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Home » Politics » Israel vs. Iran: What Should President Obama Do?

Israel vs. Iran: What Should President Obama Do?

I listened to president Obama’s tough guy act AIPAC speech yesterday, and I must say, the brotha didn’t disappoint. Well, maybe disappoint is an inappropriate choice of word. The fact is: president Obama’s speech was what we all — including Republicans — pretty much expected. OK, lemme rephrase that: Republicans expected him to be a punk and go soft on the idea of going to war with Iran, whereas, lefties like myself expected a heavy dose of pandering with an extra helping of pragmatism on the side. Yes he spoke tough; and yes he let it be known that he “has Israel’s back.”

But much to the angst of my Republican warhawk friends, he pretty much pushed back on the notion that now is the time to , “Bomb! Bomb! Bomb! Bomb! Bomb,bomb, Iran!” According to the president, there really isn’t any evidence that Iran is capable of producing a nuclear weapon. However, just in case they might want to entertain the idea of doing so. For now, the best course of action is to allow current economic sanctions to squeeze them into submission. You know, much in the same way a starving North Korea announced dropping their nuclear program in exchange for the US sending them food last week? Yes, president Obama is of the belief that it will only be a matter of time before his sanctions will have an effect. Check out president Obama’s AIPAC speech below:

So how does this all play out for the Israeli’s? Well, according to The Jerusalem Post:

Israeli reactions to US President Barack Obama’s speech at the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington on Sunday were divided along party lines.

Deputy Negev and Galilee Development Minister Ayoub Kara (Likud) criticized Obama for saying that too much bluster played into Iranian hands and suggesting that it led to higher gas prices.

“There is a saying that it’s easier to watch a fire from far away,” Kara said. “We are facing an existential threat, not the US. If Israel doesn’t bluster, the US will also be in danger, because Iran’s missiles will reach them too. Israel is doing everything possible to keep the world safe, and it’s unfortunate that the White House doesn’t see things the way we see them here.”

MK Danny Danon (Likud) mocked Obama’s promises to protect Israel’s security.

He said history had proven that Israel can rely only on itself.

“Looking back at the way the United States criticized Israel for destroying the nuclear reactor in Iraq, Israel must make its decisions based on its own good judgment,” Danon said.

Labor leader Shelly Yacimovich called Obama’s speech unquestionably pro-Israel.

In a speech in Herzliya, she wished Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu well in his meeting with the president.

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni blamed tension between Netanyahu and Obama on the prime minister. She predicted that there would be a large gap between Obama’s praise for Israel in his speech and what he would say to Netanyahu behind closed doors.

“Relations between Israel and the US have become political during Netanyahu’s term,” she said. “Netanyahu made Israel an issue in the American election and it’s a mistake. Netanyahu must understand that relations with the US are an essential need.

Our deterrence depends on it. He will be tested on whether he is able to draft the US into our interests or whether he will continue just manipulating internal American politics.”

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that judging from the above piece, politics in Israel sounds very much like here in the US.

So, how do you see it? What exactly is the best approach in handling the situation with the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons? I’d really love to hear from you on this because from where I’m sitting, this isn’t as deep as Israel being blown off the map by Iran. I say this because lost in all the talk is the history of US relations with Iran. Sure we’re all aware of the longstanding love affair between Israel and the United States. But is Israel’s security really and truly in the interest of the United States? Moreover, how many Israelis have died alongside US military personnel in the US’s decades long war on terror in either Afghanistan, or Iraq? I’m not sure of the answers to these questions, so maybe you can help me out.

Awesome breakdown from The Real News Network below:

More at The Real News
Better yet, do me a favor and watch the following video about the history of US relations with Iran before you answer. In yesterday’s speech, president Obama in referencing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict said that, “Zionism isn’t racism.” Well, he’s right about that; however, the continued oppression of Palestinians by the Israelis being a form of apartheid is quite undeniable, in my opinion. But even so, I can’t help but to think that Israel’s beef with Iran goes beyond their security being compromised by Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. Could it be that maybe, just maybe, Israel is a bit more concerned about the possibility of retaliation for its sins against the Palestinian people, and the stealing of their land?

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Published on: March 5, 2012

Filled Under: Politics

Views: 131

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  • http://heavyarmor.wordpress.com Heavy Armor

    The question:  What exactly is the best approach in handling the situation with the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons?

    The answer – If you are the United States, the answer is the same on Dark Helmet gives Lone Star:  Absolutely Nothing.  The United States, nor Israel, has any right to tell any sovereign nation that they cannot develop nuclear technology, weapons-related or not.  The United States has been pointing the sabers at Iran since the 1980s.  Reagan’s admin sold weapons to Iran during the war with Iraq (while selling weapons to Iraq during the same period).  Bush declared them one of the Axis of Evil (based on nothing, BTW).  Mouthpieces in the US and Israel have been clamoring for an occupation of Iran (because they have oil) for decades. 

    This is nothing more than the usual ramp-up to another war (crime).  Even after seeing the same thing 10 years ago, we’re going to get another one in some fashion.  But the difference now is that there is no Texas Cowboy and Snarl-Faced Sith Lord to blame this on.  So any calls to protest won’t be met with 10,000,000 people taking to the streets, like there was with Iraq.

    • http://rippdemup.com/ RiPPa

      I think it’s written in the Bible: thou shall not have nuclear weapons of thou produceth oil. Hence the current beef with Iran by Israel.

    • http://lets-be-clear.blogspot.com/ Deb

      Totally co-sign Heavy Armor.  AND, as you say, “Absolutely Nothing. The United States, nor Israel, has any right to tell any sovereign nation that they cannot develop nuclear technology, weapons-related or not.” – particularly, since not one of the usual Western suspects said a damned thing about Israel’s own nuclear weapons, already up and runnin’ at Dimona!

  • http://theurbanpolitico.com/ Shady Grady

    Ideally, Obama could say “Hey remember about a year ago I asked you all to stop building settlements and you told me to go f*** myself?? Oh you forgot huh? I didn’t.”

    That aside it’s important to keep in mind that all of the available intelligence suggests that Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapons program. Israel wants to (well more accurately wants the US to) attack anyway.

    • HoomphaLaBeeBee

      All availible intelligence? You might want to get out more. Seriously.  When was the last time someone built underground bunkers and developed missiles capable of carying warhead along with testing nuclear explosive devices in N Korea to develop medical technology.

      • http://theurbanpolitico.com/ Shady Grady

        If you happen to have intelligence or information which contradicts the below please please please call the UN, the CIA,the Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security,the IAEA and other relevant agencies. I am sure they will be very interested in what you have to say since apparently you have access to information which they don’t.

        http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/25/world/middleeast/us-agencies-see-no-move-by-iran-to-build-a-bomb.html?_r=4

        • HoomphaLeBeeBee

          Shady the link is here. I guess the key word was “intelligence”  We all know to the Obama Administration terrorists killing soldiers shouting Allu Akhbar were just workplace accidents.  As for the times? Please…. that rag sold for 1 buck and is a Member of the Obama press” corpse” :) Time will tell who was so easily manipulated.

          • http://theurbanpolitico.com/ Shady Grady

            Yes time will tell. Do let us know when you find those Iraqi WMD that people said existed. And while you’re at it please show us the cold fusion, perpetual motion machines, or Loch Ness Monster for which I am sure you also have evidence.

  • Getsomeeducationplease

    You do realize that North Korea HAS 8-10 Nuclear bombs and the methods to deliver them. Additionall that Iran has already tested it’s bomb in north Korea. 

    http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4198453,00.html

     I mean, surely you aren’t living in liberal fairyland and thinking that a country would build underground bunkers, develop intercontinental missiles for delivery of warheads just for ahem…medical technology right and still need proof they either have or are very close to having one.  

    You lost me at sins of Israel and stealing of Palestinian land.   You are a walking talking point. Look up history and find out precisely when the name “palestine” was created and the history and how Arabs are treated in Israel versus how anyone non islamic is treated in every Islamic populace in the world. You be needing a world of education , you sound like a man who gets all his education from Rachel Maddow, even then getting confused and mixing so many things you are completely lost and overwhelmed.   

    • http://rippdemup.com/ RiPPa

      Oh, so those weapons of mass destruction we’ve been looking for in Iraq have been hidden in Iran all this time? Oh, and lemme guess: there are no illegal Israeli settlements being put up on Pelstinian lands as we speak today, right?

      Methinks you should educate yourself:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxzaa4GZwz8

      • RipperIsAsSimpleMindedAsMaddow

        I understand this might be difficult but please try and keep up. Iran and Iraq are 2 different countries. “Pelstinian? Lands? Ummmm….. Sir Obamabot – Jerusalem is the capital of Israel NOT Palestine. Now tell me why if those in Palestine are so oppressed do they continually demand retaliation by attacking Israel and will never accept peace rather specifically say they Want all Israelis dead? Why do they dismember women and children? Shoot rockets daily into Israel? All while Israel feeds them ?. Typical story, the agressors turn into the victims by useful idiots like you looking for a cause. In Palestine woman are treated like dogs, you must follow Sharia law. Jews are not allowed period. In Israel all accepted citizens are completely equal, but no terrorists need apply. Jews aren’t weak like americans where you can kill them and then blame your actions and culrue on racism. If the Jews wanted to oppress the Arab nomads who before 1948 Palestinians were the Jews and the Arabs were – well, just Arabs – Syrians, and Jordanians, they would simply stop providing them welfare. As with most people who are violent, criminal terrorists, they don’t know how to feed themselves and would starve without Israel’s tributes to ward off even more violence.

        • http://heavyarmor.wordpress.com Heavy Armor

          “Jews aren’t weak like americans where you can kill them and then blame your actions and culrue on racism.”

          If this is true, then why did Israel attack the USS Liberty in 1967 as an attempt to draw the US into it’s war with Egypt?

          Also, why then, does Israel need American foreign aid?  And American weapons, why these same Israelis use against the Palestinians?

          Also, tell me, sockpuppet, how many Israelis have been killed and injured in these “rocket attacks?”  Then, tell me how many Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s helicopter and jet attacks?

          Then, there is this:

          “As with most people who are violent, criminal terrorists, they don’t
          know how to feed themselves and would starve without Israel’s tributes
          to ward off even more violence.”

          If Israel is that tired of “feeding” the Palestinians, then why have they stopped EVERY SINGLE SHIPMENT of food and supplies to Gaza by outside countries?  Wouldn’t that save Israel money so that they would not have to “give tribute?”

          You really aren’t that good of troll, other than the fact that you are clearly a member of the 101st Fighting Keyboards.

          Also, you are sick and depraved.

          Have a nice day.

    • http://heavyarmor.wordpress.com Heavy Armor

      So, what exactly is the argument here?

      That Iran cannot have these facilities – if indeed they do?

      That Iran cannot develop nuclear technologies?

      That Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons?

      That the United States and Israel have the right, the duty, the obligation to tell another sovereign nation that they cannot develop nuclear technology?

      I’m curious as to which level of stupid you’re operating on.

      • GetSomeEducationPlease

        Yeah, yeah, stupid, stupid, stupid. That was original.   So what would you do? You are aware that they are an extreme radical state and specifically without a doubt fund terrorism, practice  7th century Islam. Advise all jews must be killed as infidels and call the USA the great satan.  So what will you do, allow the crazy guy down the block who already beats up all the little kids to get the gun he has promised to kill you with?   Sometimes you have to be an adult in life, recognize the atrocities man is capable of and make an adult decision to protect your people.   

        • http://heavyarmor.wordpress.com Heavy Armor

          Just as I thought.

          Nothing but hyperbole and ad hominem.

          “So what will you do, allow the crazy guy down the block who already
          beats up all the little kids to get the gun he has promised to kill you
          with?”

          You mean like when the US sold Saddam chemical weapons which he then used on the Iranians?

          “…call the USA the great satan. ”

          Gee, maybe if the US hadn’t sponsored the murderous, brutal Shah – and helped his regime overthrow the Iranian government TWICE, then got Saddam Hussein to invade Iran after the 1979 Iranian Revolution overthrew the Shah once and for all, and then continuously threatened Iran with either sanctions (a war crime) or direct (or proxy) military action, then the US wouldn’t be considered “The Great Satan.”

          See how this works?

          But, by all means, please continue.  You’re almost as amusing as the Paul-bearers.