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Analysis: US thwarting Israeli strike on Iran
Ron Ben-Yishai
Published: 29.03.12, 14:21
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31. but why?
red ,   toronto, canada   (03.29.12)
yes, everything in this article is true, from israel's point of view. the almost daily "leaks" of supposedly secret intelligence can only be coming out with the approval of the american administration. you have to be naive or stupid to believe that real "intelligence sources" spill their guts to the media without their bosses' permission. they don't. but that begs the question of "why"? yes, it's obviously aimed at preventing an israeli attack, but why has protecting iran become an urgent priority for america? the answer is the american presidential election in november. as foreign policy, candidate obama's "diplomatic engagement" with iran, is the poster child of his failure in the middle east, as iran grows ever more belligerent. an american raid on iran would be messy, and not guaranteed to succeed - jimmy carter's raid to free the hostages in 1980 comes to mind - but even if it succeeds, it only proves that "engagement" was a bad idea. and jimmy carter didn't get re-elected, either. an israeli raid could make president obama look even worse, if it succeeds. but either way, iran will probably start shooting at americans, which will mar president obama's record. so the safest thing to do, politically, is absolutely nothing. it's just that the pesky israelis can't be counted upon to face annihilation for the benefit of his re-election, so president obama is proceeding with his usual strategy of pushing yet another american ally under the bus.
32. Tit for tat
Castor Troy   (03.29.12)
Bibi netanyahu should repond in making leaks in a way to sabotage the reelection of Hussein Obama, and in taking openly sides with the Republicans. There was no more hostile US administration since Carter times. !
33. So the cat is finally out
Bert   (03.29.12)
So the cat is finally out of the bag ! Obama can't be trusted ! Its clear that for America, their economy & elections are more important. Israel has to act on their own and very quickly.
34. Paul #9
Alice ,   Montreal, canada   (03.29.12)
America needs Israel more than Israel needs America. Besides, Israel has fought its own wars with its OWN SOLDIERS without any other country involved in fighting . With GOD'S HELP, iSRAEL will defeat Iran.
35. Attack Iran, Be Prepared!
Iranian ,   Washingon, DC   (03.29.12)
Wow, can't believe some of the stupid hate here. The problem is not Iran. There are so many Persian dissidents living outside of Iran because of the people in power. Keep putting pressure on that regime, maybe create a few "accidents" for the leaders but don't give the common citizen something to stand behind, especially when they themselves are not approving of their leadership. Assasinating a scientist or making it look like an accident is stupid, that man was probably a kid growing up during pre-revolution Iran in the early 70's seeing NASA on TV and wanting to become a scientist. Israel and the USA need to create "car accidents" or "heart attacks" for the leadership of the country, not bomb the people. Corner an animal and it will fight back, don't corner Iran, it has a much larger population and much stronger military than anyone Israel and America has picked a fight with in the last 50 years.
36. obama
Vilhelm ,   usa   (03.29.12)
Obama wants to get reelected (fat chance) so he does not want a war going on that would prevent him from doing so.
37. Just Remember...all the deadIsraeli's from Obama's decision
Steven Wilson ,   Anchorage, Alaska   (03.29.12)
are on his head. The United States has just become Israels enemy....Obama and his two faced love affair with a cult religion has seen to that. This President is a danger to the United States as well as the rest of the world. He would have looked the other way in WWII....just to be re-elected and keep the oil flowing. George Bush was an Oil Man....only looking out for big oil......yeah right????
38. So agree
(03.29.12)
39. A question for Ron Ben Yishai.
Israeli 2   (03.29.12)
First of all, thank you very much for a great and truthful analysis. I just need to know: Knowing Israel well, will this leak of information due to whatever reason cause Israel to delay its attack? Also, is it possible that the United States is merely putting pressure on Iran with information, albeit truthful but not detrimental? I would appreciate your answers on these questions.
40. still want to vote for Obama?
ej ,   ny   (03.29.12)
any one still think Obama and his Red Guard are friends of Israel? lol i know i'm voting Republican this election!
41. US thwarting Israeli strike
Harry Light ,   USA   (03.29.12)
Why doesnt Israel just break off relations with the USA. Israel is so strong it does not need America.
42. #35: Hate is always stupid.
Israeli 2   (03.29.12)
Jews do not hate Iranians....but if the Iranian people cannot handle their leadership, then someone else should. Do not be fearful, Iranian in Washington D.C., Israelis will notresult to massacre.
43. Obama damaged America the worst.
BUTSeriously ,   Australia   (03.29.12)
One must imagine the damage caused when a President's credential are unknown and that he is able to create much damage: destroying US economy by novel measures: Obamacare; making Islamic oil made irreplacable by other oil deposits in Canada; handouts to bogus environment organizations, bowing to Islamic regimes, playing dixie with Iran, desecrating the Hebrew bible at past speeches, bashing Israel with fatalistic bows and claiming America would never go to war with an Islamic country. It does not sound like an American Black Christian!
44. Jews that vote for Obama make me want to vomit
American Jew   (03.29.12)
They shame themselves and all of us.
45. 35. kill us now or kill us later...we have nothing to lose
(03.29.12)
Jews will fight to live...we will never die quietly again.
46. I am ASHAMED to be a citizen of the US!
Shawna ,   Florida, USA   (03.29.12)
Obama does not represent the US properly. I 100% support Israel and pray for wisdom for Bibi and the authorities. G-d will ALWAYS indeed take care of the apple of His eye!
47. The enemy from within
Brod ,   USA   (03.29.12)
By leaking classified information, the Obama administration is helping the Ayatollahists in their defense. The Republican leaders and Congress should be informed of this so that they could expose the culprits to the American people. There is definitely an enemy from within that hates Israel and America.
48. America
Stephen ,   UK   (03.29.12)
America is a great country ( and Israel will always consider the USA its friend ) but it has presently a terrible President. Oh how I miss George Bush Jnr - Mr Genuine. He said it how it was ( when he wasn't getting confused! ) and he didn't suffer fools gladly. Obama on the other hand has tainted his Presidency with an openly "two-faced" approach to Politics - through naievety or stupidity - it doesn't matter which. The damage is done.
49. Ron - your report about the negative impact on Israel's
Rafi ,   US   (03.29.12)
... operational plans is probably true... But why do you conclude Obama himself is responsible? The Pentagon has LONG opposed any Iranian involvement (US or Israel) - and high-ranking opponents there have been selectively leaking negative info for YEARS (see numerous hostile articles published by Sy Hirsch during Bush Admin). Secondly, yesterday's Congressional report? Since when is Congress controlled by Obama? It's a loose cannon if there ever was one. Lastly, Foreign Policy is an independent journal. Who controls that? Ron - It's a good Op-Ed piece, but you don't make a convincing connection to Obama himself.
50. Go ahead punks make our day
reza shah ,   tehran   (03.29.12)
Talk talk talk you want to hit Iran but america stop you when america was able to stop you stop lying you will not dare because you know thats it
51. You can not let any state intimidate you. You must knock out
Moshe ,   Usa   (03.29.12)
irun's nuke sites regardless of Usa. And if you fail, you must nuke irun until they capitulate. It is as simple as that. You will be applauded by all rational, non-revisionists around the world. And you will mock the complainant antisemitism of the jealous minority.
52. iran-the little punk trying to be a bigshot!!
Don Rosenberg ,   Palatine USA   (03.29.12)
The racist cowardly iranians are liars and warmongers. Mr, iranian punk, learn history. Your racist leaders threaten Israel. Just like the nazi's, the people let their moronic leader take power. Iran will be devastated by the force of Israel and the USA and you iranian morons can blame yourselves. May you suffer and your leaders destroyed and peace will come.
53. It is time to stop all this nonsense
George ,   San Francisco, USA   (03.29.12)
It is time for Israel to stop all this nonsense about "striking" or "bombing" Iran. It would be totally madness and completely without any justification. Besides, it is against the UN Charter which prohibits an attack on a member country except in self defense. Also, attacks on functioning nuclear facilities are against international law. Isn't there anything else that Israel should be concerned with instead of constantly planning to attack this country or another? Iran has no nuclear weapons program as even Barak has admitted. Also, Iran has never made a threat against Israel, while Israel constantly makes threats against Iran with "All options are on the table." The claim that Iran wants to "wipe out Israel" was based on a stupid mis-translation of a single sentence in 2005. How long are Israelis going to drag on this farcical lie? To confirm, do a Google search on "Does Iran threaten to wipe out Israel?"
54. Nr 39.
Arn. ,   Sweden.   (03.29.12)
Your First Question can only the Israeli PM answer. Your Second Question can only the US president Answer. I think the US President is stalling for time, he has no Vision how to act and if He has, His Vision Errs.. Forgive me for interfering. Arn.Sweden.
55. #53 - what about
Max John   (03.29.12)
What about Ahmedinjad & Khameni both saying & quoted in reputable newspapers few days ago that "Israel is a cancer that has to be excised" ? You want them to be given a bouquet ???
56. reza shah # 50
Eaglebeak ,   Left Coast, USA   (03.29.12)
You know Reza, Israel could really brighten your day if they wanted to. You might want to get out your sun glasses and sun block If Irans leadership (such as it is) doesn't back off.
57. "rezah shah"? You wish you were him!
(03.29.12)
And beware of what you wish for. It may yet happen.
58. #53 Agree - stop talking and start ACTING!
(03.29.12)
59. to George in SF
Barney ,   USA   (03.29.12)
you are spending too much time at the cannabis dispensaries. Iran has said Israel is a cancer that must be removed more times than can be counted. Iran also funds and arms Israel's enemies in the north and south. so take another big peace and love puff. it is not the reality.
60. 46 Shawna, and the rest of US haters
Rob ,   Orangevale, U.S.A.   (03.29.12)
You know where the door is. Dont let it slam you on the way out Shawna. Israel is barking so loudly and complaining so bitterly about US betrayal, that it's almost as if you never intended to attack at all. Go ahead and do it then. You DON'T have what it takes to do it right, and finish the job,and still haven't managed to even end the rocket fire from across the street! Put up or shut up. The world is beginning to chuckle. Blaming America for serving her own interests,not Israels first, while foaming at the mouth aint gonna get it done. You either go it alone or shut up till we're ready. Nobody in the US is afraid of you either. For the very first time I agree with Reza@50 from Tehran. You are losing the friend war, enemy war, and the aftermath war. Dig more holes to scream from. Rob
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