Gingrich Says Israel Should Set A Deadline For Attack On Iran
Gingrich Says Israel Should Set A Deadline For Attack On Iran
Last night on Fox News, co-host Alan Colmes asked former House Speaker Newt Gingrich about a Jerusalem Post article yesterday reporting that Israel is preparing options to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. At first Gingrich gave a measured response, saying “I don’t think we’re prepared to sanction an attack on Iran.” Yet just moments later, Gingrich said the Israelis should set a deadline for an attack on Iran:
GINGRICH: I think that the Israeli government probably would be best served if they created a deadline of sometime next fall and basically told the new American president that they’re willing to do anything they can to help him achieve a non-nuclear Iran prior, say, to September or October, but that there is a point at which they will not run the risk.
Naturally, Sean Hannity concurred. “I agree with that wholeheartedly, Mr. Speaker.” Watch it:
It seems that Gingrich has suddenly changed his tune on “deadlines” involving war and peace. In fact, he was one of many conservatives who were strictly opposed to any timeline to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq:
– “I am not for any precipitous withdrawal from Iraq, and I think Senator Kerry was advocating a policy of absolute defeat when he suggested he would set a date, which I think he said could be as early as May.” [4/13/06, Fox News]
– MR. RUSSERT: Senator Dodd, should the United States set a firm deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq? SEN. DODD: I, I believe we should, Tim. [...] GINGRICH: I disagree deeply with, with Senator Dodd. [5/20/07, NBC]
So it appears that Gingrich is against deadlines for peace and for deadlines for war.
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I agree, so long as Israel fights this war on their lonely own.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:07 pmGet this through your thick head, Newt. Nobody with an IQ in the three-digit range thinks your advice is worth taking. What happened to your “permanent majority”, Newt? What happened to your proposal that was going to be “so profound” that they would practically beg you to be the presidential nominee? And why aren’t you still Speaker of the House, Newt, if your advice is worth taking?
Can we find a witch who really will turn him into a newt?
December 5th, 2008 at 2:07 pmNewt-another draft-dodging, chickenhawk war criminal.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:07 pmHawks In Doves Clothing
By Cernig Friday Dec 05, 2008 6:45am
Rupert Murdoch’s Jerusalem Post has to keep finding its daily quota of Iranian fearmongering and war hype. No other Israeli newspaper keeps, as a permanent and prominent section right after Headlines and before those for other Missle East or international news, one entitled “The Threat From Iran”. Today, it reported anonymously sourced claims that Israel is ready to go it alone in attacking Iran, after the US has repeatedly refused to co-operate in airstrikes.
It is, of course, an insane notion — one designed to keep up the pressure of bellicose rhetoric aimed at Iran in the mistaken idea that the Iranian regime will thus become less entrenched and enjoy less domestic support. Even some conservative commentators know this (Ed Morrissey for one):
Continue reading »
December 5th, 2008 at 2:08 pmhttp://crooksandliars.com/cernig/hawks-doves-clothing
Newt, have you set a deadline for dumping your wife for the next piece of tail?
December 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pmHey Newtie your fascism is showing! Did you forget that despite Georgie’s delusions, pre-emptive war is illegal under international law? Why don’t you and your fellow PNAC ball lickers all hop a plane to Israel and help them from over there? We don’t need your bullshit in America antmore or haven’t you heard that the Republicans don’t run shit anymore?
December 5th, 2008 at 2:10 pmWhose day is it to watch Newtie and let him out? Or today is ground hog day that Newtie comes out and say the same thing over again? The GOP are now in recycling their old politicians.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:11 pmSalamander says:
Israel Should Set A Deadline For Attack On Iran
Mannity responds:
I agree with that wholeheartedly, Mr. Speaker
Sure guys. Whatever. As long as you agree to send your children to the front line.
WTF is it with non serving chickenhawks continuously beating the drums of war?
December 5th, 2008 at 2:12 pmSerious. The over compensation for an inferiority complex is getting old.
Hell. If it takes a prostitute to make you feel good about your manhood, I’ll fork over the $100, as long as not one single soldier is killed for your fcked up views!!!
I say that Americans should set a deadline for American Revolution II.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:12 pmNewt is off his meds again. Telegraphing a war is never a good idea.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:13 pmNewt must own lots and lots of shares of defense and military support stocks. Now that it looks like Iraq is going to wind down, time for another war for profit!
Right Newt?
PEACE
December 5th, 2008 at 2:19 pmAnd I’ll say it again:
PEACE!
December 5th, 2008 at 2:20 pmSo it appears that Gingrich is against deadlines for peace and for deadlines for war
There are no peace-related corporations taking people’s money through government. It is quite obvious Gingrich’s reasoning.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:22 pmdoes anyone remember when War was a bad thing??
December 5th, 2008 at 2:22 pmGingrich is a goddamned idiot.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pmThat gives Obama lots of time to come up with an appropriate response to Israel.
Something along the lines of, “Israel has the right to defend itself…just like Iran does.”
December 5th, 2008 at 2:27 pmYup, just like a chickenhawk to go bucking for a war he’ll never have to fight in. The only ones who will make out from this kind of conflict are the oil companies after Iran starts targeting oil tankers leaving the Gulf. I think Newt would approve.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:28 pmI looked up the word “Republican” in the dictionary today, and it says there that they never met a country that they didn’t want to bomb… except China, and only because they hold all of our debt.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:30 pmI thought that deadlines and timetables only provides aid and comfort to our enemies… now I’m confused.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:31 pmMark701 Says:
The only ones who will make out from this kind of conflict are the oil companies after Iran starts targeting oil tankers leaving the Gulf.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
__________
Ok, you lost me here. What possible strategic purpose would this serve for Iran, a country dependent on oil? They’d just be making it more difficult for their own product to get to market, as well as offending their allies in OPEC.
And there are plenty of other companies who would benefit from war with Iran – U.S. weapons manufacturers who sell arms to Israel, offshore U.S. shell corporations who sell arms to Iran, security firms and private military contractors and technology firms on both sides, not to mention all the construction and other firms that’ll need to be called in after the invasion.
If we lift the embargo on Iran before Israel attacks, we could make out like Milo Minderbinder, selling goods to both teams.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:36 pm….deadline of sometime next fall and basically told the new American president that they’re willing to do anything they can to help him achieve a non-nuclear Iran prior, say, to September or October, but that there is a point at which they will not run the risk.
Obama will simply ask Israel what’s their rush since all experts say that there is no way that Iran could have a nuclear bomb, if in fact they are working on one, for at least 7-10 years.
I really was expecting them to attack Iran before Bush left office so that Bush could get us involved. But it looks like Israel recognizes that Bush is no longer President, he’s just a placeholder.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:37 pmWhy, Newtie? There was never a deadline to pay your Alimony and Child support. There was never a deadline to repay your first wife for putting you through graduate school.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:37 pmDoesn’t Gingrich have a hospitalized, cancer afflicted spouse to serve divorce papers on? Worthless Crile of Pap.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:39 pmmary Says:
Something along the lines of, “Israel has the right to defend itself…just like Iran does.”
Did you mean that Iran has a right to defend themselves just like Israel does? Because as far as I can see, Iran has not attacked nor has any current plans to attack Israel. On the other hand, they could just pull a Bush and do a preemptive strike on Israel. After all, Bush did set a precedent there. And since Israel didn’t object to Bush attacking Iraq, even though they had done nothing to the US, I guess Israel could not complain if Iran attacked them first in response to their threatening behavior.
Bush has set some really bad precedents in the world (torture & preemptive strikes) and it is not a good thing for our country.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:39 pmDRxJ Says:
Salamander says:
Israel Should Set A Deadline For Attack On Iran
Mannity responds:
I agree with that wholeheartedly, Mr. Speaker
Sure guys. Whatever. As long as you agree to send your children to the front line.
WTF is it with non serving chickenhawks continuously beating the drums of war?
Serious. The over compensation for an inferiority complex is getting old.
Hell. If it takes a prostitute to make you feel good about your manhood, I’ll fork over the $100, as long as not one single soldier is killed for your fcked up views!!!
A M E N
December 5th, 2008 at 2:40 pmWell Wayne, I’m here but I don’t fix newt’s or do weather. sorry..I will give a good discription of this newt though..This one is blind,small and slimy, reside’s in dank, dark crawl space’s and relate’s to nothing human…LOL..The best way to get rid of them would be to put them back in their hidie hole’s under a bush house and close up all the vent’s….Blessings all
December 5th, 2008 at 2:44 pmBilbo, that’s an excellent point.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:47 pmOne might wonder whether Iran is planning a future strike on Israel because Israel is planning a future strike on Iran, who would be justified in claiming pre-emptive self defense, ala BushitCo doctrine.
One more comment, if Israel was planning a preemptive strike, and published a deadline for it, wouldn’t Iran want to bomb the shit out of Israel at least a month ahead of the announced deadline??
Lucked up Fogic, Amphiby an Hannity…
December 5th, 2008 at 2:49 pmBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
mary Says:
Something along the lines of, “Israel has the right to defend itself…just like Iran does.”
Did you mean that Iran has a right to defend themselves just like Israel does?
Yes, that’s what I meant.
If Israel attacks Iran first, and then Iran retaliates against Israel, I don’t see how the U.S. can justify helping Israel retaliate, because Iran also has the right to defend itself. No?
On the other hand, they could just pull a Bush and do a preemptive strike on Israel. After all, Bush did set a precedent there. And since Israel didn’t object to Bush attacking Iraq, even though they had done nothing to the US, I guess Israel could not complain if Iran attacked them first in response to their threatening behavior.
I agree. Since everyone knows that Israel has nuclear weapons AND they are threatening Iran, a pre-emptive attack on Israel by Iran on Israel’s nuclear facilities would be understandable by Israel’s logic.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:50 pmThis man has no authority other than that granted him by the sychophants at Fox. What is the point of repeating his bs?
Go away Gingrich, you have no powers here.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:52 pmGet a signed contract quick. Have you made the flyover arrangements? Are there enough bombs in Israel to do the job, or can my clients supply them for you?
December 5th, 2008 at 2:53 pmwhat’s your cell number? Don’t worry, the DOJ allows me to do anything I want now that I am an ex criminal.
Where are we even listening to this shit bag?
December 5th, 2008 at 3:08 pmThe U.S. and Iraq must deny Israel flyover rights over Iraq.
Make the Israeli jets fly over other countries if they want to attack Iran.
But Israel would first have to gain flyover rights from those other countries, and good luck with that.
If the U.S. and Iraq do NOT grant flyover rights to Israel, then both/either the U.S. OR Iraq would be justified in shooting down Israeli Air Force planes. My guess is that Iraq would be more than happy to shoot down a few Israeli planes.
Same, of course, with Iran – needing flyover rights to attack Israel. Altho Iran would probably have much more success in obtaining flyover rights from other non-Iraq Arab countries. In fact, Iraq might be happy to allow Iranian attack planes to fly over Iraq territory if they are attacking Israel.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:10 pmI guess Israel could not complain if Iran attacked them first in response to their threatening behavior.
Well, this brings us to the reasons of why Israel’s “civilian” population (at the age of 18, women and men, are forced to do military service. Just look at how serious they are about this.)
is the target of Arab terrorist attacks: because they are a democracy, and they get to choose the promotion of atrocities to its neighbors.
I am not defending this, but, this is a rather complicated issue.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:11 pmSomeone should set a deadline for Newt to have a heart attack.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:12 pmMaybe the USA could set a deadline to cut off aid to Israel, I’d like that very much.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:13 pmGood advice Newt!!! If America was as threatened as Israel is, we should expect them to defend themselves. Oh wait, you chicenhawks in here don’t see Iran as being a threat! When a leader from another country calls for the “Complete destruction of Israel!!!”, you would think you’d listen.
If you can’t understand that Iran is a real threat, please tell me when war is necessary? When is war justifiable?
December 5th, 2008 at 3:15 pmNILAPSTICK,
Why is someone calling for “complete destruction of Israel” a threat to the United States?
War is justifiable when you are attacked, or an attack on you is absolutely, postively, unequivocably imminent. Blowing a lot of hot air is not grounds for war. Unless and until Iran actually does something, there is no justification to go to war based on what your fearful little mind thinks they might do. If that kind of rationale was correct, you could arrest everyone who buys a handgun and bullets because they might kill an innocent person (which is forty times more likely to happen than the gun being used on an intruder.)
December 5th, 2008 at 3:22 pmNILAPSTICK Says: “Chickenhawks”?
I don’t think that word means what you think it means, shithead.
“Complete destruction of Israel!!!” I don’t think so, idiot. What Achmadinejad talked about was the end of Israel’s corrupt government, NOT WIPING THE NATION OF ISRAEL OFF THE MAP you kool-aid swilling fool. Israel has more than enough nukes to destroy the world multiple times over. Iran does not possess even one. Who do you think should feel threatened?
December 5th, 2008 at 3:25 pmNIPPLEDICK – It was Iran’s dipsh!t president who said that, and guess what…
…he has ZERO control of the miltary there… hence, he can’t attack anyone with anything…
…well, he could drive over there and hit them with sticks or something.
…you cons are sooo freakin’ stupid.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:26 pmYou gotta love these self important, washed up political bobbleheads when they chime in about war without realizing what could happen if Israel took any action against Iran.
Then again I imagine the end of the world can’t come quick enough for idiots like Newt, who seems to be saying “bring on armageddon, we cannot wait for God to end the world”
December 5th, 2008 at 3:27 pmJuan C. Says:
——————————————————————————–
I guess Israel could not complain if Iran attacked them first in response to their threatening behavior.
Well, this brings us to the reasons of why Israel’s “civilian” population (at the age of 18, women and men, are forced to do military service. Just look at how serious they are about this.)
is the target of Arab terrorist attacks: because they are a democracy, and they get to choose the promotion of atrocities to its neighbors.
I am not defending this, but, this is a rather complicated issue.
Whaaa…? I don’t follow you. If you are a citizen of a democracy that attacks a neighbor, you are a legitimate terror target, but if you live in a dictatorship that does the same you aren’t? That is pretty complicated, especially since democracies rarely resort to terrorism, the deliberate targeting of innocents, whereas terrorists and dictatorships often use their civilians as human shields.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:28 pmOur reckless foreign policy and shameless pandering to Israel through AIPAC continues on and on. Unfornately, Obama seems to be continuing down this path. His speech right after locking up the nomination was vert disheartening. Rahm Abraham is a fervent Zionist and I’m afraid a major portion of his cabinet is very pro-Israel. This will only continue contribute America’s reckless foreign policy. Time will tell.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:29 pmsorry I meant Rahm Emanuel.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:30 pmAnd since when should country A attack country B for insane things the leader of country B says about country A?
The ignorant things Ahmadinejad says are just to fire up his base of supporters much in the same way Bush, McCain, Bachmann or Palin say stupid and ignorant things to fire up their base and yet I don’t see any countries threatening us for some of the batsh*t crazy things our politicians say.
And don’t get me wrong, I do not condone the aweful things that Ahmadinejad has said in the past but Israel and the US should be careful what they say and/or wish for. What if the rest of the world decided Israel or the US shouldn’t have nuclear weapons?
December 5th, 2008 at 3:33 pmKeltoi Says:
That is pretty complicated, especially since democracies rarely resort to terrorism, the deliberate targeting of innocents, whereas terrorists and dictatorships often use their civilians as human shields.
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Not to start an arguement but I beg to differ on your statement that democracies rarely resort to terrorism.
The actions by our own CIA could make other countries consider them to be a terrorist organization for the many covert operations they have been involved in around the world.
Our government is no angel when it comes to spreading fear, death and chaos for political or corporate reasons. Yes democracies may not use these “technics” as much other non democratic countries but they still use them just the same and now thanks to the Bushites we torture and spy on our own citizens.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:42 pmUncle Fester Lurks Says:
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Not to start an arguement
I thought that was why people came here? :)
but I beg to differ on your statement that democracies rarely resort to terrorism.
The actions by our own CIA could make other countries consider them to be a terrorist organization for the many covert operations they have been involved in around the world.
Hmmmm….well, there is no doubt the CIA is involved in assassinations of our enemies, and I would agree innocents are sometimes killed in this process. HOWEVER, there is no comparison between that and what you saw in Mumbai last week, where killing innocents was the entire point.
I just think Juan’s point about the culpability of citizens in democracies versus non-democracies is strained at best.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:48 pmMy Dear Nalipstick, in response to your post and question. “when is war justafied”? In my opinion never…Now if you want a clarification on that I will give one..Even if you don’t want me to spell it out, I will…Negotiation’s and diplomacy should be the first line of defence, alway’s..
.Word’s don’t mean a hell of a lot, look at bush..He’s the biggest chicken shit piece of garbage, warmonging fool that has ever come down the pike, like many other little dictator type’s..It should be those that start the fight’s must fight them..Them alone, no young healthy military kid’s but the old saber ratteling nut cases..If Israel want’s a fight let them do it on their own with out our help…
It seem’s to me since this miserable administration and their industrial war machine pre planned all this they should be on the front line’s doing their own dirty work..
Now if you don’t agree with my Peace instead of constant war you are more than welcome to fly right on over to Israel or Iran, your choice, and join in the fight you are pramoting….Or you are more than welcome to join the slimy little newt in a dark basement untill you are relevent again….Blessings, you need them.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:51 pmWho has shown responsibility when it comes to nuclear weapons? Everyone who owns them so far. Do you really believe that a country controlled by religous dictators with no credibillity in the world would not use nuclear weapons given the opportunity? They don’t even have nukes yet and their standing on the kitchen table screaming, “Look at me, look at me. We are crazy and we want nukes!!!”. Imagine what they do when they get them. The sad thing is, you have more problems with Christian religons than you do with Muslim religon. I don’t Churches in America trying to build nukes. I do read everyday about some extreme terror organization hiding behind Muslim beliefs wanted to destroy western culture and society.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:54 pmFix that last sentence…
I don’t read about Churches in America trying to build nukes and bombing another country. I do read everyday about some extreme terror organization hiding behind Muslim beliefs wanting to destroy western culture and society any way they can. The latest example last week.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pmOne more point, and then I must go back to work.
Obama himself said repeatedly on the campaign trail that Iran acquiring nuclear weapons was unacceptable. Now, when Iran will have the capacity to make a bomb is unclear to us laymen – I saw a report that said they might already have enough enriched Uranium for one bomb. No matter how you slice it though, if things continue as they are and Iran ignores diplomatic pressure, during the next 8 years, Iran will go nuclear.
At some point, Obama is going to have to either use force to stop Iran getting the bomb or renege on his pledge to stop it from happening.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:00 pmFile that post under “Braindead media.” In fact, TP needs to file all articles of nimrods that are interviewed on Fox News under braindead media. Newt needs to step away from the koolaid and get off the meds.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:00 pm#49 I am so sorry you are so afraid, they have pill’s for that…Odd thing is bull shit bush didn’t worry much when he exchanged nuke’s for mango’s, guess that country didn’t have any of “our” oil under their sand to steal….Well my Dear, get some rest and treatment, if we are lucky all this may change on Jan. 21….Herd the Obama team is working on a thing called DIPLOMACY, what a great concept..
December 5th, 2008 at 4:04 pmand I would agree innocents are sometimes killed in this process.
Yeah, just sometimes, Keltoi.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:06 pmThe way to combat terrorism is to give people a voice and to work to address unfair grievances against societies and to help those societies (including our own) be willing to stand up to their own radicals. If you check with the rest of the world, you’ll probably find they are as frustrated or more frustrated at American supported terrorism as we are by external terrorism. America needs to reclaim it’s shining light beacon of democracy, fairness and kindness and shed the ‘cold-war’ terrorism based policies that have been so clearly demonstrated by the Bush administration. Violence begats violence and only when American troops started engaging locals in Iraq and treating them with dignity did any progress began to be made. This is a lesson that more conservatives LIKE YOU need to learn, and for you to put aside your bigotry, ignorance and preconceptions about DEMOCRACIES and grow up and join the real world…
December 5th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
And what you need to understand is that these countries leaders want to remain in the seventh century. They do not want western ideas and beliefs corrupting their people. They have no respect for women, gays, and children having a voice. How do we change this RHF? Understanding?
If every country on the planet were a true democracy, the world would be a safer place! Preconceptions?
December 5th, 2008 at 4:08 pmGingrich is not the Speaker of the House anymore, so why does Hannity refer to him as such? He resigned from the House in disgrace, no less.
At best, Gingrich could be called “Representative”. There is only one Speaker of the House at a Time, and her name is Nancy Pelosi.
Gingrich makes my skin crawl. He is lustful for war – any war, anywhere, at any cost. Israel can do as it damn well pleases, but should it launch a unilateral attack on Iran it should be on its own.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pmMy dear friend who is Iranian disagrees strongly with NILAPSTICK. He like most Iranians is a prefectly normal 21st centuary professional. He doesn’t entirely agree with the current government but he also is amused by American misperceptions of the citizens of his nation. The idea that Iran would build a nuke or two and immediately blow some shit up is absurd. It would mean assured ddestruction and they know that. In their minds it is for deterrence. Can you blame them. How many times have you heard someone in the US say we should turn the middle east into a parking lot. This endless threatening to wipe them off the map concerns them. As well as their proximity to the agressive Israelis…
December 5th, 2008 at 4:16 pmKeltoi, there are several mistakes in your argument.
First, I haven´t say it is legitimate. I have said that this seems to be their argument to kill inocents, which I personally consider to be monstrous, but then again, I haven’t seen my mother being raped and my sister being blown up by bombs, nor my home being bulldozer down or my land taken, my resources taken, my water rationed, my jobs and my salaries decided by an invading force and my right to drive freely around my contry withdrawn.
Second, you say that democracies rarely resort to terrorism or target innocents. Well, you certainly slept during the raids with Napalm all over South Vietnam, during the Reagan years and after hundreds of thousands Central American INNOCENTS deaths, during the thousands of Iraqis deaths, now and after the Gulf War.
Democracy has been decided the way it is, mainly by what the Western Countries have said it is, France back in the days and now the US. But Western Countries have invented apartheid, have colonized millions of people around the world, and have attacked dozens of countries…so, I think nobody is the big person here.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:19 pmIMHO Gingrich isn’t the issue; Israel is the issue.
Israel has been subsidized by the US above all since it’s inception.
IMHO the concept of the state of Israel was certainly a noble and moral imperative, post-WWII, but it was a product of secular political authority and not a divine destiny.
Ever since, the Israeli government has acted with blinders.
Some of their actions are entirely understandable, given their circumstances but, many of their policies over the decades have flown not only in the face of their purported humanistic principles (also true for other secular democracies such as the US, UK, etc) with little or no self examination (except IMHO from the Israeli high courts who more often than not, to my knowledge, frequently criticize and reverse or halt certain government policies regardless of which party is in power).
Whilst the US supports Israel politically and financially apparently without question, I see no reciprocation from them.
Their situation excluded them from participating in the Gulf War, and again in Iraq. Their entire contribution to either coalition was to stay out of the conflict.
Given the importance of ME to the US and the nature of the region, Israel has been and still is a liability, not an asset to the US or the stability of the region.
Israel’s respective governments haven’t changed since 1946 whereas it’s neighboring enemies clearly have through bribery and economic persuasion by the US over decades and at great expense,mostly in money but partly in blood.
Meanwhile Israel has actually killed its US allies ( the USS Liberty) and despite its privileges it has consistently spied at the highest levels of the US military establishment.
There is certainly no public record of any kind of co-operative anti terrorist intelligence effort or armed joint operation as has occurred between for example the US and the UK, or the US and Pakistan and so on–not even the slightest hint.
Israel isn’t even the largest client of the US military industrial complex, so even that isn’t a cynical excuse.
For example Israel builds its own Merkava main battle tanks, whereas (former enemy) Egypt is now equipped with hundreds of MI Abrams instead of Russian armor. Such US arms as Israel does buy is actually significantly funded by the US taxpayer through grants and loans (and the loans invariabaly turn into interest free grants).
The current ‘Israeli’ Arrow anti-missile system is just an improved Patriot system paid-for, operated and maintained by the US and it’s personnel, but (with perhaps a couple of caveats) under the daily command of Israel.
The one thing I can think of where Israel actually ‘helped’ the US is when they helped broker Reagan’s ‘Arms for Hostages’ deal.
In all other cases the government of Israel, despite its dependency on the US, has not only ignored it’s benefactor’s concerns but often acted against them and most remarkably has always been absolutely forgiven for doing so.
Meanwhile the broad Israeli citizenship has been hold hostage by their own government just as the US as been held hostage to the actions of the Bush regime ( and the Reagan regime before that). And like the US, the Israeli citizen ship and the government, despite whatever moderates that bovernment may contain, was and is held hostage by extremists, particularly the religious extremists of the Haredim/Lubavitch/Hassid conclave–parallel to the US evangelical conclave of Baptists/Methodists/Mormons etc. that use the secular freedoms they are provided to impose their selective religious beliefs on the political system all the while complaining about the intolerance and immorality of the secular system that actually sustains and empowers them.
I have no expectation that Obama will even examine the parasitic, toxic US/Israel relationship. But if he does nothing present global circumstances may well demand a change of course and policy–particularly if Israel decides to attack Iran to satisfy short term ideological goals as is presently possible.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:20 pmObama simply may not be able to afford Israel the freedom of action it has enjoyed for sixty years, and Israel may finally have to suffer the consequences of its own unilateral actions in its own way, just the US is being forced-to now.
How many times does Israel have to go the negotiating table? How many times have they given in, only to be attacked again and again? The only way Israel will not be attacked is by leaving Israel.
I have a friend from Iran that I grew up with. He want’s the same things for his kids a we do. Democracy! Those of you who are defending Irans leaders, and their right to nukes, need serious help. Let’s give nukes to everyone. That way, all have a voice! WOW?
December 5th, 2008 at 4:24 pm#58 if all powerful countries continue to wipe out all the tribe’s of Iraq and other countries we disagee with there will be no life there to influence the thinking of ….Glass parking lot’s do not respond to ideal’s…
December 5th, 2008 at 4:25 pm“I have a friend from Iran that I grew up with”
You grew up in Iran or is your friend an Iranian-American whose life experience is not that of an Iranian national?
December 5th, 2008 at 4:29 pm5th Estate, excellent post #62. Thank you for posting..Blessings
December 5th, 2008 at 4:34 pmHow many times does Israel have to go the negotiating table?
With peaceful intentions? I would say never.
Why would the US would send its rogue nation in the Middle East to settle with the people who denies the way to Damascus?
December 5th, 2008 at 4:34 pmGood to read you here Juan….Blessings
December 5th, 2008 at 4:39 pm“Blood ‘n Guts Gingrich”.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:51 pmFortunately, in a little over 30 days, no one will be listening to serial christian adulterers, liars, torturers, etc. anymore. Oh, and not Fox News either.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:51 pmIsrael’s been to the negotiating table with Iran?
Huh, I didn’t know that.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:58 pmNILAPSTICK Says:
How many times does Israel have to go the negotiating table?
Just once, with sincere intent.
How many times have they given in, only to be attacked again and again?
They never give in, they only shuffle the conditions for achieving concessions. And they attack, again and again. And blockade, and put up fences.
The only way Israel will not be attacked is by leaving Israel.
History has a way of repeating itself.
December 5th, 2008 at 5:02 pmI didn’t say Iran Mary. Where did I say “Iran and Israel have been to the negotiating table”?
Huh, I guees you didn’t know that.
December 5th, 2008 at 5:05 pmHistory does have a way of repeating itself. Accept this time they have the power to protect themselves. You sound like a fan of Hitler, Nevar. Maybe Hezbolah also!
December 5th, 2008 at 5:07 pmSo Israel needs nukes so that it has the power to protect itself but Iran just wants nukes to nuke stuff? Is that what I am to believe?
December 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pmGood to read you here Juan….Blessings
Hey, Lady Witch, I’m honored just to be here. ;)
December 5th, 2008 at 5:32 pmHey rhf, great comments!
December 5th, 2008 at 5:43 pmwitch1… thanks very for the compliment at #66. I just can’t understand the ‘rationale’ behind the US/Israel relationship which seems inexplicably ossified and which remains permanently unexamined despite changing circumstances.
December 5th, 2008 at 6:23 pmFor goodness sake the US and Israel don’t even have an ordinary criminal extradition treaty!
NILAPSTICK Says:
“History does have a way of repeating itself.”
My comments were observations, not fan-fare. I’m not a fan of extremism in any way shape or form.
December 5th, 2008 at 6:27 pm“For goodness sake the US and Israel don’t even have an ordinary criminal extradition treaty!”
It makes the exchange of goods and services so much easier without all that messy legal stuff…
U.S. Diplomat: “We caught 6 of your spies this week, they’ll be on flight 666 tomorrow, coming in from JFK.”
Israeli Diplomat: “Six you say? I’ll notify the IDF, have them clean up a half dozen of yours. Where do you want them sent? Baghdad? No problem. Shalom.”
December 5th, 2008 at 6:35 pmMark701 Says:
Yup, just like a chickenhawk to go bucking for a war he’ll never have to fight in. The only ones who will make out from this kind of conflict are the oil companies after Iran starts targeting oil tankers leaving the Gulf. I think Newt would approve.
And repugs will swear that they are following “terrorist” into Iran.
Israel has the US backing via millions of dollars, shared intel and high tech weapons. Israel has hundred of nukes already.
I say even up the score then let them go at it.
December 5th, 2008 at 7:24 pmWell, everyone except us…
December 5th, 2008 at 8:32 pmGingrich– it’s time to realize the vast majority of Americans, and a huge majority of the world, detest you & all you stand for. Either find a new persona or you will soon fade into obscurity. People no longer want hate, fear & war mongering, and the glorification of killing others. You are rapidly becoming obsolete. Seriously, anyone who activiely promotes war, as Gingrich & many REpub chicken hawks do, should be the first ones sent to participate in the war they promote– a new law to be enacted. Practise what you preach, walk the talk, etc.
December 5th, 2008 at 9:15 pmGringich is the new McCain. He’s identified a vacuum within the GOP and he seeks to fill it. Newt’s hoping that he can ride his new revolution to the White House. Like McCain he doesn’t realize he’s too tainted and too late to pull it off.
Expect Newt to get crazier in the build up to 2012.
-AF
December 5th, 2008 at 10:23 pmAndrew Sullivan Is A Fraud
And we should listen to this man,why?
December 6th, 2008 at 12:27 amrepublicans hate facts
great points……..keep em on the ropes. They can only stick to their fantasy if we allow it.
December 6th, 2008 at 10:25 amJust what is the definition of war mongering? Here, the American People can see and hear Mr. Gingrich gambling the lives of their children using the scare tactic of an imaginary nuclear Iraq (weapons of mass destruction) argument.
I suggest that Newt Gingrich and Sean Hannity are greater threats to America than Iran is. The question is, what are the brave American people willing to do in terms of a preemptive action against them? There is still a law against war mongering, though laws that are not enforced have little effect on those willing to break them.
December 6th, 2008 at 10:33 amSo if Iran gets a Nuclear Weapon what then Democrats? Do you bend over and take it in the butt?
December 9th, 2008 at 6:25 pm