is metastasizing, and very unfortunately, it must be surgically removed, before they get to the point where they can do some real damage with their weaponry.

It will come at great bloodshed and cost, but it MUST be done. It must-there really is no other way.

And remember something else: Syria is our friend, it is NOT our enemy-they help the US in a myriad of different ways on the terrorism front.

We're doing that, but converting an economy is not something you do in a strategic timeframe. We are faced with threats that have exploded in scope and lethality over the last several years. The time is coming to hand over defense of our nation to the men and women who will risk their lives and the lives of thousands of others on an hourly basis. It's been a long time...
Also, where do all you hostile, irrational people come from? The stance of our military has not changed and will never change when it comes to threats against our nation. We maintain the most disciplined, highly trained and well equipped force ever seen on this world. Historically, what has been wrought by others in our situation?
Every one of you who preach hatred and disgust and rebellion would do well to visit the tombs of our fathers. Generations have vanished in your defense. Our nation is complicated, but noble still.

it is in fact inconcievable to anyone other than a novice student of the bush white house that the "gunboat diplomacy" that is being waged in the persian gulf is anything other than a prelude to all out war. all the signals are there including increased nervousness and tension throughout the the former middle asian soviet republics and russia herself. everyone is slowly choosing sides. the details of the agreement btween russia and her mid-asian allies to pre-empt the building of oil and gas pipelines south through afghanistan to pakistani seaports underlies the failed policies and increased risks such joint ventures. therefore, now that the democrats have wilted in the early days of a washington summer over the prosecution of the war, the white house sees no real reason why it should not proceed with it's plans to violently seize the caspian sea oil reserves. civilian corpses mean absolutely nothing to these people who suffer from petrophsycosis. the oil companies have already begun to blackmail the american people over percieved future oil-processing issues and we have been more or less told that if we go to fuel alternatives that we will be given no gas at any level of fair pricing. thank you so much, democrats for your lack of leadership and basically spineless approach towards domestic as well as foreign policy. when threatened, always be sure to protect one's self. know what i mean?

I'll start my own party.
I'm going to be honest and say I'll F--- everybody.
I want to steal all the money I can.
To H--- with the poor.
I, like the republicans want to stuff all the millions away that I can and stay in office till I'm 105 and cry about the countries unemployment rate.
After all, millions that I'll never touch makes me feel like a real big man....
No all partys are not alike.
Everytime the republicans go into office they stir up a bunch of S--- and steal all they can from the american tax payers.
BTW, I dont need millions, I dont need to steal, I am more than happy to help all the people of this country that are in need.
Thats what makes me more of Man than bush or cheney will ever be.
They are Losers with the Biggest L.
I think its Fu----- Stupid that the idiots pile away Millions that they will never touch.Whats wrong with the republican Idiots???
Greedy, Slimey, Filthy Maggots that care about no one but their own filthy families.
bushes pig farm is in his words...
A little slice of heaven.
He better hope it is cause thats as close as his 666 family will ever be to heaven.

Dear "abijoon"

You have it right. Iran should definately remember who has used it and would again if threatened....

George has been way TOO patient with Iran.
They need a serious wake up call. We don't need their oil as bad as we need security in the long run- I say take out all their oil fields, reduce their cities to rubbish, then blockade them, and let them starve. When they surrender, imprison all left who are over 20 years old and build a society of respect. It is inevitable, this war, so why lose any more soldiers?

I say both Gunboat Diplomacy and Air Supremacy will be enough to bring them to their knees (to surrender). So do it. If they strike our homeland or Iraq or Israel then nuke 'em.

BTW - the author, IMHO, is an idiot. This war is inevitable and will happen sooner if Iran does not stop developing nukes (which the current regime will not have).

The strategic goal of Afghanistan and Iraq is this: STOP IRAN.....or have you not figured that out yet?

Arkan,

In January HR 6060 raised the War Reserve Stockpile Allies - Israel munitions value limit from $400M to $600M, then $800M on 1 Oct 07. Ask yourself; why and how does that tie into other US actions in the region?

Whatever their intentions, what kind of an idiot would deploy the fleet in such a confined area. You could have massive casualities if one of those ships were hit. 63% of American voters in a recent poll were opposed to a war with Iran. The Republican Party would never recover from such stupidity, and it is questionable if they will survive with the Immigration "Reform" Bill. Democrats are going to hand their leadership their heads if the Iraq War bill in the 2008 election if it is passed. You can imagine what will happen if there is any conflict with Iran. wse may be seeing new political partiies emerge.
I do know two things! If Iraq is attacked, you will see terrorism increase beyond the scope of anyone's imagination. The U.S. will certainly be hit again, and Israel will suffer attacks by missiles with conventional warheads. Look at the mess, the Bush Administration created by attacking Iraq. These people are too stupid to be directing American foreign policy.

Perhaps our troops would be home, if we the American people wouldn't support our congress in dictating how they fight that war through political bickering. War is hell - and we need to start acting like it. Stop voting in politicians that don't understand that - and work to tell our enemies when they will be able to declare victory (through an artificial pull out date). So much has been said about torture. No matter what your stance on that subject, surely no sane individual can conclude that what we have done is even in the same ball park as what our enemies have done (such as be-headings, and other physical DETRIMENTAL damage). How short our memories are as well, when some say that Bush deliberately deceived the American people over the WMD's in Iraq. Remember, Bill and Hillary said the same things - as well as Kerry, and Gore. All based on the same intelligence from the same sources. One of you mentioned failed energy policy. Bush can't win with you people. No matter what he does it will always be either not enough, or not do-able. However, Gore is groundbreaking in this subject - he's advised all of us to use compact flourecent (sorry about the spelling) light bulbs - yeah that will save the planet. lol - Oh, and there's a new study saying that the gas in those light bulbs may be just as damaging to our enviroment! lmao

Bottom line - In a few more years none of this will matter as we will all be speaking spanish, paying venezuela $12 dollars a gallon for gas, and re-electing Hillary / but at least Gay people will be able to marry and Israel will be a thing of the past.

I did serve as a Marine and it strikes me as absolutely asinine when people who did serve comment that people who didn't shouldn't voice an opinion on war. I served to protect Americans rights to their opinions, whether about vanilla vs. chocolate ice cream or about war and to say that because someone didn't chose a military path somehow negates their opinion about their country entering a conflict is for morons who would have been better off serving Stalin rather than the US of A. You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting that carrying around a rifle somehow gives you dominion over the validity of conflict, especially considering that the prosecutor of this war has never served in combat. Every American has a right to an opinion on war for two obvious reasons, they are American, and they pay for it. If only people who served were granted an opinion then we would be living in a military dictatorship, not a democracy, just as if only police were given purview to make decisions about law we would be living in a police state. Unfortunately, because of idiots like these, those to things may become a reality for Americans.

When no one will do business with the US, UK, france, china, russia etc. you'll see how fast 'rogue' nations stop their pursuit.

How about how fast every other nation on earth's economy would colapse if they stopped doing buisness with the superpowers? how about you wake up and live in reality.

One mistake, one miscue by either the Iranians or the US fleet, and we will have more dead military. How many times have the US military been fired upon "accidently," and then backed off because an apology was offered. Intelligent people know that the world will not condone killing civilians to punish "evil" military. If we are fired upon we will not retaliate. We can't nuke them. We cannot bomb their mosques. There isn't an army to fight. It is a religious belief that is our enemy. Read up on the Crusades and their outcomes. Massed armies don't work. Think small, fight terrorism with terrorism. Infiltrate and destroy. Stop following failed policies. Think for a change.

If our goal is to undercut or eliminate Islamic terrorism, there is an approach that has not been taken, but is worth a try:
Use our vastly superior technology to create transportation that does not use oil. When we do not send our national treasure to repressive regimes (many we created for oil which does not make us particularly blameless or popular), they will not have the funds to create havoc elsewhere. We will not "need" to invade the Middle-East, so the fear that prompts nuclear development will be diminished (nice cost savings on 17 ship carrier groups too). Side benefits will accrue: without having enough money to efficiently repress their own populations,Islamic states may actually undergo transformation, global warming will be positively effected, balance of trade will be in our favor again, and the slide toward imperalism we have been on for too long may be arrested.
In short, if we take care of ourselves, there will be little incentive for others to continue to try to harm us.

PS: Recall how the Middle-East was before oil. Note how peacefully Israel has lived while being an occuping force. The US can enjoy the former situation by not being like the latter.

If our goal is to undercut or eliminate Islamic terrorism, there is an approach that has not been taken, but is worth a try:
Use our vastly superior technology to create transportation that does not use oil. When we do not send our national treasure to repressive regimes (many we created for oil which does not make us particularly blameless or popular), they will not have the funds to create havoc elsewhere. We will not "need" to invade the Middle-East, so the fear that prompts nuclear development will be diminished (nice cost savings on 17 ship carrier groups too). Side benefits will accrue: without having enough money to efficiently repress their own populations,Islamic states may actually undergo transformation, global warming will be positively effected, balance of trade will be in our favor again, and the slide toward imperalism we have been on for too long may be arrested.
In short, if we take care of ourselves, there will be little incentive for others to continue to try to harm us.

PS: Recall how the Middle-East was before oil. Note how peacefully Israel has lived while being an occuping force. The US can enjoy the former situation by not being like the latter.

The democrats are no differant than the republicans.......they are all in office for one reason and one reason and for one reason only.....the money and power

Wake up people......you can b--tch all you want. Oh my party is better than your party. BULL.....wake up.

This is what they are all hoping for....they love all the stupid people that vote for them and then gripe later when it is to late.

You know what?

WE ARE THE MORONS....YES THATS RIGHT..WE ARE THE MORONS

WE ARE THE ONES THAT PUT THEM INTO POWER

Democrats are just as bad as the Republicans

Look at the new speaker of the house....the first thing she wanted was a giant plane to fly in ....Why....so she can show power and waste more of out tax dollars.....

Iran is like every other country that covets a nuclear device. It gives you a rise in world status. Even if you are a poor country or one in decline, you get to sit at the table with the big boys. Well, until the world stops rewarding countries with such deadly arsenals, countries will strive to gain such weapons. I wish for all the countries without these weapons to band together and begin a trade embargo against nuclear equipped countries. When no one will do business with the US, UK, france, china, russia etc. you'll see how fast 'rogue' nations stop their pursuit.

The democrats are no differant than the republicans.......they are all in office for one reason and one reason and for one reason only.....the money and power

Wake up people......you can b--tch all you want. Oh my party is better than your party. BULL.....wake up.

This is what they are all hoping for....they love all the stupid people that vote for them and then gripe later when it is to late.

You know what?

WE ARE THE MORONS....YES THATS RIGHT..WE ARE THE MORONS

WEARE THE ONE THAT PUT THEM INTO POWER

Democrats are just as bad as the Republicans

Look at the new speaker of the house....the first thing she wanted was a giant plane to fly in ....Why....so she can show power and waste more of out tax dollars.....

After reading all of these comments I realize that it must be human nature to desire conflict. A handful of people on the internet cannot even agree and nations are suppose too? It is the sad harsh reality. As technology improves so does our ability to kill ourselves.

and said that the United States would not tolerate Iran gaining nuclear weapons and "dominating the region...

Well, we all know that the only problem really is that #43 and company insist on dominating the region, and anyone who believes otherwise represents a threat to #43 and company.

Haven't we allowed #43 and company, the real aggressors in the Middle-East, to bother these people long enough?

Here's a link to the IAEA report on Iran:

http://www.isis-online.org/publications/iran/IAEAreport23May2007.pdf

Our elected officials and laxitives have allot in common.
They are sending this country down the S---er as fast as they can.

I would write an article but due to the Commie bush Government all of my freedoms have been taken away while they try to start another war with another peacefull country.
Impeach the Idiots now, before they murder
Hundreds of Thousands in another country.

The Communist USA
Its sad but true,
Thanks to republicans.

The media thinks they have the right to say whatever they want..... Bush gives the go ahead to the CIA to run covert operations. Hello, morons. Some things shouldn't be reported. I can't believe how ignorant these reporters are.

The billions of dollars that are being used to fight in Iraq should be paid back with their oil and reduce the price we pay at the pump and take that same amount of money that would have been wasted on this war and spend it on drilling in this country and quit being dependat on forein oil.

Does it really matter if Iran currently obtained more middle eastern support? What does power matter if its leaders are dead and its extremists purged? I think it would be a testament of the power of American military, and nations would think twice about playing hardball against the United States.

"Death solves all problems - no man, no problem." - Joseph Stalin sums up the problem of the middle east in this single sentence. The Iranian government is NOT a government of the people, its a government of the past, still trapped in the mindset of the backwaters of civilization as if its leading state of the Islamic Inquisition.

If the idiots wants to be martyred, then satisfy them with mortars, bombs, and cruise missiles.

Just remember, No man, no problem.

For the Arkin - what do you suggest that the US do in regard to Iran if not threaten them? Diplomacy obviously does not work, and Iranian understand US is full of peace loving people who would not goto war unless an artillery shell landed on their front porch. The Iranian government uses the tactics of "negotiation" to buy time till it actually has nuclear power which it WILL use if not physically, at least politically. Would you have us go the way of Europe to appease our enemies?

Uh, Justin, you can't "make" the Islamic Republic "hard-lined," dear, you see, it's BEEN that way since 1979. "Death to America" has been THEIR mantra since that time-they even hang signs up with their slogan in front of their hotels. "It" isn't going away.

This country will have to take the lead and remove the cancer that is the Islamic Republic, at great bloodshed and cost, just as it is doing so well and nobly in Afghanistan, with an international force.

And of course, had we taken all the shock and awe firepower that we used in poor Iraq, and moved it over to Iran, then we would have accomplished great good in the world.

This will be just another example of how other people have had to clean up G.W.Bush's messes ever since he was a baby.

I would like to say that most of you are missing the point. Bush and Co. are merely stooges for the corporations that really call the shots. If there is a profit to be made, then the gov(read Military Industrial Complex) has no problem killing and maiming innocents to steal more money so they can afford to give themselves larger bonuses. As long as you are afraid then they have you right where they want you

What is all the fuss about? Iran has a right to defend themselves against the worst "Nazi's" (the U.S.) in history. Compare the exploits of the Iranians to the "White" man's burden foreign policy of the U.S. We are the ones who enabled Iraq to attack Iran through our "friend" Saddam. Then we turned on him and attacked him, what are the Iranians to think. We are the most dishonorable Nation in the world, the Iranians do not owe us any explanation and we should get out of the business of making the World safe for Israel.

Do you read these? I hope so. Your words protray you in a less than appealing light, at least to the educated among us. What is your purpose? Certainly it isn't to offer any type of valuable contribution to our understanding of suitable force as a massively powerful global presence. You demonstrate a lack of many things which makes those in your field great. Poorly done. Since my nation is unaware of your your petty, contrived accusations, I offer this in its defense. You have no understanding of reality, noble sir.

Why is it automatically assumed that the interests of Israel are identical with the interests of the United States?

It seems to me that they have highly divergent geopolitcal situations and interests, and the assumption that one is identical with the other is very peculiar.

Why is it also automatically assumed that the Iranians are suicidal, and would launch an attack on Israel that would inevitably lead to massive retaliation?

Why do we believe that Iran would not be somewhat upset that the U.S. has written into law its desire to overthrow their government?

Why should we be surprised that Iran sponsors organizations that militate against people who attack their interests?

Why does the US think that just because it has the most military hardware, everyone will do anything they want?

Clearly Iran knows that nuclear weapons will prevent a US attack. Observe North Korea.

Clearly Bush knows he needs to distract from the disaster in Iraq to attain any relevance whatsoever.

So watch for airstrikes in September. And say hello to $8 per gallon gas.

And then say hello to a nuclear armed hard line Islamic Iran.

Threats are useless unless credible; the Bushstapo lost all credibility years ago... President Bush has a reverse Midas touch; everything he touches fails miserably. Iraq, Foreign Relations, the environment, energy policy, health care - it's all a global system and each failure potentiates the next.

Hey, if you do not like the US.....move somewhere else.....oh yeah you will not do that beacuse you are safe and free here.

I am a dyed in the wool Democrat. Let's get that out of the way RIGHT NOW.

That said, however, Arkin, a Post reporter, who, as a Post reporter, thinks himself sooooo savvy, smart and sophisticated-but who, like his brethren, JUST NEVER SEEM TO GET IT. (which is why I like LA Times reporting on terrorism matters much better-gosh! they actually CARE about getting the story right, instead of sucking up to some USG official who feeds them leaks which they eagerly publish, regardless of who or what damage it does-'cuz I get a byline that way-wowooooow!)

Yeah, I don't think too much of the Post-less of the NY Times however, if that's any consolation to you.

But back to the subject at hand: I've been dealing with intelligence matters for quite a few years now, and this has always been my mantra: IRAN IS THE SOURCE FROM WHICH ALL TERRORISM FLOWS-if it has to do with US and Israeli interests-the hand of the Islamic Republic IS RIGHT THERE IN IT.

Let's take a list:

Khobar Towers bombing-check
Buenas Aires synagogue bombing-check
TWA 847 hijacking in Beirut, where Hizbollah stomped on Navy Diver Stetham's body, and threw it out on the tarmac? -check
Pan Am 103 Lockerbie-financial and logistical support?-check
9/11 Hijackers, where Atta and co-attackers came through the country on their way to the US? check
William Buckley murder-CIA station chief? check

very very short list here, because the REAL list goes on and on and on.

Now, anyone who actually believes what the Islamic Republic is currently saying about their nuclear facilities has only 1/4 of a brontosaurus brain. I am quite sincere when I say that.

Whatever Iran says on the international scene, at any time, by their UN spokesperson, by the odious Ahmadinajad, or anyone else, IS NEVER NEVER NEVER TO BE BELIEVED.

Unlike Arabs, Persians don't negotiate, they don't compromise, they only know one thing: it's our way, and our self-interests, or the highway-and anything we say to the contrary is purely lies.

This is a country where still waters run very very deep.

The cancer of the Islamic Republic of Iran is metastasizing, and very unfortunately, it must be surgically removed, before they get to the point where they can do some real damage with their weaponry.

It will come at great bloodshed and cost, but it MUST be done. It must-there really is no other way.

And remember something else: Syria is our friend, it is NOT our enemy-they help the US in a myriad of different ways on the terrorism front.

If I were Iranian, I'd say Bush's little boat tricks (constantly) show just how MUCH they need a deterrent.
Also, let's face it, Israel's plans to
go back into lebanon (to prove their shrunken man hood) might also strengthen Iran's resolve to get "the" bomb. Are they supposed to just take it/
God, the stupidity, and cupidity of the US and it's savage 'friend' Israel.
Iran et. al. is right that the rest of the region, let alone the rest of the world, is getting SICK of it.

Many time, we have to start (and finish a war) to live in peace.
How long do you thingk before those crazy people bring the war to us? Remember 9/11?

When are you people going to understand this isn't about protecting the US or about "threats" to the US? It's about perpetuating a state of unending war, to continue the money grab that was starting during the cold war. We are the war-mongers in the world, and it is not out of any civic responsibility, it is out of the desire to keep lining the pockets of Halliburton, and Blackwater and all the other defense contractors whose very existence depends on having an "enemy" to fight and a war to win. We are the sole imperialists in the world. We are the agressors.

I would like to see who these f.ucking losers are above who are advocating war against Iran.

Are you actually Americans?

Just one nuke - and whola!
Lake Afghanistan - it would be such a quiet and peaceful place for that KOA...
All these folk that chant "Give peace a chance" - Weren't we at peace when those diaper heads took down the World Trade Center towers?
Remember the Trade Center?... Let's help them in their quest to meet Allah.
Slap a smiley face on the nuke, sign it - "Have a Great Day - the infidels"..

Just like I said before...we need to fight the war and not tie the hands of our soilders

Give Bush an IQ test.

Re: wwildman US has the strongest military in the world? Stronger than China? Don't think so. Look at how much trouble we are having winning a war on a country that is about twice the size of Idaho. Now look at this taken from the CIA world fact site:

IRAQ:
Military manpower -- availability:
males 18-49: 5,870,640 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures -- dollar figure:
$1.3 billion (FY00 est.)

compare with IRAN:
Military manpower -- availability:
males 18-49: 18,319,545 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures -- dollar figure:
$4.3 billion (2003 est.)

In other words unless we change our fighting tactics one could expect a war in Iraq to be at least 4x as difficult as our current war (if you look at the numbers) and the CIA only has published iranian military expendatures for 2003 you can bet they are a lot higher now.

Re: wwildman US has the strongest military in the world? Stronger than China? Don't think so. Look at how much trouble we are having winning a war on a country that is about twice the size of Idaho. Now look at this taken from the CIA world fact site:

IRAQ:
Military manpower -- availability:
males 18-49: 5,870,640 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures -- dollar figure:
$1.3 billion (FY00 est.)

compare with IRAN:
Military manpower -- availability:
males 18-49: 18,319,545 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures -- dollar figure:
$4.3 billion (2003 est.)

In other words unless we change our fighting tactics one could expect a war in Iraq to be at least 4x as difficult as our current war (if you look at the numbers) and the CIA only has published iranian military expendatures for 2003 you can bet they are a lot higher now.

Sorry, this man cannot be believed he has misrepresented deceived and distorted the facts of Iraq continuously