Editor's Note: Dr. Adam B. Lowther is a member of the faculty at the U.S. Air Force's Air University. The views expressed are those of the author.
By Adam B. Lowther, The Diplomat
With U.S. President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announcing that major cuts are coming to the Defense Department, hawks seeking to stop nuclear weapons development by Iran by any means necessary will soon have less “means” to call upon. With the Army set to shrink by approximately 80,000 soldiers, and a broad swath of cuts set to affect every service, “Operation Iranian Freedom” may be far less likely than many hawks had previously hoped.
The diminished prospect for a military confrontation with Iran is particularly bad news for some considering that Secretary Panetta just last month suggested that Iran could – although it was unlikely – have a nuclear weapon before 2012 is over.
Yet while few outside the Iranian regime see a nuclear Iran as desirable, any decision that could lead to war between the United States and the Islamic Republic deserves considerable discussion before the American people. Simply beating the war drums so loudly as to drown out the voices of any opposition is a poor substitute for real debate.
Five points deserve particular consideration as decision makers consider the United States’ option. They are particularly important as the 2012 election gets closer and calls for a military solution increase.
First, Iran possesses what is likely the most capable military the United States has faced in decades. Iran is no Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Serbia, Afghanistan or Iraq. In all of these examples, the U.S. military defeated an adversary incapable of competing with superior American land, naval, and air forces. The Iranian military is far more competent and capable, and after watching the war in Iraq for a decade has a good understanding of U.S. tactics and strategy.
For example, Iran's regular navy is adept at littoral combat and may be capable of closing the Strait of Hormuz for sufficient duration to wreak economic havoc. The recent naval exercises by the Iranian navy illustrate a clear strategy that would seek to close the strait while attempting to sink American combat vessels that enter the area. This would result in a significant loss of commercial shipping and cause the price of oil to skyrocket.
If it comes to war, the proliferation of advanced air defense systems to countries like Iran may give it one of the best integrated anti-aircraft defense systems the United States faces in combat. They may be capable of inflicting casualties on American airpower not seen since Vietnam. And with a declining bomber force, losses could be unacceptable.
Unlike Iraq, Iran’s regular Army and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps won’t lay down their arms at the first sight of U.S. ground troops. They, more than any other element of the regime, watched Afghanistan and Iraq for lessons on how to defeat the Americans.
Second, the Ministry of Intelligence and National Security (MOIS), Iran’s espionage service, is among the most competent in the world. Over the past thirty years, MOIS agents have successfully hunted down and assassinated dissidents, former officials of the Shah's government, and real or perceived threats to the regime. MOIS is still capable of carrying out assassinations, espionage, and other kinetic attacks against government and civilian targets. The spy service is also likely to have covert agents in the United States.
While information is incomplete, there’s reason to believe that Manssor Arbabsiar, the Iranian who allegedly attempted to hire the Zeta drug cartel to assassinate a Saudi ambassador on American soil, was tied to MOIS. While the effort failed, it demonstrates the lengths to which MOIS will likely go.
MOIS has also been known to target Iranian expatriates, imprisoning their family members and causing bodily harm. A small number of the 1-1.5 million Iranian-Americans may very well become targets of such tactics.
Third, Iranian-backed Hezbollah is more capable of conducting terrorist attacks than al Qaeda ever was. With three decades of experience fighting the Israelis in Lebanon and northern Israel, suspected ties to Latin American drug cartels, and a global network, Hezbollah is an international network that is able to conduct large-scale attacks against the United States and its interests abroad.
In fact, Hezbollah cells are believed to be active in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and elsewhere, making the organization more than a hypothetical threat. With the U.S. Marine Barracks bombing (Beirut,1983), Argentine Israelite Mutual Association bombing (Buenos Aires,1994), Khobar Towers bombing (Saudi Arabia,1996), and many other attacks under their belts, Hezbollah has a history of global terrorism. Should the U.S. military attack Iran, Hezbollah is likely to launch a series of terrorist counter-attacks that will not be as readily thwarted as those of al-Qaeda.
Fourth, Iran’s cyber capabilities are impressive and growing. An attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is likely to prompt a sustained cyber-attack unlike any we have seen. It will likely target critical data in the public and private sector and seek to wreak havoc, shut down systems, and destroy data.
Fifth, after a decade of intense combat operations, the United States military deserves a rest from war. Afghanistan and Iraq have taken their toll on America's fighting men and women, their families, and the equipment they rely on. A “limited attack” on Iran will likely escalate into a wider war, making it difficult for the military to rest and refit.
When considering whether to use military force against Iran it’s important to understand that there is an asymmetry of interests at stake. The Iranian regime sees itself as fighting for its very survival. The stakes are considerably lower for the United States.
Even a focused strike against Iran's nuclear facilities will elicit a response well in excess of the United States' “limited” objectives. While a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and troop reductions in Afghanistan – Iran’s western and northern neighbors – may cause the Iranian leadership to slow the development of a “Shi’a bomb,” a strategic attack by the United States will only strengthen their resolve and solidify the regime’s worst fears.
While Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s bellicose statements make good political theatre, there is rarely much behind them. To suggest that Ahmadinejad is all bark and no bite is not far from the truth. The fact is that the Iranian regime is more risk averse than many give it credit for. Regime survival is of paramount concern and greatly explains why the regime acts as it does. Pushing the regime to the edge may turn empty threats into reality and will certainly undermine any effort by President Barack Obama to save defense dollars.
In the end, Iran may prove less capable than I’ve described, and a military conflict with Iran may be less costly in blood and treasure than suspected. However, weighing all options before resorting to military conflict is critical to reaching the best solution.
For the United States, determining what a nuclear weapons-free Iran is worth is critical. Had the American people understood the costs of Iraq before the war began, it’s unlikely they would have given their consent. Given the current economic woes of the country, that cannot happen again.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of Adam B. Lowther.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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This article is well written, thoroughly researched, and spot on. Let's hope our elected officials take the time to understand these points.
David?... or Adam?
I don't think the article was spot on at all. It doesn't require an all out war to destroy specific targets. Conventional war is obsolete, or at least it should be unless some suits are wanting to make some money which is usually the case. The article is ridiculous, same thing was essentially said about Iraq's military before the first gulf war. If Hezballah or any other terroist group can hurt us they will, they don't need a reason. What kind of article are you going to write after Iran gets a Nuke? Look, I don't think going into Iraq the second time was a good idea. Assassnations would cut down on all of the unecessary spending and morbidity and mortality. Look what happened when Pres Regan decided to Bomb Komani's... Didn't hear anything for a long time. Maybe it would be best for Iran to get a nuke and use it. It would give you something to write about, and likely straighten out foreign policy for the good.
Zach Sims
The article is a mixture of hot bath and cold shower! Does the author really know for sure the capabilities of the Iranian forces? Of course one shouldn't underestimate one's enemy and should always be prepared for the worst case scenario, especially when he plays the Russian roulette.
It's true that the MOIS and the Hezbollah could cause problems, were a overt war to break out between the U.S. and Iran. It's also true that the American public is war-wary. Hence the hawks should refrain from their bellicose rhetoric not to escalate the situation.
@ nyc929
Well, If you haven’t felt it yet, then you must be up for some more, wining a battle is not same as wining the war’s objectives specialy when the final bill is over a T$, with massive loss of life on both sides and nothing to take home.
As an Iranian I say if you folks in the west didn’t get your A**es kicked enough in this recent wars that you fought and failed miserably, sure bend over Iran’s way for a final good kick out of the region.
how did our military get our butts kicked? did the iraqi or taliban army defeat us?
That's a funny joke, we mopped the floor with both the Iraqi's and the Taliban, the only thing these Islamic countries do well is die.
You gadem perssian! You will be perished soon.
Your rig-rug head can't hide you.
You know how many perishdian spies are living in America? Millions. In Canada also Millions. Currently, last Week, the foolish Canadian Defence Minister just married Iranian Woman.
Canada is our bad neighbour who creates and infiltrated enemies for America.
At the past, the 9/11 attackers came through Canada and the pain still with America.
We must give a choice for Canada, either it must join the number U.S States or face the consequences.
You dam perssian, you will be soon turn into fertilizer.
Iran fought Iraq for 8 years and gained nothing. It also sent thousands of children as young as 13 to clear mine fields for nothing except a promise that 72 virgins will be waiting for them when they die. Iran lost hundreds of thousands of soldiers and gained "ZERO". The US went to war with Iraq and was sitting in Saddam's palace 30 days later and the US soldiers where smoking cigar's and taking fat dumps in Saddam's house. Now that sure sounds like a defeat to me I do agree a lot has changed in Iran in 30 years, however if you believe for one second that the US would be defeated by Iran you are from another planet, then again the way way you suicidal jihadist think you might as well be from another planet.
you iranian is most dishoner people in the world. You say your muslim but you not becuase if you dont like it you changed in second. your women are number 1 Fahesha in the world. comes to family you people dont recognize family bonds. I hope that nuclear you people creating exploaid in you own land. Everyone all of over the world hate iranian people and country. we use your women and F**** them and let them go away.
I am also iranian buddy but I think our problem is something else. Our problem is our regime (islamic republic) which force lot of educated people to leave country and wasted our resources for nothing so better to save your anger for them. they are really enemy and need to go!
about the reply comments I have nothing to say to these ignorant people. you have no idea about war so maybe you should ask from somebody who was in iraq or Afg so they will tell you anyway I don't think USA achieved anything also when there was no WMD in iraq and taleban still alive and they are going to open office in qatar for future negotiations So what was the point of war anyway? yes hundred thousands innocent people died, of course. and i don't think US care about iran to have nuclear weapon at all when Pakistan (bin ladan's safe house) has it, but iran helps US to sell its weapons to KSA and UAE.
@No idea.. I think your users name is fit for you man! u really have no idea about Iranian-American just search this term in google and you understand but if you are lazy to do this I am telling you these people that you call them spy are hardworking and educated people who have important roles in US society, from University prof to NASA or even CEO of youtube or even that guy who captured LA arsonist is from this community so have little respect man, !
and @Moh... I don't know what is your problem man and why you are so mad and hateful (probably childhood issue)!
I think u need see doctor or something.. anyway just for your information dude! personally I was born as muslim (since 16 i turned to be an open minded) and to be muslim is just sham man, wat is point of that ! I never consider myself as one and everytime somebody ask me about my religion I just say "nothing" and most of iraanian specially youths are same as me, So i don't know where you got that but really who want be a follower of a perve*rt prophet ?!
Winning military battles is easy, winning a war means winning the hearts and minds of people. Think about Fallujah and the countryside of Afghanistan, ask how victory feels for the mothers and family of thousands upon thousands of dead American soldiers fighting and winning those unnecessary, victorious wars. Although the IDF (Israel) has defeated militarily many countries in the ME, it remains technically at war with them decades later..Even our allis Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the post Saddam puppet government in Iraq all remain bitter Israelis' enemies. And even if the Iranian regime collapses there is no certainty the next government there will be friendly to the USA or give up nuclear proliferation.
Winning military battles is easy, winning a war means winning the hearts and minds of people. Think about Fallujah and the countryside of Afghanistan, ask how victory feels for the mothers and family of thousands upon thousands of dead American soldiers fighting and winning those unnecessary victorious wars. Although the IDF (Israel) has defeated militarily many countries in the ME, it remains technically at war with them decades later..Even our allis Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the post Saddam puppet government in Iraq all remain bitter Israelis' enemies. And even if the Iranian regime collapses there is no certainty the next government there will be friendly to the USA or give up nuclear proliferation.
Well said, David. Thank you. These warmongering ignoramuses here make me sick!
I can think of only one reason not to attack Iran and that is because of all the innocent that would be tragically caught up in the middle of a military campaign they had nothing to do with. The US has the strike capbility to destroy targets in Iran without actually engaging them in in a closed in, close up battle scenario. Iran has a very poor strategical location and has few avenues to turn to when the US does strike. The US and their allies will close the borders and stop supplies going into and oil from coming out of Iran and then give them one last alternative to cease operations and then when Iran defiantly rejects the offer the US will begin their siege. This military campaign will be waged entirely different than that of Iraq and Afghanistan. Even at 265 ft in the earth continued heavy ordiance strikes in the areas targeted will be quite sufficient in destroying the underground enrichment facilities. The enrichment process is a very sensitive operation and requires very stable conditions. One great downfall of constructing such facilities in hardrock material such as they have done does not take into account the amount energy released when heavy ordiance is used. The harmonic vibration resulting from continued heavy ordinance strikes will be very destructive and cause extensive destruction to the sensitive equipment used for the enrichment process, As a result it would take many moths or perhaps even years to repair the damage done. It would also detsroy many of the access routes in and out of those areas, not to mention considerable military installations. Based on the fact that the Iranians have began the enrichment process, provides the key componet for response by the US. Once they have produced sufficient amounts of enriched nuclear material that can be easily moved to different locations and assembled into warheads will be too late. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the trigger has already been pulled by the Iranians and the US has no other alternatives, except to react in a self defensive manner. We have no reason to put troops on the ground in Iran and no reason to manuever into the staright of Hormuz, as this military campaign can be waged in an entirely diferent manner, safely from a distance. If Iran attempts to close the straight of Hormuz, it will close the only other access it has to move it's petroleum products to keep it from economical collapse. When the economy gets bad enough, they will proceed to destroy themselves internally. The US has anticipated this entire scenario and the most intelligent strategical minds in the world have already fought this battle in every concievable way without any lives being lost. Because of Irans geographical location, they have boxed themselves in and have nowhere to run and it will be like shooting rats in a barrel. They will know it's coming and where it will be coming from, but will be unable to stop it.
The only thing I got out of your article was that American should only attempt war with weak countries. Do you have that little confidence in the military? As for your fears of retaliation well that is war and sometimes you don't get it easy but sometimes war is necessary.
Americans need to understand the younger generations of Iran are pro western and democracy. A war with Iran will only turn the next generation against us. America simply needs to strengthen sanctions. Cut off all resources into Iran. After impoverishment, the people will rise and the rulers of Iran will be fugutives in their own country and much more prone to domestic threats. Tehran etc. Will NOT be safe houses for these militants anymore.
I don't know why America makes everyone else's problem their own. Stop trying to understand a culture westerners refuse to accept. Pull the troops out and let them settle their own scores
As a Canadian, I don't know how to feel right now. We need immigration to increase the birth rate to drive up the labor force. But at the same time, we are creating a safe haven for all these shady militants and they will turn on us eventually. Its quite sad that Canada's good deeds may actually be their undoing. And whoever said America needs to attack Canada should get their head kicked in. Your our biggest trading partner. ITS AMERICA who refused Canadian oil so they can go attack the middle east for theirs.
I find most of the arguments in the article are highly improbable. Iran is a remarkably backwards country in terms of business, health care, infrastructure, and almost anything else you can name. I cannot even refine its own petrol. Yet the article would have us believe that it nonetheless has a peerless military, formidable intelligence services with sleeper agents in the U.S., and despite its lack of technological sophistication, the means to launch devastating cyber attacks. The most credible point is about the international reach of Hezbollah, but even then, the most recent terrorist attack linked to Hezbollah that the author can think of was 15 years ago...
you have absolutly no clue about iran.. the least you can do before you put stupid comments is at least go to youtube and check iran
Yeah this is what is called a mess, who is in control or is the situation out of control?
http://www.eurasiareview.com/09012012-obama-seeks-to-distance-us-from-israel-attack-against-iran-oped/#comment-267739
i say lets attack Iran and end the world
lol...pretty stupid comment. You really think world war 3 would start if we attacked Iran. Bet you have a bomb shelter in your back yard too. unreal
i say we pick up our skirts and knock out anyone who threatens to wipe out a country, especially someone who's actively build tech that can make nukes
With what money? This country is already in billions of dollars in debt because of unnecessary wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and idiots like want to start another one. Don't you think two wars in one decade is enough? Even if Iran does make a nuclear bomb they could never use it against U.S. but starting a war with them would obviously make this country go completely bankrupt, Aussie why don't u stick to Australian politics and leave American politics to real Americans? you clearly have no idea what you are talking about
Five GOP reasons to attack Iran:
1. Because we want to.
2. Because we can.
3. Because we can send the poor people to do the fighting.
4. Because the rich people need "no bid contracts" to get richer.
5. Because the NWO wants us to.
I agree with points 3,4, and 5. but one. we don't want to attack iran, the israelis and ltheir lobby in here want to. and point 2. no we can not , if we could, we would have done it long ago.
6. Because we are broke.
These 5 reasons "not to attack Iran" is written purely from the U.S. point of view, and don't take into account regional economic stability for the M.E. or long term psychological considerations of those people being invaded. State short term U.S. considerations = very limited perspective. Poorly intellectualized article.
The War Machine is a short term solution to a failing economy. The HUGE costs gets thrown into long term debt bag which tax payers have to pay back eventually. Looks good on paper for now, however...
it doesn't take a lot into consideration, only the authors very personal fears of fallout as a result of war
Six....Iran is backed by China and Russia...two serious, closely allied, and rapidly growing military adversaries that the USA doesn't want to fight directly. Iran would be the first conflict of Cold War 2.0.......A war created by the USA, in which the USA is the antagonist and which the USA would likely suffer far more than its people could bear.
The concern would be that the longer the US leaves such a war, the stronger grow its adversaries. What to do? What to do?
russia and china don't back iran, they just aided and traded with them in an attempt to maintain some influencial balance in a region that supplies oil, the world is run the the western allies and everybody knows it balls to bones, russia and china are not going to back the playground bully just to put 5 billion lives at risk, they have their own issues and lives to enjoy, the concept of ww3 with russia and china is even more absurd than this article, of which it's author clearly has iranian interests
@GOPisGreedOverPeople
because you are so stupid and selfish that you dont give any value to lifes of people living there
i am not defending iranian regime at all! but for sure war is not the right way!
The problem with the arguments in the article is that it assumes that our illustrious leaders in Washington are rational. They are not. They do whatever Israel commands them to do. They are thoughtless morons, while the Israeli leaders are lunatics.
What a terrible article, I assume you’re trying to scare people. You said: "For example, Iran's regular navy is adept at littoral combat and may be capable of closing the Strait of Hormuz for sufficient duration to wreak economic havoc. The recent naval exercises by the Iranian navy illustrate a clear strategy that would seek to close the strait while attempting to sink American combat vessels that enter the area. This would result in a significant loss of commercial shipping and cause the price of oil to skyrocket."
That is so far from the truth it’s laughable. I would love to see Iran fight off USS George H.W. Bush with some speed boats and submarines bought from Russia 30 years ago... Iran couldn’t keep the straight closed for more than 3 days if they tried.
finally someone with some sense
WOW This is so far from the truth? and how do you know this exactly? I have a feeling the author of this article knows a little bit more about this topic than you, that's why he writes for CNN and you don't. and the fact that Iran's navy is capable of closing the strait of Hormuz is something that even Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Martin Dempsey admits ( Read this article http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-08/iran-able-to-block-strait-of-hormuz-general-dempsey-tells-cbs.html) Or I'm guessing you know better than him as well. It's really funny when arrogant and uneducated hicks such as your self try to talk about politics. The fact that your name here starts with LOL tells me you are either a 14 year old boy who does not know what he is talking about or a trailer trash who is getting a bj from his sister while typing this very stupid comment. Why don't you stick to incest and leave politics to big boys
Yes, but for the first time since WWII, American warships will face a real threat.
The superiority of the British navy was not able to avoid losses against a far inferior and obsolete Argentinian air force. There are reasons the carrier USS J.C.S. left the strait of Hormuz.
No no no they don't. The Iranians have outdated obsolete military equipment, vehicles, and war ships. All the people commenting on this article have been seriously misinformed, the Iranians do not have warships that can present any real danger to the United States Navy.
Actually Iranian navy is lethal enough as millennium challenge 2002 military exercise has proven beyond doubt.
No, the Iranian Navy is a joke.
No the Iranian Navy is a joke.
As a former US Sailor, I couldn't agree more ! I also dispute the article's statement about the Iranian Army's capabilities. They may be a modern and formidable force, but I'm pretty sure that if it came down to supporting a Leadership that we had just vaporized, or standing with the Iranian people, they would be with their fellow citizens.
As for as Hezbollah's width and breadth, you can bet that Israeli Intelligence knows where everyone of their leaders and commanders live ! Remember Black September ? They didn't last 2 years after the Munich attack. That wasn't the Tooth Fairy or bad Karma, that was Mossad !
If we can take out Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollahs, without destroying infrastructure, (beyond the Nuke facilities), then a leadership change would take effect quickly, possibly with some wealthy Iranian Ex-pats returning to help ?
some think that Iran is a poor country without any technology
in Iran every child can produce a speed boat
Iranian people are very intelligent !
they can do a lot of surprising actions
and they think in this way that i want to explain:
Iranians say
"we fight without caring about result of war . we do our duty so we have two possibilty
1- we will be victor of war
2- we will be killed: if they kill us we are the winner too because we will go to heaven "
so i have a question can you imagine how this people will fight?
imagine 10000 little speed boat are attacking a USS George H.W. Bush or ever toy like this how it will defent itself
"while all this crews of 10000 are ready to be killed"
the myrtirdom is a powerful weapon that america afraid of not the nuclear bomb
and i have solution for usa to defeat iran
you can attack suddenly all over the iran with nuclear bombs and kill all 75 million people then everyone is satisfied
Iranian go to heaven
and america wont afraid of power real Islam
the us only has 80,000 soldiers in their army?????????? what!?!?!?!?!
...Its shrinking/down sizing 80,000... Just gettin rid of.. We don't have 80k total... goodness.
These are reasons to attack sooner rather than later. Reading
" While a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and troop reductions in Afghanistan – Iran’s western and northern neighbors – may cause the Iranian leadership to slow the development of a “Shi’a bomb,” a strategic attack by the United States will only strengthen their resolve and solidify the regime’s worst fears.
While Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s bellicose statements make good political theatre, there is rarely much behind them."
sounds eerily like Chamberlain in 1939...
History does not repeat but very often rimes...
You know I don't usually comment on these articiles but you people need to wake up.
All of these points are right.
Iran does possess a MORE capable army then the US is used to dealing with (see recent "wars" as example) in that Iran has an army, trained and with tools to use.
Iran does possess an Intelligence agency that is used like america's CIA
Given that Iran has an intelligence network, would they have cells they could use? most likely. Does the CIA?
Iran has cyber cababilites (e.g cyber warfare). Are they as good as the U.S.A? who knows but they have them. Did Libya? did afganistan? did Iraq?
The United states has been in constent warfare for a very long time, mabye they should stop?
Finally for all you people who say hey man let's just blow them up, I'm not even going to post about Iran / China relations or China / USA relations or the fact that in the news just today the USA threatened over the Straight and in a very next articile said that they are trying to make it void with a pipeline.....
No army is invicible, every army has a weakness, violence breads violence.
You want an example? what would you do if Chinese / Russian / Iranian / whoever tanks rolled down your street and tried to tell YOU what to do.
Exactly
That's just a blatant lie, Iran's military is not more capable, none of you people have any idea how modern wars are fought. Once again the Iranians field crappy outdated soviet equipment, they are under equipped and out gunned by the Americans.
If the russians managed to get a single tank, let alone an invasion force, to US soil, without our knowledge, then we've already lost. It can simply never happen until AFTER the US Military is completely destroyed.
Reason no 6: Iranian army is made of educated, patriotic real men not like US using low life drug dealers and other criminals from jail
Wow...didn't know I was a drug dealer or got arrested.... didn't know I was poor either? Guess my law degree is worthless. (sarcasm for those who can't get hints)
Haha try brainwashed religious fanatics using outdated soviet equipment, at the very least they will serve as cannon fodder.
Your a lunatic if you think the Iranians can take on the United States. When we went to war with Iraq they kept telling us that the republican guard would be a formidable adversary, in training it was the republican this the republican guard that, then we finally got there and the only thing the republican gaurd was good at was surrendering or retreating. We mopped the floor with the Iraq regulars and it will be the same way with Iran, a bunch of talk and posturing with nothing to back it up.
zakaria is not a thinker he is a sensationalist. CNN would do well to get rid of him.
Ask George Stephanpolous.
Who's not at CNN?
"Had the American people understood the costs of Iraq before the war began, it’s unlikely they would have given their consent."
Gee- I never remember anyone asking the American people directly. And besides, they lied about it. Ron Paul for sane foreign policy. The Emperor has no clothes!
"Fifth, after a decade of intense combat operations, the United States military deserves a rest from war."? Really, you Team America booblehead-looking idiot. I can't believe some of the people hired by today's news sources.
One reason not mentioned: Obama is our president.
Enough said.
Remember when Iraq invaded Iran? The war went on for years, with hundreds of thousands of casualties on each side, and ended in stalemate. The US defeated Iraq's regular military in days with few casualties. The technical capabilities of US forces have increased dramatically since then. Iran has been cut off from gasoline imports. Its financial system is falling apart. Even if it were possible for Iran to close the Straits of Hormuz, it would destroy itself by cutting off its critical imports and exports almost entirely. America's future reductions in ground forces in no way will reduce its air and naval capabilities, far and away the best in the world, and the key components of a possible American attack on Iran's nuclear and supporting infrastructure. One can never accurately foretell how a military campaign will end. The evidence, however, suggests that Iran would be very ill advised to cross swords with America.
well that is because, United States and western countries were supporting Saddam in that war. US navy actually lent itself to Saddam since he had no navy. So comparing that war with now is stupid.
Not entirely true there.
While the article is reasonable, but American public is not. So trying to reason them into something is futile. Though Iran is indeed a very capable opponent but this is not to the point that is enough to stop an American attack on Iran. What Iranians have learned is that unless Iran does not become enough powerful to be able to defend itself in much terms it will always remain under threat of war and destruction since the words of reason apparently do not work with Americans. The only reason Americans understand is the threat of retaliation and Iran is on its path to make sure it would have nukes to defend itself. They can not take any chances or they will turn into another Afghanistan.
Dear "Smith" :
No one, America least of all, would want to invade Iran if Iran did not export terrorism and attempt to build nuclear weapons. America and Iran should be friends. Only the irrationality of the the ayatollahs in Tehran prevents it.
Iran is not a capable opponent, they are under equipped and out gunned. It's silly to think Iran could take the United States.
أصدرت المحكمة الثورية الإيرانية حكما بالإعدام على أميركي من أصل إيراني بعد اتهامه بالتجسس لصالح وكالة الاستخبارات المركزية الأميركية (سي آي إي) وفق ماATTACK IRAN NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,
IRAN IS WEAL THEY ARE PAPER TIGER,
ISRAEL CAN HANDEL THE TERRORIST OGINIZATION HIZBOALLAH, THATS WHY WE MUST GET RED OF BASHAR AL ASAD OF SYRIA NOW.
IRAN HAS SO MANY ENEMY
TURKEY, SUNNI ARABS, SUNNI KURDS, THE IRAQI KURDS, IRAQI TURKS, BELOOSH, IRAN CHRISTEANS, IRAN KURDS, MOJAHEDI KHALQ ARMY, ARABESTAN, PERSIAN MOVMENTS, THE BAHAI, AND MORE THAN 15 OTHER GROUP, WE MUST HELP ALL THOSE GROUPS WITH WEAPON AND MONEY, THE ATTACK MUST GO 24 HOURS A DAY NON STOP AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NIGHT, WE CAN DESTROY THE NAVY AND THE COMMAND AND CONTROL IN NO TIME, HELP IRAQ SUNNI TO STOP THE EVIL HIZBOALLAH IN BOITH SIDES...WE CAN DO IT أفادت اليوم الاثنين تقارير إعلامية.
وذكر مصدر إعلامي إيراني نقلا عن المتحدث باسم السلطة القضائية غلام حسين محسني إيجي قوله إن حكم الإعدام صدر بحق أمير ميرزا حكمتي (28عاما) لتعاونه مع الحكومة الأميركية "المعادية" والتجسس لصالح الاستخبارات الأميركية والسعي إلى ربط إيران بـ "الإرهاب".
وأضاف المصدر أن النيابة العامة أعلنت أن الحكم نقل إلى محامي الدفاع الذي بإمكانه تقديم استئناف.
وأشارت وكالة فارس للأنباء إلى أن حكمتي مثل بقاعة المحكمة ووجهت إليه الاتهامات بشكل رسمي وأجاب عن جميع أسئلة القاضي، واعترف بجميع التهم ومن بينها محاولة اختراق الأجهزة الأمنية، وقال إنه تعرض لعملية خداع من الأميركيين.
إدانة
وقد أدان البيت الأبيض الأميركي حكم الإعدام مؤكدا أن الاتهامات التي سيقت ضد أمير ميرزا حكمتي "خاطئة".
وأعلن المتحدث باسم مجلس الأمن القومي تومي فيتور أن بلاده ستتحقق من الأمر، وستعمل على "نقل إدانتنا" إلى الحكومة الإيرانية عبر شركائها.
من جانبه نفى والد حكمتي المقيم فى ديترويت بالولايات المتحدة أي صلة لابنه بالاستخبارات الأميركية، وذكر أنه كان يعمل مترجما بالجيش الأميركي وعندما ألقي القبض عليه كان في زيارة لجدته بإيران.
يُذكر أن حكمتي إيراني الأصل، وهو من مواليد ولاية أريزونا الأميركية وتم اعتقاله في ديسمبر /كانون الأول الماضي، وقد ذكرت وزارة الاستخبارات الإيرانية أنه تلقي تدريبا في قواعد أميركية بكل من أفغانستان والعراق المجاورين.
وقد كانت للقضاء الإيراني سوابق في إصدار أحكام قاسية على من يدينهم بالتجسس، لكنه كان يعود ليلغي الحكم وعادة ما ينتهي الأمر بالسماح للمحكومين بالعودة إلى بلادهم.
Hmm...lets apply these to 70 years ago, shall we?
1. Hitler has a capable military, so we can't go to war with him.
2. Hitler's Intelligence services and Secret police are among the best in the world, so we can't go to war with him.
3. Hitler may or may not have thousands of Nazi sympathizers in the United States who hold public rallies and beat up on jews and if we go to war they might do bad stuff... so we can't go to war with him.
4. Cyber was non-existent then but you could insert any "hitler might retaliate so lets not attack them" argument here.
5. WW1 sucked and we'd have to draft men from a population that just went through tough economic times, and need a rest, so lets not fight WW2.
None of these is a reason not to go to war. Of course if you go to war the enemy might attack you back...you think?! Since when is that a reason to rule out military action? CNN needs to fire this guy.
KKK, the S+EVEN Centuries stalky.
When was the last time you heard America fought with the Muscular Country?
Forget Hitler, who has internal problems for himself. Hitler was in jail for 13 Months, for his trouble of Anti-Semitism. There were also, wealthy Jewish who betrayed and traded other voiceless Jewish for Nazis. Hitler was a leader just less than Four Years, before he committed sucide.
The real survival of Jewish knows the True pain.
Nowadays, we got information open like S+EVEN ELEVEN.
Let US go back, when US scared N.Korea, it said, 'Curry ya' and left to Fakystan,
When US scared Russia, it said, 'let US talk reset',
When US scared China, it said, ' we gonna, gonna,...' and
now when US scared Iran, it will hit and run!!! KKK.
In America, even you in your junior Schools, you scared and respected the strong and you bullied the weak and individual.
and 6th reason:
iranian people don't need america to 'help them out',they can take their rights with their own hands.
america KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF IRAN!
oh so that was the iranian navy who rescued their hostages from pirates last week.
Well I think that the Iranians do need help, especially with wiping their bottoms, that using of the hand thing is pretty gross.
Let's satisfy these damn neoconservative zealot anti-Christs who live for war (but are against everything they call abortion) and want the U.S to run the world because, after all, the U.S is a perfect nation, with the best government ever. Not to mention the U.S. has almost no internal issues to resolve whatsoever. Oh but wait, yet another nation, which just so happens to be in the Middle East is a threat to the bully- United States and stands in its way. The U.S. is like an ADHD child that doubles as the school yard bully. I think America should back out of its ridiculous foriegn policy pushed by yet, more Anglo-Europeans. Sounds familiar since they've been taking over parts of the world for centuries because no one less has been strong enough to stop them. Mainstream Anglo-Americans always think someone is a threat to them, everyone is trying to take them over. Just look at how responsible Israel is with its military welfare-how its wrecked havoc on the "guilty" and the innocent alike. Look just how responsible the U.S. is in its self-designated role as a world bully. Its Bikini Island Nuclear tests, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iran and Afghanistan conflicts' high civilian casualties downplayed by big business buddy-of-the-government media. Please, you neoconservatives are all just a bunch of history repeaters no better than your ancestors. Iran wants a nuke so it can stand up to the U.S. oppressor and tell it's Anglo majority where to go if they want to run Iran for the Iranians. Worry about the problems between your own borders or pay for your wars with your own money.
Yeah you pretty much nailed it and nobody can stop us, not the Iranians not the Chinese not the Russians. We will rule the world MuhahahaMuhaha( evil laugh continues)
All of these points are certainly correct and well-made and important. Our economy doesn't need another war, and who will die and fight in it? For sure, such a war will be a bloodbath, and it may reach American shores. The USA can barely manage the Taliban. Replacing the current Iranian regime may result in one that is no better or is worse. Iran sacrificed over half a million men in its decade long war with Iraq. Iran's army is motivated, educated, trained, armed to the teeth, and nobody denies it. The straight of Hormuz will close indefinitely, and gasoline will be $12-16 per barrel.
True as all of these reasons are, however, they do NOT support the argument's conclusion, and here is why:
In strategy, one of the most important models for decision-making is to invert your thesis; that is, to turn the argument on its head and to determine the outcome of its opposite (i.e. to disprove the null hypothesis).
Let us do so here and now. If you accept the premise that these 5 reasons are valid and offer a compelling argument for not attacking Iran, then by default, you also agree that Iran should be permitted to develop nuclear weapons if avoiding such an outcome would require military intervention by the United States.
Therefore, if you agree not to stop Iran by force, then by your default, you must also agree to add a sixth reason to the above list. REASON #6: In a war against Iran, it will use its nuclear weapons against us and our allies, including detonating nuclear devices here in the United States and elsewhere, which Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has periodically has threatened, if not outright, then he has at least hinted at such actions (to wit: "Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury", and there are many similar quotes attributed to the Iranian president.)
If you believe that Iran should be able to possess nuclear weapons, then you also believe that Iran should be able to use such weapons in a limited manner against another nation.
Unfortunately, the Holocaust happened as a result of appeasement, this when Neville Chamberlain posed similar reasons for not going to war against Germany. Memories may be short, but they are not that short, Back then, Germany had an agenda, and no amount of dithering by the USA or Europe was going to stop it.
Today, Iran is also widely perceived to have a similar agenda – - namely, to destroy the Jews. If you don't believe this, well, it doesn't really matter what you think, because Iran has convinced the Jews that it intends to set them on fire, and of course, as you can imagine, the Jews have had enough with forced cremation in the last century.
Now, you can oppose the coming war with Iran, and you can pose reasons not to attack Iran, and you can even support Iran, but you cannot stop a war with Iran, for it is Iran that wants desires to destroy another nation, just as Germany did 75 years ago. For better or worse, the world will be part of, and affected by, this war, when it comes.
The only decision then left to make is whose side are you on? Most Americans probably are against Iran, in which case, there is little reason to dither, but if you must, then ask yourself, "Do you wait for your enemy to grow stronger?".
Churchill said it best and directly to Chamberlain and his supporters: "You were given the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, and now you will have war."
Excuse any typos as I had to rush this important response due to my day job. I meant to say $12-$16 per GALLON of gasoline. I wish CNN allowed edits.
Tottaly agree. If we don't stop them who, if not now when?
A lot of stupidity and false assumptions dressed in pretty words.
6. Iran will certainly use nuclear weapons against US cities? This is the crux of your whole argument, that you pulled out of your shoe. How do you know? This is a politician speaking. A president who has relatively little power in his country compared to the US system. He blows a lot of hit air at political rallies. Thinking that Iran has the right to have nuclear weapons (as does Israel, an the US, and China, etc.) is a far crime from saying that it's OK for them to use those weapons agressively.
The quote you list is wrong, btw. He actually said that any Muslims who recognize Israel would burn in the firey fury of Islam. That's quite a bit different.
If the Jews are convinced of this fantasy, let them deal with it. Comparing Germany 1939 to Iran 2012 is to stupid it's unimagineable. If you don't recall correctly, WE are the ones who have started all the recent wars in that region. And to think that Iran's motives are as simple as 'killing jews,' that's laughable. They might not like the Israeli STATE, which they see as a western colonial outpost on their shores that has caused great problems for the muslim world, but to think that they simply want to kill jews because they are anti-semetic is laughable? Iran doesn't have a history of invading other countries. Iran doesn't have a maximalist worldview.
Besides all that, Iran has history on its side. WE overthrew their democratically elected government in 1953. WE armed and funded Iraq in the agressive war with them in the 1980s.
Not to mention the fact that an attack on Iran would cause a political crisis in nuclear armed Pakistan, which could actually result in a bomb in a US city.
Anyhow, tangents aside. The hole in your reasoning is assuming that Iran would use nuclear weapons aggressively. That can not be assumed out of hand/
There is only ONE good reason to ATTACK Iran and it is in case there is no other way to prevent an Iranian attack on Israel or another state.
I think that the middle east countries should signoff the oil rights to Israel to live in peace. The oil has been a curse for the Arab nations since its discovery. It has brought nothing but wars, invasions, and disasters. The so-called Arab allies (like Saudi Arabia) are nothing but puppet governement with the worst human right records, worse than that of Iraq where we lost American lives and threasure by ridding of Sadam. Iran has better democracy in the middle east than most, and yet, I find it really hard to believe that our governement have tried every possible tactic to energise the public into another costly war.
The NeoCon have tried everything from associating Iran with 9/11, blaming it for the Iraq insurgency, to the failed assasination attempt of a Saudi diplomate.
In my honest opnion, I believe that the biggest thread facing the world today, is the mainstream media as it shapes events to please the special interest groups and, sadly, the social ignorance. I agree with the author, If we would to go for another was, then we must be provided answers to all questions. The old erra of the guilt by association "you are with us or with the terrorist" is long gone. We ought to be asking our congress and other elected officials: Who are you with??
These 5 "reasons" not to Iran are ludicrous. Iran is funding terrorist operations, threatening to close shipping lanes, developing nuclear weapons and threatening to militarize unstable African nations. Iran is behaving like a belligerent train wreck of a country. It's time for for the United States to act and support whatever military operations Israel might have in the hopper. Iran likes to yell and scream and pretend they have a certain degree of military might, when in reality they are a medium sized force fielding aging soviet vehicles and equipment. Military operations in Iran will not start world war three the Iranians are not as strong as they claim, just another crappy middle eastern country with crappy soviet equipment.
I'm assuming that your Intel sources are from the same source that led to Iraq invasion. Maybe you were a toddler then- incapable of tuning TV to foxnews. But here is what we were told by the US government: Iraq is developing WMD (we know where they are.) Iraq supports theorists, including Al-Qaida, Iraq will not resist any invasion- instead they will welcome a US invasion with flowers. Now that we are learning more and more about the US government bad intel and deception with the help of the mainstream media, You and other ignorant war mangers are willing to sacrifice American sons, daughters, and treasures for another bad and uglier war without asking a single question on the merit of the information or justification. Without taking into account the previous bad experience and its cost in term of lives and money. But again, you might be aware of the war costs on OTHERS but that’s a sacrifice you are willing to make.
I didn't know "Al-Qaida" was a group of theorists.
And don't talk to me about lives, I know there were terrorist connections in Iraq because I was there, not the kind of terrorist activities the media portrayed, but there were still ties. I've lost plenty of my friends, no I wasn't a toddler we were a bunch of kids in a war zone. I agree Iraq was a mistake that doesn't mean military intervention should always be ruled out. Wait where were you when we invaded Iraq.....oh that's right probably on your computer shaking your head saying "well that's terrible" don't talk to me about lives until you've been in a combat situation.
You are full of it, if you were truly in Iraq you would know how horrible war is and you would not be pushing for another pointless war. What african nations exactly is Iran militarizing? if iran is threatening to close shipping lanes it's because U.S. is threatening them with war and starving their population with pointless sanctions. You are clueless and you are clearly lying about serving in Iraq. And by the way I'm pretty sure Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that Iran has not even decided yet if they want to produce nuclear weapons (Read this http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/08/panetta-iran-has-not-yet-decided-to-make-nuclear-bomb/) get your facts right idiot, you are embarrassing yourself. BTall forget about this fool, he clearly has mental problems
If Iran is not stopped the US can be faced with another missile crisis, like we saw with Cuba/Russia, only this time it would be nuclear. Iran is not going to all that trouble to not use those weapons. There are some crazy South American countries who would align themselves to allow this in their country as well. It can only result in one thing, WW3. Planet earth may never recuperate from that. The fundamentalist government of Iran could and would do this if they are allowed to continue. Best to deal with it now before they are nuclear, while there is still a chance.
The pro-war comments on here are unbelievable. Do you really think Iran would use a bomb if they had one? The nuclear response from the US and Israel would destroy them instantly. Do you really think any country (such as Iran) and its leaders and elite would wish to start a war which will result in their certain death, and the death of all their families? Look at all the other nations in the world with nukes. Nobody will use them in fear of nuclear retaliation. Iran is no different. The only reason they want nukes (if they're really trying to get them) is because they're surrounded by US bases and Israel, and have hundreds of missles (including nukes) aimed at them! Why can't you people wake up from the lies of the mainstream media and try to put yourselves in someone elses shoes for once! Iran is a threatened animal surrounded on all sides by enemies. Of course they're trying to look strong and would quite like to have the bomb! I might add that Iran hasn't invaded another country for 300 years. Based on foreign invasions they're a peace loving country. The US and its allies are not. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Adam Lowther can think of 5 reasons not to attack Iran but I can think of over 50,000,000 of them since that's approxamately the number of people living there. Starting this insane war would be cold blooded murder to say the least. Like I said before, these warmongering politicians turn my stomach by the willingness to get people killed just to gain votes!!!
Apart from the considerations in this article and we can be sure that the military already have revised all kind of info on the Iranian capabilities..which we can be sure are far more limited than the article description ...simple because Iran can only sell oil to China and Russia.....their possibilities to acquire weapons ..even cars..and technology not now but even decades ago have been really limited by isolation and sanctions...Iran is only good and capable to provocate....and this is a good example....a very dangerous one.....it may even start a war....but make no mistake ..they will not close Ormuz......simple because it will be suicidal..and the end of the Islamic regime.....they play this game hoping to raise the voices of exactly the people protesting ..another war ..etc..etc... and judging from some of the comments it really seems that America is the provocator...and the agent of Chaos...with crazy inept religious fanatics ruling with fire and over the blood of the people....maybe there are more voluntary iranian agents ....undercover....after all.....
1776, 1865, 1941...i am pretty sure this country does not look at a strong military force as a deterrent to execute a just war! this author is actually teaches at the air force university. maybe we should refer to second point in this article, maybe he is the plant
It is only a coward who will in fear of loosing 1000 of its population will wait to eventually loose 1 billion of its population to a goal less regime. A regime whose entire dream is built on developing weapons that will be used to inflict pains on innocent world. If iran is not stopped now, they might eventually be more difficult to do.
Attack on iranian government is now or never.
You say "Iran is a regime whose entire dream is built on developing weapons that will be used to inflict pains on innocent world." Swap 'Iran' for 'USA' and you'd be correct. The US and their massive arms industry has led to the deaths of millions of innocents over the past 50 years. All in the name of money. Well done.
Iran are seeking weapons because they're surrounded by US bases and Israel (with nukes pointed at them) and therefore want to obtain and develop weapons for self-defence. Try to put yourself in their shoes, and while you're at it try reading some alternative viewpoints on the internet. Iranians are people with families just like you and me. Many thousands will die if the US/Israel bomb them. Just like Iraq – More than 100,000 innocent dead, plus thousands of Americans. All for what?
I do believe that the author of this article is born a coward, who is used by the Iranians to manipulate the Americans believe. But he failed absolutely as his base less comparison of military mights has shown the intention of such offender.
We will join the military on the clarion call.
Hey man spamming your stupid comments is not going to make them right. You dont have to post your uneducated beliefs to show how ignorant you are, one is enough
The article writer is overstating Iran's military capability by a huge degree.
Iran has a 4th world military which will not be able to keep U.S battleship and planes away from Iran's territorial water and airspace.
Iran's small airforce and warships will quickly be erased within a few days of any war and there's really nothing they'd be able to do to fend off guided missiles.
Also, i suspect in case of any war, the U.S will use Kurds and Sunni soldiers to attack the regime internally and there are plenty of anti-regime militants who are dying to rage warfare against the regime.
It is also important to point out the regime hasnt been as unpopular today then at any time during the regime existence..It's very naive to think all iranians will rally around the regime.
I know much more about iran then you..You are probably a basij internet thug from Iran.
The article writer is overstating Iran's military capability by a huge degree.
Iran has a 4th world military which will not be able to keep U.S battleship and planes away from Iran's territorial water and airspace.
Iran's small airforce and warships will quickly be erased within a few days of any war and there's really nothing they'd be able to do to fend off guided missiles.
Also, i suspect in case of any war, the U.S will use Kurds and Sunni soldiers to attack the regime internally and there are plenty of anti-regime militants who are dying to rage warfare against the regime.
It is also important to point out the regime hasnt been as unpopular today then at any time during the regime existence..It's very naive to think all iranians will rally around the regime.
Bombiranevilregime.blogspot.com
And where exactly did you get all this top secret info on Iran's army and their capabilities? You dont really know what you are talking about, do you?
bye the way where is this iran and what is this USA>????why are these two fightin?.oooops..sorry sorry...please carryon....god saVE AMERIKA!...LOL
some think that Iran is a poor country without any technology
in Iran every child can produce a speed boat
Iranian people are very intelligent !
they can do a lot of surprising actions
and they think in this way that i want to explain:
Iranians say
"we fight without caring about result of war . we do our duty so we have two possibilty
1- we will be victor of war
2- we will be killed: if they kill us we are the winner too because we will go to heaven "
so i have a question can you imagine how this people will fight?
imagine 10000 little speed boat are attacking a USS George H.W. Bush or ever toy like this how it will defent itself
"while all this crews of 10000 are ready to be killed"
the myrtirdom is a powerful weapon that america afraid of not the nuclear bomb
and i have solution for usa to defeat iran
you can attack suddenly all over the iran with nuclear bombs and kill all 75 million people then everyone is satisfied
Iranian go to heaven
and america wont afraid of power real Islam
how bout no 1 reason not to attack iran: there is no reason to attack.
that israel and its amen corner want war done by the u.s. is not a reason.
iran is peaceful. the u.s. and israel are not.
re nukes, let the u.s. and israel and england and france get rid of their nukes.
Couldn't agree more. What's with all the pro-war people???
You want war you crazy sadistic American war addicts? so come on and we will teach you what war is.
Iran doesn't want to nuke any country, in iran no one, AND I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, government or not, even thinks about creating or using a nuclear weapon, so get your head out of fox news and hollywood's ass and see the reality.
Best reason to NOT ATTACK: Millennium 2000 War Game. If you don't know about it, you should research it before making comments.
THE AUTHOR HAS MADE SOME GOOD ANALYSIS BUT HAS MISSED THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR BY FAR.
WE IRANIANS HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENCES AMONGST OURSELVES BUT WHEN IT COMES TO WAR, WE STAND ABSOLUTELY RESOLUTE AND UNITED. IN ADDITION TO THAT, ALL OF 75 MILLION OF US STAND EVEN MORE UNITED ON OUR RIGHT NOT ONLY ON NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY BUT THE BOMB INSELF. IF US, RUSSIA,CHINA,FRANCE,BRITAIN AND OTHERS CAN HAVE, THEN SO CAN WE, NO IFS AND BUTS ABOUT IT. HENCE WE STRONGLY ADVICE USA TO SAVE HER SKIN BEFORE WE TEACH THEM HOW TO FIGHT! BY THE WAY, I AM NOT A SUPPORTER OF CURRENT IRANIAN GOVERNMENT BUT I IRANIAN!
5 reason we must attack iran
iran is weka, iran has more than 45 resistant group, iran is paper tiger,iran will be destroyed 30 days after the attack, not all iranians with iran.
شاهد: المتهمون بمذبحة حديثة العراقية اطلقوا النار وسط ظلام دامس
دبي-الشرقية 11 يناير: اكد شاهد عيان في اليوم الثاني من محاكمِةِ السرجنت فرانك ووتريتش المتهم الرئيسي في قضية مذبحة قضاء حديثة في العراق في 2005، ان الوحدة العسكرية التي ارتكبت المجزرة اطلقت النار وسط ظلام دامس.وروى الكابورال في الجيش الاميركي ستيفن تاتوم خلال ادلائه بشهادته امام محكمة عسكرية في كاليفورنيا كيف انه في 19 تشرين الثاني/نوفمبر 2005 دخل عدة منازل في حديثة بحثا عن متمردين بعد مقتل احد رفقائه الجنود بانفجار قنبلة. وقال الشاهد ان المتهم الرئيس السرجنت ووتريتش، وبعدما سمع دوي طلقات نارية امره بان يعتبر احد منازل البلدة هدفا معاديا موضحا انه دخل المنزل والظلام كان دامسا، وراى خيالات لاشخاص وعلى الاثر القى قنبلتين يدويتين في المنزل لتنظيفه حسب قوله ما ادى الى مقتل ستة اشخاص بينهم نساء واطفال تجمعوا في غرفة نوم
keep the iraninas women they are the best for mot3a ,
keep those iranina women with there nice pu....sy they are excellent for mot3a
How about this for a reason not to go to war against Iran: Iran is NOT trying to build a nuclear weapon!
Defense Secretary Panetta on Face the Nation on Jan 6:
“Are they trying to develop a nuclear weapon?” Panetta asked rhetorically on CBS’s “Face the Nation” program. “No. But we know that they’re trying to develop a nuclear capability, and that’s what concerns us."
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/the-iran-nuclear-debate-and-its-sub-atomic-particles.aspx?pageID=449&nID=11260&NewsCatID=400
5 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD ATTACK IRAN
IRAN IS WEAK ,PAPER TIGER SO DONT BEBRAIN WASH BU MUSLIM MEDIA, IRAN HAVE MORE THAN 45 RESISTANT GROUP AND READY FOR USA ATTACK TO CHANGE THOSE EVIL DARK EMPIRE OF IRAN, NOT EVERY BODY IN IRAN LIKE IRAN GOVERNMENT, ALL ARABS WILL HELP USA ALL SUNNI DO THE SAME, ALL KURDS, BELOOSH, PERSIANS AND CHRISTEANS IN MIDDLEAST WILL HELP,WHY USA NOT ATTCK NOW? IS IT CAUSE THEY ARE BUSSY URINATING ON AFGANI MUSLIMS!!/
SEE THE ALJAZEERA.NET REGARDING usa army urinating on a dead muslim people , and then usa say they are respecting human right!!!!1 and if others urinate on usa army usa call them barberians!??? why this hipocricy?
فضيحة أخلاقية جديدة للجنود الأميركيين
مارينز يتبولون على جثث أفغان
بيان سلاح المارينز قال إن هذا الفعل لا يتفق مع قيم الأميركيين ولا أخلاق المارينز
(الفرنسية-يوتيوب)
أظهر شريط فيديو نشر على موقع اليوتيوب بشبكة الإنترنت أربعة عسكريين يرتدون الزي العسكري الأميركي وهم يتبولون على جثث ثلاثة عناصر من حركة طالبان الأفغانية.
وفي أجزاء من الشريط ظهر الجنود الأربعة الذين قالت مشاة البحرية الأميركية (المارينز) إنها تشتبه بأنهم أميركيون، وهم يقومون بفعلتهم تلك على الجثث التي غطتها الدماء، وينظرون إلى الكاميرا مدركين أن صاحبها يصورهم.
وقال أحدهم مازحا "أتمنى لك يوما لطيفا يا صديقي"، في إشارة إلى الجثث التي كانوا يتبولون عليها، بينما أضاف آخر كلاما بذيئا.
وقال المارينز -سلاح النخبة في الجيش الأميركي- في بيان أمس الأربعاء إنه فتح تحقيقا في الشريط- الذي صور كما يبدو في إحدى العمليات العسكرية في أفغانستان- مؤكدا أنه لم يتحقق بعد من مصدره أو صحته.
وأضاف أن تلك الأفعال "لا تتفق أبدا مع قيم الأميركيين ولا تمثل المارينز" الذي ينتشر منه حوالي 20 ألف جندي في أفغانستان، غالبيتهم في ولايتي قندهار (جنوب) وهلمند (جنوب غرب).
وبدوره، قال المتحدث باسم وزارة الدفاع (البنتاغون)، الكابتن البحري جون كيربي إنه شعر بالغثيان لدى رؤية الشريط، وأضاف "مهما كانت ظروف هذا الفيديو أو أشخاصه فإنه سلوك مقزز ووحشي وغير مقبول لأي شخص يرتدي الزي العسكري".
إدانة
من جهة أخرى، أدان مجلس العلاقات الإسلامية الأميركية انتهاك حرمة الجثث، وذلك في رسالة إلى وزير الدفاع الأميركي ليون بانيتا.
وقال المجلس في الرسالة -التي أرسلت نسخة منها لوسائل الإعلام- "يجب معاقبة أي أطراف مذنبة بأقصى حد يسمح به القانون الموحد للقضاء العسكري والقوانين الأميركية ذات الصلة".
وأضافت المنظمة أن هذا السلوك يمثل خرقا لقواعد الجيش الأميركي ولقوانين الحرب التي تحظر مثل هذه الأفعال غير الأخلاقية والمقززة، وأعربت عن أملها بأن يكون التحقيق شفافا.
ويأتي الشريط الجديد ليعيد إلى الأذهان صور جنود في الجيش الأميركي نشرت قبل شهور وكشفت عنها أسبوعية "دير شبيغل" الألمانية وهم يلهون بجثث مدنيين أفغان قتلوهم دون مبرر.
كما أنه يعيد إلى الأذهان أيضا فضيحة ممارسة التعذيب في سجن أبو غريب العراقي عام 2004 التي أثارت موجة احتجاجات دولية.
وجاء هذا الشريط في وقت حرج تسعى فيه واشنطن إلى تعزيز المصالحة في أفغانستان مع قيام القوات الأميركية بالانسحاب تدريجيا من البلاد.
ومن المقرر أن يزور السفير الأميركي مارك جروسمان أفغانستان وقطر الأسبوع القادم لإجراء مباحثات مع الحكومتين الأفغانية والقطرية.
If you want war with Iran and are of military age, then go ahead and join the military and be part of the fight. Otherwise, shut up, Chicken Hawk!
in libya they killed the leader a muslim after torturing him and urinate on him then they put his body on the floor and ask other stupid muslims to take pictures of the dead body!? is this ISLAM!? THIS EVIL BEHAVIOUR ROOTED IN them and then when USA marines urinate on the muslims bodies they say oohhhhh NO you cant do that!? what a hipocrits.
i...........in libya they killed the leader a muslim after torturing him and urinate on him then they put his body on the floor and ask other stupid muslims to take pictures of the dead body!? is this ISLAM!? THIS EVIL BEHAVIOUR ROOTED IN them and then when USA marines urinate on the muslims bodies they say oohhhhh NO you cant do that!? what a hipocrits.
when i see the coments i think most of the people not aware of what is going on.that is because of media have brain washed all these people.most people have misunderstood iran and its people.remember iran is very different from other arab countries.they have a culture and true form of islam
عاجل .. عاجل .. وخطير للغاية – توجيهات رئيس الوزراء نوري المالكي للاجتماع الخاص بالقادة الأمنيين الذي عقد في مقر حزب الدعوة / محافظة ديالى
شبكة المنصور
هدهد سليمان
أرسل ( الأسد السائح ) لهدهد سليمان محضر الاجتماع الذي كان حاضرا فيه والخاص بالقادة الأمنيين وبعض شيوخ العشائر , والمنعقد بتاريخ ( 18 / 12 / 2011 م ) في مقر حزب الدعوة في محافظة ديالى والذي ينص على ما يلي :
محضر اجتماع القادة الأمنيين لمحافظة ديالى في مقر حزب الدعوة :
1. تم عقد الاجتماع الخاص بالقادة الأمنيين في مقر حزب الدعوة /محافظة ديالى بتاريخ ( 18/12/ 2011م ) وقد حضره كل من :-
أ. قائد شرطة ديالى
ب. قائد عمليات ديالى
ج. قائد الفرقة الخامسة
هـ. عدد من آمري الألوية والوحدات في الفرقة الخامسة
و. السيد صادق الحسيني ( نائب رئيس مجلس محافظة ديالى )
س. مدير الشؤون في ديالى
ح. مدير الوكالة الوطنية ( العميد غانم )
ط. مدير مكافحة الإرهاب ( العميد فاروق )
ي. مدير الجرائم في ديالى
ك. مدير مرور ديالى
ل. رئيس مجلس إسناد ديالى
م. شيوخ عشائر ديالى وهم كل من :-
أولا . الشيخ بلاسم حميد ملا جواد التميمي
ثانيا. الشيخ رعد حميد ملا جواد التميمي
ثالثا . الشيخ مازن حميد ملا جواد التميمي
رابعا. الشيخ برهان الضاحي
خامسا . الشيخ حميد ألشمري
سادسا. الشيخ سعود احد شيوخ عشائر (بني طي )
سابعا . عدد من المختارين في ديالى
2. في بداية الاجتماع رحب مسؤول الجلسة السيد ( مثنى التميمي ) بالسادة الحضور وأشاد بمواقفهم الشجاعة في مقارعتهم فلول البعثيين والصدامين في ديالى والطائفيين في حكومة ديالى وفلول القاعدة , ثم قرأ توجيهات دولة السيد رئيس الوزراء نوري المالكي مسؤول جناح حزب الدعوة في العراق التي تنص على ما يلي :
( إخواني أرى فيكم عيون الأرامل والمفجوعات واليتامى والبيوت المهدمة والحسينيات المهدمة في بعقوبة واقضيتها ونواحيها وقد علمت من إخواني بان هنالك مناطق في ديالى لن تصلها مجالس العزاء لأبي الأحرار الحسين (سلام الله عليه ) وقد وجهت المسؤولين الأمنيين بوضع في كل بيت من بيوت ديالى راية من رايات الحسين ومتابعة من يعبث بها ) , واليكم أهم توجيهات دولة رئيس الوزراء نوري المالكي :-
(1) زيادة المراكز الأمنية في كل مناطق بعقوبة واقضيتها ونواحيها وخاصة المناطق التي توجد فيها شيعة قليلون .
(2) أمر سيادته بتفعيل جميع مذكرات القبض بحق المطلوبين من البعثيين وشيوخ العشائر المطلوبين امنيا" وقضائيا" وكل الجرائم .
(3) أمر بمتابعة الخارجين من السجون الأمريكية وإلقاء القبض عليهم وإعادتهم إلى السجون .
(4) متابعة البعثيين من المدنيين والعسكريين المتقاعدين وأصحاب النفوذ في المحافظة ومحاصرتهم وسجنهم أو إجبارهم للخروج خارج العراق .
(5) إعطاء مبالغ مجزية للمخبرين السريين وعيوننا في كافة مناطق محافظة ديالى .
(6) اجعلوا النقاط الأمنية بالقرب من المخبرين السريين والمختارين المواليين للعملية السياسية .
(7) على الأجهزة الأمنية أن تلبي جميع شكاوى الشيعة فورا .
(8) السماح بتسليح البيوت الشيعية وأي شخص قادر على حمل السلاح وإعطائهم إجازة فورا" .
(9) تفعيل العمل ألاستخباري وهذا الكلام موجه إلى (العميد غانم) اذ عليه واجب العمل بكل الوسائل لجلب العناصر المرتبطة بحزب البعث والقاعد ومتابعتهم يوميا" ويجب إرسال موقف يومي إلى مكتب القائد العام للقوات المسلحة.
(10) تبديل المختارين الذين لا يأتون بمعلومات عن البعثين والصدامين والقاعدة وإذا اضطر الأمر تهديدهم باسم القاعدة .
(11) الإكثار من التحري والمداهمات من قبل كل الأجهزة الأمنية والاستخبارية وخاصة في المناطق ذات الكثافة السنية .
(12) التظاهر في المداهمات بان تشمل كل فئات الشعب في الظاهر ولكن لا تشمل المكون الشيعي في المناطق السنية .
(13) متابعة العسكريين من الضباط في الجيش والشرطة من الذين ليس لهم ولائهم للحكومة إما عزلهم أو إحالتهم إلى المحاكم أو نقلهم إلى خارج محافظة ديالى .
(14) متابعة أعضاء مجلس محافظة ديالى والمحافظ ونوابه وتفعيل كل مذكرات إلقاء القبض .
(15) الفدرالية خط احمر بالنسبة للحكومة ولا نقبل بها مهما كلف الأمر وسوف نرسل لكم التوجيهات والتعليمات المستقبلية بصدد ذلك، وسيتم استدعاء كل المسؤولين الأمنيين إلى بغداد حول ذلك .
(16) توزيع مبلغ قدره (15) خمسة عشر مليون دينار لكل شخص يقوم بمجلس عزاء الحسين وخاصة في المناطق السنية وحمايتهم من البعثيين والصدامين والقاعدة وتخصص نقاط أمنية بالقرب من مجالس العزاء .
(17) استخدام العنصر النسوي في الحصول على معلومات عن البعثيين والصدامين والعناصر المؤثرة في شارع ديالى .
(18) استخدام كاميرات الموبايل أو التسجيلات حول ما يدور من كلام في المقاهي والجلسات الخاصة حتى لو اقتضى الأمر الإغراء بالنساء في سبيل الحصول على المعلومات .
(19) استخدام (الشرطيات) في العلاقات الجنسية مع الضباط المتقاعدين وشيوخ العشائر وكذلك البعثيين للحصول على المعلومات حول آماكن تواجد العناصر الإرهابية ومكان اجتماعات البعثيين في ديالى .
(20) لدينا معلومات مؤكدة بان هناك اجتماعات بعثية وصداميه مستمرة وتم إلقاء القبض على بعض القيادات المدنية في ديالى وقد اعترفوا بنشاط البعث في ديالى وسوف نتابعهم أينما كانوا وفي أي وقت وهم تحت المراقبة .
(21) توجيه كافة أصحاب الأموال في ديالى والمحافظات الأخرى بشراء العقارات والعمارات والبيوت ومن المكون الشيعي لكسر الذريعة لدى المكون السني في ديالى وهذا يجب أن يتم بأسرع وقت ممكن .
(22) توجيه كافة التجار وخاصة من المكون الشيعي بالسيطرة على كافة التجارة في ديالى من المواد المستوردة والمصدرة ووضع العقبات أمام التجار من المكون السني وتوجيه التهم إليهم بالإرهاب أو مساعدة الإرهاب .
(23) على دائرة تسجيل العقاري في محافظة ديالى القيام بتوزيع قطع أراضي إلى المتضررين الشيعة وشمولهم بالقروض والمنح فورا" .
(24) توجيه كافة الأجهزة الأمنية في ديالى والحكومية وشيوخ العشائر الموالية ألينا وكذلك الوقف الشيعي ببناء حسينيات مقابل كل جامع من المكون الثاني ووضع نقاط أمنية بالقرب منها , وهذه مهمة جدا" وعلى الوقف الشيعي (المرجعية ) العمل به فورا".
(25) الإكثار من السلع الإيرانية في ديالى والبيع بأرخص الأثمان .
(26) إيصال الوقود إلى العوائل الشيعية والمواكب الحسينية بأسرع وقت .
(27) تبليغ كافة الأجهزة الأمنية والحكومية والمختارين بتدقيق كافة العوائل المهجرة وبيان أسباب التهجير.
(28) كل شخص سواء" كان عسكري أو شرطة أو مدني عليه القيام بعلاقات جيدة جدا مع أشخاص المكون السني من خلال تسهيل أمورهم الإدارية لدى دوائر الدولة وتبليغ كافة المسؤولين حول ذلك ومن بعد كسبهم إلى حزب الدعوة حتى لو اقتضى الأمر تعيينهم في أجهزة الشرطة أو الجيش آو أي وظيفة مدنية .
(29) على كافة القادة الأمنيين من ضباط الجيش أو الشرطة أو الأجهزة الأمنية التحرك على الضباط والجنود من الجيش والشرطة للمكون السني وتشجيعهم إلى الانتماء لحزب الدعوة وفي حالة رفضهم يتم إما إقصائهم أو توجيه بعض التهم الإرهابية لهم وهذا من أهم الأمور المهمة في المرحلة المقبلة .
(30) هذه الأمور التي تم طرحها في هذا الاجتماع سوف يتم متابعة تنفيذها من قبل كافة تنظيمات الائتلاف الوطني في ديالى وكذلك مكتب رئيس الوزراء وفي حالة تلكأ أي جهة سوف يتم محاسبة الجهة المقصرة فورا".
(31) أكد الحاضرون بأنهم سوف يكونون العين الساهرة في ديالى لنصرة الأقلية المظلومة من المكون الشيعي وسوف نبسط الأمن بكل الوسائل المتاحة وإننا إنشاء الله قادرون على تنفيذ ما يطلبه دولة رئيس الوزراء الدكتور نوري المالكي ولا نسمح للبعثيين والصداميين والقاعدة من العبث بأمن ديالى وترويع أهلها فنحن قادرون على تنفيذ كل هذه المطالب بأسرع وقت .
(32) المعوقات التي يعاني منها حزب الدعوة في ديالى فهي :-
أ – صعوبة الحصول على مذكرات الاعتقال من قبل بعض القضاة بحق بعض الناس .
ب – كثير من المعلومات تصل إلى الشخص المطلوب قبل إلقاء القبض عليه .
ج – كثرة التوسط على المجرمين والموقوفين من بعض الضباط والشيوخ السنة مما يدفعهم على دفع أموال لإخراجهم من السجن .
د – تم رفع أسماء بعض الضباط والمراتب من الجيش والشرطة لغرض نقلهم أو إقصائهم أو إحالتهم إلى القضاء من المكون السني ومضى فترة طويلة على ذلك دون إجابة .
هـ – يجب زيادة عدد الشرطة في ديالى وكذلك الأجهزة الأمنية لغرض ضبط الشارع في ديالى .
هذا وقد شكر مسؤول الجلسة ( مثنى التميمي ) جميع الحاضرين متمنيا" لهم الموفقية في عملهم داخل هذه المحافظة الملتهبة والتي عبث فيها الإرهاب ودمر بناها التحتية .
للعلم رجاءا .. مع تحيات هدهد سليمان من قلب المنطقة الخضراء .
Where do you get your information? Iran isn't any better than Iraq was. They fought for 10 years and couldn't accoumplish anything what so ever against Iraq. The U.S. turned Iraq into a landfield in less than a week and we would have no trouble doing the exact same thing to Iran! And have no doubt, as soon as the A 1's started rolling across the border and the A 10 warthogs turned the Iranian tanks into scrap heaps, the Iraininan army would most definately lay down and cry just as the Iraq army did. :You obviously want tthe Irainians to get the bomb – why I don't know, and hurrah for you. But don't try to brainwash the American people into thinking that we should be afraid of standing up for ourselfs. Eliminate the treat once for all and be done with it. Or else, sooner or later one of them will sneak across the border and eliminate one of our cities. What will you say then, I wonder?
dont take muslims lightly they train there babies to commit jihad ie to be suicide bombers have no sympathy on them hit them hard like you did to hiroshima and nagasaki god bless america and israel when some of you fall into the hands of these cold blooded killers then you will learn
Actually, it's neither.
It's likely that Adam doesn't exist at all and has been fabricated by Iran's media in an attempt to have us all believe the US military has divided opinion, when in reality the vast majority of the world including Europe, Canada and Asia stand side by side on this issue. Military Personnel 101, don't broadcast anything that could compromise national security.
Within hours, this surfaced referring to this very article. http://www.presstv.ir/detail/220140.html. The same people who wrote that, posted this blog.
Get over it.... pick any sentence from news article then Google it. You will be surprised on the number of hits your will get with the same sentences, and in many cases, the whole paragraph.
Based on your article, we should all agree with the war against Iran suggestion, anything else is compromising national security. what a load of BS...
Should we all wait for Iran to nuke Israel or some other country, in your opinion?
you can wait. old age and death will hit you before an iranian nuke hits anybody.
iran is not a psychotic warmonger like the u.s. and israel.
I think we should just let the leash we've got on Israel loose, and let them wreak havoc. That will solve several problems all at once:
The Islamic Regimes will ALL be gone from the middle east;
No one will be able to accuse the US of supporting Israel, when they see that we were really holding them back;
And possibly the Israeli's would get all their little nation rage out of their system, and be willing to participate in the world theater without insulting every country they come across.