Iran

What's going to happen with Iran?

There’s a really great article, Some Straight Talk About Iran by Joshua Pollack, which gets into the political impact of Iran having nuclear capability and the likelihood of the U.S. or Israel attacking Iran (also read comments). Very understandable and clear, Joshua Pollack makes a convincing argument for the unlikelihood of an attack on Iran.

Then I read articles like ‘Russia helps Iran load fuel into its first nuclear reactor’ and ‘Iran unveils long-range drone bomber’. It makes me queasy.

With Iran’s blatant anti-Israel and anti-U.S. rhetoric I can’t help but wonder how we will respond to these threats. I know that there’s information only available to the upper levels of government which shapes policy and tactical decisions, and I hope that our governments are doing the right thing. I would enjoy seeing information from us and Israel showing that we know Iran’s leadership is not trustworthy and we are prepared for anything Iran may dish out.

When Ahmadinejad says about his new drone bomber, “The jet, as well as being an ambassador of death for the enemies of humanity, has a main message of peace and friendship… The main message of Karar bomber is to prevent any kind of aggression and conflict.” I have a difficult time believing Ahmadinejad’s sincerity simply because his words and actions towards the U.S. and Israel have not been peaceful.

Referenced articles & images
 Joshua Pollack • Some Straight Talk About Iran
The Washington Post • Russia helps Iran load fuel into its first nuclear reactor
JTA • Iran unveils long-range drone bomber
Photo Credit • Ghost of a Flea • Worth 1000 words

Obama Administration Urges Israel to Sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

So much for electricity

Practically moments before Netanyahu is to make a reconciliatory visit to Obama in Washington, he cancels because of the recent problems in Gaza. That certainly has its own problems and is reason enough for Netanyahu to return home, but I do believe there’s another reason for it as well.

The RubinReports reported last night that the U.S. is urging Israel to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. As many problems with Gaza and Israel’s attack on the aid ship (which is another article in and of itself), this action by the Obama administration sets a new precedent in our dealings with Israel.

Take a moment to read the article here, but here’s a quote to which you should pay attention,

Are Americans in general and American Jews in particular going to persist in believing that this administration really does view Israel as a good friend and a close ally? It’s hard to believe, though of course many will. Perhaps the next round or the one after that will convince them otherwise.

This administration has not been friendly towards Israel from the beginning. The Obama’s relation with Israel is like that of a schoolyard bully. If there’s one thing we all learned in elementary school is that a bully is not to be trusted. Do not believe that this administration is friends with Israel—everything it does should tell you otherwise, not what you hear in conferences!

I don’t want to hear the U.S. say we’re allies with Israel anymore—it’s time this administration repents for its treatment of Israel and restore relations to what they have been.

Iranian soccer federation mistakenly greets Israel

So I read this today and it killed me. This is probably the funniest thing I’ve read about Iran in a long time. Not that Iran is a funny topic, mind you, it’s just that I read this article and I hear so many funny things.

Basically, Israel was mistakenly not omitted from the New Year greeting cards. I can see it now… “Dear Zionist entity, the Republic of Iran wishes you a happy and healthy 2010.”

Yeah, I laughed out loud about this one. Read the article and tell me if you think it’s as funny as I do.

Iranian soccer federation mistakenly greets Israel | JTA – Jewish & Israel News

Charity funding anti-Israel, pro-Iran profs

I’m amazed anew every time I read an article about this occurring in the United States. Read the full article here.

The Alavi Foundation has aggressively given away hundreds of thousands of dollars to Columbia and Rutgers for Middle Eastern and Persian studies programs that employ professors sympathetic to the Iranian dictatorship, the newspaper reported Monday.

I wonder how long this ‘foundation’ will be allowed to continue operation.

Ahmadinejad to Obama: Iran or Israel

President Obama has had several opportunities to draw the line in the sand with Iran this past year: the ongoing nuclear problem, the ‘election’ protests, and now U.S. hikers under arrest for espionage. In spite of these opportunities to show Iran and the world where the U.S. stands in its relationship, it is Ahmadinejad calling the shots.

Israel has been a strong U.S. ally—if not the strongest. While Obama has taken his share of cheap shots at Israel, I don’t believe he will surrender that relationship for one that is only a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I think he will do one of two things: 1. Explain he can’t take sides because of international relations, or something along these lines. 2. Express strong support for Israel. I hope he does the second, but I think he will do the first.

In the unlikely event that the U.S. severs diplomatic relations with Israel watch the fall of the U.S. commence.

What do you think will come of this?

Israel’s desire for peace has ‘vanished’

France’s Foreign Minister is “hurt” because, “It seems to me, and I hope that I am completely wrong, that this desire has completely vanished, as though people no longer believe in it.” Check out the original article here.

WTF?

Why isn’t this bozo giving Iran a hard time for not pursuing peace? This is the kind of commentary that Jews need to stand up against. If there was ever a peace-loving nation that exists, it’s Israel. Israel gets blasted for defending itself against constant attacks. Israel withholds herself so many times at the request of the U.S. Israel, as the United State’s closest and most loyal ally certainly deserves a little street cred on this alone. When have your friends never contributed to your social standing?

What are your thoughts on France’s FM’s words?

Cantor wants Jews to act before it is ‘too late’

Jews need to get more vocal and more active. With the increase of threats and action against Israel and Jews we need to do more to stop those who want to kill us in this generation.

via Cantor wants Jews to act before it is ‘too late’ | JTA – Jewish & Israel News.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said an American journalist sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of spying for the U.S. should be allowed to offer a full defense at her appeal, the state news agency reported Sunday.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said an American journalist sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of spying for the U.S. should be allowed to offer a full defense at her appeal, the state news agency reported Sunday.
Iran president urges full defense for US reporter