The largest newspaper in the Netherlands, De Telegraaf, reported last Friday on plans for an imminent U.S. air strike against Iran.
According to the article, the Dutch intelligence service (AIVD) had successfully planted a spy within Iran in what was described as an extremely successful multi-year operation that was shared with the CIA. However, the paper said that the spy has now been recalled because of the planned attack which was disclosed by the CIA.
The attack will allegedly be conducted by unmanned planes and the potential targets will be nuclear plants, military installations and missile sites.
The authors of the story are known for their contacts with the AIVD. Two years ago they uncovered a leak in the intelligence service that was funneling information to the underworld and they subsequently were briefly jailed for not revealing their sources.
The revelation angered the intelligence service which causes some to now theorize that the AIVD is retaliating against the authors and attempting to harm their reputations by feeding them bogus information. However, their contact or contacts are considered to be quite solid and they are thought to be too experienced to be taken in by such a ruse.
This new story follows on the heels of foreign reports on what is now described as an "unprecedented naval buildup" in the waters off the shores of Iran, involving ships from the U.S., the U.K. and France. The armada includes three aircraft carriers and their battle groups, according to the reports.
For its part, Iran has responded in characteristic fashion by stepping up its rhetoric. Last Thursday, Iranian sources told the London-based Arabic al Quds that Tehran had recently transferred to Hezbollah, in Lebanon, new, long-range rockets capable of striking all areas of Israel "with great accuracy." Hezbollah was told to unleash them on Israel if Israel or the United States attacks Iran.
On Saturday, an Iranian Brigadier General said that any aggression on Iran would start a world war, and that "the unrestrained greed of the U.S. leadership is leading the world to the edge of a precipice," according to the IRNA news agency.
Also, Iran's Revolutionary Guard commander announced, last month, that Iran had successfully tested a new, advanced naval weapon which was "unique in the world" and which can target enemy ships at a range of 300 kilometers.
All of these developments couldn't help but perk up a few ears, on Tuesday evening, when President Bush seemed to be tossing out a clue as he told the attendees at the Republican convention, via satellite: "We live in a dangerous world, and we need a president who understands the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001: that to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen, and not wait to be hit again."
Make no mistake about it, the operative words in that passage were: "...stop attacks before they happen..."
And it's not the first time we've heard that mantra. More than 10 years ago, the Project for the New American Century (PNAC) came up with its Statement of Principle which included the following passage: "The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet threats before they become dire."
The operative words in that case were undoubtedly: "...meet threats before they become dire..." for that was the phrase that was used by its framers to set the tone for the subsequent foreign policy of the Bush administration, including its preemptive invasion of Iraq.
Is there a similarity here? Are we seeing the dusting off of the mantra in preparation for an operation against Iran?
Or is this merely a monstrous bluff, aimed at keeping the military option on the table in the hopes that Iran will back down?
If there is any truth to the article in De Telegraaf, we can only wonder where the cooler heads in the administration are that they could seriously be entertaining an operation with such obvious risks attached to it.
Dave McGill, News Correspondent
Dave's column, "The Contrarian," generally published every Friday, to Gather Essentials: News will sometimes present a contrary view to various aspects of the news, or an alternate take on the conventional wisdom of the day, and will occasionally appear on another day of the week
Dave has been a senior officer of an eastern insurance company, involved in economic projections and investment strategy, president of a Midwestern mortgage banking company, and a financial consultant in Southern California, serving clients in the field of commercial real estate development.
You can find all of Dave's "The Contrarian" columns at: http://gather.com/thecontrarian...... Keep up with Dave's other postings and Gather activity by joining his Gather network - just click here: http://atadaskew.gather.com........ You'll find Dave and other News Correspondents, plus celebrity content and plenty of other News experts at News.gather.com.
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Comments: 85
The only reason Bush would attack Iran is to declare a state of emergency so he could use his authority to stop the election in a national emergency. Their is not creditable threat against America but the propaganda keeps surfacing.
There are a lot of stories that partially true and various scenarios created. Let's hope the Dutch article is supposition. What is Cheney doing in Georgia and the region now?
The story in Russia has long been that the US needs Georgia to strike Iran.
A senior Russian official says the White House assists Georgia in a bid to secure Georgian territory for a potential attack on Iran. In an interview on Wednesday, Russian Duma Deputy Sergei Markov said Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili 'brought some support from Israel' before he launched an attack on South Ossetia.
Georgian military forces launched a large-scale military offensive against South Ossetia on August 7. Russia, in response, moved its forces into the region. When asked if an attack on South Ossetia was a prelude to an attack on Iran, the State Duma Deputy said, "We know that this war in South Ossetia is somehow connected with the aggression of Washington against Iran, possible bombing of Iran."
"Washington helped Georgia to take control of both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, (because) Washington needs Georgian territory to use for bombing against Iran," he added.
The US and Israel have long threatened to launch air strikes against Iranian nuclear installations under the pretext that Tehran, a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), has plans to develop nuclear weaponry.
Dick Cheney took a gift of a billion dollars to Georgia and is travelling around in Azerbadjian, the Ukraine and the Caucasus region that provides the only energy pathway from Central Asia to Europe but does not traverse Russia or Iran.
We play "war games" all the time, and we involve other countries, particularly NATO countries, to join in-- they often do, hoping to ensure cohesive and efficient attacks by an integrated, multinational military unit and command.
Those games ended in mid August and many of the vessels that participated, are still in the Gulf.
But let's move on to the larger SMEAR -- Bush is going to bomb Iran --- shall we ???
Extensive war games were held off the US Atlantic Coastline under "Operation Brimstone" in late July.
These war games were activated shortly after the submission in the US House of Representatives (May 22), of a bill (H CON 362) which called upon the Bush administration to carry out an economic blockade directed against Iran.
Have you looked at that piece of legislation ???
Remember, THIS IS A DEMOCRAT (gary ackerman NY 5th district) INTRODUCING THIS BILL, not "bush cronies." sure he has a republican "co sponsor" (Mike Spence republican indiana.)
If bushie is the one "pushing for a war" with Iran, why is the congress enabling this action ???
Excerpts from bill (H CON 362)
Whereas Iran is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), has foresworn the acquisition of nuclear weapons by ratification of the NPT, and is legally bound to declare and place all its nuclear activity under constant monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
Whereas for nearly 20 years, in clear contravention of its explicit obligations under the NPT, Iran operated a covert nuclear program until it was revealed by an Iranian opposition group in 2002;
Whereas Iran continues to develop ballistic missile technology and is pursuing the capability to field intercontinental ballistic missiles, a delivery system suited almost exclusively to nuclear weapons payloads;
Whereas Iranian leaders have repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel, a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally, and a member of the United Nations;
Whereas Iran continues to provide training, weapons, and financial assistance to Shi'a militants inside of Iraq and antigovernment warlords in Afghanistan;
Whereas those Shi'a militant groups and Afghan warlords use Iranian training, weapons, and financing to attack American and allied forces trying to support the legitimate Governments of Iraq and Afghanistan;
Whereas nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization of the use of force against Iran: Now, therefore, be it
After all the "whereas" clauses, comes the statement of RESOLVE:
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--
(1) declares that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability, through all appropriate economic, political, and diplomatic means, is vital to the national security interests of the United States and must be dealt with urgently;
(2) urges the President, in the strongest of terms, to immediately use his existing authority to impose sanctions on--
(A) the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian bank engaged in proliferation activities or the support of terrorist groups;
(B) international banks which continue to conduct financial transactions with proscribed Iranian banks;
(C) energy companies that have invested $20,000,000 or more in the Iranian petroleum or natural gas sector in any given year since the enactment of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996; and
(D) all companies which continue to do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps;
(3) demands that the President initiate an international effort to immediately and dramatically increase the economic, political, and diplomatic pressure on Iran to verifiably suspend its nuclear enrichment activities by, inter alia, prohibiting the export to Iran of all refined petroleum products; imposing stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains, and cargo entering or departing Iran; and prohibiting the international movement of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiating the suspension of Iran's nuclear program; and
(4) urges the President to lead a sustained, serious, and forceful effort at regional diplomacy to support the legitimate governments in the region against Iranian efforts to destabilize them, to reassure our friends and allies that the United States supports them in their resistance to Iranian efforts at hegemony, and to make clear to the Government of Iran that the United States will protect America's vital national security interests in the Middle East.
Congress seems to be helping Bushie boy achieve this fantasy agenda you promote.
I wonder why you don't condemn the democrats "pushing for war" with the same zest and zeal???
Here are a few salient links to help anyone interested in getting the FACTS, rather than Demaguoge David's dire warnings of doom.
Scoop website from New Zealand
Global Research website
Atlantic Free Press website
oh impeachment either Louis!
Bush and PINAC could not get away with creating another phony war based on lies by loony Cheney and his gang like they got away with their two blood for oil for wars against Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Jews are constantly agitating against Iran just like they do against everything else every time they want to do another land grab.
I they should be brain dead enough to start a war with Iran it would bring in Egypt, they would stop taking neocon payoffs to stay out of it because they would see the threat against themselves.
Their is also Russia to consider and no matter how much Bush tries to look like a he man to Putin they do not fear us and are capable of showing more muscle than Bush or any of his criminal gang.
Bush knows he can only go so far with Georgia before Russia throws us out.
I wonder why so many are so afraid of a handful of Jews calling themselves the PNAC ???
Are a handful of Jews really capable of of pulling off the greatest scheme in history, that is, to control the world???
I do believe some of you have lost your wits.
Jack E.
Don't worry Bush will come up with something, i will list a few suggestions for him
They have nukes
They will b getting nukes in couple of months
They r a terrorist nation
They hijacked our embassy
They want us to free them
If those don't work then
Ahmedinejad is the Anti-Christ.
i
Yes he is, but you think he had nothing to do, behind the scens, with getting that passed? I think you don't give the Bushco regime enough credit.
"I wonder why so many are so afraid of a handful of Jews calling themselves the PNAC ???"
Uh, maybe their determination to rule the world, using our military? Just a thought....
"Are a handful of Jews really capable of of pulling off the greatest scheme in history, that is, to control the world???"
They are determined to, and they are not all Jews, obviously. That is a slur.
"I do believe some of you have lost your wits."
Damn, took the words right out of my mouth.......
as well as communicate that their route to global respect
is untenable.
I am sure that these reports are for Iranian consumption
at the moment, but sooner or later if the Iranian government
does not change cource they will bring destruction upon
themselves, and the harder they fight back trying to bring
on WWIII to set up for the lost Imam or whatever crazy
stories Ahmadinejad believes the more innocent Iranians
will be hurt and the longer they will take to reconstruct their
country.
Change is not a destination just as hope is not a strategy,
talking about Barack Obama. If you people were so serious as
you say you are why are Democrats putting forth the candidate
they are?
and the Islamic clerics are definitely engaged in expanding
their brand of Islam. The definitely are engaged in missile
development, and in producing material suitable for nuclear
bombs. People, the first nuclear bomb was built 64 years
ago, it is not that big of a secret or hard to do for a government
that has lots of oil revenue. What are you all thinking?
*ROFL* why do all of these liberal losers crying doom and gloom always the first to "know" what is going on "behind the scene" ???? *ROFL*
Apaprently some of you believe you have "inside sources" to tell you what goes on "behind the scene" *ROFL*
ron johnny, you're a scream *ROFL*
After reading that he has been receiving FBI/CIA security briefings(?) as the election gets closer, and bouncing it against what he said, or should I say what he didn't say, this may be his baby if elected.
The evangelicals extremists in our country r too are not stopping at nothing to push their brand of Christianity.
Well, I guess in the end it comes to my evil is better than urs.
Change is not a destination just as hope is not a strategy.. that is so to the point. The sad part is there's no good choice this election.
The best I can do is vote for McCain so that we won't loose the country on moral issues too.
Many of the naval participants in Op Brimstone are now reported to be in the Persian Gulf area including a U.S. aircraft carrier (USS Theodore Roosevelt - with French naval Rafale jets on board) and its battle group, another U.S. aircraft carrier (USS Ronald Reagan) and its battle group, a British aircraft carrier (HMS Ark Royal) and its battle group, at least one nuclear submarine (from France) and a number of other ships from the U.S., U.K. and France.
These assets are joining up with the 5th fleet and the aircraft carrier Lincoln and its battle group, to make what is being called an "unprecedented buildup" for the region.
As far as the cop-outs employed in the proposed legislation by both houses of Congress (which you highlighted in bold type above) are concerned, they are obvious attempts to lay any blame for an attack, if it should occur, at the feet of the lame duck administration. A perfect solution for a gutless Congress.
It currently appears that, if there is an attack, it would be launched from Georgia. There is enough legal confusion here, given the ongoing war on terrorism, to conclude that the president should have no hesitation in using his authority to attack Iran, if he so decides, but - in case there are any doubts - Israel is a ready and willing understudy, fully prepared to step into the leading role.
Depends on how you define "success", Clark.........
(Maybe Iraq was just setting up a staging ground for Iran......)
I'm sure you are already pretty much aware of these sorts of websites.
But, just in case you weren't aware of THIS ONE I wanted to direct your attention toward it in the hopes that it might give you additional information........
By the way, Dave.....Superior article!!
Your modulated, and carefully worded statements, help me to actually absorb the idea that these insane people will stop at nothing to follow through on their ideological script.
bush/cheney/mccain are not the same kind of religious nut cake as is represented by Sarah Palin, but no less fanatical in their pursuit of power.
It makes me want to puke.
However, there are many in positions of power who feel the window of opportunity is closing considering (1) the possibility of an Obama election, (2) the improved weapons systems that Iran will have in place next year and (3) the current relative proximity of a large American fighting force that may have - if nothing else - a psychological value.
If a nuclear Iran is truly unnacceptable, they argue, the time to act is now.
It leaves one wondering...
Democrats are coming out in unprecedented numbers in November in opposition to the Iraq war. If Bush attacks Iran, it will only magnify that ten times.
And so began a new era of feudalism ....
Let me be up front, I am skeptical of the media, whether here or around the world.
This has been good for conversation, but before I become really concerned I would start with the credibility of the source. How soon will this have to happen to validate De Telegraaf? If it doesn;t happen next week, or next month, or next year, then at best they took some whisper (maybe the hypothetical planning mentioned early) and turned it into a fear mungering article.
I am probably at the wrong end of the scale of trusting the media, but it sure seems there are many that are at the other end that believe everything the media "reports."
What is your time frame for credibility on this report?
*chuckle*
Demagogue David--- If you reported on Brimstone, you must be posting this article with the full knowledge it is incomplete, and whatever "facts" you do present are skewed with your own agenda.
Thanks for the confession.
Clarke, your comment regarding Cheney's trip should remind us that he is first and foremost, these days, an oil man. He's been salivating over the Caucuses and the Caspian Basin for some time. Ten years ago, the Guardian carried this quote from Cheney: "I cannot think of a time when we have had a region emerge as suddenly to become as strategically significant as the Caspian."
Since then, Big Oil with the help and protection of Big Blackwater, has established a firm beachhead there, involving some of the biggest and most productive fields in the world. The only problems are the potential political ones and the challenge of getting the oil from this largely landlocked area to the world's markets. The pipelines through Georgia are very important in this respect.
Good point in bringing up the religious aspect, Bruce K., but what makes that particularly scary is that there is a fatalistic thing going on, to some extent, on both sides - not just Iran's. And Bruce, in addition to your question, I would ask what were the Republicans thinking to put Giuliani on two nights in a row? Do they think everyone's forgotten about his personal life?
Clark Kent, you nailed it.
And Jack E., thanks for adding those points concerning Russia. That nation does have a couple of strengths, one of which some were surprised to discover recently. The Western business world was shocked by Russia's ability to hack into and complately disable Georgia's communications and internet connectivity. This basically paralyzed the country. Also, Russia may be the world's leading developer of sophisticated missiles and it is assumed that the technology has probably been shared with Iran.
Incidentally, with respect to the matter or cyber attacks, did anyone notice the electronic communication failure last week that affected air flights in the eastern half of the U.S., causing mass air-traffic delays?
And did anyone tie this in with the fact that, about the same time, three major U.S. companies that I'm aware of (Sun Life, John Hancock and ING) experience a day-long breakdown in all communications (phone and computer) throughout their corporate structures? And there may well have been others since there is no good way to research this except through word of mouth.
I don't want this to sound like a conspiracy theory - like Russia may have sent us a warning - but it is coincidental.
I'm not too proud of that theory and I'm glad this is just a comment, but your brief comment, David A., is right on the money. The question is - Is there anything we've overlooked in terms of annoying Russia? I would say the answer is - not much, if anything. But if there is, I'm sure we'll get to it.
Thanks also for your comments Cynthia, Devin and Patrick (good point on the draft).
Duane, the time frame for the credibility of the Dutch report was "within weeks." Certainly before the election, if it's going to happen, in the opinion of many, but one might also make the case that if Obama is elected, it could then take place shortly thereafter.
And jJack, I don't know what you're talking about in your last comment. Brimstone was a military exercise as was the Israeli bombing dress rehearsal and the Iranian missile tests. All were of little significance except for their propaganda value. The real significance of Brimstone is that many of the participants then headed for the Persian Gulf to participate in a major naval buildup, a fact that was mentioned in this article - so what's your point?
Those concessions bore no fruit and the dictator could not be contained, could not be prevented from engaging in his militaristic bullying and undertaking his insane plans for world domination.
Since then it has been claimed that the lesson was learned, that a bully cannot be appeased and they must be stopped in their tracks. No more would the world make concessions to the demands of a despotic war monger. No more would free nations stand idly by and watch the liberty of others squashed under the boots of an aggressor nation.
And yet, here we are.
Once again the world is making concessions to the bully. And once again the bully is walking all over those who try to appease them.
This time, though, the bully is the United States of America, the despot is George W. Bush and his shadowy masters of the PNAC, the oil industry and the military industrial complex. This time Afghanistan played the part of Austria, Iraq played the part of Czechoslovakia and Iran is in place to play the part of Poland.
God help us all.
Now there an inside American intel source if I ever heard one!!!
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-hc362/show
Since the resolution would allow a blockade and prevent any refined petroleum products from entering Iran, it is understandable why Iran would be scrambling to convert their vehicles to natural gas.
Of course it was, one of many that are conducted on a routine basis---
Your "ominous buildup" in the Gulf is just that, ROUTINE BUSINESS AS USUAL....
The FACTS however are CLEAR----
Congress is facilitating EVERY MOVE --- CONGRESS ! ! ! ! ! ! !
If you silly rubes believe "bush and his evil cronies" are the motivating force behind the need to destroy Iran, you're either willfully BLIND, or just too stupid to acknowledge the FACTS.
Bush can't introduce legislation from the executive branch, CONGRESS continues however to introduce bills designed to accomplish WHAT YOU CONSPIRACY NUTS SAY IS BUSH TAKING OVER THE WORLD ! ! ! ! ! !
CONGRESS is LEADING THE CHARGE to "deal with iran" NOT bush---
and we all know who controls the CONGRESS don't we ????
Actually the resolution HAS NOT been voted upon.
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-hc362/show
jJack, the site shows the sponsors and co-sponsors for the bill. The only sponsors from my state were confirmed Bush-zealots.
Thank you dave for the great article
And Paul Batou, few opinions are more informed than yours, and the points you made lend an additional level of concern we should all heed well.
lynn a., I was wondering if my comment would reveal additional instances of cyber failures. Any chance you'd be willing to mention the name of your husband's company, either on this thread or in a private e-mail? Based on what I've discovered with very little effort, I'm becoming more and more convinced that the nation sustained a very effective cyber-attack last week. The questions are, from where and from whom?
Capt seaweed, the source is actually the Dutch secret service. The question is, is it a red herring.
And jJack, so our differences, in your opinion, boil down to the question of who is calling the shots - Bush or Congress?
Well, to me that's no difference at all, because I believe we both know it's the same people of influence who lie behind both that are actually making the snowballs, and you can interpret the word "lie," in this instance, anyway you like. So, it's nice to be in agreement with you, my friend....except, I do believe that history shows that "unprecedented" military buildups are big deals...
.
Some power behind your words, are the operative words in your comment. The United States is well known to have enough nuclear to destroy the world several times over. The Iraqi military scarcely slowed our troops down. The US has the power behind the words!
That does not mean that we should resort to the power prematurely. When there is the very real chance of igniting WW III under the law of unintended consequences, it behooves us to act like a powerful nation and demonstrate that power, in which we are confident, by exhausting all options and efforts before acting.
It is the weak that must bluster, make threats and act with quick and surreptitious actions when actions are taken. That is the reason for some of Iran's bluster and for most of Saddam's. We do not fit in that category. There is no doubt of our power, either by us or among our adversaries.
WE failed to exercise the exhausting of all other options before going in to Iraq and one can see what that has bought us! Of course, we wanted to go into Iraq, regardless!
It was troubling to read that the Republican platform ruled out top level negotiations with Iran. If you don't negotiate with your adversaries, who do you negotiate with? And if you rule out diplomany, what are you left with?
If you don't have the time now, I suggest you book mark the following to your favorites and find the time in the near future ...
Video, movie quality: http://www.edgemediatv.com/article001_icke.html ... true story, no BS.
I didn't realize that the GOP platform was so reckless. If refusal to negotiate with people you don't like (like North Korea?) is the product of all this much ballyhooed 'experience,' then we're better off with the lowly community organizer. (And anyone who thinks this is a cakewalk equiring no skills has never been to Chicago's South Side!)
Iran is not an ally of Russia but an independent power Russia has to deal with.
What is not paid enough attention to is the place of Turkey which has played a role throughout the Caucasus and considers it part of its sphere of influence . It has many interests in common with Iran and it considers the northern part of Iraq , notably Kirkuk, historically rightfully part of Turkey. Although Turkey is part of NATO and has sought to join the EU , it also needs to pursue its interests in the region. The deep hostility of the Turkish people to the Western policies in the Middle East, especially the US invasion of Iraq is evident. A revolution in Turkey could result in a government that is anti-Western.
Blessings ~
Rene
Many people, within and without this nation, have great trouble in admitting to themselves that the electorate here installed a regime that needlessly cost hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions while achieving no gains consistant with our national interests, and only succeeding in increasing the regional influence of our adversary, Iran.
Claiming that the surge is working - which is a very debatable point in itself - is like clinging to a waterlogged life preserver. It does not validate the bully-policy of the Bush administration which, incidentally, was reiterated by the president in his speech to the attendees at the Republican convention (to great applause).
The voters now have an opportunity to set the record straight as to the type of country this should be but, based on the poll results so far, it looks very discouraging to me, and personally, my reaction is one of great disappointment - disappointment that so many can be manipulated by so few.
What a way to run a country ... what a way to run the world ... what tough lessons you have yet to learn ... oh the pain you will receive before you wise up neos ... deservedly so.
When Israel hits Iran, and they will if the U.S. and Europe fail in their (half-hearted)attempts at diplomacy, then we will really have something to talk about. Until then, we are just wasting electrons which adds to the global energy crisis that President McCain will inherit.
That's what makes a select few incredibly wealthy.
Dave, I also read an article about an elite US military group going through Iraq and systematically assassinating grassroots organizers who make public statements against the US.
It doesn't seem to be a line, Charles, but rather an accurate assessment of the situation in the Gulf.
Randy, just passing along information from a reputable paper in Europe....information that Americans aren't allowed to see....It's not my idle speculation, but it may be - if nothing else - an indication of how reckless the world views our current leadership...
You're right Tony, and it's disgraceful that this has been done in our name. We, as a whole, are responsible for this humanitarian tragedy and the stain will rermain unless those that are directly responsible are brought to account.
Even your lowball figure of 100,000 is beyond the pale, Rory. Incidentally, I noted that Canada has decided to vacate Afghanistan, the so-called "good war," but yet another situation where the word "victory" defies a logical definition...
If our leaders would be honest and tell us they're trying to establish a secure environment for a pipeline from the Caspian Basin through Afghanistan and Pakistan to the Indian Ocean, maybe it would make a little sense, but otherwise, what the hell are we doing there? Is it another case where we're making life better for the natives? (no) Are we going after Osama? (he's not there). Are we eliminating Al Q? (It's not there). We need to wake up and stop thinking in slogans and apply a little common sense to what's going on, because our leaders are rather rapidly breaking the bank.
The Bush administration is pushing through a broad array of foreign weapons deals as it seeks to rearm Iraq and Afghanistan, contain North Korea and Iran, and solidify ties with onetime Russian allies.
From tanks, helicopters and fighter jets to missiles, remotely piloted aircraft and even warships, the Department of Defense has agreed so far this fiscal year to sell or transfer more than $32 billion in weapons and other military equipment to foreign governments, compared with $12 billion in 2005.
The trend, which started in 2006, is most pronounced in the Middle East, but it reaches into northern Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and even Canada, through dozens of deals that senior Bush administration officials say they are confident will both tighten military alliances and combat terrorism.
“This is not about being gunrunners,” said Bruce S. Lemkin, the Air Force deputy under secretary who is helping to coordinate many of the biggest sales. “This is about building a more secure world.”
Its been over three weeks since the prediction on the invasion, even Iran's President was in NY this week. What better time for the attack, I haven;t even heard any nes whispers aout a military buildup (they are evne reducing troops). It must be your alternative, after Obama's election.
I will keep watching, but nit yet ready to place any wagers.
Three weeks to the election, no invasion yet. I will keep watching, but no betting on it yet.
Election day, no invasion yet. I will keep watching, but the creditbility of the sources is coming into question.
What is the next likely date for this attack?
"Duane, the time frame for the credibility of the Dutch report was "within weeks." Certainly before the election, if it's going to happen, in the opinion of many, but one might also make the case that if Obama is elected, it could then take place shortly thereafter.
"
Well your source of the attack has lost all credibility, Preisdent Obama is now in office and the attacks never happened.
I surely wouldn;t want to think that this whole reporting of pending attack was somehow a more a political ploy than honest reporting all be it false as it has proven.