Middle East on fire

EU's Catherine Ashton 'deeply concerned' by Israeli settlement plans (Reuters)

U.S. deeply disappointed by Israeli settlement moves, U.S. official says (Reuters)

U.K. Foreign Secretary condemns Israeli decision to accelerate settlements (Haaretz)

Iran military head warns of 'heavy damage' should Israel attack

Senior ministers and diplomats said the International Atomic Energy Agency's report, due to be released on November 8, will have a decisive effect on the decisions Israel makes.

And you bet the report will be for war.

Western intelligence officials agree that Iran is forging ahead with its nuclear program. Intelligence services now say it will take Iran two or three years to get the bomb once it decides to (it hasn't made the decision yet ).

According to Western experts' analyses, an attack on Iran in winter is almost impossible, because the thick clouds would obstruct the Israel Air Force's performance.

¸
Except you don't need to see anything when you use missiles or bombs with GPS coordinates. You would need to see for CONFIRMATION... but I'm sure they have agents on the ground that would be able to confirm.

Anyway, if they say ``war in winter is impossible``... then they may be hinting at Israel attacking Iran around the end of November or in early spring.

Are Israel's military drills preparation for an Iran strike?

The test-firing of a ballistic missile on Wednesday at the Palmahim Israel Defense Forces base in central Israel would not have been possible without a long and complex process of serious planning and rigorous safety standards; The joint drill with the Italian Air Force last week over Sardinia could not have occurred without extensive pre-planning with the Italians. The drill planned for Thursday in Holon, simulating a rocket attack on Gush Dan, was scheduled a long time ago by the Home Front Command.

That's a lot of drills. Of course all that was planned long ago, but in politics, timing is never a coincidence.

In Israel, speculation over strike on Iran grows

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking cabinet support for a military strike on Iran, Haaretz newspaper reported Wednesday, after days of speculation on plans for such an attack.

Haaretz said that Netanyahu and Barak had already scored a significant win by convincing Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman to throw his support behind a strike.

But the newspaper cited the senior Israeli official as saying there was still "a small advantage" in the cabinet for those opposed to an attack.

Among those still opposed, Haaretz said, are Interior Minister Eli Yishai of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, Intelligence Minister Dan Meridor, Strategic Affairs Minister and Netanyahu confidant Moshe Yaalon, and Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz.

Media reports say any strike is also opposed by army chief Benny Gantz, the head of Israel's intelligence agency Tamir Pardo, the chief of military intelligence Aviv Kochavi and the head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency Yoram Cohen.

But as other generals have said, Netanyahu and Barak have been doing everything they can to flush those who oppose the strike out of the administration. Hopefully Netanyahu and his crew of crazies fail.

Berlin 'threatens 6th sub sale to Israel'

Germany has reportedly threatened to halt the delivery to Israel of a sixth Dolphin class submarine, supposedly capable of firing nuclear-tipped missiles at Iran, in protest against plans to build 1,100 homes for Jewish settlers in an East Jerusalem suburb.

+1 If Israel wants submarines, they can ask the US, the ridiculous thing about this is that German taxpayers are paying a part of the submarine... WW2 guilt as always...

Israel hikes missile range over Iran fears

Israel is reported to be seeking to extend the range of its Jericho- 3 ballistic missile, which could be used for pre-emptive military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities.

"Israeli ambassadors in Western countries have been instructed to inform high-ranking politicians that the window of opportunity for imposing effective sanctions on Iran is closing," the newspaper said.

That is serious language.

But Western experts say the three-stage, solid-fuel Jericho 3 has an estimated range of 3,000-4,000 miles. That means Israel can hit targets anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran.

It's believed the missile can carry a 1,650-pound nuclear warhead or two or three low-yield multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle -- MIRV -- warheads.

Which can kill a LOT of people.

Israel gets ready to unveil David's Sling

The Israeli air force is preparing to deploy a new air-defense system with the biblical name of David's Sling, designed to intercept medium-range missiles, while the Iron Dome system deployed earlier battles Palestinian rockets.

A new unit has been formed to man the first David's Sling battery that will be based in central Israel sometime in 2012.

One reason there are still only two Iron Dome batteries deployed is that the government was slow to acknowledge the need for such systems and does not have the funds.

Well maybe if they spent money on that instead of F-35s...

Israel defense chief: Iran our main threat

Amid continuing concern that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is inclined to order military action against Iran's nuclear program, a key Defense Ministry chief says, "Iran is out central threat."

Except Iran is weak. And Israel's military can kick the butt of almost every military on earth.

Israel Air Force conducts drills for long-range attacks

While the media and political sphere is abuzz with news on a potential attack on Iran's nuclear development facilities, the Israel Air Force continues conducting comprehensive drills on long-range attacks.

The last drill of this sort took place last week at the NATO base in Italy, in which six different types of air force squadrons participated. The drill was widely covered on websites around the world that specialize in aviation.

Report: U.K. preparing for military strike on Iran nuclear facilities

The U.K. is stepping up its preparations for a military strike on Iran, the Guardian newspaper reported on Wednesday. According to the report, the U.K. is increasingly concerned over Tehran's nuclear program, and is preparing to deploy Royal Navy ships in the in the coming months to assist a possible U.S. attack on key facilities in Iran.

The paper cited senior officials who said they believed Iran had regained its technological capabilities which were severely damaged in a cyber-attack last year. Iran said the Stuxnet worm infected personal computers of employees at the Bushehr plant, but not the plant's main systems. The New York Times reported last January that the worm was a joint Israeli-U.S. effort to undermine Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Netanyahu: It is Israel's right and obligation to build in Jerusalem

PM says Israel must continue to develop Jerusalem, asserts construction there is Israel's basic right and not simply a punishment to Palestinians.

Such arrogance... what a POS...

Territories are being established right now. There is a serious play for global dominance but ive not seen any competition. Wait, its still early. Perhaps China or Russia. We shal see.

Ya well China would be pissed if their investments in Iran would be gone...

Aid ships head from Turkish port to Gaza

More trouble. So far no news of the Turkish navy helping them. They are supposed to reach Gaza friday.

Israel will not strike Iran until theres a government change in syria and/or civil war & instability.

Syria today accepted Arab peace plan.

Part of the agreement, crack it from the inside;

The blueprint also calls for the "release of people detained as a result of the recent events, the withdrawal of forces from towns and districts where there have been armed clashes, and the granting of access to the Arab League, and Arab and international media."

will syria split?

reply to post by RizeorDie

Syria today accepted Arab peace plan.

Except it won't work. Whatever the protesters demand will be unacceptable for the Assads. Bet on that.

Originally posted by Vitchilo
reply to post by RizeorDie

 

Syria today accepted Arab peace plan.

Except it won't work. Whatever the protesters demand will be unacceptable for the Assads. Bet on that.

of course they wont, but too many countries are involved now

reply to post by Vitchilo


Don´t forget the Palestinian Vote for Statehood on 11.11.11...Since Israel wants to punish Palestina for the UNESCO thing,what are they gonna do when the get their own recognized State? A War would be a Chance to wipe them out completely and claim it was an Attack from Iran that did it...

reply to post by Shenon


True dat.

3 important dates then...

November 8, UN report on Iran.
November 9, nation-wide (USA) FEMA emergency drill.
November 11, Palestine asking for statehood at the UN security council.

And of course the whole economy... in the balance that could go supernovae at any moment...

The next few weeks could be historic.

Arab/Gulf nations, true or false, right or wrong, are chiming in on a possible attack on Iran:

Saudi crown prince rules out compromise with Iran

MECCA (AFP) - Saudi Crown Prince Nayef Ben Abdul Aziz on Tuesday ruled out any compromise with Iran over allegations of Iranian involvement in a plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to Washington.

“There can be no compromise with Iran concerning the assassination bid because there is no need for it,” the crown prince, who also holds the interior ministry portfolio, told a news conference in Mecca.

“We are ready to deal with any scenario... with any means necessary,” he added without further details during an inspection tour of preparations for the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Islam’s holiest site.

Iran wants Bahrain as its ‘crown jewel’ - minister

CAIRO (AFP) - Bahrain's foreign minister on Tuesday accused Iran of eyeing the Gulf monarchy as "the crown jewel" in a campaign to penetrate the Gulf, and called for Arab support in confronting Tehran, according to official Egyptian media.

"Iran always looks at Bahrain as the crown jewel," Khalifa was quoted as saying by the official Egyptian news agency MENA, adding it is the entry point into the Gulf.

"Gulf countries should not have to stand alone facing Iran, [other] Arab countries must be responsible, and Arab publics must pay attention to Iran's dangers, which come under a thousand guises. The threat is grave," he said.

www.jordantimes.com...

White House on Iran: We remain focused on a diplomatic course (Haaretz)

Till ya don't...

At least 36 killed in Syria, as regime accepts Arab League plan (DPA)

Ex-Mossad head Meir Dagan: Recently released IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is not a hero (Haaretz)

Duh.

Israel to increase settlements

Israel decided today to accelerate Jewish settlement building and withhold Palestinian Authority funds, moves likely to further hold up international efforts to revive peace talks.

Israel's move came a day after Unesco awarded the Palestinians full membership of the UN cultural agency, a diplomatic victory for the Palestinian Authority in its push for recognition as a state at the United Nations.

Israel called the Unesco decision a "tragedy" and the United States said it would stop its funding of the organisation.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the accelerated construction of some 2,000 housing units, said an official statement released after he convened his cabinet.

What a scumbag...

Dates for an attack on Iran...

November 10 : No moon.
November 25 : Full moon.
December 10 : No moon.
December 24 : Full moon.

The IAEA report, released on November 8, should decide whether or not Israel goes to war with Iran this year or not. Me thinks Netanyahu awaits that report to change the minds of his cabinet to strike Iran.

A strike on December 24 would sure be ideal for him since most of the western world would be too busy with Christmas to care. We'll see on November 8 what the report says.

Iran :

High-ranking Iranian officer: We are stronger than ever, threatening us is pointless (Ch. 10)

Funny.

Egypt :

Egypt announces pardons of 334 sentenced during ‘Arab Spring’ on Facebook (AP)

Good news.

Israel :
Haaretz poll: Israelis evenly split over attacking Iran

Haaretz-Dialog poll shows 52 percent of Israelis trust PM Netanyahu and DM Barak's 'on the Iranian issue,' while 37 percent do not, only 11 percent had no opinion.

Israelis are almost evenly split on whether Israel should attack Iran's nuclear facilities, with 41 percent supporting such a strike and 39 percent opposed, a new Haaretz-Dialog poll has found.

Senior Israeli Ministers clash over military option against Iran

Barak supports military strike on Iran, Ya'alon favors U.S. intervention.

Not much of a clash... they are both for war... one going alone and the other for America going in once again.

One minister who belongs to the octet said that, at the forum's meetings, Ya'alon and Barak presented diametrically opposed views: Barak supported an Israeli military strike on Iran and said it should take place as soon as possible, while Ya'alon argued that Israel should give international sanctions on Iran more time, and that if military action did become necessary, it would be better for America to do it.

America tasked with doing Israel's dirty business again... why am I not surprised...

Israel and Iran are fighting a war of nerves

The speed of events on the Israel-Iran front is beginning to recall the eve of a war.

Israel conducts a rare ballistic missile test; the Israel Air Force reports a successful exercise in Sardinia, far from home; Iran's chief of staff says the "likelihood is low" of an Israeli attack, but threatens that his country would respond forcefully.

British sources tell The Guardian of preparations for an attack on Iran's nuclear sites coordinated with the United States; Britain's chief of staff makes a secret visit to Israel. The defense minister goes to London for talks; MKs from the extreme right demand that the former head of the Mossad be put on trial (! ) for daring to object to an Israeli attack. The speed of events on the Israel-Iran front is beginning to recall the eve of a war.

War war war, the only thing Israel's government talks about all day.

reply to post by Vitchilo


November 10 would be a good Date,one Day before the Vote for Palestinias Statehood (which could cause alot of Problems for Israel,doesn´t it?). Israel might avoid that Vote altogether because of a possible UN Emergency Meeting.

I guess we´ll see on November 8...

reply to post by Shenon


Good thinking... just like the ex-CIA agent said... Israel would start a war against Iran just before Palestine asked for statehood.

If they indeed are planning to strike on November 10, they are probably already making preparations...

I still think that November 10 is too early.

reply to post by Vitchilo


I think they are already prepared,or Israel wouldn´t be this loud as they currently are. And i had a Feeling something is afoot when Obama suddenly announced last Week (or two weeks ago?) that they are going to withdraw completely from Iraq before they Year ends (due to the Pressure of the Iraqi Goverment ?)

I very much doubt they want that many Soldiers seeing how screwed up the USA currently is when they get Home. That could be another Reason why they want to attack Iran as soon as possible. Avoiding a Civil War or something...

Edit: The deciding Factors are Russia and China. If Isreal decides to attack Iran despite Objections from them,then we might be in another World War before this Year is over...

I´m getting slightly scared...

reply to post by Shenon


Ya well here's the info leaked...

Iran is attempting to engineer and test nuclear weapons at a series of banned production sites in defiance of United Nations sanctions, according to a report to be released next week.

This looks real bad.

Haar etz poll: 80% of Israelis believe Iran strike will lead to war with Hamas, Hezbollah

According to a Haaretz-Dialog poll, 59% of respondents say Iran attack would likely cause a regional war, while 20% believe that the probability of war is unlikely or entirely improbable.

20% are total idiots.

Flotilla organizers to Haaretz: We expect to reach Gaza in two days

Canadian activist Ehab Lotayef says two-vessel flotilla is 'halfway to Gaza'; says 'there will be no violence from our side' in dealing with Israel Defense Forces.

Iran TV: Israel strike would have apocalyptic consequences (DPA)

Israel freezes UNESCO funding after Palestinian membership (Haaretz)

Iran FM warns U.S. against entering 'collision course' with Iran (Reuters)

Gaza militants fire at Israeli security forces, IDF responds to source of shooting (Haaretz)

Obama says pressure must be maintained on Iran over its nuclear program (Reuters)

Home Front Command to conduct drill simulating rocket attack on central Israel at 10 A.M. (Ch. 10)

Another drill in preparation for an attack on Iran.

NATO leader says alliance has no intention of intervening in Iran

NATO has “no intention whatsoever” of intervening in Iran, the alliance’s top official said in response to reports that some governments may be planning a military strike against Tehran’s nuclear program.

Rumors that Turkey is about to pull out of NATO and withdraw their applications on the EU.

I think this is total bull, but apparently they gonna make a statement at 5PM EST.

We'll see if it materializes... of course if it's true, it's HUGE news...

reply to post by Vitchilo


Isn´t it over 5pm now? Nothing in the News so far.

But this Rumor does raise some Questions,namely what Turkey´s Role would be in a Israel-Iran War. If they suddenly get out of NATO,then that would mean they are going to "Deal" with Syria on their own,which would make the War for Israel easier,since Syria wouldn´t be able to help Iran anytime soon.

This would enable Russia to help Syria fighting Turkey,since they don´t have to deal with NATO (since Turkey isn´t a Member anymore) on top of that.

China would be able to help Iran fighting against Israel/US/UK.


We would have a War on several Fronts

China/Iran Israel/US/UK
Russia/Syria Turkey

Hm,Tactics

reply to post by Shenon


Yeah it seems it was a BS rumor as I thought...

Turkey's main opposition warns of ‘war plot’ against Syria

A deputy leader of Turkey’s main opposition party has said a “plot” is being staged in unrest-hit Syria to pave the way for the country’s foreign occupation. She also said the Republican People’s Party (CHP) does not back all practices of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad but is against a foreign intervention in Syria.

“The West has written a plot about democracy and liberty, and they are staging it. But this plot of democracy and liberty is nothing but the plot for an invasion,” Birgül Ayman Güler told the Hürriyet Daily News. She said this plan would result in thousands of deaths.

Arab League gives Syria 15 days to implement proposal (DPA)

After that what happens? They give the ``problem`` to NATO?

reply to post by Vitchilo


I hate it when i´m right...IF its true

'15,000 strong' army gathers to take on Syria

An insurgent army which claims to be up to 15,000 strong is being coordinated from Turkey to take on President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, which risks plunging the region into open warfare.

ATS Thread here