-
The View From the Other Side
May 17, 2013 | 17 comments
-
Cyprus Uber Alles
May 10, 2013 | 9 comments
-
After Hugo
May 3, 2013 | 16 comments
-
Theory and Practice of Terrorism
April 26, 2013 | 24 comments
-
Border Security Games
April 19, 2013 | 26 comments
At Large
Tehran Follies
Observers of the Iranian scene agree on one thing: it’s very hard to come up with a definitive view on anything.
Observers of the Iranian scene agree on one thing: it’s very hard to come up with a definitive view on anything. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s president, is more or less in the same situation. Supposed political truths have alternate definitions and he’s stuck with devising justifications for each alternative. Of course this is not new for him or the other politicians. It’s the Persian way of things. In Clintonian terms the meaning of “is” is “isn’t,” but not always. With this as a guide, there is no reason why Ahmadinejad is not seemingly always embroiled in controversy.
Controversy in Iran exists over every aspect of living. In a way it’s an art form — and it certainly did not just begin after the 1979 revolution. The Shah’s government made regular payoffs to politically important clerics and regular subsidies to mullah-dominated charities. The left objected vigorously to this and other financial manipulations used by the Shah’s family to ensure support. Tehran was then, as it is now, seething with controversy over one thing or another. And the regime’s spies now, as then, try to keep track of who is saying what to whom.
The current conflict of note derived from the refusal of President Ahmadinejad last spring to follow a clear order from the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, not to fire the minister for intelligence, Heydar Moslehi. To show how strongly he felt about being told what to do, the president took off for the countryside for about ten days. As was explained to journalists by fundamentalist supporters of Ali Khamenei, this was interpreted to mean Ahmadinejad did not believe in “the sanctity of the ayatollah’s authority.”
The problem with this bit of news is that the same story surfaced in reverse with Khamenei ordering Moslehi be removed and Ahmadinejad working to retain him. The Iranian correspondent for one major British newspaper actually reported the issue in different versions without noting the conflict with her previous filing. As far as anyone can find out, Moslehi remains at his post today. No one has yet discovered exactly why he would have been fired by anyone, for as intelligence chief he’s had access to all the dirt on everyone. But then again, that may have been the reason.
Of course, as in most things Persian, there is another figure operating behind the scenes. Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, the head of the presidential office, is said to be Ahmadinejad’s principal strategist. It was Mashaei who supposedly encouraged the Iranian president to ignore the supreme leader’s order (whatever it was). Mashaei — along with several others, including the powerful Speaker of the Parliament Ali Larijani — is reportedly politicking to be the next president of Iran in 2013 when Ahmadinejad leaves office.
Mashaei may have difficulty in accomplishing his presidential ambitions, as he has just been implicated in a major bank fraud scheme perpetrated by one of his and Ahmadinejad’s principal money men. By targeting Mashaei with massive corruption charges, Ayatollah Khamenei’s political operatives aim to cut the ground from under Ahmadinejad’s own ambitions of being a future political kingmaker.
While all this is going on, the Israelis have let it be known that they project 2015 as the latest date when Iran will have the full capability to construct and deliver a nuclear-armed missile anywhere in the area from the Middle East to all of Europe. The Russians insist this analysis is without foundation, and the Obama Administration devotes most of its energies toward increasing the so far ineffective economic sanctions on Iran. Tehran has responded by announcing it is moving a large portion of its nuclear development program for safety’s sake to deep underground facilities near the historic city of Qum. Why it’s made a point of announcing this is unclear. In this closed society Iran’s rulers take every occasion to appear open. But then again this is Persia and dissimulation for the greater good (one of the meanings of taqiyah) is in their societal DNA.
As important as Iran’s nuclear program is internationally, the Iranian public is far more interested in the domestic politics. The infighting in parliament and behind the scenes has escalated even beyond the usually confrontational Iranian style. If President Ahmadinejad’s attempt to fire the intelligence minister had caused upset in the supreme leader’s office, his sacking of the oil minister several months ago resulted in charges personally against the president for acting illegally. The story that eventually leaked out was that Ahmadinejad had misused energy development funds to make payments to key electoral constituencies. The news regarding Mashaei’s possible money deals only adds to that. Persian hardball is in full swing.
It’s rather obvious that the principal advisors in the office of the supreme leader and Ayatollah Khamenei himself are looking forward to the parliamentary elections in March 2012 to set the tone for the defeat of Ahmadinejad and his clique in the presidential election the following year. In the meantime President Ahmadinejad’s backers have been leaking the story that he is committed to improving relations with the West and has been the force behind the release of the two imprisoned American hikers. As odd as it might seem, it appears Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s political entourage is actually working to make him or his chosen replacement be the “peace candidate” for 2013.
As the expression goes, “You can’t make this stuff up.” And by the way, the New York Times reports that “…the supreme leader’s son, Mujtabah Khamenei, who heads intelligence for the Revolutionary Guards, is said to have designs on the ministry.” Now that’s a real surprise.
About the Author
George H. Wittman writes a weekly column on international affairs for The American Spectator online. He was the founding chairman of the National Institute for Public Policy.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (61) | Leave a comment
More Articles by George H. Wittman
More Articles From At Large
http://spectator.org/archives/2011/09/23/tehran-follies
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Ken (Old Texican)| 9.23.11 @ 8:02AM
George,
When I was running projects in the middle east, the joke was: :"Put three Iranians in a room and you are going to see a fight."
DIck Nome| 9.23.11 @ 8:08AM
The mad mullahs are the most dangerous people in the world.
York Hawk| 9.23.11 @ 7:13PM
My newspapers and television stations keep telling me Republicans and Tea Party Patriots are more dangerous.
Jack in Wi.| 9.23.11 @ 9:09AM
The Israeli's have been yelling the sky is falling, the sky is falling, long enough. Israel has hundreds of atomic weapons and a huge military. The writer above just proves in his essay that Iran is just a backward 3rd world state, that is no threat to anyone. An attack on Iran however would destroy what is left of the world's economy. Israel can carry it's own water. The troops need to come home from all over the world and the trillions wasted have to be spent here not in Germany, Japan, Korea, Afganistan, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan etc.
Ken (Old Texican)| 9.23.11 @ 9:48AM
Jack,
You Paulbots would get us killed if you ever got in power.
Thank goodness you never will.
R Paul| 9.23.11 @ 12:09PM
Jack, off in Wisc, is my kind of guy I need for Sec of Defense to work with Kucinich in my new Dept of Peace.
Dan Hirsch| 9.23.11 @ 12:26PM
Sir,
Shouldn't that be "Department of Pieces?"
DTOM
Clint| 9.23.11 @ 2:52PM
"According to U.S. News and World Report, Paul joked about making Kucinich
"Secretary of Peace." He added: "The Department of Peace is what he promotes. The Department of Peace. Believe me there is a lot more prosperity with peace."
When The Hill contacted Paul's campaign about his remarks, a spokesman said the candidate was joking and that Kucinich is too ideologically different from Paul to be a candidate for a Cabinet spot.
"Ron works with Dennis on some coalition issues, and respects him as a thinker, but was joking and would not consider him for Cabinet position. He made clear he did not want to name Cabinet officials," spokesman Jesse Benton told the newspaper."
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Occam's Tool| 9.23.11 @ 4:06PM
Ron votes with Kucinich on foreign policy in lockstep, as per THOMAS.
Domestically is where they differ. Ron paul is a terrorist submitting scumbag.
Clint| 9.23.11 @ 4:58PM
Do Your Homework.
Dr. Ron Paul Votes With George Washington, Thomas Jefferson And The Old Right, Screwball Israel Firster Fanatic Neo-Chickenhawk Traitor Bastard, Tool Job.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Bo Blotz| 9.23.11 @ 5:15PM
Jeez, he's older than I thought. I will take issue with one thing. Ron Paul is a decent man though I heartily disagree with his politics. He is not a scumbag, Anthony Weiner is a scumbag and so is Slick Willy.
York Hawk| 9.23.11 @ 7:19PM
You just have not seen him without his makeup on.
Ian Strachan| 9.23.11 @ 7:16PM
If Jack in Wisconsin and Clint were riding on an elephant and Clint fell off,would you help Jack off the elephant?
Mike D.| 9.23.11 @ 12:58PM
How in God's name do you conspiracy nutjobs come up with statements like "The writer above just proves in his essay that Iran is just a backward 3rd world state". First off, internal political differences and struggle aren't the exclusive domain of third world countries. The article is about the internal politics of Iran and you somehow make this idiotic leap from that subject to "proves Iran is a backward 3rd world state" Iran IS NOT third world state, to make that statement alone proves your historical and comtempary ignorance. Read this: and learn something for a change:
Iran is not a third world country, and is far from it. Iran is among the top 20 richest countries in the world (having the 18th largest GDP in 2010). Iran is fully industrialized, and self-sufficient in most areas of production, such as automobiles, being the 12th largest automobile producer in the world, producing more than 1,000,000 in 2008, and exporting them to many surrounding countries in the Middle East and Asia. Iran also produces military equipment, fighter jets (Azarakhsh and Saegheh), passenger planes (see IrAn-140), consumer goods and appliances, shipbuilding, computer technology, petrochemicals, and refined gasoline. It has the 4th largest oil reserves in the world and has a large refining capacity with is increasing by the day as new oil refineries are completed.
In military terms, Iran has the 4th largest standing army (2,000,000 men and women), the 3rd largest helicopter fleet and the 5th largest cache of missiles. Iran may have the 5th most powerful army in the world, although such a estimate can be subject to bias of either side.
Iran is one of eight countries to launch satellites into outer space with their own launch vehicle (yes, outer space, see Iranian Space Agency). They aim to have a spacewalk by 2017.
Yah, thats sounds like a third world country. You really make yourself out to be a idiot with absolute nonsensical statements.
Virgil Cain| 9.27.11 @ 9:49PM
Sounds like good new to me, one less 3rd world nation in the world. That said, you must look at who they their neighbors are: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan...none of these countries are going to appreciate Iran getting to uppity.
Occam's Tool| 9.23.11 @ 4:01PM
I agree, Jack. Israel should be free to nuke Iran without US interference. Please visit Teheran while this is happening.
Mike D.| 9.23.11 @ 5:09PM
OT, its a classic illustrative example of how far Jew hating Anti-semetics have to go to bend, mangle and twist truth and facts to fit into their obsessions. The article was very interesting, nothing to do with Isreal, just an informed take on internal Iranian politics and along comes the message board anti-Isreali jew hater right on cue to twist it into another rant on Isreal, which again had NOTHING to do with the article. Apologies to Mr. Wittman for getting off subject a bit here, that was an enlighting and informative piece. To J from W, try the "some of my best friends are Jewish" line before the next anti-semetic anti Isreali tirade and see HOW that works out for you as a disclaimer.
Jack in Wi.| 9.23.11 @ 5:46PM
Go ahead and nuke Iran that will be Israel's final folly. There is no way Israel would survive such a crime. Do you think the rest of the world would let you Israeli's live after that? Indeed the whole world's Jewish population would be at risk of extermnation.
The Israeli's don't bomb Iran or drive out the Palistinians because they know the whole world would turn on them and destroy the whole place. Your bombs are of no use to you because Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, probably Iran, Russia and China all have weapons as well. They will never let you get away with it.
The Saudi's financed the Pakistani bomb. The Iranians have enough bombs to hit Israel. You only need one or 2. I think the Pakistani's gave them the bomb or they got them from rogue Russians. The Turks as well probably have the bomb and have a huge military as well. The reason The Israeli's are trying to get us to do the bombing is because they know all this. I think our military high command and the our intelligence agencies have laid down the law that they will not be a part of such a horrendous war crime.
Mike D.| 9.23.11 @ 6:05PM
Thats quite a rant, what happened to the harmless Iranian third world country take? That take got blown up just recently huh @SSHOLE? Suddenly Iran is a nuclear armed juggernaut and not a third world country anymore, just like that. Keep it coming buddy, its classic stuff. Damn them jews!
Occam's Tool| 9.24.11 @ 4:34PM
Dear Jack,
So, Jack, are the Iranians harmless or not? Can't tell from your comments.
Clint, I am simply reporting the votes in the House on Foreign Policy---Kucinich and Paul vote together almost all the time on this. Sorry, but facts are simply, facts. Like the fact that no woman will let you touch her, thus the rage.
Occam's Tool| 9.24.11 @ 4:40PM
Mossad needs to go Medieval on the Mullahs, before we are attacked and are forced to exterminate them.
Jack is magnificent is his wild inconsistency and Judenhass. Remember to wash your face between Jihadist Johns, Jack.
Occam's Tool| 9.24.11 @ 4:46PM
Dhimmis like you have been caving to vermin for over a millenia, Jack. And we Jews have been threatened with extermination for 3400 years. You are a boring nitwit, Jack, just like your butt buddy, Clint the Gigolo for Jihadis.
Speaking of your favorite people, here's a niblet from Weasel Zippers:
"Israeli soldiers do not use children as shields when they initiate a firefight with terrorists.
Israeli schools and summer camps don’t brainwash pupils to undertake violence against civilians.
Israeli religious figures do not laud children who engage in terror operations.
So what cause, no matter how deeply held, can motivate the current Palestinian society to sacrifice its generations, its future, to the most horrible form of childhood molestation and child sacrifice? The way in which the Palestinian Authority educates children and society is a key indicator of its true intentions. . . .
Signs on the walls of Palestinian kindergartens currently proclaim their students as “the shaheeds (martyrs) of tomorrow”. Elementary school principals commend their students for wanting to “tear their (Zionists’) bodies into little pieces and cause them more pain than they will ever know”.
Terrorism is sanctified throughout all the PA areas. The streets are plastered with posters glorifying the suicide bombers. Children trade “martyr cards” instead of Pokemon cards. Necklaces with pictures of terrorists are very popular.
A compelling reason that PA Arab parents encourage their children to get involved and killed is the financial incentive offered to families of martyrs. The PA furnishes a cash payment — $2,000 per child killed and $300 per child wounded."
Clint| 9.25.11 @ 10:30AM
How many Israeli IDF Troops Have Been KIA or WIA in The War On Terror In Iraq & Afghanistan, Screwball Israel Firster Neo-Chickenhawk Coward Traitor Bastard, Tool Job ?
You're Up Asshole,Tool Job.
no name| 9.23.11 @ 10:50AM
After Irans last elections, students and those opposed to Ahmadinejad marched in the streets. Many suffered, many murdered. Oboma kept quiet. Nothing to see here keep moving. Why? Because Iran is already ran by Islam. Then there was a sale on clothing in one of the stores in Egypt and there was a large crowd Oboma mistook for a riot Oboma got in the news saying the should take over the country and throw Murbarak out. Same with Libya. Now even Syria and Yemen have become breeding grounds for radical Islam and Ben Laden wanna bees.
Ron| 9.23.11 @ 1:18PM
Jack in WI....
You, sir are a disgrace to any of us born in Wisconsin. Having cleared the air on that, your anti-Semitism really is rearing it's ugly head today.
First of all, look into any of the State Department studies for standing military power in the Middle East. Jordan, Saudia Arabia, et al. have (and do not get confused, I will type slowly, Jack) S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G armed forces. By comparison, Israel's military, has a relatively small core (or as we called it in the Army when I was in) cadre of permanent professional soldiers backed up by the reserve populous. Herein lies the problem...Israel cannot carry out sustained, long-term military offenses because their infrastructure would be weakened by the loss of the workforce being activated for military duty. if you do some basic research jack, if you are capable, that is, you will find that Israel had in the past conflicts, relied on volunteer soldiers from other nations to supplement it's military forces. That is why Israel now uses it's preemptive strikes and are effective at them. In my book, more power to them if it keeps Nutjobinhad in check.
Jack in Wi.| 9.23.11 @ 5:58PM
Israel is just going to have to learn how to live in the neighborhood it stole. The days of us bailing you out is over. The writer above shows all the internal struggles in Iran. The so called monster President has very little power. He is some Hitler. I have read his exact speeches from reliable translations. They are not the phony mis-translations of theIsraeli Propaganda ministry. Most of what he says is unremarkable for a Middle Eastern politician. He sounds a lot saner then all the lunatic Zionists who post on this site.
The Iranians are a fine cultured people who have not invaded anyone in 200 years. They have the largest Jewish community left in the Muslim world, about 25,000. These Jews could leave at anytime but chose to stay. An attack on Iran would probably bring on a world war and the final collapse of the world's economy.That is of little concern to the crazed Zionists on this site both Jewish and Christian.
Jack in Wi.| 9.23.11 @ 5:58PM
Israel is just going to have to learn how to live in the neighborhood it stole. The days of us bailing you out is over. The writer above shows all the internal struggles in Iran. The so called monster President has very little power. He is some Hitler. I have read his exact speeches from reliable translations. They are not the phony mis-translations of theIsraeli Propaganda ministry. Most of what he says is unremarkable for a Middle Eastern politician. He sounds a lot saner then all the lunatic Zionists who post on this site.
The Iranians are a fine cultured people who have not invaded anyone in 200 years. They have the largest Jewish community left in the Muslim world, about 25,000. These Jews could leave at anytime but chose to stay. An attack on Iran would probably bring on a world war and the final collapse of the world's economy.That is of little concern to the crazed Zionists on this site both Jewish and Christian.
Mike D.| 9.23.11 @ 6:45PM
Fingers shaking with rage jack? Huh? Double posting? Oh, about that "not invaded anyone in 200 years thing" thats another glaring example of your total ignorance of history. Persia invaded Russia in 1826, Uh, that would be less than 200 years ago.
I'm going to correct your rant for accuracy:
Israel is just going to have to learn how to live in the neighborhood it stole. The days of us bailing you out is over. The writer above shows all the internal struggles in Iran. The so called monster President has very little power. He is some Hitler. I have read his exact speeches from reliable translations. They are not the phony mis-translations of theIsraeli Propaganda ministry. Most of what he says is unremarkable for a Middle Eastern politician. He sounds a lot saner then all the lunatic Zionists who post on this site.
The Iranians are a fine cultured people who have not invaded anyone in 200(except in 1826 185 years ago) years. They have the largest Jewish community left in the Muslim world, about 25,000. These Jews could leave at anytime but chose to stay. An attack on Iran would probably bring on a world war and the final collapse of the world's economy.That is of little concern to the crazed Zionists on this site both Jewish and Christian.
Your admiration for the Iranian is you Jack, all You.
Jack in Wi.| 9.24.11 @ 8:39AM
Why shouldn't I admire the Iranians? They are a fine handsome, ancient, cultured, Aryan people, who treated the Jews well for 3000 years. They haven't attacked no one for 200 years and have a peaceful recent history. Their whole military system is basically defensive. To attack Iran would mire us in the region for decades. People like you have helped destroy our country with your constant warmongering, lying propaganda. The wars are as popular as Syphlis. You have been wrong forever. You neocons can just get the hell out of the conservative movement,on your own. Or we will drive you back to the Democrats and Communists from which you came.
Mike D.| 9.24.11 @ 9:22AM
Sure Jack, and who is we? You? What you are is a single fringe anti-semitic lunatic who thinks he represents something. You got pawned twice here so far with your BS. You want some more? Heres some. You are intectually lazy and sloppy(as above in your first post above indicates), historically retarded as your (last 200 years crap) also indicates. You don't bother to check facts(again lazy and sloppy) and just throw your crap against the wall. That might work on those blogs and conspiracy websites where your kind congregate and mentally masturbate themselves, but it don't work here pal.
"You neocons can just get the hell out of the conservative movement,on your own. Or we will drive you back to the Democrats and Communists from which you came"
There is no "we" buddy, not in your case. Your a small little person who represents nothing and nobody, sitting in front of your computer spouting your BS idiotic anti-semitic paranoa, cherry picking your little slices of history to fit the template of your warped belief system. Know whats worse? Anybody who even looks at your candidate and then stumbles into one of your tirades costs him one potential vote. The "we" gets smaller everytime you post your garbage.
And uh jack, I said THE Iranian, not the IranianS.
maybe add some reading comprehension courses might work for you. Oh, and Jack, I will dismantle your tirades one line at a time. Now Pops, take some blood pressure pills and chill.
Jack in Wi.| 9.24.11 @ 1:20PM
The neocons have always been a tiny part of the right. They don't belong here. They never have. They aren't consevative by history, but come from the Trotskyite Communist roots. They belong in their own country Israel. We have had enough of you and your failures. Your big mouths, big lies, and hot pens can't convince anyone anymore. You have shot your bolt. Most of your leaders belong in prison for war crimes.
Mike D.| 9.24.11 @ 2:02PM
No whats worse Jack, your boring and unimaginative. Their is no "we" , its just "you", just pathetic little you! Blah, blah, 200 years, blah, blah, blah, neocons, blah, blah, blah, jews are the darkness, blah, blah, blah, zionest criminals, blah, blah, blah. See what I mean about unimaginative? Nah, second thought, your brain doesn't do imagination real well does it. Jack, keep vomiting it out, its good therapy. The only convincing thats occured here is what you are. Your a laughing stock, Pops.
Mike D.| 9.24.11 @ 2:48PM
Jack, I'll save you the trouble of replying.
The neocons have always been a tiny part of the right. They don't belong here. They never have. They aren't consevative by history, but come from the Trotskyite Communist roots. They belong in their own country Israel. We have had enough of you and your failures. Your big mouths, big lies, and hot pens can't convince anyone anymore. You have shot your bolt. Most of your leaders belong in prison for war crimes.
Cool?
Jack in Wi.| 9.24.11 @ 5:59PM
The neocons are a tiny insane minority of the Jews. The Jews I know and I know plenty wanted nothing to do with Bush's invasion of Iraq, or an attack on Iran
Mike D.| 9.24.11 @ 7:29PM
I knew you would use the "Jews are some of my best friends line" theme(as I mentioned earlier) and I'm sure you "know plenty" and I'm sure they are fellow admirers of Ahmadinejad as yourself. Keep it going you dillusional idiot. "I know plenty", Jews...Plenty......LOL......man thats a great line. Heres another self-description for you, Predictable.
Mike D.| 9.24.11 @ 7:45PM
OK, OK jackboot, I'll play along with the theme. OK Here goes, ready? The anti-Isreal anti-semetic jew haters I know(you) and I know plenty(you) wanted everything to do with to do with Bush's invasion of Iraq, or an attack on Iran. Hows that?
Jack in Wi.| 9.24.11 @ 11:04PM
Listen mike you litttle punk. I used to live in the most heavily Jewish neighborhood in my stae for many years. I did much busines with Jews my whole business career. Most were liberals that wanted nothing to do with people like you.They may have been Zionists to some extent but plenty were embarassed by the actions of the rightwing Israeli's. Jews by polling were the most opposed to the Iraq war. I honestly have never found one Jew that wants to bomb Iran. and I have asked about it.
I don't agree much with the Jews, I know, on politics and religion. But on the whole they are sane, rational people. That is very unlike the lunatic Zionists I find on this site, both Jewish and Christian.
Mike D.| 9.25.11 @ 6:58AM
Sure Jackass, and your a Gentile Rabbi, and attend Bar Mitzvahs twice a week. Take your bildge and flush it. You outed yourself, jew hating @sshole, nobody else. "I know Jews" Yeah Jack, I have many friends that are eskimos and Brazilian jungle tribesman. And by the way, I'm not a little punk, I'm a big punk! You have illustrated yourself very nicely, well done. I for one love to see you post your jew hating dribble, its an educational experience highlighting the Nazi mentality that still exists in idiots like you sitting in dark little corners. You are what you are at least take the credit for it.
Occam's Tool| 9.24.11 @ 4:36PM
They haven't attacked no one---fine history degree showing, Jack.
By the way, what about 1979.
Jack in Wi.| 9.24.11 @ 10:55PM
In 1979 we encouraged Iraq to attack Iran. Iran has attacked no one in 200 years. In 1953 we overthrew their elected government and put a tyrant [ The Shah ] back on the throne. In 1979 we got Iraq to attack Iran and 1 million people died. In 1987 we shot down an Iranian air liner and 200 people died. We also siezed billions of dollars of Iranian asssets. Like I say the Iranians have a lot of honest grievences against us. It is time to send a ambassador to Iran and try to negotiate all our differences in an honest manner. As Margaret Thatcher said. It is better, by far, to jaw jaw, then to war war.
Clint| 9.23.11 @ 2:56PM
Dr.Ron Paul's Foreign Policy Advisor Michael Scheuer, Former CIA Chief of The bin Laden Unit,
"On Iran, The President should:
1.) Explain to the American people that Iran is no threat to the United States unless we or Israel attack it first, and then it would be a serious threat to U.S. access to energy and would likely stage terrorist operations in the continental United States. [The last thanks to 30-years of federal immigration policies that leave us without knowledge of who is in the country or what they are capable of doing.]
2.) Publicly state that there will be no U.S. surprise attack on Iran, and no U.S. attack at all on Iran unless the president asks for a formal declaration of war and the Congress votes its approval in a constitutional manner."
Occam's Tool| 9.23.11 @ 4:03PM
Michael missed Bin Ladin. 'Nuff said.
Patton would have gotten Bin Ladin.
Paulbots are very effective in cleaning up whale dung.
Clint| 9.23.11 @ 5:14PM
Do Your Homework.
In 1995, ( Michael ) Scheuer was selected to lead the spy agency’s bin Laden efforts. By then the militant Islamist was exiled in Sudan after angering Saudi authorities. Bin Laden was running several businesses in the African nation that Scheuer suggested disrupting. “We formulated operations and submitted them for approval but they would not approve any of them,” the ex-CIA official told the Daily Telegraph. “If we had been able to deal a serious economic blow it could have been a show-stopper.”
The next year, bin Laden declared war on the American government. And in 1997, when bin Laden was again living in Afghanistan, Scheuer said his team groomed a band of Afghans to capture the suspected terror boss. There were at least two “clear opportunities” to bring down bin Laden by the middle of 1998, according to Scheuer. But in both cases, he said, CIA bosses refused to proceed.
Then, in August of that year, bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network bombed two American embassies in Africa. Bin Laden said the embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, was targeted for serving as a U.S. intelligence hub for the CIA. The attacks killed numerous U.S. diplomats and at least two CIA agents, according to the Associated Press.
Scheuer told the Telegraph that following the missed opportunities to kill or capture bin Laden in 1998, there were at least eight other chances to get the terror mastermind. By that point, bin Laden was supposedly among the U.S. government’s most wanted criminals. But for some unknown reason, senior officials refused to authorize his capture or assassination."
You're A Screwball Israel Firster Fanatic Neo-Chickenhawk Traitor Bastard,Tool Job.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Bo Blotz| 9.23.11 @ 5:19PM
You sir are a jerkoff.
Clint| 9.23.11 @ 5:23PM
You Missy, Are An Israel Firster Whore.
Occam's Tool| 9.23.11 @ 4:05PM
So, Iran can cut off US oil, refers to the US as "The Great Satan," illegally acts to capture our embassy in their country, has killed thousands of our troops, but is no threat.
No wonder he missed Bin Ladin.
Clint| 9.23.11 @ 5:20PM
Dr.Ron Paul's Foreign Policy Advisor Michael Scheuer,Former CIA Chief of The bin Laden Unit.
" On Iran, The President should:
3.) Call in Israel's ambassador to the United States and tell him that we understand that Israel believes Iran is a threat to its survival, and that we agree that Israel has every right to defend itself. If Israel believes it must go to war with Iran, then so be it. But also tell the ambassador that if Israel attacks Iran, the U.S. administration will declare U.S. neutrality in the war and immediately cut off military and financial support to all combatants in the war.
4.) Speak to the American people and tell them to expect to be brutally propagandized by U.S. citizen Israel-Firsters through AIPAC, their ubiquitous media shills, and the men and women they own in the U.S. Congress and federal bureaucracy. Urge Americans to ignore this effort by U.S. Israel-Firsters to get them to send their soldier-children to fight in a religious war in which the U.S. has no genuine national interest at stake, and in which U.S. participation would further bankrupt the country, require the reintroduction of conscription, and put America at war with all of the Muslim world -- Shia and Sunni -- for the foreseeable future."
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Clint| 9.23.11 @ 5:25PM
Do Your Homework.
" After the emergence of the Taliban, Iran stepped up assistance to the Afghan Northern Alliance. Relations with the Taliban deteriorated further in 1998 after Taliban forces seized the Iranian consulate in Mazari Sharif and executed several Iranian diplomats on espionage charges. Following this incident, Iran almost went to war with the Taliban by massing up troops and tanks on the border with Afghanistan. As a response, the Taliban immediately began gathering and recruiting large number of men along the border with Iran."
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
John786| 9.23.11 @ 7:17PM
I'm not a fan of the clerical regime or pres. Dinnerjacket. But nor do I believe that they are the centre of world evil. Vested intrests who want to see their hegemony continue in the ME are driving propaganda against Iran. I see Iran evolving into a more (relatively speaking) open and democratic state as compared to the majical Kingdom in the coming decades. Any military action will set back this transformation. Can somebody explain how Iran is perpetually two years away from developing nuclear weapons.
Buck Ofama| 9.24.11 @ 4:51PM
Go drink some more kool-aid, hug a rag head, and go back to sleep.
POST American| 9.24.11 @ 12:13AM
-----------------BOTTOMLESS LINE-------------------
Sideshows with Cous Cous.
MEANWHILE, we still wait patiently for
a single article on the greatest world nuclear
disaster, and DEPOP OP os ALLLLL time.
The flawed GE Mox reactor sourced,
and possibly HAARP induced --------
Just months after David Rockefeller
calls publicly for MASS and RAPID
world population extermination ----by ANY and
ALL means
----------------FUKISHIMA----------------------------
---------------------FUKISHIMA-----------------------
-------------------------FUKISHIMA--------------------
POST American| 9.24.11 @ 12:13AM
-----------------BOTTOMLESS LINE-------------------
Sideshows with Cous Cous.
MEANWHILE, we still wait patiently for
a single article on the greatest world nuclear
disaster, and DEPOP OP os ALLLLL time.
The flawed GE Mox reactor sourced,
and possibly HAARP induced --------
Just months after David Rockefeller
calls publicly for MASS and RAPID
world population extermination ----by ANY and
ALL means
----------------FUKISHIMA----------------------------
---------------------FUKISHIMA-----------------------
-------------------------FUKISHIMA--------------------
Dan Mathewson| 9.24.11 @ 7:18PM
You're repeating yourself pal.
Clinton| 9.24.11 @ 3:04AM
Ron Paul and friends with benefits Dennis Kussinich disagree on one thing -- whether to use KY or not to use KY. Ron likes it rough, but Dennis is sensitive about getting in his "Dept. of Piece."
Occam's Tool| 9.24.11 @ 4:37PM
Correct, Clinton. Do encourage Clint to wash his face between Jihadist Johns.
Clint| 9.25.11 @ 12:22AM
Screwball Israel Firster Neo-Chickenhawk Fanatic Tool Job Is All PMS'y Again Because Many of Us Tea Party Patriots and Our Tea Party Co-Favorite Presidential Candidate Dr.Ron Paul Don't Asskiss His Agenda.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Nancy NeoCon| 9.24.11 @ 7:53AM
We're Bibi's Bitches.
Buck Ofama| 9.24.11 @ 4:49PM
When is someone going to exterminate this pile of shit, C0cksuckijad?
Margie| 9.24.11 @ 7:14PM
FLASH!!!
Drudge Reporting Herman Cain wins FL. straw poll!
Go Herman!
http://www.washingtontimes.com.....traw-poll/
Mike D.| 9.24.11 @ 7:31PM
Love this guy!