CountDownToExtinction

ATTACK ON IRAN

2011-12-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Lately the mainstream media seems to be intensifying the news about a possible attack against Iran, this week there were numerous news outlets announcing a preemptive strike against Iran by Nato, U.K, USA or Israel.

UK and U.S. 'draw up joint plan to attack Iran': Evidence of nuclear programme raises tension in Middle East

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2056873/Iran-attack-drawn-UK-US-Middle-East-tensions-rise.html#ixzz1cmhdh5Y0

Peres: I believe Israel, world approaching military option on Iran nuclear threat

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/peres-i-believe-israel-world-approaching-military-option-on-iran-nuclear-threat-1.393801

Netanyahu trying to persuade cabinet to support attack on Iran
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who previously objected to attacking Iran, was recently persuaded by Netanyahu and Barak to support such a move.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-trying-to-persuade-cabinet-to-support-attack-on-iran-1.393214

Today some even bigger news came out:

UN report to reveal evidence of Iran's nuclear weapons program
IAEA plans to share satellite imagery of a large steel container believed to be used for nuclear arms-related high explosives tests, diplomats say.

The U.N. atomic agency plans to reveal intelligence next week suggesting Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead and other previously undisclosed details on alleged secret work by Tehran on nuclear arms, diplomats told The Associated Press on Friday.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/un-report-to-reveal-evidence-of-iran-s-nuclear-weapons-program-1.393823

The so called proof everyone was waiting and some hoping for.

Is it Iraq all over again? Is this something inevitable and just a matter of time now? Discuss.

UPDATES:

High ranking American officer: "We are concerned Israel will not warn before attack"

Military strike on Iran reactors closer day by day, says Ehud Barak

Israel's defence minister has said that a military strike on nuclear reactors in Iran is getting closer "day by day".

Ehud Barak said he hoped a report by the United Nations' atomic watchdog, which is expected next week, would "tell the truth to the world" about Iran's nuclear activities.

He said ''no option should be removed from the table''.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15595657

Israel, U.S. to embark on largest joint exercise in allies' history
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro says security relationship with Israel is broader, deeper, more intense than ever before.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-u-s-to-embark-on-largest-joint-exercise-in-allies-history-1.393878

Executive Branch - POLITICS
U.S. Keeps Focus on Sanctions for Iran, Amid Speculation Over Israeli Strike

The Obama administration is cautioning the international community to stick with economic sanctions against Iran, as developments in Israel and at the United Nations fuel speculation about a possible military strike being pushed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran has returned to the front of the foreign policy agenda, as the U.N. atomic agency prepares to release a key report next week on Tehran's nuclear program. It is expected to reveal intelligence suggesting Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead, among other details, though the Iranian foreign minister calls the claims a fabrication.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/05/us-keeps-focus-on-sanctions-for-iran-amid-speculation-over-israeli-strike/#ixzz1csG7zC8q

IAEA to reveal Iran building nuclear weapons at base near Tehran
UN nuclear watchdog to release report on activities this week; Iran has carried out experiments in the final stage for developing nuclear weapons including explosions and computer simulations of explosions.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/iaea-to-reveal-iran-building-nuclear-weapons-at-base-near-tehran-1.393920

IAEA report on Iran's nuclear program to be released Monday
Report will invalidate U.S. intelligence report from 2007 that stated Iran had stopped its work on nuclear weapons development in 2003.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/iaea-report-on-iran-s-nuclear-program-to-be-released-monday-1.394081

NOVEMBER 7:

IAEA says foreign expertise has brought Iran to threshold of nuclear capability

Intelligence provided to U.N. nuclear officials shows that Iran’s government has mastered the critical steps needed to build a nuclear weapon, receiving assistance from foreign scientists to overcome key technical hurdles, according to Western diplomats and nuclear experts briefed on the findings.

Documents and other records provide new details on the role played by a former Soviet weapons scientist who allegedly tutored Iranians over several years on building high-precision detonators of the kind used to trigger a nuclear chain reaction, the officials and experts said. Crucial technology linked to experts in Pakistan and North Korea also helped propel Iran to the threshold of nuclear capability, they added.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/iaea-says-foreign-expertise-has-brought-iran-to-threshold-of-nuclear-capability/2011/11/05/gIQAc6hjtM_story.html

Condoleezza Rice: I have no doubt Israel will defend itself against Iran
Former Secretary of State says pressure on Iran is absolute must to prevent 'unintended consequences' of Israeli attack.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/condoleezza-rice-i-have-no-doubt-israel-will-defend-itself-against-iran-1.394218

Iran nuclear report: IAEA claims Tehran working on advanced warhead
IAEA findings could pave way to sanctions or military strike although no 'smoking gun' expected to be revealed in report

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/07/iran-working-on-advanced-nuclear-warhead

NOVEMBER 8:

IAEA report: Iran working to produce a nuclear bomb
Report by UN nuclear agency says Tehran continously worked toward a nuclear weapon since 2003; diplomatic source in Vienna tells Haaretz: 'This is the most damning report ever published by the IAEA.'

http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/iaea-report-iran-working-to-produce-a-nuclear-bomb-1.394422

IAEA report: 'serious concerns' on Iran nuclear activities
The UN atomic agency has "serious concerns" about Iran's nuclear activities, and has "credible" information Tehran may have worked on developing atomic weapons, a report said on Tuesday.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8877429/IAEA-report-serious-concerns-on-Iran-nuclear-activities.html

November 12:
'Blast At Iranian Ammunition Depot Kills 17'
An explosion has killed 17 people at an ammunition depot near the capital of Iran, officials have said.

The blast apparently happened at a base belonging to the Revolutionary Guards outside the village of Bidganeh, some 25 miles west of Tehran.

Several others were wounded, some critically, according to reports.

A spokesman for the elite force told state television troops were moving munitions at the time.

Reports said the force of the blast shattered the windows of homes in the western suburbs of Tehran.

Iranian official Parviz Soroori was quoted on the parliament's website icana.ir ruling out sabotage.

http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16108910

Clinton Demands Iran Respond to IAEA Nuclear Report

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1272365257001/clinton-demands-iran-respond-to-iaea-nuclear-report/?playlist_id=86857

November 28:

Report: Explosion rocks Iran city of Isfahan, home to key nuclear facility
Semi-official Fars news agency says blast heard distinctly in several parts of the western Iran city; a uranium conversion plant near Isfahan went online in 2004.

An explosion rocked the western Iranian city of Isfahan on Monday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported, adding that the blast was heard in several parts of the city.

According to reports, frightened residents called the fire department after the blast, forcing the city authorities to admit there had been an explosion.Residents reported that their windows shook from the explosion's force.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/report-explosion-rocks-iran-city-of-isfahan-home-to-key-nuclear-facility-1.398312

November 30:

Report: Mysterious blast in Iran's Isfahan damaged key nuclear site
London Times quotes Israel intelligence officials as saying that satellite images show this week's reported blast in Isfahan was 'no accident.'

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/report-mysterious-blast-in-iran-s-isfahan-damaged-key-nuclear-site-1.398671

November 30:

Report: Mysterious blast in Iran's Isfahan damaged key nuclear site
London Times quotes Israel intelligence officials as saying that satellite images show this week's reported blast in Isfahan was 'no accident.'

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/report-mysterious-blast-in-iran-s-isfahan-damaged-key-nuclear-site-1.398671

December 1:

U.S. military chief: Unclear if Israel would alert U.S. ahead of attack on Iran
General Martin Dempsey says he acknowledges differences in perspective between the United States and Israel over the best way to handle Iran and its nuclear program.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-military-chief-unclear-if-israel-would-alert-u-s-ahead-of-attack-on-iran-1.398808

December 2:

Report: Iran authorities behind attack on U.K. embassy
Photographs from so-called student protest show members of Basij forces taking part; attack was also filmed life, something that is not permitted without approval by Khamanei.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/report-iran-authorities-behind-attack-on-u-k-embassy-1.399006

December 3:

Germany probing possible Iranian plot to target U.S. bases in its territory (DPA)

December 3:

Former Mossad chief: Israeli attack on Iran must be stopped to avert catastrophe
Meir Dagan speaks out against military offensive on Iran, expresses concern that Defense Minister Barak believes Israel only has less than a year to carry out an attack.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/former-mossad-chief-israeli-attack-on-iran-must-be-stopped-to-avert-catastrophe-1.399046

December 4:

Report: Iran shoots down U.S. reconnaissance drone
Iranian media reports U.S. spy plane that violated airspace along the eastern border was shot down and is in possession of Iranian troops.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/report-iran-shoots-down-u-s-reconnaissance-drone-1.399496

December 4:

U.S. says 'no indication' Iran shot down reconnaissance drone
NATO's U.S.-led mission in neighboring Afghanistan said however the Iranian report could refer to an unarmed U.S. spy drone that went missing there last week.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-says-no-indication-iran-shot-down-reconnaissance-drone-1.399519

December 5:

Report: Iran blast completely destroyed major missile-testing site
Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials tell New York Times recent explosion at military base near Tehran was major setback to Iran's long-range missile program.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/report-iran-blast-completely-destroyed-major-missile-testing-site-1.399619

December 6:

Saudi Prince Turki urges nuclear option after Iran
RIYADH Dec 6 (Reuters) - Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal, voicing alarm about Iran's nuclear programme, has said the leadership should consider acquiring nuclear weapons to counter threats from Tehran, and from Israel.

The prince, seen as influential though no longer holding public office, noted that Israel is widely assumed to have a nuclear arsenal and that Iran, Riyadh's arch-rival in the Middle East, is believed by many to be developing such weaponry.

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL5E7N62G920111206

December 8:

Obama: US considering all options on Iran; will work with allies to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapon

December 8:

Iran state television displays 'downed U.S. surveillance drone'
WATCH: Revolutionary Guard top officer tells Fars news agency that military experts are 'well aware how precious the technological information of this drone is.'

Iraninan state television displayed what it said was a downed U.S. surveillance drone on Thursday, days after U.S. officials expressed concern that Tehran would be able to glean information about a classified military program.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/iran-state-television-displays-downed-u-s-surveillance-drone-1.400377

Barrage of rockets strikes southern Israel

2011-12-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Iron Dome successfully intercepts one of six rockets from the Gaza Strip, hours after Qassam lands in Ashkelon following overnight IAF strikes.

13 rockets exploded in southern Israel Friday, including one shot down by the Iron Dome missile defense system near Ashdod. No injuries were reported.

The barrage followed IAF strikes in Gaza overnight Thursday, which left one dead and 12 wounded.

Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says

2011-07-22T06:31:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON — Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the most devastating attack on American soil in modern times and the most hunted man in the world, was killed in a firefight with United States forces in Pakistan, President Obama announced on Sunday.

In a late-night appearance in the East Room of the White House, Mr. Obama declared that “justice has been done” as he disclosed that American military and C.I.A. operatives had finally cornered Bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda, who had eluded them for nearly a decade. American officials said Bin Laden resisted and was shot in the head. He was later buried at sea.

Source

Iran gave Hezbollah UAVs, attack aircraft

2010-11-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Iranian experts were sent to Lebanon to aid Hezbollah in building the aerial array and train militants, Hezbollah sources tell Kuwaiti newspaper.

Hezbollah has obtained a complete aerial array from Iran, including an attack aircraft and several unmanned aerial vehicles, Channel 10 quoted the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Siyasa on Saturday.

According to sources close to the Hezbollah military leadership, Hezbollah has at least three different kinds of UAVs and an Iranian aircraft that could reach long distances and attack specific targets on the ground.

The sources say that these are the "surprises" that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah promised his organization would use in any future conflict with Israel.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard is responsible for the transfer of the aircraft to Hezbollah, sources say, and dozens of Iranian experts were allegedly sent to Lebanon to aid Hezbollah in building the aerial array and to train militants.

Article

No Survivors In Pakistan Private Plane Crash

2010-11-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

A private plane carrying 20 employees of oil companies fell near the city of Karachi in Pakistan on Friday and a military spokesman said there were no survivors.

"The plane was completely gutted and there are no survivors," Lieutenant-Colonel Noor Alam told reporters.

The aircraft was seen as carrying about 20 people, mostly Pakistanis, he said, adding that the bodies have not yet been identified.

"It was not immediately clear if there were any foreigners on board, "he said.

United States border police involved in one of the largest drug busts in U.S. history discovered a 600-yard drug smuggling tunnel

2010-11-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

United States border police involved in one of the largest drug busts in U.S. history discovered a 600-yard drug smuggling tunnel that was part of a sophisticated operation used to transport tons of marijuana between Mexico and southern California, authorities said Wednesday.

The tunnel was equipped with a rail system, lighting and air vents, stretching the length of six football fields underground between warehouses in Tijuana and the Otay Mesa area of San Diego, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

Agents discovered the passage this week during a massive seizure of about 30 tons of pot, which cops said had a street value of more than $20 million.

Article

Saudi prince: Iran is on 'explosive' path in Middle East

2010-11-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Prince Turki al-Faisal, a former ambassador to the U.S., says Washington shouldn't take military steps against Iran to reassure Israel.

Prince Turki, a former Saudi intelligence chief and former ambassador to the United States, said Washington should not take military steps against Iran's nuclear program to reassure Israelis over the peace process with Palestinians.

"No one denies that a nuclear Iran is a major international danger, but claiming that the U.S. must take military action against Iran to push forward the Israeli-Palestine peace process is to attempt to harvest apples by cutting down the tree," he said.

Prince Turki, discussing the Middle East peace process in a speech at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said a war over Iran's nuclear program would be "calamitous and not just catastrophic." It would turn back the clock on peacemaking across the Middle East, from Iraq to Israel, he said.

"The Iranians have to be aware of the explosive nature ... of pursuing their present course of enrichment," he said.

Article

Obama loses temper in Connecticut rally

2010-10-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

US President Barack Obama loses his cool at an election rally in Connecticut, amid reports suggesting his party is mulling whether he should serve a second term.

"Excuse me ... excuse me. You've been appearing at every rally we've been doing. And we're funding global AIDS (prevention). And the other side is not. So I don't know why you think this is a useful strategy to take," USA Today quoted Obama as saying to AIDS activists who interrupted his speech on Saturday, UPI reported.

A group of activists heckled the US president over funding for the global fight against AIDS, as he began his speech for the "Moving America Forward" rally in Bridgeport in the South Side Hyde Park neighborhood.

Article

'Iran's nuclear program poses a major risk to Mideast stability'

2010-10-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Senior U.S., Israeli officials pledge to keep Iran from acquiring atomic arms during semiannual U.S.-Israel Strategic Dialogue.

'Iran's nuclear program poses a major risk to Mideast stability'
Senior U.S., Israeli officials pledge to keep Iran from acquiring atomic arms during semiannual U.S.-Israel Strategic Dialogue.
By The Associated Press Tags: Israel news Iran nuclear

The United States and Israel on Monday said Iran is among the greatest challenges to stability in the Middle East and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons.

After talks in Washington, senior U.S. and Israeli officials said in a joint statement that Iran's nuclear program, along with its support of anti-Israel militant groups, are of "grave concern," and they pledged to keep Iran from acquiring atomic arms. The discussions were part of the semiannual U.S.-Israel Strategic Dialogue.

Article

Hamas has obtained anti-aircraft missiles

2010-10-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

Netanyahu: Hamas has obtained anti-aircraft missiles
Israel's aerial freedom has been compromised by new weaponry in Gaza, presumably smuggled through tunnels connected to Egypt, PM tells Likud members for the first time.

Gaza's Hamas rulers have obtained anti-aircraft missiles, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday, in a potentially game-changing development that could threaten the Israeli air force's ability to strike at the Islamic militant group.

Israeli aircraft have long dominated the skies over Gaza, striking suspected Hamas military installations and assassinating dozens of wanted militants. The Israeli air force played a key role in a fierce three-week offensive in Gaza early last year, which began with airstrikes that killed hundreds of Hamas fighters.

Speaking to his Likud Party, Netanyahu disclosed that Israel's aerial freedom has been compromised by the new weaponry in Gaza, presumably smuggled into the area through tunnels connected to neighboring Egypt. He said any future peace agreement would have to include security arrangements to deal with the threat.

Article

'FBI knew of Mumbai attacks in advance'

2010-10-16T17:07:00.001-07:00

A media report says that US intelligence officials were aware of plans to attack Mumbai years before the terrorist incident killed more than 170 people in India's main port city in 2008.

A report published by the Washington Post on Wednesday said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had been tipped off in 2005 about an American national, who masterminded attacks on the Indian financial hub three years later.

The man identified as David Coleman Headley underwent intensive training with banned militant groups in Pakistan, the report added.

Based on the report, Headley's wife told FBI agents that her husband was in close contact with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group blamed by India for the deadly attacks on Mumbai.

The report also says Headley went to Mumbai five times to scout landmark locations and targets for the attack on the city.

The report comes months after the Pakistani interior ministry suggested that the Mumbai attack were planned outside Pakistan.

Russia, Venezuela agree on nuclear power project

2010-10-15T18:25:00.003-07:00

Moscow - Russia and Venezuela agreed Friday to jointly build what would be the South American country's first nuclear power plant.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez were on hand while representatives of the two countries signed the agreement.

The United States reacted to the deal with caution.

"Any new nuclear programme or activity should be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of nonproliferation - you know, safety and security, including IAEA safeguards," US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said.

"Venezuela and Russia have international obligations, and we expect them to meet those obligations."

Sergei Kiriyenko, head of the Russian nuclear company Rosatom, said that the power plant could go on stream within 10 years or less, according to the Interfax agency.

Article

Russia, Venezuela agree on nuclear power project

2010-10-15T18:25:00.001-07:00

Ahmadinejad: 'The Zionists will not last long'

2010-10-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Iranian president speaks in front of thousands of Hizbullah supporters in southern Lebanese village, which he calls "capital of freedom, resistance and victory."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave a speech to a crowd of thousands in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Thursday, telling his audience that "Lebanese resistance is more powerful than the swords of Zionists."

"Resistance is the key to the Lebanese nations and all the nations in the region," he said. "The people of Lebanon, of all religions and all walks of life, have found the secret to victory."

Article

Ahmadinejad tells Hezbollah supporters in South Lebanon: Israel can never beat you

2010-10-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ahmadinejad tells Hezbollah supporters in South Lebanon: Israel can never beat you
Ahmadinejad welcomed by thousands of people in Bint Jbeil, location of heavy fighting during Second Lebanon War, where signs hang praising Iranian president as 'protector of resistance'.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in the south Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Thursday, close to the border with Israel, a state he has said should be wiped from the map.

Speaking to thousands of supporters waving Iranian flags and cheering, Ahmadinejad praised Hezbollah and its southern stronghold as "the foremost shield of Lebanon."

"You are the heroes that guard Lebanon's sovereignty," he told them. "You are have proven that there no force in the world can beat you. The resistance of the Lebanese nation, born from faith in God, can stand up to any Israeli force – planes, tanks and ships."

Israel signs $400 million deal to sell spy drones to Russia

2010-10-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

The sale of unmanned aerial vehicles helps improve Israel's ties with Russia, an important country in international efforts to contain Iran's nuclear program.
By Yael Fater Tags: Russia

Israel Aerospace Industries signed a $400 million agreement to sell unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia, it announced on Wednesday.

Russian arms maker OPK Oboronprom will buy the UAVs over a period of three years.

Article

MK Eldad: Ahmadinejad should not return home alive

2010-10-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Addressing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Lebanon, Knesset Member Arieh Eldad (National Union) said, "History would have been different if in 1939 some Jewish soldier would have succeeded in taking Hitler out. If Ahmadinejad will be in the crosshairs of an IDF rifle when he comes to throw rocks at us, he must not return home alive." (Roni Sofer)

Article

No chance of peace with Palestinians in near future

2010-10-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ya'alon tells Army Radio that Palestinian refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state shows they are not serious about two-state solution.

Vice Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Tuesday that he saw "no chance of reaching a peace deal with the Palestinians in the near future".

"In the eyes of Palestinians, the occupation began in '48 and not in '67," Ya'alon told Army Radio. "Not only Hamas thinks this – Abu Mazen [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas] does too."

"Their refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state shows they have no interest in having Israel as a state beside theirs," he added.

Article

Taliban capture US base in Afghanistan

2010-10-11T12:51:00.001-07:00

Taliban militants have claimed that they have driven US troops out of a military outpost in Afghanistan's northeastern Kunar Province.

They also said that the Americans fled the military outpost in Kunar's Marawara district in helicopters on Monday.

A senior Taliban commander said the group is now in full control of the district where the outpost is located.

He added that the militants attacked the outpost with rockets and machine guns.

Taliban say the ensuing clashes forced the US forces stationed there to flee.

The militants say they have seized all weapons and munitions left behind in the outpost.

Article

European foreign ministers furious with Israeli counterpart

2010-10-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

French, Spanish FMs: Lieberman violated every rule of diplomacy

European foreign ministers furious with Israeli counterpart, who told them to 'solve their own problems before they complain to Israel.'

During a dinner meeting on Sunday, Lieberman told France's Bernard Kouchner and Spain's Miguel Angel Moratinos to "solve your own problems in Europe before you come to us with complaints. Maybe then I will be open to accepting your suggestions."

Lieberman emphasized to that "Israel will not be the Czechoslovakia of 2010," at their meeting at the foreign ministry offices in Jerusalem.

During the telephone conversation between the three FMs Monday, the European ministers voiced their extreme dismay with the fact that details of the meeting were made public an hour after it took place. "You violated our trust," they said to Lieberman.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/french-spanish-fms-lieberman-violated-every-rule-of-diplomacy-1.318404

MESS Report / Fearing civil war, Lebanese citizens arm themselves

2010-10-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

Volatile probe into 2005 murder of Ex-Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri, upcoming Ahmadinejad visit, could easily set off a country on verge of explosion.

The latest reports from Lebanon describe a frightened country; the Lebanese are terrified about the prospect of a slide toward civil war. Several reports speculate that Beirut residents are arming themselves in expectation of a flare-up of violence between the two main antagonists in Lebanon today: Hezbollah and its allies on the one hand, and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his supporters on the other.

The investigation of the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri, the father of the current premier, could turn out to be the spark that sets off the tinderbox.

Article

Syria: Israel-U.S. fighter jet deal destabilizes region

2010-10-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Speaking at Arab League summit in Libya, Syrian FM expresses disappointment at Netanyahu's decision not to extend settlement freeze.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Saturday that a recently finalized deal, in which Israel would purchase 20 U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets, would destabilize the region.

Under the contract signed Between Israeli and U.S. delegates in New York last week Israel will get 20 of the warplanes for more than $3 billion, which would be delivered by approximately 2016. It has an option for 75 more.

Speaking at the Arab League summit in Libya, the Syrian minister expressed disappointment at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision not to extend the 10-moth settlement freeze in order to continue talks with the Palestinian Authority.

Article

Iran acknowledges espionage at nuclear facilities

2010-10-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Iran revealed for the first time Saturday that some personnel at the country's nuclear facilities were lured by promises of money to pass secrets to the West, but that increased security and worker privileges have put a stop to the spying.

The stunning acknowledgment by Iranian Vice President Ali Akbar Salehi provides the clearest government confirmation that Iran has been fighting espionage at its nuclear facilities.

In recent weeks, Iran has announced the arrest of several nuclear spies and battled a computer worm that it says is part of a covert Western plot to derail its nuclear program. And in July, a nuclear scientist who Iran says was kidnapped by U.S. agents returned home in mysterious circumstances, with the U.S. saying he was a willing defector who was offered $5 million by the CIA but then changed his mind.

Article

Hamas threatens attack on Palestinian Authority officials

2010-10-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Despite efforts toward Fatah-Hamas reconciliation, Hamas spokesperson says group will strike PA officials if they continue to arrest Hamas members.

Hamas threatened Wednesday to attack senior Palestinian Authority officials if the PA continues to 'hunt down' Hamas members.

The spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas, Abu Obeida, warned that his organization will take drastic measures if the PA continues its policy of arresting Hamas officials.

Hamas and Fatah have recently taken steps toward reconciliation, when Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmed met with Hamas leader Khaled Meshal in Syria two weeks ago. The meeting concluded with an agreement and a promise to continue talks.

Article

Egypt president warns of 'global terror' if Mideast peace talks fail

2010-10-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

PM Netanyahu to convene inner cabinet Tuesday to discuss two-month extension of settlement, in bid to save peace talks.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has warned that a failure in Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations would lead to "violence and terrorism" across the world.

In an interview with the journal of the Egyptian armed forces, given to mark the anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, he said he has told several leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that "if the peace process collapses, violence and terrorism will erupt in the Middle East and all over the world."

Article

IDF soldiers convicted of using 11-year-old as human shield in Gaza

2010-10-03T04:16:00.000-07:00

Two soldiers forced Palestinian child to open bags, feared to have been booby trapped, during Operation Cast Lead.

The southern command military court convicted two Israeli soldiers on Sunday of using human shields during Operation Cast Lead, Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, in the winter of 2008-2009.

The soldiers were convicted of offenses including inappropriate behavior and overstepping authority for ordering an 11-year-old Palestinian to search bags suspected to have been booby trapped.

The conviction is the first such conviction for what is termed in the Israel Defense Forces "neighbor procedure" – the use of human shields during searches and pursuits, which has been outlawed.

Article

Israel braces for regional escalation

2010-10-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Israel braces for regional escalation ahead of Ahmadinejad's Lebanon visit
London-based newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi reports Iran leader wants to reach border fence to hurl stones at Israeli soldiers on the other side.

Israel braces for regional escalation ahead of Ahmadinejad's Lebanon visit
London-based newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi reports Iran leader wants to reach border fence to hurl stones at Israeli soldiers on the other side.
By Avi Issacharoff, Barak Ravid and Amos Harel

Israel is stepping up preparations for the visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Lebanon next week, during which he is scheduled to visit the country's border area with Israel.

Through United Nations, U.S. and French mediators, Israel has urged the Lebanese government to prevent Ahmadinejad from visiting the border and engaging in what Jerusalem described as "provocation."

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Iran puts off Bushehr nuclear plant launch to early 2011

2010-09-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Iranian officials deny Stuxnet virus has affected major systems at nuclear plant, but analysts believe Iran may be suffering wider sabotage.

Iran's first nuclear power plant will begin supplying energy in early 2011, a senior official said, signaling a delay of several months after the spread of a global computer virus believed to have affected mainly Iran.

Iranian officials said on Sunday the Stuxnet virus had hit staff computers at the Bushehr plant, a symbol of Iran's growing geopolitical sway and rejection of international efforts to curb its nuclear activity, but not affected major systems there.

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'Israel's Gaza boat takeover violent'

2010-09-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

Passengers onboard a Jewish aid boat, which was intercepted by Israeli warships en route to the Gaza Strip, refute Israel's claims of non-violent takeover.

On Tuesday, around 10 Israeli warships surrounded the aid vessel Irene nearly 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the Gaza coast, forcefully diverting it to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Following the incident, Israeli army officials insisted that the takeover was carried out without any use of force, but the civilian activists onboard the vessel begged to differ.

"There are no words to describe what we went through," Israel's Ynet news website quoted passenger Yonatan Shapira as saying.

Shapira was one of the five Israelis aboard the Gaza-bound boat, who was interrogated by the Ashdod police before being released a day later.

A former Israel Air Force pilot, Shapira, said Israeli soldiers had resorted to violence while taking over the boat.

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BBC Journalist: MOSSAD DID 9/11

2010-09-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

A BBC journalist discussing the events about 9/11 and including discussion about Iran nukes and involvement of Mossad in these events.

Ahmadinejad: Koran burning will bring about Israel's annihilation

2010-09-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

Iran president calls U.S. pastor's plan to burn copies of Koran on Sept. 11 anniversary a violation of the teachings of all religions.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Friday condemned plans by a Florida pastor to burn copies of the Koran, saying that it was a Zionist plot that would bring about Israel's annihilation, Iran's Press TV reported.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Friday condemned plans by a Florida pastor to burn copies of the Koran, saying that it was a Zionist plot that would bring about Israel's annihilation, Iran's Press TV reported.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad AP September 5, 2010

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaking at the royal palace in Doha, Qatar on Sept. 5, 2010.
Photo by: AP

Speaking at a meeting between Iran's supreme religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior Iranian officials in Tehran, Ahmadinejad said that "the Zionists and their supporters are on the path to collapse and decline and such desperate actions will not save them, but will accelerate their fall and annihilation."

The Iranian president added that burning the Koran would be a violation of the teachings of all religions.

Florida pastor Terry Jones announced his intention to burn copies of the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York City and Washington, sparking a global media storm.

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Ahmadinejad to visit Lebanon's border with Israel

2010-09-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Iran announces official presidential visit to Lebanon next month, Ahmadinejad's first since taking office in 2005.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will make an official visit to Lebanon next month, the Iranian administration said in an official announcement on Thursday.

The visit will be Ahmadinejad's first official visit to Lebanon in the five years since he was elected to office.

Lebanese media reported that Ahmadinejad, who is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on October 13, was expected to tour the southern part of the country and to visit the county's shared border with Israel.

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UN report: Iran has enough uranium for three nuclear devices

2010-09-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

IAEA report raises concerns over Iran's rejection of IAEA decisions regarding identity of nuclear program inspectors and says Iran has prevented inspectors from entering nuclear sites.

Iran has accelerated its nuclear program and currently possesses a sufficient supply of enriched uranium to make three nuclear devices, assuming it speeds up enrichment to 90 percent, according to a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The report was presented ahead of a discussion by the IAEA board of governors, as well as the organization's General Assembly, which will meet in Vienna this month.

According to the findings, Iran currently has 22 kilograms of uranium enriched at levels of 20 percent, and a total of 2.8 tons of uranium enriched at 3.5 percent. The material is being supervised by IAEA inspectors and Iran cannot make use of it for military purposes without this being known to the international community.

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UN nuclear watchdog: Iran boosting uranium enrichment despite sanctions

2010-09-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

In confidential report, IAEA also voicees concern about what it called Iran's 'repeated objection' to the agency's choice of inspectors working in the country.

Iran's total production of low-enriched uranium has risen by around 15 percent since May to reach 2.8 tons, according to a United Nations nuclear watchdog report, showing Tehran is pushing ahead with disputed work despite tougher sanctions.

The confidential report, obtained by Reuters on Monday, said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remained concerned about possible activity in the Islamic Republic to develop a nuclear payload for a missile.

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BREAKING:ETA announces cease-fire

2010-09-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

MADRID – The armed Basque separatist group ETA, under pressure from political allies to renounce violence and decapitated repeatedly by the arrests of its leaders, announced another cease-fire Sunday, suggesting it might turn to a political process in its quest for an independent homeland.

But the Basque regional government immediately dismissed the announcement as meaningless because ETA failed to renounce violence or announce its dissolution.

"It's absolutely insufficient because it does not take into account what the vast majority of Basque society demands and requires from ETA, which is that it definitively abandon terrorist activity," Basque regional interior minister Rodolfo Ares said in the first official comment on the announcement.

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Report: Tehran pays Taliban for every US casualty

2010-09-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Intelligence sources in Afghanistan, senior Taliban officials tell Sunday Times about training camps built by Iran for terror activists, money they receive for their 'achievements' - $1,000 for each soldier and $6,000 for each vehicle

At least five Iranian companies are sending money to the Islamist terror group in Afghanistan in order to fund the fighting against Western powers, led by the United States, according to a Sunday Times report, which quoted Taliban sources.

Afghani intelligence and Taliban officials told how the money is transferred from Iranian straw-men companies to Afghani rebels. Intelligence officials in the West believe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps the driving force behind these companies.

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IDF attacks Gaza tunnels in response to week of terror incidents

2010-09-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Gaza militants fired rocket at southern Israel earlier Saturday, just days after four Israelis were killed in a West Bank shooting attack.

Israel Air Force planes struck targets in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on Saturday, hours after Palestinian militants fired a rocket from the territory into
Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that its air force had attacked the coastal territory in response to a wave of security incidents over the last week. The army said that it had struck smuggling tunnels used by militants planning to infiltrateIsrael and commit terror acts against civilians soldiers.

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'US to continue supplying military assistance to Lebanon'

2010-09-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Report says an estimated $100m. worth of equipment and weaponry has been approved, after funds were frozen by US in the wake of fatal border clashes with Israel.

The US will continue to supply the Lebanese Armed Forces with equipment and weapons estimated to be worth approximately $100 million, a Lebanese newspaper reported on Saturday.

Al-Nahar quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Washington had urged both Israel and Lebanon to continue showing restraint towards each other and to refrain from threats and other provocative behavior.

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Explosion at apparent Hezbollah arms depot causes fire in south Lebanon village

2010-09-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

Lebanese security officials say that explosion in southern village of Shehabiyeh may have been caused by a short circuit that set off secret Hezbollah munitions.

Explosions ripped through a building on Friday in southern Lebanon that might have been used to store weapons by the militant group Hezbollah, Lebanese security officials said.

It was not clear whether there were any casualties from the blasts, which set off a large fire, the officials said. Rescue crews responded to the scene.

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Hamas military spokesman: These last few attacks are just the beginning

2010-09-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

BLAST AT OIL PLATFORM IN GULF OF MEXICO

2010-09-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

There are conflicting reports of an oil slick appearing in the Gulf of Mexico following a fire on a second oil platform.

Fire Blazes On Gulf Of Mexico Oil Platform

There are conflicting reports of an oil slick appearing in the Gulf of Mexico following a fire on a second oil platform.

It was initially believed that a blast ripped through one of the wells on the Mariner Energy platform, west of the site where BP's Deepwater Horizon rig exploded in April.

But it has since been claimed that there was no explosion and the fire in fact broke out near staff living quarters on the upper deck.

The oil and gas facility, 80 miles south of Vermilion Bay along the central Louisiana coast, was engulfed in flames.

All 13 workers who were on board at the time are thought to have managed to don lifesaving gear and jumed into the water.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the men have now been recovered.

Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal told the media: "It is too early to know what sparked the fire."

He said the blaze was continuing but according to reports it would soon burn out.

The White House has said a government response was ready if needed.

Mr Gibbs said: "We obviously have response assets ready for deployment, should we receive reports of pollution in the water."

Sky News' US correspondent Greg Milam said: "You can imagine the shudder that a headline like that causes across America.

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Palestinians authorities: We've arrested 2 suspects in deadly West Bank shooting attack

2010-09-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

Palestinian Authority security forces detained two men on Thursday suspected of involvement in a deadly shooting attack in which four Israelis were killed on Tuesday.

The four victims were residents of the Beit Hagai settlement in the West Bank. They were traveling in a car on route 60 late Tuesday when assailants opened fire at them, killing all four.

Following the incident, Palestinian security forces in the West Bank carried out one of the largest arrest sweeps in history, bringing in over 300 suspects in efforts to locate the culprits.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/palestinians-authorities-we-ve-arrested-2-suspects-in-deadly-west-bank-shooting-attack-1.311811

New attack in the West Bank

2010-09-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

"2 Israelis wounded in second West Bank shooting attack in two days"

Two Israelis were wounded, one seriously, on Wednesday night in a shooting attack in the West Bank, one day after a similar attack left four Israeli civilians dead.

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Discovery Channel headquarters in Silver Spring evacuated; gunman inside

2010-09-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

UPDATE 2:25 All workers in building were evacuated. Many told to go home though they left personal items in the building.

UPDATE 2:21: Police are saying there is at least one hostage.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m. Angela Gates, a Metro spokeswoman, said the SIlver Spring Metro station remains open, though the south entrance is closed. Buses that service the Silver Spring Transit Center are being detoured around closed streets, she said. Colesville Road is blocked off.

UPDATE: 2:02 p.m.: The Discovery Channel day care has been evacuated to the nearby McDonald's. The day care had about 100 kids. They are reported to be safe.

UPDATE: 1:50 p.m.: According to Cpl. Dan Friz, a Montgomery County police spokesman, a tactical team is trying to get in touch with the gunman, who is being monitored on closed circuit TV.

The "tactical team has put together a plan for dealing with this individual," Friz told ABC 7 News.

Friz was unable to confirm reports that multiple shots have been fired, but he said no shots had been fired by police as of 1:40 p.m.

Police were initially dispatched to the building for the report of shots fired at about 1 p.m. Police are reporting the suspect is an Asian male.

"Some sort of device on him that may be explosive in nature..." Friz said.

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North Korea punished by US over sinking of warship

2010-08-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama today froze the US assets of three North Korean organisations and one individual, a US official said, in part to punish Pyongyang for the sinking of a South Korean warship in March with the loss of 46 lives. Obama signed an order to widen the scope of US sanctions to allow Washington to go after the assets of North Korean organisations that trade in conventional arms and luxury products, and that counterfeit US currency. North Korea last week released US citizen Aijalon Gomes, who had been sentenced to eight years' hard labour for entering the country illegally.

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Israeli Arab MK Zuabi: IDF boarded Gaza flotilla ships with intent to kill

2010-08-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Israeli Arab MK Hanin Zuabi testified before a United Nations panel probing Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May, telling the panel that commandos who boarded the ships intended to kill, Army Radio reported on Tuesday.

"The naval commandos arrived at the Mavi Marmara with the intent to kill," Zuabi was quoted as telling the UN panel.

She also reportedly told the panel that the large number of soldiers and the use of sophisticated weaponry points to the fact that Israeli soldiers meant to kill activists aboard the ship.

Report: Hezbollah, Syria to join forces in future clash with Israel

2010-08-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Kuwait's al-Rai daily says Lebanon-based group, Syrian army have created a joint military command, dividing potential war fronts.

The Lebanon-based Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah and the Syrian army have initiated a significant military cooperation in joint preparation for the possibility of a future armed conflict with Israel, the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai reported on Monday.

The report came as Syrian president Bashar Assad urged Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri earlier Monday to support Hezbollah and maintain calm in the divided country.

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Turkey bombs PKK hideouts in Iraq

2010-08-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Turkish Air Force has attacked northern Iraq, bombarding the positions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) including their main mountainous hideout.

On Thursday and Friday, Turkish warplanes pounded Mount Qandil, from which the militants launch their operations against Turkey, as well as the Hakurk area, the military said in a statement, the Associated Press reported.

The statement did not mention the casualties.

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AMERICANS BELIEVED INVOLVED IN PAKISTAN AIR CRASH, HIJACKING

2010-08-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

August 29, 2010 Islamabad, Pakistan (Veterans Today exclusive)Veterans Today has learnt from reliable sources and the media reports that the Government of Pakistan is developing “hard evidence” indicating the Jet Blue Airbus 320 that crashed July 28th outside Islamabad was a terrorist hijacking tied to rogue American security forces operating inside that country.

Sources indicate that the plane crash was an unsuccessful hijacking attempt intended to crash into the nuclear weapons facility at Kahuta, outside Islamabad. Such an attack may have been blamed on India and would likely have led to retaliation which could easily have escalated to a nuclear exchange between these two nations that have spent decades at each other’s throats.
Suspicions were raised inside Pakistan’s military and intelligence organizations when American military contractors employed by Blackwater/Xe showed up on the scene immediately after the crash, seizing the black box and “other materials.” There is no confirmation that parachutes or electronic equipment had been removed when Blackwater/Xe security relinquished control of the crash scene to Pakistani investigators.

Royal Television in Islamabad, owned by the brother of the head of Pakistan’s powerful JI (Jamate Islami), the Islamic political party, has reported that investigations are underway tying American based contractors to the planning of the attack.

Pakistan’s ISRP (Inter-Services Public Relations) has failed to confirm this but private sources indicate that an active investigation of these allegations is, not only underway but has established ties between an American group and the hijackers.

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New Report Suggests That Barack Obama Is A CIA Creation

2010-08-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

A new report suggests that Barack Obama is an entirely manufactured entity manufactured by the CIA, from the time of his parents and grandparents.

China to hold war games in Yellow Sea

2010-08-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

China has said that its navy is preparing to hold a military exercise in the Yellow Sea next week, condemning recent and planned US-South Korean joint drills.

A naval fleet will stage the drill this week from Wednesday to Saturday in the sea between China and the Korean peninsula, the official Xinhua news agency quoted the Chinese military as saying on Sunday.

"This is an annual routine training exercise, mainly involving the firing of shipboard artillery," it added.

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'Iran offers military aid to Lebanon'

2010-08-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has expressed the Islamic Republic's readiness to supply Lebanon with military equipment.

“Lebanon and its army are our friends and the country needs military equipment to defend its borders against Israel,” General Vahidi told Press TV on Sunday on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the production line of Iran's longest range artillery shells, known as Base bleed projectiles.

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U.S. Considers Possibility of Engaging North Korea

2010-08-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON — The last time a former American president traveled to North Korea on a rescue mission — Bill Clinton, a year ago — he was feted by its leader, Kim Jong-il, who seized on the visit to reach out to the Obama administration. This week, Mr. Kim chose to go to China during a visit by former President Jimmy Carter to free another jailed American.

Whatever the motivation for Mr. Kim’s snub, analysts said it underscored the deep freeze between North Korea and the United States. The State Department greeted the news on Friday that Mr. Carter had secured the release of Aijalon Mahli Gomes by warning other Americans not to go to North Korea, saying they risked “heavy fines and long prison sentences with hard labor.”

Even as it keeps up its tough tone, however, the United States has begun weighing a fresh effort at engagement with Mr. Kim’s government, officials and analysts briefed on the deliberations say.

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Iran to make long-range artillery ammo

2010-08-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said the new 130 millimeter advanced artillery shells will be the longest range artillery shells in arsenals of the Islamic Republic's army, Press TV reported on Sunday.

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Israeli Official Warns: ‘We’re Preparing for War’

2010-08-28T17:57:00.001-07:00

Shouldnt the Peace talks be the 1st Israeli Concern? Why talking of war during the peace process?

Likud member of Israel's Knesset, Danny Danon, appeared on Aaron Klein's WABC radio program Sunday Afternoon. "We are prepared for all risks," Danon said. "And I think our enemies should know that even though we are speaking of peace, we are getting ready for a time of war, as well."

Shas spiritual leader: Abbas and Palestinians should perish from this world

2010-08-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Army Radio reports Rabbi Ovadia Yosef denounces Palestinians as bitter enemies of Israel ahead of upcoming direct peace talks.

Shas spiritual leader Rabbi OvadiaYosef denounced upcoming peace talks with the Palestinians, which are set to start September 2 in Washington, and called for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to "perish from this world," Army Radio reported overnight Saturday.

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Boats Break Israeli Blockade (2008)

2010-08-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

Two vessels carrying 46 international human rights activists have reached the Gaza Strip, despite Israel's strict 14-month siege of the Palestinian territory.

The end of the mission to symbolically break the siege came after Israel backed down from an earlier warning to the 'Free Gaza' protest group not to breach the blockade.

Al Jazeera's Ashraf Amritti in Gaza said: "The arrival of these two boats is a very symbolic gesture for the Palestinian cause, to end the siege, end the occupation.

In fact, those phrases are written across the peace boats which carry flags from more than 70 nationalities."

The boats set sail on Friday on a 370km voyage from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus carrying activists from 17 countries, including Israel, with the aim of drawing attention to Israel's blockade of Gaza and its affect on the people there.

The boats sailed through choppy waters into Gaza City's main port on Saturday, where they were greeted by thousands of people waving Palestinian flags, many of them sailing around the harbour in boats.

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Well it happened in 2008, it may happen again and end the Israeli illegal occupation once and for all

'Obama will get Israel nuked' say protesters at Glenn Beck rally

2010-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Tens of thousands rally in Washington at 'Restoring Honor' event organized by Fox personality; Protester: Obama wants to see Israel annihilated.

Tens of thousands of conservative activists rallied Saturday in the U.S. capital of Washington D.C. on the anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous I Have a Dream speech.

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Israel planning to attack Hezbollah arms depots in Syria

2010-08-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

The Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai reports that Israel is preparing to strike Hezbollah targets within Syria, including long-range rocket depots; Syrian military is reportedly on high alert.

srael is planning to attack Hezbollah arms depots and weapons manufacturing plants in Syria, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai reported on Saturday.

The report is based on Western sources who asserted that Israel has increased its military force level along the northern border in the Golan Heights and Mount Dov areas.

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Fidel Castro: bin Laden is a CIA agent

2010-08-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

HAVANA, Cuba — Fidel Castro says al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is a bought-and-paid-for CIA agent who always popped up when former President George W Bush needed to scare the world, arguing that documents recently posted on the Internet prove it.

"Any time Bush would stir up fear and make a big speech, bin Laden would appear threatening people with a story about what he was going to do," Castro told state media during a meeting with a Lithuanian-born writer known for advancing conspiracy theories about world domination. "Bush never lacked for bin Laden's support. He was a subordinate."

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Danielle becomes category 4 storm

2010-08-27T08:45:00.001-07:00

~In the US, Hurricane Danielle has gather strength to become a category four storm as it sweeps across the North Atlantic Ocean heading towards Bermuda.

The US National Hurricane Center said on Friday that a category-four Danielle could very well bring dangerous rip currents to the country's East Cost.

Danielle's maximum sustained winds increased to near 215 km/h (135 mph) early in the day with some additional strengthening possible.

The hurricane center's forecast map indicates that it will begin to lose steam over the weekend.

"A gradual turn toward the north-northwest is expected by tonight followed by a turn toward the north on Saturday," the forecast said, CNN reported.

"On the forecast track ... the center of Danielle is expected to pass well east of Bermuda Saturday night."

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U.N. report accuses Rwanda of killings in Congo

2010-08-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Goma, Democratic Republic Of The Congo (CNN) -- A leaked draft report commissioned by the United Nations says that the Rwandan military and an allied rebel group may have committed acts of genocide against ethnic Hutus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The report states that it is not making a definitive conclusion on whether genocide was committed, and that a competent judiciary would have to try the cases.

The report, commissioned by the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, says that "tens of thousands" of Hutu civilians were slaughtered with knives, bludgeoned with hammers and burned alive as the Rwandan army and the Allied Democratic Liberation Forces, swept across the Congo -- then Zaire -- leading to the toppling of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

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'France to sell HOT missiles to LAF'

2010-08-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Report: Israel, US trying to prevent arms sale to Lebanese Army.

Israel and the US are attempting to prevent a French-Lebanese arms deal that could lead to increased Israeli casualties in any future confrontation, Channel 10 cited from a Friday report by Arabic daily Asharq al-Awsat.

According to the report, French Defense Minister Herve Moran sent a letter to his Lebanese counterpart Elias Murr offering to sell Lebanon 100 HOT anti-tank missiles to be armed on the Gazelle helicopters already in use by Lebanese Armed Forces.

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'Israel ready to destroy Lebanese Army in four hours'

2010-08-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Report: Lebanese paper claims US envoy told LAF chief that if border incident occurred again IDF would enact plan to destroy Lebanese military within four hours.

The US warned Lebanon that if it did not prevent any recurrence of the border-fire incident that occurred earlier this month, the IDF would destroy the Lebanese Armed Forces within four hours, Israel Radio cited a report by Lebanese newspaper A-Liwaa on Friday.

According to the report, Frederick Hoff, assistant to US Middle East Peace Envoy George Mitchell, told Lebanese Army chief of staff Jean Kahwaji that Israel was ready to implement a plan to destroy within four hours all Lebanese military infrastructure, including army bases and offices, should a similar confrontation occur in the future.

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Israel working to thwart Russia arms deal with Syria

2010-08-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Netanyahu asks Putin to stop deal involving sale of advanced P-800 Yakhont supersonic cruise missiles; Israel considers this weaponry dangerous to its navy vessels in Mediterranean Sea.

Israel is trying to prevent an arms deal between Russia and Syria, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to stop the arms sale involving advanced anti-shipping missiles.

The deal involves the sale of advanced P-800 Yakhont supersonic cruise missiles to the Syrian military. Israel considers this weaponry capable of posing significant danger to its navy vessels in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Ex-nuclear official: Iran has material for 1 to 2 atom bombs

2010-08-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Olli Heinonen, one of the IAEA's leading experts on Iran, says 'this constitutes a threat'.

Iran has stockpiled enough low-enriched uranium for one to two nuclear weapons, but it would not make sense for it to cross the bomb-making threshold with only this amount, a former top United Nations nuclear official was quoted as saying.

In unusual public remarks about Iran's disputed nuclear program, Olli Heinonen, the former chief of UN nuclear inspections worldwide, told the French Le Monde newspaper that Iran's uranium reserve still represented a "threat."

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New Spill: WikiLeaks to release 'CIA paper' as Julian Assange under investigation

2010-08-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Sarkozy warns world powers will mobilize against Iran if nuclear talks fail

2010-08-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sarkozy warns world powers will mobilize against Iran if nuclear talks fail
Israel and Iran's Gulf Arab neighbors are concerned about its increasing clout in the region and the prospect of it acquiring nuclear weapons.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy told Iran on Wednesday that failure to reach a credible agreement over its nuclear program would force world powers to mobilize to protect threatened states in the region.

In an annual address to France's ambassadors, Sarkozy laid out his foreign policy objectives as the country prepares to take over the chair next year of the Group of 20 powers and the narrower club of rich countries known as the G8.

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TORNADO OF FIRE IN BRAZIL

2010-08-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

Iran prepared to arm Lebanon 'if it seeks military assistance'

2010-08-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah vowed on Tuesday that his Iranian-backed group could help secure aid for Lebanon's poorly equipped army.

Iran is prepared to sell weapons to Lebanon if Beirut asks for help in equipping its military, the Islamic Republic's defense minister said Wednesday.

Gen. Ahmad Vahidi's comments come one day after the leader of Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah group, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, called on the Lebanese government to formally seek military assistance from Iran.

"Lebanon is our friend," Vahidi was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. "If there is a demand in this respect, we are ready to help that country and conduct weapons transactions with it."

In a televised speech on Tuesday, Nasrallah vowed that his Iranian-backed group could help secure the aid for Lebanon's poorly equipped army.

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The 100-Name Facebook Hit List Terrifying a Colombian Town

2010-08-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

On August 17, a list of the names of 69 young men in Puerto Asis, Colombia was published on Facebook. Leave town in three days, the list warned, or you will be executed. Now, three of the men are dead.

Are you a movie producer? You might want to get your phone out, because have I got a story for you. The southwestern Colombia town of Puerto Asis has been thrown into a panic after the deaths of three teenage boys whose names appeared on a two-part hit list published on Facebook last week, and parents are sending their children out of town because their names show up on the list as well.

On August 15, 16-year-old student Diego Ferney Jaramillo and 17-year-old "CD retailer" Eibart Alejandro Ruiz Munoz were killed while riding their motorcycle to another town. Two days later, on August 17, the first "hit list" was published, with the names of both Munoz and Jaramilo as well as 67 other local young men, warning them to leave town in three days or face execution.

The police, thinking it was a hoax, ignored it; days after that, another list was published—this one with 31 girls' names, bringing the grand total to 100. On August 20, 19-year-old Norbey Alexander Vargas was killed, and 16-year-old Juan Pablo Zambrano Anacona was injured by Vargas' killers. Both teens' names were on the list.

Police apparently don't know who put the list together, though a gang called Los Rastrojos is active in the area, as well as longtime Colombian Marxist rebel group FARC. CNN says that the list is now "blocked," though it's unclear what it was, exactly—a note? An event? A page? Were the kids tagged in it? Or invited to it? Is that not, like, terrifying? Your Murderer tagged you in a note: Hit List 2010. Your Murderer likes your check-in at Abandoned Mental Hospital. The Coroner's Office tagged you in a photo.

Either way, the story reads like a schlocky internet horror movie, except that in the movies it would be because the 100 kids had all, I don't know, murdered a fat girl, or something, and the girl came back to life and had her revenge, and only one of the 100 survived (played by Blake Lively). Instead of this tragic and unsettling real-life story of three dead kids and a panicked town.

CNN

Limited LIRR Service Restored; No Connections At Jamaica

2010-08-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Long Island Rail Road has resumed "limited" service for the evening rush, but major delays are still expected as no connections are being offered at Jamaica.

At a news conference this afternoon, LIRR President Helena Williams said that the railroad will be running 60 percent of its 120 trains that typically run during rush hour, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., out of Penn Station.

The service changes are resulting from a cable fire just before 11 a.m. today in a switching tower just east of Jamaica and are an upgrade from earlier today when service was suspended in both directions on all lines except for the Port Washington line.

The limited service is now being offered from Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal through Jamaica. No connecting service will be available at Jamaica.

Trains will be making all local stops.

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Iran unveils home-built combat drone

2010-08-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

Iran unveils its first domestically-manufactured long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in a ceremony marking Defense Industry Day in the country.

The unveiling of the home-made drone, named Karrar took place in the presence of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and a number of defense officials.

The Karrar UAV is capable of carrying a military payload of rockets to carry out bombing missions against ground targets. It is also capable of flying long distances at a very high speed.

Iran's defense industries have demonstrated spectacular progress in the recent year, launching numerous domestically-built armaments, including aerial and sea-borne military vehicles such as submarines, combat frigates, and various types of missiles.

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Israel: World powers must pressure Iran to stop nuclear activity

2010-08-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

U.S. says Bushehr nuclear power plant bears no 'proliferation risk'; Iranian officials say it would take up to 3 months before plant starts producing electricity.

Israel urged world powers to strengthen the pressure against Iran on Saturday after it began fueling its first nuclear power plant with the help of Russia.

Israel urged world powers to strengthen the pressure against Iran on Saturday after it began fueling its first nuclear power plant with the help of Russia.
Avigdor Lieberman, April 29, 2010

Avigdor Lieberman, April 29, 2010
Photo by: AP

"World powers must strengthen pressure against Iran to comply with international decisions, stop its activities in uranium enrichment and heavy water plants, and respond to the criticism against it," a statement issued by the foreign ministry read.

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Iran's first nuclear plant begins fueling

2010-08-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Iran began fueling its first nuclear energy plant in the southern city of Bushehr on Saturday, the nation's state media reported.

The effort will help the country create nuclear-generated electricity, Press TV said.

The transfer of nuclear fuel was being watched by the International Atomic Energy Agency and senior officials from Iran and Russia, Press TV said.

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Israel: We Will Stop Iran Nukes

2010-08-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Keep dreaming...

North Korea promises nuclear response to US-South Korea joint naval exercises

2010-07-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

North Korea has a message for its neighbor to the south: Hold friendly naval drills with the U.S., and you can expect a nuclear response.

The communist country said on Saturday that the drills between the U.S. and South Korea would prompt a "retaliatory sacred war," and that they'd respond with "powerful nuclear deterrence."

In the past, North Korea has threatened war when the two countries have held joint military drills. But the newest warning comes as Asian leaders met in Vietnam this past week for a regional security forum.

The meeting focused largely on North Korea's alleged sinking of a South Korean warship, the Cheonan, in March. The incident, which killed 46 sailors, has been an increasing source of tension between the two Koreas.

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Japan supports Tehran declaration

2010-07-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

"Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada has renewed his country's support for the Tehran nuclear declaration as a solution to Iran's nuclear issue.

"Japan wants the Tehran nuclear declaration implemented and this has also been stressed in the past," Okada said in a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in Kabul on Tuesday.

The two top diplomats were among senior representatives from over 40 countries who were attending a high-level conference in the Afghan capital.

Okada also called for further cooperation between Iran and Japan in their efforts to support Afghanistan."

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Work on both relief wells halted; BP worried tests “could cause the back side of the relief well to be blown out”

2010-07-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Drilling of both relief wells has been suspended

Meanwhile, work on two relief wells — seen as the ultimate solution to the oil disaster — was suspended.

Wells said work on the first relief well, expected to be completed in August, was delayed while officials prepare for the integrity test out of an abundance of caution. It is possible, though unlikely, that shutting in the well as part of the integrity test could cause the back side of the relief well to be blown out, Wells said.

“It’s a good precaution to take at this time,” he said. However, the delay will set the relief well progress back by one to two days.

Operations on the second relief well were temporarily suspended at a depth of 15,963 feet to ensure there is no interference with the first relief well, BP has said.

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Breaking News developing: FIDEL CASTRO WARNS NUCLEAR ATTACK ON IRAN "IMMINENT"

2010-07-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

Fidel Castro is on the air in Cuban TV. He is No 1

Trending topic on twitter and he is warning that the US and Israel are going to attack Iran with some kind of nuclear weapons very soon.

ultimoscambios RT @cubadebate: Fidel Castro en la TV cubana: “coincido plenamente con el riesgo inminente de una guerra” #Cuba #EEUU #Israel #Irán

This is from USA Today

Fidel Castro 'relaxed, cogent' in rare TV interview

In his most prominent interview in years, 83-year-old Fidel Castro is "speaking slowly" but "appears relaxed and cogent," the Associated Press is reporting.

Castro, the communist revolutionary who ruled Cuba for nearly 50 years, has been out of the spotlight since he handed power to his brother Raul after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in 2006. His appearance on the Round Table is being broadcast live on Cuban TV and radio.

Castro will bee talking about his theory that the world is on the verge of nuclear war, thanks to the conflict between the United States and Iran, Reuters says.

"The empire" — Castro's euphemism for the United States — "is at the point of committing a terrible error that nobody can stop. It advances inexorably toward a sinister fate," he wrote in his July 5 column for Granma, the Communist Party newspaper. Read it in English or Spanish.

Spain, Champion of the World for the First time

2010-07-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Your request is being processed... Uganda Bomb Attacks Kill World Cup Fans: Al Shabab Suspected In Kampala Explosions

2010-07-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

"KAMPALA, Uganda — Bombs exploded at two sites in Uganda's capital late Sunday as people watched the World Cup final on TV, killing at least 30 people. Foreigners, including Europeans and possibly Americans, were believed to be among the casualties.

Police Chief Kale Kaihura said he believed that Somalia's most feared militia – al-Shabab, which has pledged loyalty to al-Qaida – could be behind the attacks."

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Hezbollah warns Israel: We have list of IDF targets for future war

2010-07-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

"Militant group responds to Israeli release of maps and aerial photographs of what it described as a network of Hezbollah weapons depots and command centers in south Lebanon."

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HEZBOLLAH ON HIGH ALERT!

2010-07-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

"Report: Hezbollah on high alert over concern Israel 'preparing something for us'"

Israel offered evidence of what it says is a growing threat from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon; Hezbollah says wants to avoid confrontation, Asharq al-Awsat reports.

Hezbollah warned on Saturday that Israel was preparing "something" in Lebanon and that the organization has been on high alert since Israel released aerial images to highlight the militant group's activities close to the Israeli border earlier this week, the London-based Arabic language daily Asharq al-Awsat reported.

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Chinese Army Remix

2010-07-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

U.S.A TRAINING TERRORISTS TO ATTACK IRAN!

2010-07-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

The US military forces in Iraq are training 150 members of a terrorist organization at a military base in the war-ravaged country, informed sources say.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Press TV that the select group of terrorists, all longtime members of the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO), has been moved from their base in Camp Ashraf near Baghdad to a US base in central Iraq.

The trainings are taking place at Camp Taji, a military installation used by the coalition forces. The base is located near the central town of Ramadi, capital of Anbar province.

The US plans to dispatch the trained MKO members as secret agents across the border and into Iran, with plans to carry out terror acts, according to the sources.

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THE MEN BEHIND OBAMA!

2010-07-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

"Especially in politics it is of the utmost importance to try to look behind the facade: who makes up the team of the presidential candidate? The future president of the United States of America is for a large part dependent on and being fed by his team of advisors and future cabinet members. Webster Tarpley wrote a book on the men and women behind presidential hopeful Barack Obama. He argues that there is more to Obama than his charismatic appearance and that some of his advisors pose a danger to the US and the world in case Obama might be elected to become the next US president. Whether Tarpleys view is correct for now is a matter of opinion and remains to be seen, but for the public debate it is relevant to take note of his facts and arguments. Therefor DeepJournal interviewed Webster Tarpley on the topic of his recently published book Obama, The Postmodern Coup,The Making of a Manchurian Candidate."

PART2:

Shooting verdict provokes protests in US

2010-07-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

"Hundreds of protesters have taken to streets in the US city of Oakland to oppose a court ruling on a white police officer's killing of an unarmed African-American.

The protest turned violent on Thursday night, with the demonstrators throwing rocks and bottles at police. At least 50 people have been arrested for fighting with the police.

Former Bay Area Rapid Transit officer Johannes Mehserle was found guilty of "involuntary manslaughter" of Oscar J. Grant III, on New Year's Day of 2009."

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Iran warns of retaliation if fuel banned

2010-07-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

"Amid reports about a fuel ban on Iranian passenger planes, Iran has moved to protect the country's national interests by passing a law to retaliate against such punitive measures."

"Speaking to ISNA on Wednesday, member of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh criticized the unilateral punitive measures which came beyond the recently-imposed UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions on Iran, saying that such measures were seeking to target the Iranian nation. "

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ALERT:Hezbollah readying for urban war in southern Lebanon, IDF warns

2010-07-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Deployment of UN forces has pushed militants into built-up areas where international troops have no authority, army says.

Israel's military on Wednesday offered evidence of what it says is a growing threat from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, using aerial images to highlight the militants group's activities in towns and villages close to the Israeli border.

"Hezbollah is establishing itself with increasing strength in the villages," Marley said. "Every day they are collecting significant intelligence on our forces along the border and every day they are engaged in digging, building and laying communications infrastructure to prepare themselves for war."

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BP CALAMITY SPILL!

2010-07-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Yes people the end is coming soon...

2010-07-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

fasten your seatbelts we are going for a long ride....

Lieberman: US Prepared to Strike Iran to Stop Nuclear Weapons"
Wednesday, 07 Jul 2010 12:37 PM
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The United States may be forced to launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities if diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic fail, Sen. Joseph Lieberman said Wednesday after a meeting with Israeli officials in Jerusalem.

Appearing at a news conference with Sens. Lindsey Graham and John McCain, Lieberman was unusually harsh in his assessment of the Iranian threat. There is a broad consensus in Congress that military force can be used if necessary to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, he said."

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