Iran and Israel

[€uroMeinke]

I try to stay out of this forum, but I haven't seen any dicussion about this topic, Iran's President calling for whipping Israel off the map. While this sort of rhetoric flies often in the middle east, these words coming from a head of state seem to me, would allow Israel to take some sort of action.

I'm thinking Iran's nuclear facilities would be a legitimate target in light of recent events. Knowing Israel once took it upon themselves to knock out Iraq's nuclear program years ago by bombing a plant. It wouldn't surprise me if they carried this out in Iran. In light of recent statements, I think they'd be justified in doing so, or taking out other military targets that could be a threat (e.g. medium to long range missles).

MOst of my knowledge come from catching snippets of NPR, but here's a recent artcle from the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4387852.stm) that shows a bit of backpeddling on Iran's part.

So do you think this is just blathering rhetoric, or an actionable challenge to the International community?

[Alex]

In the absence of overt action to accomplish that goal I don't think simply saying Israel should be wiped off the map is actionable. The nuclear persuits, however, may be sufficient grounds.

I doubt Israel will do anything against Iran, especially since even Khofi Annan has rebuked Iran for it (it's not often that the U.N. comes close to being on Israel's side). It is interesting that India was one of the countries that refrained from condemning the remarks. There is some indication (have no idea how accurate) that there may have been Iranian support for the bombs in India today. If true, that would have some interesting implications (if India is strongly opposed to something we're probably not going to do it and try to stop others from doing it, we need India on our side as a counterbalance to China).

[Boss Radio]

I think he's a scared lonely little man who wants attention. When he gets home from work after a long day of making hate speeches and oppressing his own people, he probably unwinds by having a bowl of matzoh ball soup and watching Seinfeld.

[Capt Jack]

Israel isnt known for taking such things lightly. Best defense is a strong and direct offense has been their way since the country was formed. I find it very poorly timed considering how Israel has recently stepped back from Gaza in an attempt to gain at least a small amount of favor in the middle east and try to quell the protests from the rest of the region concerning the Palestine homeland, one of the primary reasons so many countries in that part of the world touted for hating Israel.

Iran bringing up such a blatant threat in the face of that is more evidence that certain factions in the area will never be satisfied until Israel as a state is no longer in existance, regarless of what olive branches are offered up on either side. Adding to that Irans recent actions concerning their nuke program(s) both civilian and otherwise, I dont think Israel can afford to take it too terribly lightly and undoubtedly will act if they feel in the least actually threatened. Vaporizing the nuke plant in question only one of many roads any action could take.

India, I think is trying very hard to ride the middle of a very narrow fence. They have a great many worries concerning their own national/world image and the troubles on both sides (internal power struggles, Pakistan as well as pressure from various other nations concerning their work (or lack thereof) to stop the breeding of insurgent forces and terrorist groups within their borders) to want to keep as low a profile in the middle of this as possible until they themselves get their house in manageable order. A thing that may or may not ever come to pass.

Irans reasons for making such statements I think are to put themselves into a stronger bargaining position concerning the ongoing trials over the existance/non-existance of their nuke arms programs. Allies of Israel, in an attempt to quell such rhretoric would Im sure (in their eyes) be more open to listen to them in an attempt to head off any offensive action and statements and will more than likely offer up more to them to kill their nuke programs in the way of assistance concerning civilian energy production as well as other concessions.


translation: geez, what a freakin mess

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Capt Jack

Irans reasons for making such statements I think are to put themselves into a stronger bargaining position concerning the ongoing trials over the existance/non-existance of their nuke arms programs. Allies of Israel, in an attempt to quell such rhretoric would Im sure (in their eyes) be more open to listen to them in an attempt to head off any offensive action and statements and will more than likely offer up more to them to kill their nuke programs in the way of assistance concerning civilian energy production as well as other concessions.

This sounds a lot like what North Korea did with the Clinton adminstration. Wasn't a good idea then to back down and actually assist NK with their nuke efforts, and it certainly isn't a good idea now.

I can think of no concessions that an Arab nation has ever made to Israel. I can think of many that Israel has made to Arab nations. All land that is disputed is land that Israel took when they were attacked at various times by various surrounding Arab nations. On this, however, there will ne no concessions made. There is no way Israel will allow Iran to acquire a functioning nuclear facility.

[Reaver]

I'd actually love to see Iran attack Israel. At least then we wouldn't have Iran to worry about any more. Anyone who attacks Israel invites their own destruction.

[BunnyTravolta]

I'm with scaeagles and Reaver on this one. Its been a balancing act in the M.E., ever since the formation of Israel as a sovereign nation, with the U.S. and the world community trying to keep everyone from killing each other. Not that its done that much good, IMO, but it's "stable" in its own peculiar way.
We are all used to the typical rhetoric we get from the terrorist groups over there, but when the leader of a country does it....
I think Irans' president is trying to provoke Israel in to action, with the hopes that other Muslim countries will join in with them when Israel attacks.

Man, that would not be good. But I think that Israel would be well within its rights to take that statment as a imminent threat, and act accordingly.

[wendybeth]

The Middle East is going to explode- it's a foregone conclusion, and only a matter of time. Any state that messes with Israel deserves what it gets.

[BunnyTravolta]

Very true. We (the US) can sit on them for only so long until they get pushed too far. Then it's going to be YEARS of payback, all at once. And Israel will become a much larger country,methinks, after the dust has died down.

[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by BunnyTravolta

And Israel will become a much larger country,methinks, after the dust has died down.

That's probably why Syria told Iran to shut up..........