Middle East on fire

reply to post by Shenon


Well good luck to them. Hopefully they take out Assad.

PM seeking investigation into leaked Iran reports, says Kuwaiti newspaper

For a week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done nothing to rein in the wave of public statements by government ministers on the Iranian issue. But yesterday, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jarida suddenly informed Israel's citizens that Netanyahu has asked the Shin Bet security service to open an investigation into leaked reports of the cabinet's deliberations on this issue - and that the two main suspects are former Mossad chief Meir Dagan and former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin.

Al Jarida cited an Israeli source as saying the motive for the leaks was revenge: Dagan was angry that his tenure as Mossad chief wasn't extended again, and Diskin was angry that he wasn't chosen to replace Dagan as head of the Mossad.

"The two recruited several leading Israeli journalists and leaked information - most of it erroneous - to them in order to cause political damage to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister [Ehud] Barak," the paper quoted the source as saying.

The goal of the campaign, according to the paper, was twofold: to prevent a military strike on Iran and to topple Netanyahu's government.

Good. I hope they succeed in toppling those two nutjobs.

Jerusalem UNESCO retaliation angers Washington

U.S. envoys tell Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aides that Washington objects to Israel freezing tax income that it collects for the Palestinians.

The United States yesterday protested to the Prime Minister's Office against sanctions Israel has imposed on the Palestinian Authority, following UNESCO's acceptance of Palestine as a full member.

Protesting is all the US is able to do against Israel's government. Put sanctions on Netanyahu already.

International pressure on Iran rising, from media leaks to military exercises

Israel's government and the international community remain divided over whether or not to attack Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The picture that is emerging is, in all likelihood, as follows: Israel's government remains divided over whether to attack Iran, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak support the idea in principle. Israel apparently switched to intensive muscle-flexing. It seems that a recent spate of well-publicized activity such as media leaks, was aimed at upping the pressure on Tehran, and above all, on the international community, which will discuss the latest International Atomic Energy Agency report on Iran's nuclear program next week.

The threat of Israeli military action increases the chances of the world taking a firm stand on the Iranian issue. It is possible, for instance, that the Security Council will now discuss imposing new, harsher sanctions on Tehran. With this in mind, it's interesting to note that the crude Israeli hints about military action over the past week haven't elicited the slightest objection from either Washington or London.

Republican Perry would back Israel strike on Iran nuclear sites

Texas governor tells CNN he would support covert and overt military attacks in order to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability.

Of course he would, the guy is a nut.

Russian missile contract with Syria remains valid – official

A contract on the supply of advanced Russian anti-ship missiles to Syria is being implemented, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Mikhail Dmitriyev said on Wednesday.

Russia has repeatedly said it would honor a 2007 contract on the delivery of several Bastion anti-ship missile systems armed with SS-N-26 Yakhont supersonic cruise missiles to Syria, despite efforts by Israel and the United States to stop the deal.

That would give Syria serious firepower...

Russia Delivers Radar Jammers to Iran

Russia has sent a set of mobile radar jammers to Iran and is negotiating future deliveries that Moscow believes do not contravene current United Nations sanctions on the Islamic state's regime, an official said Tuesday.

U.S.: We expect Lebanon to fund UN Hariri tribunal (DPA)

Probably not going to happen. Hezbollah will fight this tooth and nail.

France says it will abstain from UN Security Council vote on Palestinian state (AP)

U.S. military official: Iran is top threat to U.S. (Reuters)

Total bull.

Jordan to release more political prisoners, minister says (DPA)

ICRC: 400 bodies retrieved in Gadhafi's hometown (AP)

Syria peace plan unravels; 15 killed in protests (AP)

BREAKING NEWS: Urgent: Ships BOARDED by Israeli Navy

Canadian and Irish ships sailing with Freedom Waves to Gaza have been illegally boarded by the Israeli military in international waters a short while ago.

The Israeli military stated that “Upon arrival of the vessels at the Ashdod port, the activists will be transferred to the custody of the Israel Police and immigration authorities in the Ministry of Interior”.

Freedom Waves to Gaza organizers have been unable to communicate with the ships since soon after the vessels were approached by Israeli warships earlier this afternoon.

'Chance for Iran diplomacy fading, military option closer'.

President Shimon Peres on Friday said that he believes Israel is closer to utilizing the military option in dealing with Iran's nuclear program than it is to finding a diplomatic solution to the threat.

In an interview with Channel 2, the president suggested that the media speculation about a potential attack on Iran may have some basis in truth. "Intelligence services in many countries are looking at the clock and warning their leaders that not much time remains.

Sarkozy condemns Iran, says no preventive strikes

Sarkozy, asked at a news conference Friday about a potential preventive strike on Iran over its nuclear program, said Friday, "You are ahead of yourself."

He said that the international community should focus on sanctions, but added that if Israel's existence is threatened, "France will not stand by with arms crossed."

Sarkozy, you will be out of power in 7 months, so STFU.

High ranking American officer: We are concerned Israel will not warn before attack (Ch. 10)

You better be. Netanyahu only cares about himself and his delusions.

Arab League chief warns of 'disastrous consequences' if Syria deal fails

Bashar Assad's forces kill 15 protesters over the weekend despite signing of Arab-brokered plan to end the violence.

Government forces intensified their attack on pro-democracy protesters and army defectors on Saturday, leaving 15 people dead, as the Arab League chief warns of "disaster" if the violence continued.

Secretary General of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, said that "the failure of the Arab initiative would have disastrous consequences on the situation in Syria and the region as a whole."

UN report on Iran nuclear program a fabrication, says FM

UN atomic agency plans to reveal intelligence next week suggesting Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead, as well as other previously undisclosed details on alleged secret work by Tehran on nuclear arms.

wouldn't be the first time...

Israel, U.S. to embark on largest joint exercise in allies' history

U.S. Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro says security relationship with Israel is broader, deeper, more intense than ever before.

Israel and the U.S. will embark on the "largest" and "most significant" joint exercise in the allies' history, said Andrew Shapiro, U.S. assistant secretary for political-military affairs, on Saturday.

Speaking to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Shapiro said the exercise will involve more than 5,000 U.S. and Israeli forces, and will simulate Israel's ballistic missile defense.

Another big sign of war.

Leaked Statements on IAEA Claim Iran Has Covert Nuclear Weapons Program

The US and Israel have been pressuring Iran towards attaining a nuclear deterrent, while ignoring opportunities to deescalate

Statements leaked anonymously ahead of next week’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report on Iran’s nuclear program warn that the study will reveal evidence that Iran has been working secretly to develop a nuclear weapons capability.

According to Western diplomats who refused to reveal their identity, the evidence will include satellite images of what of is supposedly a large steel container used for high-explosives tests related to nuclear arms as well as intelligence that Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead.

I think with that, Netanyahu will be able to convince those who still oppose a strike against Iran... Hopefully not...

Palestinians face choices that will 'change face of region'

The Palestinian leadership faces decisions about the peace process that will "change the face of the region," presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said on Thursday.

"The coming weeks and months will be crucial and form an important crossroads, particularly in terms of the peace process in the region," the spokesman for president Mahmud Abbas told AFP.

"The Palestinian leadership faces a major test including taking big decisions that will change the face of the region," he said.

November 11 is the important date...

Obama to hold White House talks with Iraqi PM

US President Barack Obama will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki at the White House on December 12, just days before all US troops are due out of Iraq, a US official said Friday.

"The two leaders will hold talks on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq," White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.

Aka put pressure on the Iraqi PM to keep troops in Iraq.

If the leaked report about the UN report on Iran is true, I think we'll have war before mid-2012.

IAEA to reveal Iran building nuclear weapons at base near Tehran

Iran is pursuing its nuclear weapons program at the Parchin military base about 30 kilometers from Tehran, diplomatic sources in Vienna say. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to release a report this week on Iran's nuclear activities.

According to recent leaks, Iran has carried out experiments in the final, critical stage for developing nuclear weapons - weaponization. This includes explosions and computer simulations of explosions. The Associated Press and other media outlets have reported that satellite photos of the site reveal a bus-sized container for conducting experiments.

The Iranians rejected an IAEA request to visit Parchin, saying that IAEA rules permitted the organization's member states to deny such visits to military bases. Now, eight years later, the site is again suspected as a location for covert military nuclear activity.

Both the Natanz and Qom sites, however, are subject to regular visits by IAEA inspectors. Any decision on moving to the final stage in a nuclear weapons program would largely be up to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the assistance of two military advisers.

And the most ``important``...

In any event, diplomats say it is unlikely the IAEA's governing board will condemn Iran when it meets on November 17 and 18. It might take months to convince China and Russia to support a board resolution that could be the first step toward additional UN sanctions, they say.

Aka sanctions don't work, Israel needs to go for a strike.

U.S. officials: Israel refused to commit to withhold surprise attack on Iran

In his recent visit to Israel, American Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta did not get a clear commitment from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak that Israel would not take action against Iranian nuclear facilities without coordinating any such operation with the United States.

Aka we won't warn you... or we'll tell you when it's done...

No-fly zone over Iraq set to expire, opening shortest route from Israel to Iran

Agreement between United States and Iraq, signed in November 2008, is due to run out at end of the year when U.S. forces withdraw from Iraq under timetable set by President Obama.

Which is basically the thing that everyone forgot... when the US leaves, the US fly zone over Iraq ends... that means Israel can go against Iran by the shortest route... the Iraqi airforce is a joke and wouldn't oppose... if they tried, Israel would destroy them. So that may be why the Us is ``withdrawing`` for now from Iraq...

U.S: Sanctions, Not Strikes For Iran

Iran has returned to the front of the foreign policy agenda, as the U.N. atomic agency prepares to release a key report next week on Tehran's nuclear program. It is expected to reveal intelligence suggesting Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead, among other details, though the Iranian foreign minister calls the claims a fabrication.

Sources close to senior Israeli cabinet officials told Fox News that senior ministers who used to oppose a strike are now for it.

I'll repeat the VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT part...

Sources close to senior Israeli cabinet officials told Fox News that senior ministers who used to oppose a strike are now for it.

Not one. Not two. ALL OF THEM.

Holy crap.

This...

'Attack Iran' and AIPAC's infamous chutzpah

The House Foreign Affairs Committee hurriedly convened this week to consider a new "crippling sanctions" bill that seems less designed to deter an Iranian nuclear weapon than to lay the groundwork for war.

So what does this mean? It means that neither the president, the secretary of state, nor any US diplomat or emissary may engage in negotiations or diplomacy of any kind unless the president convinces the "appropriate congressional committees" (most significantly, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which is an AIPAC fiefdom) that not permitting the contacts would pose an "extraordinary threat to the vital national security interests of the United States".

To call this unprecedented is an understatement. At no time in our history has the White House or State Department been restricted from dealing with representatives of a foreign state, even in wartime.

Is beyond chilling. AIPAC (or Israel) wants to stop any form of Diplomacy between the US and Iran which could prevent a War.

Reading this Article is frightening,because it looks like this Time nothing will stop a War which could lead to something much,much worse

Barak: Israel has not yet decided on 'operation' against Iran

Defense Minister downplays speculation Jerusalem is preparing for attack, says 'war is not a picnik. We want a picnik. We don't want a war'; France and Russia voice concern over possibility of striking Iran's nuclear facilities.

Right.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that such a strike against Iran would be a grave mistake with unpredictable consequences: "This would be a very serious mistake fraught with unpredictable consequences," he said.

Yep.
Condoleezza Rice: I have no doubt Israel will defend itself against Iran

Former Secretary of State says pressure on Iran is absolute must to prevent 'unintended consequences' of Israeli attack.

Who cares what that war criminal says?
Palestinians say Israel imposing steep court fees to prevent lawsuits

Palestinians who lost family members in the Israeli offensive in Gaza say they cannot seek compensation due to near-impossible barriers placed by Israel.

They've learned something from the US government then...
Report: Sarkozy told Obama he 'can't bear' Netanyahu the 'liar'

French President Nicolas Sarkozy told U.S. President Barack Obama last week he was fed up with dealing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and considered him a liar.

They should stop being secret about it and tell it to everyone. Everyone already knows that Netanyahu is a liar and a nutjob.
France FM: Israeli strike on Iran could cause irreparable damage

Alain Juppe says France would back further UN sanctions, but not military action, if IAEA report indicates Iran is building atomic weapons; China tells Iran to show 'flexibility and sincerity'.

Well duh. It would also destroy whatever is left of the world economy.

Western experts to Haaretz: Iran able to build nuclear bomb within months

Experts conclude nuclear weapons engineers from Russia, Pakistan and North Korea have been assisting Iranian scientists in their efforts to reach nuclear capability.

Well it's 1940s technology, what you expect? Having the capability and actually crossing the threshold are two different things. Japan, Canada, Germany and a whole lot of countries could have nukes within months if they wanted... I don't see any warmongering against them...

Netanyahu backs laws to limit donations to Israeli human rights organizations

Bills seek to harm to human rights groups which relayed information to the Goldstone committee that followed IDF's Operation Cast Lead on Gaza.

Human rights organizations are obviously evil if they call Israel's war crimes, war crimes. Netanyahu is truly a nut.

Lieberman rejects Germany's request to free up Palestinian tax money

Lieberman tells German FM Guido Westerwelle sanctions on Palestinians are necessary because of unilateral steps they were taking, senior FM officials says.

Now if you use that reason, time for the entire world to put sanctions on Israel. Lieberman is truly an idiot.

France says Arab League initiative on Syria is 'dead' (DPA)

Yep. what's the next step? UN intervention?

UN Security Council panel fails to reach consensus on Palestinian bid, says draft report

The four-page draft report appears to confirm that the Palestinian move to join the world body as a full member is set to fail due to the council's irresolvable deadlock.

A council resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes to pass.

But UN diplomats say the Palestinians have so far secured only eight backers.

I'm sure like always the US has used economic threats to bully the others into voting the way they want.

U.S. likely to impose more sanctions on Iran after IAEA report

Oil and gas sanctions or targeting Iran's central bank not currently on the table, according to U.S. official.

IAEA report: Iran working to produce nuclear bomb

Report by UN nuclear agency says Tehran continously worked toward a nuclear weapon since 2003; diplomatic source in Vienna tells Haaretz: 'This is the most damning report ever published by the IAEA.'

The report, which was handed over to the 35-member states of the IAEA Board of Governors, details a series of tests, acquisition of materials, and technology that suggests Iran has continuously worked to produce a nuclear weapon since 2003.

And? Nobody wants a war but the warmongers. Let Israel and people in region (mainly Saudi Arabia) deal with it.

UN: Syria death toll exceeds 3,500 (AP)

Israel keeps mum on 'damning' IAEA report on Iran

Prime Minister's Office says Israel studying report, will issue response later; Netanyahu instructed ministers not to discuss report with media.

Iran has been working toward building a nuclear weapon for years, while lying about and concealing its activities, according to a report released Tuesday by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Government officials said that Israel is waiting with its response because it wants to evaluate the world's response to the IAEA findings and does not want to appear to be leading the international community.

Not leading the international community ? Who are they fooling?

Anyway all this is foolish. A student at MIT can build a nuke. The only think they lack is enriched uranium. Iran can have enriched uranium as part of the NPT. It's 1940s technology. How much longer you think they will be able to stop anyone from getting some?

They do not get some for war. They get some because some countries (America) loves to invade countries with oil... and Iran remembers what happened from 1953 to 1979...


IAEA report will lead to Iran sanctions, not military strike

In this context, attention should be given to the unusual interview Defense Minister gave to Israel Radio on Tuesday. Barak has become a fan lately of long radio interviews in which he presents his doctrine in an expansive manner and even relative candor. What in the passed had been whispered to journalists with Barak's adamant demand that it be an American-style off the record, meaning that it was not to be quoted directly nor attributed to him, is now being said publicly on the radio.

The defense minister doesn't believe that a war with Iran after a hypothetical Israeli bombing of the country would end "with even 500 dead." He refuses to be impressed by American opposition to an attack ("a complicated matter, and Israel is a sovereign country"). He mentions that the decision over whether to attack rests with the political echelon, not the military, and casts doubt over whether even now, strong sanctions will be imposed. The undeclared bottom line from his comments: Barak apparently is expected to support an attack in the future, despite the sweeping opposition of the heads of the various branches of the military and about half of the ministers in the forum of eight senior cabinet members.

But all of this is apparently for future discussion. In the coming weeks, the issue of American efforts at stiffening sanctions will be the major focus, not the controversy over a military strike. According to various assessments in the West, there is still a window of about a year in which it will be possible to stop the Iranian program.

Israel's chief censor: No Iran secrets have been revealed

Military censor Sima Vaknin-Gil says 'discourse' on action against Iran approved for publication, but 'no secret information disclosed' so far.

Israel-South Korea tensions rise over purchase of new IAF training planes

Israel meant to decide on purchase of new training plane to replace aging American Skyhawks by early 2012; two competitors are Korean T-50 and Italian M-346.

Recently, however, the Koreans learned that Israel has initialed a preliminary agreement with Italy. If Israel does purchase the Italian plane, it will be part of a wide-ranging trade deal between the two countries.

In correspondence with the Defense Ministry, the Koreans accused it of violating Israel's own tender laws by giving unjustified preference to the Italians.

Chief of Staff: War on all fronts possible

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz said Tuesday that "it is quite possible" that we will have to deal with a situation in the foreseeable future in which IDF units will be forced to engage on all fronts, few versus many.

"It us possible that we will once again have to mobilize all our forces to fight on all fronts for the security of the State of Israel. The soldiers and commanders are guarantees for the peace of the State of Israel; they are our insurance policy for any confrontation that comes our way in the future," Gantz added.

And this time you might lose or take ``too many`` casualties... and then you will use nukes.

reply to post by Vitchilo


And if Israel uses Nukes,for whatever Reason,its over for them. At this Point,Russia (because of the close Proximity) and China (because they need the Oil there) might step in and "deal" with Israel before they destroy Iran,and with it its Ressources...

And if that happens,NATO will step in (if they did not already) and we have WW3...


Israel should think really,really hard before they decide to attack...

reply to post by Shenon


I doubt China or Russia would do anything. Sure they would scream, but other than that...

Israel wouldn't nuke oil fields, but they might nuke Cairo, Tehran, Beirut and a bunch of other cities.

And you bet even after Israel's crazy leaders will have killed millions of people, the scum in congress will continue to lick Israel's boots... saying how they had no choice...

France calls for UN Security Council meeting over 'worrying' Iran nuclear report

French FM says ready to toughen sanctions on Iran to 'unprecedented' levels after IAEA reveals Iran is working to develop atomic weapons.

Unprecendented levels uh? Blockade? China or Russia are likely to veto anything touching gas and oil, the only things left to sanction.

Ahmadinejad: Iran won't retreat from nuclear program

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that Iran won't retreat "an iota" from its nuclear program and he strongly rejected a UN report claiming that Iran is seeking atomic weapons.

He's so retarded to use that kind of rhetoric... thing is, Ahmadinejad doesn't control much... the Ayatollahs control everything that is important...

China urges peaceful resolution to Iran nuclear issue

Chinese FM calls on Iran to show 'flexibility' and 'sincerity' in wake of IAEA report on the Iranian nuclear program.

China has invested tens of billions in Iran and depends on their oil for their economic growth... which they need to avoid riots and a possible regime change... so this all boils down to the survival of the Chinese communist party... So if the flow of oil to China is threatenned, this will get very dangerous.

China state paper warns of Iran war after IAEA report

IAEA report is likely to increase pressure on China to curb its ties with Iran; overall trade between the two countries is valued at $32.9 billion.

Confrontation between Iran and the West over Iran's nuclear plans is reaching "white hot" levels that could trigger a military attack, a Chinese state newspaper said, after a UN report that is likely to increase pressure on China to curb ties with Iran.

The overseas edition of the People's Daily spelled out the fears facing Chinese policy-makers, caught between their demand for Iranian oil and worries that the U.S. and its allies will demand harsher sanctions against Iran, even risk military action, after the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded Iran appears to have worked on designing an atomic weapon.

"It is clear that contention between the various sides over the Iranian nuclear issue has reached white hot levels and could even be on the precipice of a showdown," said a front-page commentary in the newspaper on Wednesday.

No smoking gun, but rather an Iranian nuclear missile

The findings and evidence illustrate - in the clearest wording ever by the IAEA - that Iran has systematically, consistently been working in the past decade to produce its first atomic bomb.

Inside Israel's Attack Plan on Iran's Nukes

Israel will have to decide which targets are the biggest threat and knock them out first

"The Israelis think there are seven or eight sites that are crucial to both [the civilian and military] programs, and the nuclear program will be set back the most by hitting those seven or eight sites," Berman says. "They're not going to look at the whole thing. They're just going to look at the most important facilities."

ADL 'deeply dissapointed' by Sarkozy-Obama exchange on Netanyahu

Abraham Foxman: Obama Administration should do everything it can to reassure Israel that its relationship with the U.S. remains on sure footing.

The ADL should back their bags and go back to Israel.

Russia rails against release of IAEA report on Iran

Foreign Ministry says release of report would reduce hopes for dialogue with Tehran and suggesting it was aimed to scuttle the chances for a diplomatic solution.

Of course it's to kill diplomacy. The elite wants war. The economy is collapsing, they need a distraction.

Barak to Knesset: We must work toward peace with Palestinians (Ch. 10)

Kick out Netanyahu and Lieberman and you might have a start.

Russia: Interpretations of IAEA report bring to mind faulty intelligence on Iraq WMDs (Reuters)

Palestinians seek observer status in UN as backup plan to statehood bid (AP)

Russia rejects Iran sanctions despite UN findings

Russia on Wednesday ruled out backing new sanctions against Iran and held urgent consultations with its ally after the publication of the most damning report to date from the UN nuclear watchdog.

No new sanctions = strike by Israel or unilateral NATO action way more probable.

Israel may launch strike on Iran as soon as next month to prevent development of nuclear weapons

Israel will launch military action to prevent Iran developing a nuclear weapon as soon as Christmas, intelligence chiefs have warned.

A senior Foreign Office figure has revealed that ministers have been told to expect Israeli military action, adding: ‘We’re expecting something as early as Christmas, or very early in the new year.’

Iran Sought Miniaturized Nuclear-Weapon Design to Fit Missiles, IAEA Says

Iran continued working on nuclear weapons at least until last year, including efforts to shrink a Pakistani warhead design to fit atop its ballistic missiles, a report from United Nations inspectors said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, drawing on evidence collected over eight years, reported yesterday that Iran carried out “work on the development of an indigenous design of a nuclear weapon including the testing of components.”

Sankei Shimbun: #Iran, #DPRK operating joint #nuclear research center.

And just breaking...
Blast shuts down Egypt-Israel gas pipelines

U.S. officials wary of new Iran nuclear sanctions despite damning IAEA report

Officials concerned effect sanctions might have on economy, particularly on the energy market, sources say.

This is in addition to the fact that China and Russia - both of whom have veto power in the UN Security Council - have unequivocally declared that they will not support new sanctions.

Many administration officials also fear that harsh new sanctions would be interpreted by Tehran as a declaration of war, which would increase the influence of extremist elements in Iran and could encourage a wave of terror attacks against American and Western targets.

Tehran might also respond to "paralyzing sanctions" by threatening the free movement of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Forty percent of the world's oil passes through this narrow waterway.

So basically, if by some miracle, new sanctions are passed by the UN, the US basically says it's gonna be against their oil industry which is the only thing left and it would basically be a blockade and it would mean a declaration of war... since a blockade IS a declaration of war.

And if there's no sanctions, then war anyways since Israel will go in and bomb Iran.


PA concedes defeat in statehood bid after failing to muster votes

Measure not likely to pass the Security Council, since U.S. plans to veto statehood bid, but Palestinians hoped to muster majority needed to trigger veto and embarrass the U.S..

This will only give more arguments from the extremists that war is the only way to get their state... Way to go Israel and the US... making sure the extremists take over whatever was left of moderates in Palestine.

U.S. officials coming to Israel to discuss how to handle Iran

Blacklisting the central bank, which essentially means banning all business with it, would deal severe blow to Iran's economy, banking system and currency.

Two senior U.S. officials will come to Israel next week to discuss plans for new sanctions on Iran in response to the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report on its nuclear program. Washington hopes to mobilize the European Union and other developed countries to blacklist Iran's central bank.

No chance of passing the UN... not to mention, even if they do it outside of the uN, Russia and China, Iran's biggest partners, won't abide by it.

Note this :

Washington is therefore focusing on mobilizing a "coalition of the willing" to impose new sanctions unilaterally. It hopes this coalition will include Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and more. If all these countries blacklisted Iran's central bank and imposed new restrictions on its civil aviation and shipping

The important part :

imposed new restrictions on its civil aviation and shipping

Basically a BLOCKADE... unilateral BLOCKADE OF IRAN... That means WAR... if it's imposed. But blocking Iran's exports of oil to China would be a declaration of war against China too... So I doubt they will enforce it...

Nuclear experts divided as UN issues severe Iran warning

In the wake of the International Atomic Energy Agency's damning report, most analysts agree that Iran has spent a decade ceaselessly striving to attain the capability of producing nuclear weapons. However, there is no consensus about how close Iran is to manufacturing its first nuclear bomb.

The bottleneck is and remains in uranium enrichment," he wrote. "As the report shows, progress is still slow."

The Iranians are still striving to test the hundreds of centrifuges which were not damaged by what foreign news sources call the sabotage campaign conducted by West's intelligence agencies including Israel.

Even if the new centrifuges turn out to be efficient, Iran still has a way to go. "Iran will not able to produce high enriched uranium in sufficient quantities before the end of 2012 unless it makes substantial progress with advanced centrifuges," says Heinonan. "Een if Iran succeeds in that, it still needs to bring them to a semi-industrial scale which will take until 2013. This means that they need to resolve any remaining design issues and have access, is spite of sanctions, to necessary raw materials, such as high quality maraging steel, high strength aluminum and carbon fiber." Therefore, Heinonen added, "the next year until the end of 2012 is crucial."

Report: US Provides Israel witht 55 More Bunker Busters

The United States is transferring 55 more bunker buster bombs that can be used against Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, according to a French website quoted Wednesday evening by Voice of Israel government radio. Each bunker buster carried one ton of explosives.

Iran threatens to hit back with 'iron fists' to any Israel, U.S. attack

ran's Supreme Leader warned the United States and Israel on Thursday not to launch any military action against its nuclear sites, saying it would be met with "iron fists", state television reported.

"Our enemies, particularly the Zionist regime [Israel], America and its allies, should know that any kind of threat and attack or even thinking about any (military) action will be firmly responded to," the television quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying.

And? Who wouldn't fight back if attacked? Hell Israel and the US ``fight back`` even when they are not attacked...

reply to post by Vitchilo

"Our enemies, particularly the Zionist regime [Israel], America and its allies, should know that any kind of threat and attack or even thinking about any (military) action will be firmly responded to," the television quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying.

haha well the US, the zionist regime, and the UK are alllllllllll "thinking" about attacking

Palestinians deny reports they abandoned UN membership bid

15-member UN Security Council expected to vote on Palestinian statehood motion next week; Palestinians one vote short of nine votes needed to pass motion.

A Palestinian official on Thursday denied media reports that the Palestinians have abandoned their bid to become a full member of the United Nations.

The 15-member UN Security Council is expected next week to vote on the Palestinian statehood motion, which needs the support of at least nine members for it to pass. The Palestinians are one vote short.

So it was delayed...

Top Israeli firm: World more likely to accept nuclear Iran than pay high cost of war

Report by one of Israel's largest brokerage houses, Clal Finance, says military action against Iran nuclear sites will be deterred by forecast of rising oil prices and damage to global trade.

Ya think? If Israel strike, oil skyrockets and destroys whatever is left of the world economy... most people will blame Israel for it. People believed the BS against jews in the 30s because the economy was bad and the propaganda blamed it on jews... But this time, they won't even need propaganda...

So Israel, want to put jews worldwide in danger come on, strike Iran and destroy what's left of the world economy...

reply to post by Gwampo


The UK have said they will not be involved in an attack, Israel with US support seems to be the plan today anyway.

Originally posted by trustnothing
reply to post by Gwampo

 

The UK have said they will not be involved in an attack, Israel with US support seems to be the plan today anyway.

What they say and actually do are two different things.

~President Obama’s top Middle East Advisor Dennis Ross to Leave at End of Nov. – U.S. Officials - WSJ

Oh boy.