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Who Wants To Bomb Iran? Democrats, Not Republicans, Says Seymour Hersh
The following piece is part of an ongoing series of OffTheBus reports by citizen policy experts critiquing different aspects of Campaign 08.
When George Bush and Dick Cheney talk about their plans to bomb Iran, they are told "You can't do it, because every Republican is going to be defeated"--that's what a Republican former intelligence official told legendary investigative reporter Seymour Hersh. "But," the former official went on, "Cheney doesn't give a rat's ass about the Republican worries, and neither does the President."
I recently spoke with Hersh, whose new piece, "Target Iran," is featured in The New Yorker this week.
When I asked Hersh who wants to bomb Iran, he said, "Ironically there is a lot of pressure coming from Democrats. Hillary Clinton, Obama, and Edwards have all said we cannot have a nuclear-armed Iran. Clearly the pressure from Democrats is a reflection of - we might as well say it - Israeli and Jewish input." He added the obvious: "a lot of money comes to the Democratic campaigns" from Jewish contributors.
But while Democrats argue that we must "do something" about an Iranian nuclear threat, Hersh says the White House has concluded their own effort to convince Americans that Iran poses an imminent threat has "failed." Apparently the public that bought the story of WMD in Iraq is now singing the classic Who song, "Won't Get Fooled Again."
Moreover, Hersh reports, "the general consensus of the American intelligence community is that Iran is at least five years away from obtaining a bomb" - so the public is right to be skeptical.
As a result, according to Hersh, the focus of the plans to bomb Iran has shifted from an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities to an emphasis on the famed "surgical strikes" on Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities in Tehran and elsewhere. The White House hopes it can win public support for this kind of campaign by arguing that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is responsible for the deaths of Americans in Iraq.
Why don't Bush and Cheney "give a rat's ass" about getting Republicans reelected to the Senate and the House in 2008? "Of course that was hyperbole to make a point," Hersh said. "When it comes to choice between bombing Iran and taking some political heat, the president will do what he wants. Look, no decision has been made, no order has been given, I've never said it's going to happen. But I had breakfast this morning in Washington with somebody who's close to a lot of military people, and there's a sense among them that the president is essentially messianic about this. He sees this as his mission. It could be because God is telling him to do it. It could be because his daddy didn't do it. It could be because it's step 13 in a 12-step program he was in. I just don't know."
The biggest problem in US relations with Iran, Hersh said, is that Bush refuses to "talk to people he doesn't like. . . . We dealt with China, we dealt with the Soviet Union in those bad days of Stalin and Mao. But there is no pressure whatsoever" coming from the leading Democratic presidential candidates demanding that Bush negotiate with the Iranians rather than bombing them.
Read more OffTheBus coverage here.
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I wondering how Obama would have voted on this?
Has ANYONE noticed that these so-called "captured Iranian weapons" being sent to Iraqis have their names and manufacturing information in ENGLISH, not Persian or Arabic?
Seems like the Iranians would label them either in their own language, or in the language of their intended users.
Probably just a silly thought.
ron paul is the only chance of preventing eternal war in the middle east. he can win the republican nomination. he's the only force that can stop hilary, who will without a doubt be the democratic candidate. its a tough pill to swallow for most of you dedicated dems out there, but if your convictions mean more than your affiliation, it might be time to start looking at the big picture.
what about KUCINICH..............HE HAS A DEPARTMENT OF PEACE.
THE DEMS HAVE KUCINICH, RON PAUL IS GOOD ON FOREIGN POLICY BUT ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS ON DOMESTIC POLICIES.
KUCINICH IS GOOD ON BOTH.
Ron Paul doesn't want the war, but what are his plans for everything else. Will poor kids get health care or will they die of preventable diseases? Will the elderly lose Social Security and Medicare? Ron Paul says it isn't a priority to get rid of them but it is obvoious he wants to. What will happen to a 90 year old in a hospital if he does get rid of them. Out on the street? Will we be stepping over the ill on the sidewalks as they did in the 1800s in New York. Un employment insurance gone. Disability insurance gone. Maintainence of federal highways gone. More bridges falling down? Un educated children who will grow up to be criminals because they have no training in anything. No minimum wage so employers can take their employees to the standard of living in Hati. No one making sure the food is safe, no one making sure the drugs are safe and effective. No not interested in living in a lebertarian country like Hati, China, Pakistan, Micronesia (which is Tom Delays little experiment in libertarianism) You know wire enclosed camps for the workers, forced abortions, and wages of $1.00 a day with no one making sure you get that. Nope libertarianism only works for the wealthy the rest of us are just fodder. If you expect my shaky handed 86 year old father to defend himself against criminals with a handgun you are out of your mind.
I find myself in complete agreement with the posters here who believe the choice has already been made for all of us by the media. I used to be a great fan of Chris Mathews but his continual refusal to promote anyone but Clinton and Obama and speaking as though no one else is running or has any ideas has turned me off. Anyone have any ideas how to reach these boys with the media bully pulpits so someone with some brains and no baggage can get a look-in? I'm glad to see more people are speaking up about Israel's bad behavior. I spoke up a year ago and the poisonous e-mails I received made it clear it was necessary to be careful how my e-address was listed. I have family to worry about. Thanks to all of you who are pointing out the obvious, that Israel needs a spade bit and a strong hand.
Mathews? A blabbermouth. Motormouth. Interested only in ratings. A mediawhore,
Watch Olbermann and see and hear what a good TV Journalist is capable of.
Matthews will pander whenever he has a chance, and no one should support his ratings by tuning him in.
Unfortunately I heard him once last week and all he did was trash Hillary. He will say anything at different moments as he is an opportunist without any credibility.
TO DRIVEN898
HAS IT EVER OCCURRED TO ANYONE THAT BOTH THE DEMS AND REPS SUPPORT THE STATE OF ISRAEL'S EXISTENCE AS JUXTUPOSED TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL BY IT'S NEIGHBORS IN THE REGION. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT? THEY WERE GIVEN THE TERRITORY BY THE UN PARTITION FOR EXCELLENT REASONS (THEY WERE THERE FOR 5000 YEARS TOO) TO LIVE ALONG SIDE THE PALESTINANS...WHO INSTANTLY LEFT AND FOUGHT WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION TO WIPE OUT THE NEW JEWISH STATE.....AND HAVEN'T STOPPED SINCE. I THINK FAIR MINDED AMERICANS HAVE FINALLY SEEN AND UNDERSTOOD THIS. I THINK FAIR MINDED AMERICANS HAVE NOTICED THE TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION THAT THE JEWISH PEOPLE HAVE MADE, NOT ONLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST, BUT IN AMERICAN AS WELL AND CAN CLEARLY SEE WHAT IS FAIR. TWO STATES LIVING SIDED BY SIDE IN PEACE. THE ARAB CRY OF 'RIGHT OF RETURN' IS PURELY THE TOTAL REASON FOR INCITING ALL THE NEGATIVE ACTIONS ON BOTH SIDES.
Caps lock stuck??
We support Israel totally. But HOW we support it is the issue.
The Right Wing has captured Israel's current policies. And Cheney/Bush/Abrams.Podhoretz/Adelman/Christian Zionists/et al, have been bad for Israel and for the U.S.
The current leadership of US and Israel are hopelessly Right Wing pro war and the war in Iraq is part of that messianic issue along with control of Iraqi oil.
When Joe Lieberman turns up to speak to thousands of Christian Zionist robots waiting for the Rapture, you can see the blending of right wing politics and religion at work at the most lethal level. Israeli hawks are one thing. Friends of Israel are another.
Both Israel and America cry for new and just leadership.
1) The myth that everyone in the region is hell-bent on the destruction of Israel is just a guise Israel uses to perpetuate it's continued occupation and annexation of Palestine - and now most recently to attack Syria.
2) Democrats and republicans alike continue their unconditional support for Israel is because groups like AIPAC have become a powerful lobbying juggernaut with too much influence over policy. It's that simple.
3) How is it that the UN can decide to give 55% of the land to Jews, who compromised only 30% of the population - while asking the 70% Palestinian population to live on the remaining 45%? How was that fair?
4) Before the Zionist movement to create an Israel that stretches from the Nile to the Euphrates, Jews were living in Palestine peacefully with Arabs for a long time, so any argument of inherint Arab anti-semitism is completely disengenious. Palestinians have a serious grievence regarding dispossession of their land. However, if you believe that Jews are God's "chosen people," then nothing will ever sway your opinion. How it is fair for someone from France, for example, who happens to be Jewish to gain automatic Israeli citizenship, while Palestinians who have been living on that land for centuries prior are made to live like animals.
5) You claim Palestinians "instantly left..." - The truth is Palestinians were driven out of their land by illegal land purchases and Jewish terrorist groups who massacred whole villages.
6) I agree that the 2 state solution is the only fair one, but Israel continually blocks this settlement. Why don't they just don't adhere to resolution 242, dismantle all there illegal settlements, withdraw to there 1967 borders, and allow for a Palestinian state to exist under those circumstances. A real, viable Palestine - not a series of bantustans, like was "offered" at Camp David. Why does the US continually vote against this resolution in the UN?
7) If a Jew from anywhere in the world can move to Israel and gain automatic citizenship based on their religion, why shouldn't a Palestinian be allowed to return to Palestine?
driven, no matter how many times their propaganda is refuted with the truth, they will come back repeating it. The theory is that any lie repeated often enough becomes the truth. And considering the media power of Zionism in America, they may be right here.
However, truth tellers must not allow themselves to be fatigued by having to confront the liars constantly; they are counting on that.
As Cheney and Bush slowly sink into the quicksand of Iraq they look around for something solid to hold onto to slow them down. "I know, let's blame those crazy Iranians for all this and attack them. That will slow down our descent into this quicksand."
"If we only knew then what we know now". Gonna sound awful weak. We know, my friends, we know. Either the U.S. or Israel is going to do an air strike and stir up another whirlwind. Most likely these people are stupid enough to make it a joint attack. My common sense tells me Russia does not like this idea nor do the Chinese. Will they let this pass? The Pakistanis can't like this idea. The Turks wait on the sidelines to grab Kurdistan. The Iranians sit back to grab the South and the Saudies wait to grab Baghdad. Buckle up folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Kyl/Lieberman is the new Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The attack is most likely going to be a joint attack with the Israelis hitting with percesion air dropped bombs and the U.S. hitting with Cruise and Tomahawk missles.
When the Democratic party gets control, we will show these Republican't lite-weights how to get the job done in the M.E. Iran is a part of the axis of evil.
We get what we pay for; I guess this pathetic batch of wastrels we call our government.....
is what we've paid for. Problem is, the cost has become unconscionable. Not so much for the size of the debt, but more because of the cost, which is our civil liberties..... taxation without representation. Only the uber-wealthy, and guilt-laden suffer from chronic paranoia....
not a good trait for leadership, but even worse for the followers.
There goes old Seymour, telling us the truth again. doesn't he get ever tired of it?
What does he think we are, intelligent or something, moral or something, brave or something. Hey, Seymour, look at our Leader. Is he intelligent, moral or brave?
So why can't you just leave us alone to be slaves and not worry about who wants whaat acts of war?
The Dems want to make up for the Carter years.
bomb bomb bomb
bomb bomb Iran
they are all in this thing together - WAKE UP AMERICA!
Was this anywhere on huffpo today ? - sexual deviant rethug committs suicide...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21158295/
would not surprise me the dems want to win big in 2008 and they are hoping and praying bush does it to iran.
americans are blind and naive to think the demos wanted to stop this war. this war is their blessing for 2008.
will be even better if they can get bush to bomb iran. look how many dems voted for the libermann/kyle bill to call iran's guards terrorists.
now how did hillary vote? oh she is smart very smart. so much smarter than the naive liberal demos that line up to vote for her.
still love your two party system americans. guess who told you it was the best in the world. dont know?
the two party system and corporate american media and the wars for profits folks.
it is called being brainwashed and americans wont recognize it until they have become low class wage earners while the elitists smile all the way to the bank.
capitalism has to come to that; bet the neo cons wont tell you that one. why do you think those folks in europe wont copy our style of capitalism? bet you thought they were dumber than you.
now who are the real dumbies; while they work 35 hr weeks with 5 weeks vac and you work 60 hr weeks with two weeks off.
think hard on that one americans it will come to you someday but way too late. oh the price of being naive.
now go look americans for the socialist under your bed because the neo cons have convinced you that a socialist is a commie. and a neo con would not lie to you ask george jr that one.
The logical end result of unbridled capitalism is what you see now: the rich are ever-richer, at the direct expense of the rest of us.
If we let it continue, the only choice will be between slavery and revolution.
No one likes us-i don't know why
We may not be perfect, but heaven knows we try
But all around, even our old friends put us down
Let's drop the big one and see what happens
We give them money-but are they grateful?
No, they're spiteful and they're hateful
They don't respect us-so let's surprise them
We'll drop the big one and pulverize them
Asia's crowded and europe's too old
Africa is far too hot
And canada's too cold
And south america stole our name
Let's drop the big one
There'll be no one left to blame us
We'll save australia
Don't wanna hurt no kangaroo
We'll build an all american amusement park there
They got surfin', too
Boom goes london and boom paree
More room for you and more room for me
And every city the whole world round
Will just be another american town
Oh, how peaceful it will be
We'll set everybody free
You'll wear a japanese kimono
And there'll be italian shoes for me
They all hate us anyhow
So let's drop the big one now
Let's drop the big one now
Political Science by Randy Newman
Russia is "buzzing" American air space. They already have nukes, as does China, Pakistan, Israel and India. Russia and China had indicated they would not allow a military action from the US on Iran. They have oil and natural gas interests there.
Iran and Israel are doing some type of line in the sand gestering right now. Word on CNN was a
strike was being considered on Iran for January
or February.
I wonder if it makes any difference if Iran is 5 years away from nukes or not.
In case you haven't smelled the coffee brewing yet . . .
- here's a list of the arms Congress just approved for sale and delivery to Israel;
10,000 JDAM tail kits for high precision guidance of bombs in all weathers at ranges of up to 25 km, which are designed for use with the GBU-29-32 BUNKER BUSTERS; 4,000 laser-guided Paveway II munitions kits; more than 11,000 Mk-84 and Mk-82 bombs; 2,000 heavy fortifications-penetrating BLU-109 bombs; and 50 GBU-28 5,000-pound guided BUNKER BUSTERS.
Now you tell me - what are they gonna do with all them BUNKER BUSTERS?
In this country you get attacked for merely pointing out Israel's bad behavior. Our blindness toward anything Israel does no matter how heinous, is what got us attacked on 9/11, providing it was an outside attack and not a red herring to get the attention off the coming implosion of Enron, fully staffed and run by "loyal bushies". Israel existed for a mere 19 years before it was attacking its neighbors on the premise that "they might develop weapons and attack us in the future" and the U.S. stood by, smiling and nodding like Albert the Dunking Bird. That should have brought a very sharp rebuke indeed. In fact, the U.S. does not know whether Israel might just decide it needs more room and attack us. It will do so with the weapons it bought (or was given) from us.
To: littleblackcat: You forget that within 24 hours of Isreal being declared a state all of her Arab neighbors attacked HER. For the Isreal haters there is no end to the overwhelming amount of historical evidence of Arab agression toward Isreal that they are willing to ignore. If Isreal attacks Iran it will be because the US gave them the green light.
I'm sorry l'lblackcat. I missed the point of your post although I did pick up on a whiff of 9/11 conspiracy theory mentioning the attacks as a diversion from the implosion of Enron(?).
I don't know what you've been smoking but can I get some?
The article says Iran is five years away from a bomb. Five years. I have heard in news reports before that Iran is twelve or ten years away but five .... I don't presume to know what the hell to do about it but five years away from a theocratic government having a nuclear bomb is scarier than them having one five years after that. In my mind it isn't a stretch to think Iran's enemies, especially Israel would want to do something about this pronto.
The unacknowledged dynamic in the whole confrontation is confrontation itself. America hardens its stance, and Iran hardens back. Escalation of rhetoric is still escalation.
There is really ONLY ONE WAY out of such a trap, and that is to talk to those you think of as your enemy. Bush's approach is the exact opposite. He thinks talking about commonly held concerns will "reward" the other side, as if all Iran wants is their 15 minutes of fame.
In reality, all Iran wants is some assurance that America and the world will respect its borders, sovereignty, and national aspirations. By refusing to credit that they want nuclear for peaceful purposes (their explicit right, under the treaties they've signed), and by insisting on backing up our fears with force, we are telling them that we are set against their aspirations as a nation.
America and Israel both think that dialog is weakness.
Fact is, refusing to talk in good faith is a sword with no handle -- only two blades.
You're exactly right!
America and Israel want to keep Iran down. The term balance of power comes to mind but America and Israel want all the weight on their side.
Other theocratic countries have the BOMB. Pakistan, Israel, are the two that jump to mind.
Don't have much more fear of Iran having the BOMB than Pakistan. If we had a president with enough brains to pound sand we would be opening diplomatic ties to these countries, and talking to them, encouraging them to be part of the rest of the world, giving them something to lose. But no, it we don't like their form of government we do our durndist to make sure they are isolated and desperate. Well it seems that all those isolated counties are not getting any more friendly to us, strange. Our efforts in Iraq of killing them till they love us isn't working either. I guess Bush's theory is that we are not killing enough of them.
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