Opinion  Others
Chess with Tehran
James Woolsey
Published: 25.01.07, 20:31
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27 Talkbacks for this article
1. We need more people like this in D.C.
Catholic   (01.25.07)
And to get all the democrats out, they don't even know how to run their party
2. *** Geopolitical Simpletons! Start seething ! ***
VIT ,   USA   (01.25.07)
To all Progressive Leftists and other Geopolitical Simpletons: THE EVENTS THAT WILL FOLLOW IN 10 SMALL STEPS 1)Israel strikes Iranian nuke sites. Although it could just as likely be the US. 2) Iran will respond by launching Shahabs at Israel and medium range missiles at US targets in the Mideast. Their attempt to block the Persian Gulf is a non-starter due the the presence of two American Carrier Groups in the gulf. (A third Carrier Group is also near by .) 4) Iran will also activate Hizzballah and will most likely goad the Syrians into making a move. 5) Infiltration across the border into Iraq by Iranian funded insurgents will increase. 6) US responds with a 30-90 day aerial and naval campaign the sight and magnitude of which has never been seen. The campaign will obliterate the Iranian navy and 90 % of the Iranian military targets that are worth hitting including all nuke facilities that Israel did not get in the initial strike. There will be no ground invasion. There will not be a need for a ground invasion. 7) The muslim street will do something original. They will go out into the streets and riot. (Wow...We've never seen that before.) 8) Sunni Arab Nations like the Saudis will express their regret but will privately laud the action. I guess it has something to do with the rightful succession of the prophet Mohamed or their interpretation of it. You know...It's that Sunni - Shia thing! 9) Meanwhile the Israeli Arrow anti missile system will take care of 98% of the Shahabs that Iran will launch and the new advanced Patriot system in the hands of the Americans (and Israelis) will take care of the rest. 10) Israel responds even more aggressively against both Hizzballah and the Syrians since they will shoot rockets at Tel Aviv. This time Israel does not hold back like they did last summer. THE RESULT: The Syrian Army is demolished. Damascus is in ruins. Lebanon suffers even worse damage this time around. Iran will be devastated from the air by the Americans as their civilization is pounded into 'year zero' until they sue for peace on American terms. Meanwhile Israel suffers moderate but acceptable damage. OH...AND ONE MORE THING: When this happens the Democrats will support the effort since Iran will be firing missiles at Israel ! (Remember the bipartisan resolutions in the Senate and House supporting Israel in it's war against Hizzballah this past summer.) After all, what will the Dems do, support Iran & Ahmadinijad ?!? Only the Progressive Leftists (AKA The New Jew Haters) & their Islamist allies will be up in arms with insane Bush / Israel hatred. Although David Duke (the new hero of the Progressives) will be with you. Wow ! That's some nice company you keep ! We shall soon see who is more important politically: Israel or the Progressives and their Islamic allies. For years the Progressives have masqueraded their Jew Hatred by cloaking it in the 'World Peace Movement' . This war will expose you like no other. ...and these are the facts Jack ! HAVE A NICE DAY. Now start the seething ! I wanna hear it ! Please don't let me down. It took 15 minutes to write this.
3. Yes '79 when Pres.Carter was the midwfe of Islamofascism
Alan ,   SA   (01.25.07)
4. great piece
RobertK ,   Jerusalem   (01.25.07)
Some more people like Mr. Woolsey in America and Israel instead of the many cowards and idiots--and we would stand up to our enemies and intimidate them, and that would be the real Peace Now.
5. #1, We Need Just One Like Him in the Kenesset
Jack ,   eilat   (01.25.07)
6. JOKE OF THE DAY!!
alibaba   (01.25.07)
Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad calls President Bush and tells him, "George, I had a wonderful dream last night. I could see America, the whole beautiful country, and on each house I saw a banner." "What did it say on the banners?" Bush asks. Mahmud replies, "ALLAH IS G-D, G-D IS ALLAH." Bush says, "You know, Mahmud, I am really happy you called. Last night I had a similar dream. I could see all of Tehran, and it was more beautiful than ever. It had been rebuilt completely, and on each house flew an enormous banner." "What could you see on the banners?" Mahmud asks. Bush replies, "I don't know, I can't read Hebrew.
7. problem with the 15 minute assessment
Meni   (01.25.07)
1) what if iran already bought a nuke from north korea?
8. #2 vit
jerome ,   basalt, co   (01.25.07)
I hope it goes just like you wrote it! I also hope no Russian dictraitor(putin) or the Chinese decide to get involved. And joke forbid if we piss off the French!!! Just kidd'n about the Frogsters.
9. Too bad Israelis afraid to invoke God's name
SL ,   New York   (01.25.07)
Too bad that the secular elite, which is ruling the State of Israel, is unwilling or afraid to do what this courageous ex-CIA man did: speak to the clash of civilizations, and mention the name of God! Why won't Israeli leaders speak about the Rock of Israel (as in the Declaration of Independence)? Do they really believe that they will emerge victorious "through my strength and the strength of my hands", as the prophet characterizes the fools who rely only on themselves, without beseeching God for help? As Golda Meir reportedly once said, "In Israel, we don't rely on miracles--we expect them". Let us all hope and pray for a miracle, while working to support the free world against fascism.
10. Woolsey will sing a different tune
ex-pat ,   USA   (01.25.07)
If he were the CIA director right now. He told the audience what they wanted to hear. You send him to S. Arabia and he will tell them what they wanted to hear also. Remember when he was the CIA director Iran advanced it's nuke program many folds, what was he doing then?
11. WOW! A shame this guy isn't running for president...
aaron ,   ra'anana   (01.25.07)
This is the best speech of the whole conference, and its not even from an israeli.
12. # 6 HAHAHA
Alex ,   Rosh Ha Ayin   (01.26.07)
13. #2, Whoa!
David ,   Marietta USA   (01.25.07)
Good ideas, but Democrats go out of their way to lose wars and insure innocents are slaughtered. (Remember the Killing Fields of Cambodia,2 million dead in 1 year after the Dems cut off funding for Vietnam? Or the slaughter of the 20 Million Kullachs by Stalin after Roosevelt recognized Stalin's USSR?) I'm sure you do not. Democrats DO NOT support Israel, even though idiots in South Florida vote for them religiously. They will not approve of any US attack on Iran, and will demand Israeli retreat if Israel were to attempt an attack. . Remember, the idea of removing Saddam Hussein from office was a DEMOCRATIC President's idea (Saint Bill The Vigorous), and was strongly supported by Saint John The Loser (or is it the Cry baby these days?). They all switched tracks in mid stream, and their history supports them doing it again. And Adm. Woolsey is pulling the wool over your eyes again. Islamo-fascism was practically invented by his boss, Saint Jimmy Of The Lustful Heart, when he, good Democrat that he is and was, pulled the rug out from under a long term ally the Shah, and returned the Ayatollah to Teheran to instigate the disaster the world is currently facing. A rum bunch every one of them, and none to be trusted. Israel is in very, very deep trouble. There is no political leadership at its top, the once mighty military has been severely crippled, not to mention humbled, and probably cannot pull off another Entebbe at this juncture, and there is no foreign support for any action it might take. It is on a road to either suicide, or outright murder. Neither prospect is particulary pleasant to contemplate!
14.  Dear Mr. Woolsey
The Digger ,   USA   (01.26.07)
I urge you to run for Prime Minister of Israel, even though you are not Jewish. Please, I beg you. Olmert, Livni et al are destroying Israel. Of course, they are too stupid and cowering to realize this.
15. We Jews and Christians Give me BREAK
!.5 billion Muslis   (01.26.07)
When Judiasm and christianity merge and become one Religion , this is game the Zoinist used to minipulate Evangelical Fanatics who Beleive when all the Jews around the world go to the So-called Promise land their Messiah will come who by the way will only save these who believe him as Lord ( i,e Christian ) and every body who does not beleive will go to Hell ( Included people who Beleive Judiasm) so what happen this so -called new religion Judo-Christianity who have of their Beleivers(christians ) will go to heaven while other have (Jews) will go to Hell what is wrong with this Picture ; may be I am muslim who is Back ward who do not understand deep Meaning of these Marger Religions who part is more Equal than the other, But when u r talking Middle east lot of thing do not make sense. Reality Check , world
16. #2
richard - NYU   (01.26.07)
If we attack Iran, there will be consequences. 1. Iran will retaliate with everything they have, and will also disrupt oil prices and also cause damage to israel and U.S interests in the M.E 2. NO Arab or Muslim gov't will accept the attack, this time the muslim streets will not only protest but there could be a coup d'ete in some of these countries for there indifference e.g - Pakistan (Musharaf seen as a puppet by his ppl, and close proximity to the war theatre doesn't help. Coupled with a military that is aligned with "Islamist" spells MUTINY!!! And if that was to occour then theres total anhilation of this planet as we konw it.) -Saudi Arabia (Monarchy seen as weak, and im sure there are enough muslim fundamentalist there too overthrow the house of saud) -Egypt, and Jordan (both will be inclined to enter the war b/c of popular unrest and esp. if there is mass killing in lebanon or Iran, and consequentially more ammo due to the fact that there isn't a Palestinian state to speak of) 3. Iraq would go from a quagmire, to a graveyard. WIll be overthrown with Iranian agents and will be a perpetual bother to US and Isreal for years. 4. Embolded the extremist, will sideline the moderates and polarized world opinion thereafter. Maybe in another 50 years Iran will get nuclear weapons, then what happens to U.S or Isreal? 5. China and Russia might sympathize with Iran, and provide help. Both are wild cards. 6. What will be U.S's exit strategy from IRan and Iraq? Are they going to cut and run from both? What are the implications? Will the ghosts from the ME follow them home? All, and all geopolitical nightmare. Israel and the U.S have more to gain from peace talks then war mongering.
17. ***Geopolitical Simpletons! Start seething !***re: VIT
Kelly   (01.26.07)
Hi there Vit You paint a wonderful scenario and well exposed.It was thrilling.Gosh wouldn't it be good if indeed it can come to pass. Not wishful thinking to be sure.It can be achieved if our leaders act judiciously and not waste time and effort.with dithering,procastinating and prevaricating(nearly named our present PM here)Oh dear this will never do! I would forget France altogether in this endevour. Poor things they are in deep S..T as it is.England? There too,though not very promising while they are pandering and appeasing their Islamofascists and have become a laughing stock. Europe is now called"Eurabia" .and London? well now is called "Londonistan" There you go dear man.Oh they may still surprise us and join the fray never know hmmm.The more the merrier and I am not joking believe you me VIT. "Truth is stranger than Fiction" And I ain't contemplating "Fiction"no sireeebob! I may sound flippant while I punch the keys,but I mean every word. Credit is to you.After all as they say: With the dues eh? and I thank you for making my evening.I dream can't I ? You know something,you remind me of a respondent on another newspaper's forum... who not only had the insight, experience, witticism, knowledge of warfare(still a reservist in IDF) plus speaks fluent arabic.What say you to this VIT? Wouldn't that be an asset too? Wonder where he is these days? Probably busy with further studies. Cheers, Make my Dream come TRUE!!!
18. # 13 David Whoa. re:#2..........
Kelly   (01.26.07)
Hey David stop being such a "Jeremiah". Poor man had much to complain I understand,BUT YOU ARE BEING TOO PESSIMISTIC ABOUT OUR ISRAEL.I will not listen to your ramblings and will dismiss you forthwith! You talk about the old glory days such as Entebbe.Hang on a moment there mister,that was then and this is now.Much has changed,different conditions apply and you must be aware first and foremost warfare has come a long way since then. I grant you that the Israeli leadership is bellow par for sure,and we need top notch men to guide the military and the whole country from now on.But I hadto think of who???Funny is it not eh? Cannot think of a single one.I could at a pinch accept the likes of the "old guard",but they are old too. On a different tack and as an example okay? Take the U.K for instance.Same thing there too you know. Tony Blair was okay only because of his astuteness--by taking Mrs.Thatcher's mantle,changing the name of the party calling it "New Labour" and was reelected four times. Now think after he resigns, who is worthy to take his place hmmm? Having dealt with the Labour Party,let's take the "Conservatives" Since the departure(more shame to them) of Mrs.Thatcher there has been nobody to take on the job and they remain in the wilderness,and will continue for a long time.I know I waffled on a bit,it is to give you the perspective about the situations that prevails not only in Israel,but also in other countries.WITH ONE GREAT DIFFERENCE THOUGH! Israel cannot afford to drop its guard and will have to retain its military in tip,top position and be ready to deal with great force when necessary.This latest episode was a shamble,but can be remedied with good mangement from the top down. Will remind you not to denigrate our boys in the IDF or IAF. They should have been prepared,they should not have been sent to fight with their hands tied behind their backs,and just as they were beginning to act! what happened? They were asked to stop,as cease fire was declared.What a bloody mess!!! P.M Olmert, Peretz,and Halutz the "aviator" when the ground troops were needed to do a thorough job.Job I say, BUT,the reservists had not had sufficient training for quite a time an unaccustomed to the new venture. Well, I am not equipped,or knowledgeable about military matters,but even a child would have understood the dilemmaour boys found themselves in.Even then,they were still jolly active and did a lot of damage to the Hezis'and I do not mean from the "Air" but the "Ground Forces". At least 500 Hezis were killed,and this would have been achieved in the first week had they been well prepared in advance.Let us not blame all the high echelons here either.They were also tied by (you know who)... Before Igo will have to refresh your memory about the new "cancer" which is metastasising.The damn fundemental Islamists who think they are going to resurrect their Mahdi. Bloody fools all.They seem to be reverting to the 7th century,while the rest of the world lives in the 21st. I just give up on Ahmedineidiot,and the rest of imbeciles. David just shut up I still say AM YISRAEL CHAI!!!
19. Oops! While bashing Jews we have lost 0.5 billion Moslems...
1.0 Billion Moslems ,   Ka'b'a, Mecca, Hijaz   (01.26.07)
who converted to Christianity.
20. Proilifiration of nuclear weapons
Joe ,   USA   (01.26.07)
today.. its Iran, and tomorrow it is some other terrorist group or state, we must popularize the horror of such potential destructions that will unit all free people every where to fight this menise
21. Another Iraq?
RedStarYeast ,   USA   (01.26.07)
Woolsey is washed-up, irrelevant political hack who has been given a free round-trip ticket and all of the rubber chicken he can eat. He'll make any noises that his sponsors want to hear. What's important is the overall message of Herzliya: war on Iran, regime change. This could turn out to be a greater stupidity than Iraq, and have much more negative ramifications for Israel.
22. Israel has already lost against Iran
John ,   London,UK   (01.26.07)
Woolsey is no fool. He knows power of Iranians. After witnessing what they can do in Iraq, the ex-cia chief admits that Israel is no match against Iran. Israel is not even a match against Iranan proxy Hezbollah who recently gave Israel according to BBC a very bloody nose. Iran is expecting an attack. They want war with Israel through the US. They know they will win and Israel will lose. That is why their President Ahmedinejad has said that Israel will soon be no more. He knows he is going to win. There is no way Iran can lose in any confrontation with US or Israel. Even if US attacks Iran, Iranian leaders have made it plain that they will hit back at Israel in order to annilate it. Israel's days are numbered. Iranian dont predict things for nothing. They know they worst case senario that their country can be subjected to. Israel can encourage strike on Iran at its own peril. James Woolsey acknowledges the power and influence of Iranians in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza and west bank. Israel has no chance for success in this deadly game. Advance weapons will not save Israel. Doing the sensible thing will. Only way of survival left for Israel is to make friends with Iran. Talk it out. Iranians are master chess players. Best thing is to no play them. Humiliation and destruction, or , relationship and peace. These are only options available for Israel.
23. #22-what are you drinking?
Cameron ,   USA   (01.26.07)
'relationship & peace' with those who never cease announcing their deepest desire is the utter destruction of the Israeli people and state? John, there is no peace and security to be found for Israel by pandering to, and bending over to kiss the rump of pathological hatred. They will still do everything in their power to harm & undermine Israel, but with a smile/sneer of utter contempt. That is a game of chess only a coward or halfwit would relish. As a Brit, your own history should make it clear to you the perils and limitations of obsessing over 'dialogue'as the sole method counter irrational pathology(Neville Chamberlain & Hitler,eh?).
24. Read the article - "IDF detonates 2 Hizbollah Bunkers"
Eaken ,   Norway   (01.26.07)
This article is in today's YNET news 3 items above the article I mentioned in the subject line. It took the IDF 6 months to find two bunkers that were located under its nose the whole time and you think that war is the answer? You need a mental checkup before you get physically checked up.
25. How come ahmadinejad 'means it' when he says he wants to
Apartheid ,   Methuen usa   (01.27.07)
wipe Israel off the map, but the second in command of Al Qaeda doesn't 'mean it' when he says that if the Western armies withdraw from Muslim lands, Al qaeda will not attack the West? Could it be that we only accept statements that are consistant with our own goals?
26. Mental chess
Ytzchak ,   France   (01.27.07)
The problem with Woolsey's chess analogy is that the US and Israeli nukes are real while the Iranian ones are imaginary. Woolsey's own CIA said the Iranians are five to ten years away from a nuclear weapon. Here we go again. This time the advertised "imminent threat" is not non-existent Iraki WMDs but non-existent Iranian nukes. Same aggressor, new victim.
27. #25 where is truth / lies ??
moshe shen ,   Israel   (01.27.07)
How can anyone evaluate IF Al Qaeda or Ahm. 'means it' or NOT ?? Ahm. has threatened Israel with total destruction. IF Ahm's. babbling truly reflects his intentions, then Israel must strke first to neutralize Iran 'threats' . moshe Israel
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