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Israel's warnings on Iran get quiet nods in Gulf

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a single nod from the US...why israel has to look for multiple nods from others especially Arab Countries?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Personally I say let Iran finish making their missiles. But once they're stupid enough to launch one at anyone without provocation they'll get taken out. While the US and other countries have nukes I've yet to see many of them brandish the big stick. Even Pakistan and India haven't been provoking the launch of these weapons, but I'm pretty sure when Iran gets them (if they haven't already) they'll start brandishing and threatening as much as possible trying to use nukes as leverage. Just have to wait and see how this turns out.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

a single nod from the US...why israel has to look for multiple nods from others especially Arab Countries?<

I think its because they're in very close quarters to each other, so with Isreals already bad standing with the other Arab countries it helps if they get approval instead of being blamed even more. Although I'm pretty sure even if Isreal is given the nod from the surrounding arab nations behind closed doors, they'll still be blamed and beaten as the scapegoat if Isreal does attack Iran to prevent them from having nuclear weapons.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

This is a very bad situation, the last thing we need is the Teheran/Talibani lovers with armed nuclear missiles, time to stop them NOW!! IMHO.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

oh israel and america, you are the epitomy of hypocrisy. the americans trying to police the world, while no one polices them, and the israelis crying about iran's alleged nuclear developments all the while its the israelis that continue to produce, import from america and possess the nuclear power to destory any gulf nation, not to mention refusing to sign any nuclear proliferation treaty put before them by the IAEA and the UN.

the leaders of israel and america along with their cronies are masters at blowing smoke where there is no fire, tilting, read brainwashing, their own citizens into believing the threat is real, pumping fear into their own people to the extent that real peoples' concerns, ie, their family's well-being, jobs and stability for future generations and proper social programs and services such as good public education and support for the elderly and disabled, are all but forgotten due to the severity of the cries of wolf from the very people they have elected and empowered to take care of them.

these so called leaders are interested only in controlling the last of the world's natural resources, because to them, controlling this would give them even more power, and making sure the rich stay rich. nothing more, and certainly nothing less.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

Personally I say let Iran finish making their missiles. But once they're stupid enough to launch one at anyone without provocation they'll get taken out.

Would that provide solace to the 10s or 100s of thousands of Israelis who would be killed by the strike? And what about the 10s or 100s of thousands of innocent Iranians who would be killed in the counter-strike? Pretty callous comment ....

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Equality, it will be the biggest "cookout" in history only the weenies and marshmallows will have a funny glow. Unless Iran has a lot of nukes my guess is nothing will get past their shield, while millions of Iranians will die. The Israelis will hold back enough to act as a deterrent against others, like Russia. I pray this does not happen but my fears say otherwise.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I have no doubts that the sunni Gulf states would like Israel to take out the Iranian nukes and notch down shiite Iran´s superpower status in the region a bit. But don´t expect Israel to get any benefit from that. The sunni Arabs are still just as determined to wipe out Israel as Iran is. But for the Gulf states, Israel would be a great useful fool.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Biological war fare would be much more effective for Israel to pull off.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

HonestDictator: But once they're stupid enough to launch one at anyone without provocation they'll get taken out.

The nukes aren't for offense, just defense. With them in hand, Iran can increase their military operations in Palestine and Lebanon as well as their support for anti-government forces in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. In that sense a nuke lets Iran be Iran with a factor of 10 applied. Imagine Iranian weapons openly firing into Israel from Palestine or Lebanon, and Israel's only response being to start a war with a nuclear armed Iran. Iran will be able to increase the amount of crap they can pull off while the world will just have to live with it or risk a nuke going off somewhere if they try to take out the government.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Poor little innocent Iran. They are so sadly misunderstood.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

What country around the world would continue to take threats of complete destruction by another country?... yet Israel is continued threatened by the 250 million Muslims that surround the country of Israel with only 6 million Jews... Israel has the right to defend itself under any means necessary....Israel has already got the permission of Saudia Arabia to use their airspace to attack Iran almost a year ago... it's coming...

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Darrin Flores:

" Israel has already got the permission of Saudia Arabia to use their airspace to attack Iran almost a year ago... it's coming.. "

I agree that Israel has the right to defend itself. I disagree that "it" i.e. an attack from Israel on Iranian nuclear sites is coming. No way. Israel is simply too small to pull this off by itself. And the US under Barrack Hussein is too busy kissing Iranian Shiite behinds to do anything.

Actually, Barack Hussein has already said that if Israeli planes were to attack Iran, the US would shoot them down. So much for having friends.

Face it: The world will have to live with a nuclear armed Ahmedinejad very soon.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

sure, let's wage another war in the 'interest of all of our safety'. If this sh*t hits the fan, we're in for WOIII. Fun times ahead.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

History has showed us that the tower of Babel was crumbled and Babylonian has risen no more. Now, the dictatorial theocracy state of Iran also walking on the same path. Iranian leaders has the apocalyptic religious view for the coming Imam. They are playing with fire (nuke) for the fire (nuke) will burn them, and it is just a matter of time. Of course, it is going to be very ugly for the whole region, however; the prediction is "sooner or later". When it happens, China and Russia will be busy counting their money.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Elbuda Mexicano:

" This is a very bad situation, the last thing we need is the Teheran/Talibani lovers with armed nuclear missiles, time to stop them NOW!! IMHO. "

Aren´t you confusing things a bit? Teheran is Shiite, the Taliban are Sunni. There is no love lost between the two. (Although of course Teheran does not mind supporting the Taliban a bit when it is about killing US and other Western soldiers.)

And taking out the Iranian nukes is easier said than done. They are distributed and essential facilities are in massively protected underground bunkers (German design even).

I say it won´t happen. Be ready for the Ayatollhas yielding Allahs bomb.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Iran has plenty of inner problems, like a violently suppressed DR movement, high unemployment and poverty, inefficient education policy except for a rather small elite and a corrupt religious elite. The only way how the Iranian government (in its current theocratical form) can maintain its power is by creating the picture of imminent danger from an enemy outside. Same practice in many other countries as well.

Or why do You believe that Israel isn't really interested in reaching a two-state solution with the Palestinians? Because it would crumble from its completely unbalanced society that is dominated by the violent, religious right, which live from welfare paid by honest citizens, who simply want to live their own lives and are suppressed by their right-wing government. These normal, middle-class Israelis would be those who have to suffer from being drafted, extra taxation and whatever else if they went to war.

These government need exterior threats to stave off a collapse of their rule. Anyone who sees in this strife a conflict West vs Islam or democracy vs dictatorship is wrong. Both sides need the other as a threat to maintain inner stability.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

What? More fear? Don' mind if I do!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Or why do You believe that Israel isn't really interested in reaching a two-state solution with the Palestinians?

We don't believe that. I'm not convinced you do either for that matter. Hamas and Iran? That is an entirely different kettle of fish.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

External treat for inner stability has its own course and will end when the movie is over. Next chapter is the reality and it is happening right now, for bad or worse? Once, Karl mark said religion is the opium of society, however; he started another religion called "Communism". The reality is the communist elites are still ruining the mass till today. Iran fanatical leaders has its own agenda, and not just for the inner stability alone. Iran is playing with fire (nuke).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Johannes Weber:

" These government need exterior threats to stave off a collapse of their rule. Anyone who sees in this strife a conflict West vs Islam or democracy vs dictatorship is wrong. Both sides need the other as a threat to maintain inner stability. "

Frankly, that view is incredibly naive. To even try and relatives the tiny democratic Jewish state with the "twelver" Shia dominated theocracy in Iran is absurd. I mean, I understand the wish to make everything "balanced", but there is no balance here. Israel only wants to exist -- Ahmedinejad wants to wipe the "dirty bacteria" Israel off the map, for reasons that have nothing to do with rationality.

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@WilliB:

To even try and relatives the tiny democratic Jewish state with the "twelver" Shia dominated theocracy in Iran is absurd.

I am not exactly sure what You want to say, but it might be due to a typo or my insufficient English. But if you suggest that I compare Israel with Iran, then you didn't get my post. The level is completely different.

All countries in the near east (yes, Israel included) are seriously unbalanced with a horrible disparity for its citizens concerning legal rights or welfare. Israel saw protests of half a million protesters from the middle class this autumn, who demanded fair treatment. Israel is currently dominated by right-wing groups, which are not interested in international humanitarian law or even a balanced and fair society. By this I do not want to say that Israel is an undemocratic country but it has severe flaws. The stability of the Israeli society relies on the existence of an exterior threat, whether terror from Hamas or inimical "Islam" nations. I think the current rhetoric is clearly connected to shift focus away from inner problems of Israel.

Ahmadinedschad is the head of state of Iran, but he doesn't represent Islam or even Shia Islam. His rhetoric is disgusting and he is a dangerous and crazy man and the world would be a better place without him and his kind (probably) - but this doesn't automatically legitimise an attack on Iran. In fact, even if he was removed by force, even if Iran was assaulted and conquered, no one can tell that the outcome would be any better. As long as a dog barks, he doesn't bite.

I may be too naive as a European born almost 40 years after the end of the war, but the thought of starting a war with Iran is clearly insane in my opinion. The only reason why anyone could consider this is if there is no fear for a backlash. And even then the US involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq clearly shows that military superiority is just worn down over time by the explosion of the costs. Not to speak of how this would boost global terrorism.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Israel couldnt destroy the iranian nuclear facilities, that was too risky and too sensitive in political arena! There was no surprise elements in the rift between isral and iran at all!What israel and saudis wants is America take out Ahmadinhajad's nuclear dream just like Bush sr did to saddam! America shall be drawn into a deeper and deeper crisis and no recovery from present economic woes!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Johannes Weber: The stability of the Israeli society relies on the existence of an exterior threat, whether terror from Hamas or inimical "Islam" nations. I think the current rhetoric is clearly connected to shift focus away from inner problems of Israel.

I think your first sentence is overused. It exists to some extent in places like North Korea with a completely isolated society or in other parts of the world with a large illiterate population, but the "country X needs an enemy" statement doesn't really play out when you have an advanced nation like Israel, and it certainly isn't applicable when they live under constant rocket attacks, soldiers being kidnapped, and other spontaneous violence from neighbors. The current Israeli government is right-wing and you might not agree with how they respond to the threats or how they govern but they certainly don't need to make up any imaginary threats when the average Israeli can see them on a daily basis.

Invading Iran is insane and no one knows the result, but on the other hand Iran with nukes is equally insane. That's why no one likes the position that we're in now.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Willibi.. President Obama has NEVER said that so check your facts before posting.. One of his advisors mentioned it ... Obama did not say it, if he did... Please provide the link..... AND if you think Israel is going to go through another Holocaust, then you don't have a clue... One of these mornings when we wake up.... it will be all over the news.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

sharpieNOV. 07, 2011 - 08:56AM JST oh israel and america, you are the epitomy of hypocrisy. the americans trying to police the world, while no one polices them, and the israelis crying about iran's alleged nuclear developments all the while its the israelis that continue to produce, import from america and possess the nuclear power to destory any gulf nation, not to mention refusing to sign any nuclear proliferation treaty put before them by the IAEA and the UN.

That is because America and Israel are responsible nations, They have the right to possess nuclear arms. They don't go around screaming death to this country and death to that country.

I'm not condoning America and Israel. No country is perfect and many wrongs have been done BUT America and it's allies have done more rights than wrongs and that is why you and me live is this side of the free world where we have freedom of speech and enjoy all the things we take for granted.

For starters, you're dealing with people here who maintain that the holocaust never actually happened. Please wake up and understand what you have here.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

WilliBNOV. 07, 2011 - 01:37PM JST Actually, Barack Hussein has already said that if Israeli planes were to attack Iran, the US would shoot them down. So much for having friends.

WilliB any link to back this up please? Pretty shocking such a statement would come from the American President knowing Israel is one of their closest allies. I just can't see the President saying such a thing.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I know you don't agree with me but Its never going to happen , Muslims They are Sunni or Shiite is not a deal for them, any more when It is with Jews,

0 ( +0 / -0 )

southsakai, America and Israel are responsible nations, They have the right to possess nuclear arms. They don't go around screaming death to this country and death to that country.

uh, responsible? weapons of mass destruction in iraq? NOT. Israel, how many deaths have there been in israel? compare that to the deaths in palestine. Responsible? who lives behind a wall, and is not allowed access to outside aid? Palestine. who lives on the other side of that was and is constantly taking away more and more palestinian land? israel. who takes away funding from UNESCO because palestine has been recognized as a state? please, dont start with responsibility. they have the right to possess? have you seen any of the treaties against nuclear porliferation that israel has signed? NO, because they refuse to sign them. sorry but i dont think i owe anything to israel nor the us for my freedom of speech. i am awake and can see through the propaganda constantly being produced by the americans. its those of you who fail to look beyond what they are saying for your own answers who need the awakening.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

By my unofficial tally the only people who support Iran getting nukes are Iranian hardliners, Syria, Venezuela, North Korea, and radical liberals who hate Daddy.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Superlib:

I think your first sentence is overused. It exists to some extent in places like North Korea with a completely isolated society or in other parts of the world with a large illiterate population, but the "country X needs an enemy" statement doesn't really play out when you have an advanced nation like Israel, and it certainly isn't applicable when they live under constant rocket attacks, soldiers being kidnapped, and other spontaneous violence from neighbors.

The main inner problems of Israel are the high expenses for the military, the welfare costs for the social group of orthodox Jews and the discrimination of non-Jewish citizens. In 2010, the military receive more than 15% of the entire budget of the state according to wikipedia. This is clearly excessive. Ultraorthodox Jews constitute about 10% of the population of Israel. About 60-70% of them do not work, but instead study their holy scriptures and live from welfare from the state. This compares to about 15% among the rest of the population receiving welfare, facing ever increasing taxes. Furthermore, they can choose to avoid military service. This is clearly extremely unbalanced. Once Israel achieved stable peace with its neighbours, these problems would cause its society to falter.

Clearly, terror from Hamas or Hisbollah is an imminent problem. But a nuclear armed Iran would not be an imminent problem. My country had been targeted by more nukes during the cold war than any other country in the world and it had been decided as the place where the Soviet invasion (of western Europe) would be stalled with nukes. And we still survived 50 years of cold war. Japan and Taiwan face similar threats still now (with nukes pointed towards them). Does anyone here whine and complain all time? No! Israel must accept the theoretical threat of nuclear weapons (since they posess nukes themselves and never signed the anti-proliferation treaty). The only country that ever used nukes against someone else are the US. Even though Ahmadinedschad is loud, crazy and evil, there is no realitiy-based evidence that Iran would really use nukes against Israel once they obtained them.

If Israel takes Iran's nuclear program serious, they give Ahmadinedschad exactly what he wants. He can show off and feel powerful and important and gain political support in his country by demonstrating "military might" and frightening Israel. The current reactions are absolutely wrong. They are incredibly self-centered and ignore his real political agenda. They play exactly in his hands. He should be ignored.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I don't think we share the same view of what will happen if Iran has nukes. You said, "terror from Hamas and Hezbollah is an imminent problem." What I think will happen is that that imminent problem will increase substantially. No one says that they will do what they want because the will nuke you as a response. What they say is that they will nuke you as a response to you trying to stop them militarily. Right now, with Iran not having nukes, they have to keep themselves in check in terms of how much damage they can do to Israel. With nukes, what's to stop Iran from sending more powerful conventional weapons directly to Hamas and letting them fire into Israel? Israel can respond with their military and try to limit Hamas, but their hands will be tied with doing the same with a nuclear armed Iran. I don't think Iran would use their nuke as an offensive weapon because we all know they would be wiped out, but they will use their nuclear weapon as a deterrent from other countries who try to stop their conventional attacks. Israel living with a nuclear Iran will most likely result in Israeli living with more direct attacks on their soil from Iran's proxies. That's something you can't ignore.

Just look at the unease from the Arab states. Are they afraid Iran will nuke them? Not likely. They are afraid that Iran will step up their efforts to undermine their governments as long as the threat of stopping Iran through conventional methods are no longer on the table. Iran's planning on having a nuke that they never have to use, instead upping conventional warfare with other countries that will have fewer options to stop them. What we had before was a kind of balance were Iran got away with some things but had to show restraint on others. Without that restraint the situation may become much worse.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

"He should be ignored."

We ignored Hitler and look what happened.

I'm with Superlib on this one, heh, makes a change. A nuclear armed Iran is a frightening prospect. At best if they achieve the bomb it will be a tool for blackmail like NK.

At worst? Well, it's like ordering a military strike on their nuclear facilities.....Pandora's Box.

At this stage in the game I'd tentatively support a strike on their facilities. There's enough unrest internally if they were to retort belligerently, with some outside help from a unified UN like the mission in Libya. I'll second the tally and agree the only people arguing the Ahmadinejad regime are not looking to sit at the nuclear weapons table are clearly not in control of their frontal lobes.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Johannes Weber,

Aren't you the guy that falsely claimed Israel had some sort of Sharia laws for buses? Now, you provide incorrect analysis of Israel's politics and society. May I suggest you actually find out some actual facts about Israel?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"Aren't you the guy that falsely claimed Israel had some sort of Sharia laws for buses? Now, you provide incorrect analysis of Israel's politics and society. May I suggest you actually find out some actual facts about Israel?"

That was probably willib. He tends to get in a state over Islam.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Would that provide solace to the 10s or 100s of thousands of Israelis who would be killed by the strike? And what about the 10s or 100s of thousands of innocent Iranians who would be killed in the counter-strike? Pretty callous comment ....

As callous as my comment was, its more REAL than not. It would be nice if we could safely and without a doubt say that Iran is 100% not trying to build nukes. Iran is the place making the decisions they do that create responses and actions from those around them. I have ideals too, its just that reality always wins out in the end no matter what I personally say or do.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Bush's botched doctrine of pre-emptive strike is what has emboldened the cranks ruling Iran.

There would be global protest against a strike I'm sure, but much, much more support outside the US were such plans to hit the UN debating table...

Iran is ripe for a revolution, all in favor say Aye...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

That was probably willib. He tends to get in a state over Islam.

Actually, it was Johannes.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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