Ritter Says U.S. Plans June Attack On Iran, 'Cooked' Iraqi Elections

[Lori Price CLG]

Scott Ritter Says U.S. Plans June Attack On Iran, 'Cooked' Jan. 30 Iraqi Election Results
http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/2295/

By Mark Jensen

United for Peace of Pierce County (WA)
February 19, 2005

Scott Ritter, appearing with journalist Dahr Jamail yesterday in Washington State, dropped two shocking bombshells in a talk delivered to a packed house in Olympia’s Capitol Theater. The ex-Marine turned UNSCOM weapons inspector said that George W. Bush has "signed off" on plans to bomb Iran in June 2005, and claimed the U.S. manipulated the results of the recent Jan. 30 elections in Iraq.

Olympians like to call the Capitol Theater "historic," but it's doubtful whether the eighty-year-old edifice has ever been the scene of more portentous revelations.

The principal theme of Scott Ritter's talk was Americans’ duty to protect the U.S. Constitution by taking action to bring an end to the illegal war in Iraq. But in passing, the former UNSCOM weapons inspector stunned his listeners with two pronouncements. Ritter said plans for a June attack on Iran have been submitted to President George W. Bush, and that the president has approved them. He also asserted that knowledgeable sources say U.S. officials "cooked" the results of the Jan. 30 elections in Iraq.

<snip>

Lori R. Price
Gen. Mgr., Citizens for Legitimate Government
http://www.legitgov.org/

Receive the (free) CLG Newsletter every day!
http://www.legitgov.org/#subscribe_clg

[lovuian]

1. Beam me up Scotty!!! I think your right on!!! Chalabi the winner???

ya got to be kidding!!!

[Lori Price CLG]

2. Yeah, that was a big bleeping *surprise*, wasn't it? LOL! n/t

[smoogatz]

4. Can't wait to see the Hersh article...

Amazing, ain't it? The trust the Neocons have in the will of the people--in the ability of the common man to freely and wisely select their leaders. So much for exporting democracy. If anyone actually took the Bushco bullshit seriously 'til now, that is.

[William Bloode]

21. I saw Hersh on the Daily Show......

A couple weeks back, and that what he was saying. He was on claiming that the * cabal had it planned for June for a conflict with Iran.

[hector459]

108. Remember, Ritter was right on Iraq and WMD. He has credibility

and Bush doesn't. I hope our Congress is paying attention to things they need to pay attention to:

1. "Gannongate" because it exposes the extent of the propaganda machine of this Bush regime and how they are able to brainwash and the American "sheeple." The pressure they put on Congress is what drives many in Congress to vote for this administration's policies although they may not really support them.

2. The need to pay attention to all the "experts" who told us before the Iraq invasion that there were no WMDs and that Iraq was not a threat to us.

3. The need to pay attention to all the "experts" who told us there were WMDs and that Iraq was a threat to us. They have NO credibilitiy.

We here at the DU and like-minded people across the nation need to be relentless in keeping the focus on what is really going on.

[Just Me]

146. The largest world-wide protests in human history took place,...

,...before the neoCONs waged the beginnings of PNAC agenda (invasion/occupation/control over Iraq). Ritter spoke up and was squashed.

Until our "representatives" and the rest of our people open their eyes, find their souls, expand their hearts, express their integrity and their courage to take a stand for our common values,...we simply have to maintain our steady/passionate/convicted path towards a genuine freedom and democracy and HOPE,...by spreading the truth!!!

The neoCONspirators' actions tell the truth about their objectives and their perception of humanity, including Americans, as a whole.

The neoCONspirators do NOT believe in Americans' capacity to wage an informed judgment about their destiny, as evidenced by the neoCONs intentional engagement in deceptive, manipulative bullshit to CON their own people into doing what they would not otherwise do. If one starts from that evidence and works out beyond Americans,...well,...obviously, the neoCONspirators behold themselves in a place WAY, WAY ABOVE the rest of human beings,...AND indulge in rhetoric about freedom and democracy which is empty, without any substance, whatsoever,...except to the extent such words of emotion can be utilized to betray the trust and loyalty of others.

:puke: The neoCONspirators and BushCo followers are proving themselves the absolute scum of the human bucket!!! :puke:

[detroitguy]

38. The Hersh article...

...Ritter describes would be amazing. I sure as heck he is right that the truth is coming out.

[arcane1]

78. just like Unocal Karzai in Afghanistan

big surprise there!!!

[barb162]

53. yeah, wasn't he supposed to be in jail for theft or something

they raided his apt. for something and damned if I can remember what it was

[mrdmk]

113. Gave U.S.A. secrets to people in Iran a.k.a. Spying.

Secrets he received from somebody in the White House. Lets see who that could be. Boy King liver lips maybe?

[Matilda]

3. I wouldn't doubt Scott Ritter for one minute.

After all, cooking election results is one thing Bushco do very well.

Neither would an attack on Iran surprise anyone - or Syria, come to
that. I wonder just who ordered the assassination of Rafiq al-
Hariri - it's hard to believe the Syrians would really be so stupid,
knowing that Bush would love an excuse to target them. My money
is on the US and/or Israel - they're the only countries that could
use the situation to their advantage.

[Jazzgirl]

18. Matilda, I'm with you.

Either the US or Israel or both. Thats the first thing I thought of when I heard about it. Really, with the US beating war drums for months, why would Syria be stupid enough to assasinate someone so powerful. Interesting thing is he had resigned a couple of months ago as Prime Minister but he still kept in contact with Syria. He and Syria disagreed but they respected each other. There was no political benefit or strategic either for Syria to do something like that. They would know what the reaction would've been if they had. Also, the US beat the drums accusing Syria immediately after the bombing. These guys are off the hook.

[Matilda]

63. But the corporate media have bought it, no questions asked.

And so have the sheeple.

[radfringe]

86. June seems a bit early

I don't doubt that Generalisimo "Yee-Haww" bush* is going to invade Iran and probably Syria at the same time -- it's a question of timing

if the bushies wanted to use this as a club for beating Dems over the head during the 2006 mid-term campaigns then June is too early -- too much could go wrong (and probably will) between June 2005 and November 2006

then again -- they could be afraid this Invasion would not sit well with public and they could take a beating during mid-terms -- so better to invade now and then club critics with accusations of being unpatriotic and "not supporting troops"

[trapper914]

94. June?

Why go after Iran at the beginning of the Middle Eastern summer?

[spinbaby]

99. Weather doesn't matter...

...when you're dropping bombs.

[jpak]

121. It's the beginning of the US summer driving season.

An attack on Iran will send oil prices above $60 a barrel.

Oil companies will reap obscene profits from American drivers.

...and recycle their ill-gotten gains back to the RNC just in time for the 2006 elections.

The evil genius of it all...

<sarcasm off>

High summer temps will complicate any Iranian retaliation against US forces in Iraq.

You can bet yo' bibby that thousands of Iranian mujahdeen will flood into Iraq after the air strikes.

Crossing the desert in 40+ degree C summer heat will be difficult.

[egoprofit]

136. is it you mr bush??

just kidding but i give you props for bein so damn smart!

[Ian David]

95. June isn't too soon, because

1) It's during summer re-runs. Perfect for a TV war where the 3 AM bombing-hour just happens to fall during Prime Time on the East Coast.

2) It's not too soon, because Bush does not intend to win. Bush is intentionally playing to lose. He believes he is The Antichrist and his mission is to trigger The War of Armageddon.

[renaissanceguy]

101. Will the public be stupid enough to buy into THIS war too?!

I know plenty of people out there who supported the Iraq war at the beginning, but now are disgusted by it.

But will they fall for it again?

http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues/479727

[radfringe]

147. they'll buy it -- if the product is in a new bright and shiny package

I don't think the booga-booga WMD lie alone will fly with the public -- although I expect it to be part of the "propaganda"

Invasion of Iran/Syria will be based on "nobler" reasons -- like defending Israel from an attack, or in the event of a terror attack on US soil - it's to defend our homeland from terrorist bad guys/evil doers

Going to war either to defend ourselves or to defend another country is a reason the public will swallow.

At the moment, bush* is trying to kiss and make up with Europe and telling them to "get over it" (refering to Iraq invasion). The only question (related to invasion of Iran/Syria) is -- will Europe (old or new) buy into it and form a new-improved coalition of the "willing"
(wonder if Poland will be forgotten?)

I don't doubt that a few countries will sign on to the Iran/Syria invasion -- however dispite the bush* rheortic about use of diplomacy - we aren't participating in the talks between Iran and Europe. This won't sit well with many countries when bush* asks them to send in troops/aid

[nascarblue]

175. I agree..

The minute it happened I knew it wasn't the Syrians. Since they got away with 9-11, that is their policy now whenever they want to start a new campaign of aggression. I think it makes much more sense that Israel, Saudi Arabian Secret Service, or the CIA/ISI had a hand in that assasination. Definitely.

Of course the only one's I saw that reported this were Al Jazeera.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

5. KICK

[FloridaPat]

6. I wonder why June. They usually wait until Oct because it's cooler.

Who exactly is going to invade Iran? They just to tell what's left of the troops in Iraq to march east and take Iran?

[Lori Price CLG]

8. I thought about that, too... not sure why June is the 'target' date. n/t

[arcane1]

79. summner is the best time to roll out a "new product"

:puke:

[LisaL]

9. Yep. June is the hottest. But seeing as how we got no people

to attack anyone, perhaps the attack will be just bombing the hell out of it.

[Blue to the bone]

45. That's what I was thinking.....

.....perhaps they're planning a massive bombing campaign.

Problem is, what happens after stirring up that hornet's nest? Won't the Iranians come pouring across the border to attack our troops in Iraq?

Oh, I forgot....one thing at a time at the White House.

[American liberal]

143. that and having God on their side *eom*

[Lone_Star_Dem]

11. They released a statement the other day saying Iran would have nuclear

weapons ready in 6 months. Or something to that effect. That would put it at July. I thought at the time they were setting us up for June attack.

edit:

Here's the link from DU LBN
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1241725
What it says is they will know how to build bombs in 6 mo.

[Lori Price CLG]

119. Good point regarding the nuke reactor completion tie-in! n/t

[peacebird]

132. my thought exactly - 6 months to bomb capability, 5 months to war

in order to "preempt" their capability

and yes the sheeple are stupid enough to buy it.

[Strelnikov_]

26. Timetable Is Being Driven By Fueling The Reactor At Bushehr

The entire timetable is being driven by the date of fueling the reactor at Bushehr.

http://www.reuters.com/printerFriendlyPopup.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7557363

Source: Russia, Iran May Sign Nuke Deal This Month

. . .were preparing to sign the accord . . . at the end of February.

The source said the first containers with fuel would be supplied about two months after signing.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iran-strikes.htm

Target Iran - Air Strikes

As some of the facilities are still under construction and not yet active the United States may have a window of opportunity that would allow it to destroy those locations without causing the environmental problems associated with the destruction of an active nuclear reactor.

The window of opportunity for disarming strikes against Iran will begin to close in 2005. It appears that the Uranium conversion facility in Esfahan will begin operation some time in 2005, as will the heavy water production plant at Arak. Barring further delays, the fuel for the reactor at Bushehr is also slated to be delivered in 2005, with reactor operations commencing some months after delivery. Significant Uranium enrichment could begin at Natanz in 2006, and plutonium production could begin at Arak by 2010.

. . .

On 13 January 2005 the Jerusalem Post reported that the head of army intelligence Maj.-Gen. Aharon Ze'evi (Farkash), told an audience at the University of Haifa that Iran will be capable of producing its own enriched uranium within six months, and would be able to produce its first nuclear bomb in the 2008 to 2010 timeframe.

[Griffy]

54. Bombers have climate control... we wont send ground forces till later..

even then our tanks have AC. besides.. he needs time to get the whole thing wrapped up and election held in Iran before Jebs '08 selection.

[Barkley]

74. Why wait til June? Strike Apr. 15 that way they can hit everyone at once

We're cutting back on all kinds of spending at home
to finance wars abroad.

This has got to stupid.

[mrdmk]

112. Marching orders from the east and west

Iran is in the middle of Iraq and Afghanistan. To me this is looking like a set-up and does not past the smell test ever since 11 September 2001.




On edit: opps, typo! :argh:

[leesa]

116. Doubling the soldiers in Afghanistan, mmm...

[Politicub]

165. Geography helps

Sometimes it helps to look at a map like that just to remind ourselves of how fucked we really are. :(

[nascarblue]

176. Don't forget the Trans-Afghan pipeline

It's all about a shortcut to the Caspian Sea. Bush has been slowly trying to take over the Soviet region. Let's not forget the Ukraine elections and the $65 million they dumped into getting the bogus "Orange Revolution" together along with their massive media propaganda campaign. While Ohio sat in silence during our own elections, MSM was all over the Ukraine protests.

Since it seems that Halliburton and co. are finishing up their work in Afghanistan as far as the ports, pipelines and roads, let's not forget that the pipelines they want to run from Iraq would be cut in half in distance if they were to invade Iran and be able to negotiate/manipulate a pipeline shortcut. If I remember correctly, the pipeline would be only 400+ miles long through Iran, instead of 800+ miles long going around it. Anyone remember the particulars of this? It's been at least two years since I read about this.

Let's also not forget that Wesley Clark whistleblew the whole thing last year. He said it plain as day, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan.

[Sterling]

158. June is when the air war starts.

That will give us time to prepare a ground invasion for the fall if we need it.

[nascarblue]

177. I would guess that has alot to do with Bush's European tour.

He wants help to get European troops in Iraq to free up US troops to move to the next countries...Iran and/or Syria.

[Delphinus]

7. I knew this was coming.

Didn't know the time frame, but I knew it was coming.

The rest of the world sees it too - I hope this is why Russia is making such a strong showing of their support for Iran and Syria.

Man, if the people (sheeple) of this country allow it ... sigh. :cry:

[arcane1]

81. add Venuzuela into that mix

#5 (I think) in the most oil on earth... the Russians have been freindly with them lately, as we call democratically-elected Chavez a "strongman" and other such terms

the world-war for the last drops of oil is ON!

[meganmonkey]

98. And yesterday Chavez said some hardcore things about Bush

To the effect that if he (Chavez) should be assassinated anytime soon, that Bush was responsible. He's been chatting with Castro.
I'll try to find the link...

"Bush plans to kill me" - Chavez
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1252689

[Merrick]

162. yup, and here's their "intelligence" to justify the invasion

unequivocal.

[salib]

10. Interesting comments

I do not believe that we will will attack Iran. It is a MUCH larger nation, can defend itself. Plus, China and especially Russia, have already basically said to the U.S. "Hell No!"

Remember, Iraq has been a push-over, both times, because no other world power would side with it. Not true with Iran. This is silly sabre rattling. Nothing more. I am surprised Scott Ritter would be trusted to present this to the world. But, then again, I do not think he is.

[LisaL]

12. What you mean is no rational person would attack Iran.

Now, think about Bush and ask yourself if he is a rational person? There is your answer.

[salib]

20. It is not just rationality

It is also capability. It is probable that Bush et.al. want to do something with Iran. However, their choices are limited by putting bombers in the air and boots on the ground. Interesting that no one commented on the fact the the other superpowers out there have said they will not put up with it.

[bunny planet]

59. What I'm afraid of is another LIHOP or MIHOP attack on US soil that will

allow the * cabal to 'blame Iran' this time and convince the people we need another pre-emptive war. They did it once, why not try it again. Then they'll get their draft for national security reasons. I put nothing past these people. The fact that fighter planes were not scrambled on 9/11 until 3 attacks had hit their targets and 52 warnings were ignored means they at the very least 'let it happen on purpose' because in the long run it suited their plans for invasion of Iraq. Unless people start paying attention to this country's secret 'energy' policy (that involves pre-emptive war to secure diminishing world non-renewable resources) and start connecting the dots we will have endless war and not even know the real reasons why until it's too late.

F*cking scary as all hell. :scared:

[Delphinus]

90. Agreed. n/t

[louis-t]

124. Hence, all the terra warnings lately,

the sniping at Russia, the threats aimed at Iran, it all fits.

[ailsagirl]

163. Yes-- if there's anyone who balks at an invasion, I would bet

that suddenly... voila!! another terror attack.

Nice little game they got going.

[peacebird]

149. bush definitely wants to go after Iran, and he is not known for letting

pesky little "facts" get in the way of his plans. The fact that the military is stretched too thin to support with boots on the ground merely makes it more likely that * will order a truly "shock'n'awe" bombing campaign. i would not rule out his using nukes.

[lovuian]

14. I know I felt the same way about Iraq!!! No rational person would

go to war but we did... All my friends said the same thing Bush is just blowin hot air ...He is just bluffing but lo and behold we are at War with Iraq for about 3 years now and still going strong... People didn't think Hitler was going into Belgium after he took over Austria and people didn't think Russia was going into Poland but Poof they did and then went NA NA NA NA!!!

[salib]

27. Like father like son

Yeah, and Bush Jr. did in Iraq what his father already had. No big deal for the U.S.A! However, if he wants a Vietnam, or much worse, he can attack Iran. BTW, it is always possible to invade, it is another thing to "get away with it."

[ailsagirl]

164. The key word is "rational"-- none of the neocons are

[TexasLawyer]

17. The Neocons want total war.

Also, according to Hersh's last article, the neocons believe that the Iranians will rise up against the ayatollahs once the US (and Israel)begin the job for them.

Shades of Timothy McVeigh and his war against the federal government, which he believed would spontaneously start once he destroyed the Okla. City Federal Building.

It's insanity, but we have madmen running the government.

[salib]

30. No country was willing to stand up, really stand up, for Iraq

However, this is not the case with Iran. Hell, Syria is easier than Iran, but somehow the focus is on Iran. What gives? Why is that?

Maybe we should be looking at that one.

[reprobate]

122. You're right on what Hersh said. What really has me worried is this:

Instead of turning on the mullahs the Iranians will come pouring across the border to attack the Great Satan in Iraq-the american troops. And that will trigger the iraqis to join them.

The result will be a massacre of most american troops in iraq. Can you imagine the public reaction when fifty thousand americans die? And then ad the sailors on any ships in the persian gulf, because they will be targetted by the ss-n-22s and 26s. Each can destroy a carrier.

This could mean the near total destruction of american military power, which I'm afraid will mean nuking the entire region. Bush will not go peacefully.

[bpilgrim]

22. I am surprised Scott Ritter would be trusted to present this to the world"

why are you surprised? he was one of the few sources who had it right during the build up to war with iraq and he is a military expert on the region.

there were many here, during that time, who used the same 'logic' as you to argue we wouldn't risk iraq.

i am surprised there are still some here after the past 4 years and PNAC to find this aim surprising with only their gut to go on :crazy:

peace

[salib]

31. Because he has no credibility

Only a naysayer after the fact. Yes, he can be a headliner, but not anyone with integrity.

As for the same "logic", I did not see any other major power willing to say that they will stand against us if we invade Irag. I see that with Iran in Russia, and to a lesser degree China.

OK, PNAC is ugly, stupid, illogical and crazy. Does not mean it can be carried out, simply because they did the easy stuff.

[Donailin]

41. "Only a naysayer after the fact"

Huh???


http://www.truthout.org/docs_02/07.25A.wrp.iraq.htm <----check the date



"The clock is ticking," he said, "and it's ticking towards war. And it's going to be a real war. It's going to be a war that will result in the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of Americans and tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians. It's a war that is going to devastate Iraq. It's a war that's going to destroy the credibility of the United States of America. I just came back from London, and I can tell you this - Tony Blair may talk a good show about war, but the British people and the bulk of the British government do not support this war. The Europeans do not support this war. NATO does not support this war. No one supports this war."

It is of a certainty that few in the Muslim world support another American war with Iraq. Osama bin Laden used the civilian suffering in Iraq under the sanctions to demonstrate to his followers the evils of America and the West. Another war would exacerbate those already-raw emotions. After 9/11, much of the Islamic world repudiated bin Laden and his actions. Another Iraq war would go a long way to proving, in the minds of many Muslims, that bin Laden was right all along. The fires of terrorism that would follow this are unimaginable.

[Fovea]

97. I believe you are mistaken about Ritter.

He was ahead of the Iraqi invasion, and quite vocal.

[Lerkfish]

110. hmmmm....considering he was right about everything in Iraq, I'm willing

to cut him massive amounts of slack.

and you are committing the cardinal sin of bush apologists (not that you are one, but they commit the same sin) applying logic, integrity and rationality to his decision making process.

Bush is the antichrist-wannabe. He don't need no steenkin logic or justification.

He likes to kill things.

[melv]

155. Clarify that.

No integrity? Site your reasons. I can't draw the same conclusions as you do when consdiering what I know about Ritter.

[TankLV]

160. "No credibility?" Name one single thing he was wrong about. Just one.

He was right about WMD.
He was right about bunkerboy's lies about plans to attack Iraq.
He was right about Saddams's complying with the UN resolutions and bunkerboy's constantly changing demands.

[mmonk]

166. Sorry but Ritter

had credibility on Iraq and NO ONE listened. If you say he didn't have credibility, you are incorrect plain and simple.

[AG78]

25. You do know

who the people in power are, right? Have you read what they've written?

Sabre rattling for what? Nothing else to do? Have some free time to kill? The people in power aren't about games. They're serious people, with serious goals, and serious means to try to accomplish those goals.

I don't quite understand the way some people can say that, "ahhhhh, they won't do _____, or _____," when they've done basically everything they've wanted to do up to this point. Why would they stop now? Kind of the same way that I also don't get how some people seem to be determined to make the Gannon story into something that it will never become. They seem to be hanging on a thread, any thread, because of how dangerous this whole religious/corporate/whoknowswhat movement is in this country.

In a way, I admire that actually. "There's no way they can attack Iran. Come on, you're crazy if you think they will". That's hanging onto some kind of...a type of...something...some kind of humanity. Or the Gannon thing. "Alright, finally, THIS will be the story that takes the empire down." Well, it won't be. As a country, we're just too far gone.

But we need some people to continue to hang on. I can't. Actually I embrace humanity's self-made destruction.

[salib]

33. Aside from the last bit about self-made destruction

Let's get back to what I wrote. Yes, I have read it. It is one thing to push around Iraq. It is another thing to push around Russia and China.

I am sure that you and everyone else who has responded to my one post feel that this Admin can do whatever they please. Or at least they will. You "admire that actually." Well, I guess they are omnipotent, or at least without limits, huh? This is the real world. They have NOT been able to do whatever they want. That would really be horrible!

Nope, constrained like everyone else. Just on top right now in this admin.

Do not admire "winning", as it is often overrated and misunderstood. Instead, admire doing what can be done well, as much of it as possible.

[Sterling]

159. You are over estimating Russia and China's

commitment to Iran. Not to say if we invade or even attack Iran that their will not be repercussions but they will most likely not be in the form of direct intervention of the eastern powers.

It would however be a step toward a direct confrontation. the quickest way I see things escalating would be if China attacked Taiwan in response to a US attack on Iran. I think Russia could help an insurgency in Iran and Iraq but i doubt we will come to blows over Iran immediately. I think PNAC are betting on this. It could end up being a trigger but it is not certain at this point how the domino's will fall.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

28. Think "nucular"

We have a zillion earth crust-busters just lying around, and a madman with an itchy finger on the button. They WILL be used.

[salib]

35. Actually, think thermo-nuclear

That is the real distinction. And, yes, "a madman with an itchy finger on the button" can destroy the world. WE need to do something about that. But, it is not an Iranian issue, nor is it one of the U.S. and Iran. So, let's get back on track and talk about Iran and the U.S. invading/bombing/etc. Not gonna happen.

[Dhalgren]

48. You are making several assumptions that you have no basis for.

One: that "Russia and China" have told the US to "back off". Not true.

Two: that Russia and China are "superpowers". Not true.

Three: that the US administration is constrained by some sort of "rationality". Again, not true.

When Israel bombed Iraq's nuclear sites in the 80s, no one thought that they would do it. Iraq had allies and an international standing - and Israel did it anyway. The US could bomb Iran's nuclear sites and there would be diplomatic upheavals, but that's about all. And the Emperor does not care about such things - he's already proved that.

So, I hope you are right and the US does not bomb Iran, but I would not place any bets on such "rationality"...

[bunny planet]

61. Perhaps the plan is to have Israel bomb Iran again, covert operations of

course. Then when and if Israel is attacked, we join in because we are defending our allies. I don't claim to know how they are going to do it but I feel almost certain that they are willful and unbalanced enough to try. Worst President ever. He will do nothing to help people and everything in his power to destroy. He is a disgrace and he and his neo-cons are capable of anything, not suceeding at it mind you, or doing it well, but blundering on with their plans no matter who or how many have to die in the process.

[arcane1]

82. all it takes in one (more) LIHOP to give them all they need

:scared:

[renaissanceguy]

100. Fucking scary times we live in.

We'll all be blown up. Nice knowing you all.


http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues/479723

[hiley]

69. As I remember it Scott

Ritter was screaming from the roof tops that there were NO WMD's before we attacked a sovierine country.

[Toots]

105. IOW you trust Bush* over Scott Ritter

What would make you doubt his word? Everything he has said so far about Iraq and this Administration has been 100% accurate. He said there were no WMDs and had not been any since '91. Turns out he was exactly right. He said there were no ties between Iraq and Al Qaeda. turns out he was right. What has Bush* said that turned out to be true?

[Toucano]

13. Cooked results

and somehow Ahmed Chalabi comes out on top.

It's a Bush democracy after all. Can't say I'm suprised.

[The Zanti Regent]

15. I fully expect Israel to bomb the Iranian reactors in June.

And I also believe that Mossad killed the former Lebanese PM. Mossad did this for their Likudnik 5th columnist Neocons whose loyalty is to Israel and not the US.

[Griffy]

55. no way... Israel has no intention of doing that...

at least the people dont want that... like here... but they dont have the same problem we do with an illegal government, propaganda and stolen elections!

[fooj]

80. OMG! I had to read your post twice. It really hit me hard!

"...illegal government, propaganda and stolen elections!" Wow! What country are we living in?

[Zynx]

60. Israel doesn't have the ability to bomb Iran

They don't have enough strike aircraft and the ones they do have cannot reach Iran.

[ProgressiveConn]

75. That doesn't seem to be the case.

They should have at least 207 A-4s with ranges well over 3k miles. I could however be completely wrong. Why do you feel that the Israelis don't have strike aircraft capable of striking Iran?

[teryang]

77. That's a max no payload range

But essentially you're right. US pilots flew A4s to Israel in the 1973 war by crossing the Atlantic. They needed external fuel stores and to rendezvous with tankers in mid Atlantic. Generally A4s have about a 500 nm radius for tactical strikes. They could have extra fuel tanks which could be removed on landing at American bases in Iraq and their weapons payload could be uploaded at that point by American crews.

[teryang]

76. Israeli planes could refuel in Iraq

With tanker support they can reach Iran. Of course, the US Armed Forces would have to cooperate as they control Persian Gulf Region airspace. They would have to overfly Jordan or Saudi Arabia, most likely Jordan.

Also, American aircraft could have they're markings painted out or changed and the world could be told Israel did it.

[Strelnikov_]

93. Unfortunately, It Appears That They Do

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iran-strikes.htm

The Israeli Air Force received the first two of 25 F-15I Ra’am (Thunder) aircraft, the Israeli version of the F-15E Strike Eagle, in January 1998, and as of early 2004 had an inventory of 25 aircraft. According to the Israeli Air Force, this aircraft has a range of 4,450 km, which equates to a combat radius of 2,225 km. Deliveries of the F-16I Sufa (Storm) began in early 2004. This heavily modified aircraft, with massive conformal fuel tanks, has a reported combat radius of 2,100 km. Probable strike targets such as Bushehr and Esfahan lie about 1,500 km from Israel.

[Zynx]

118. That's a stripped down radius, not for this sort of heavy strike mission

They don't have the legs to fly to Iran with bombs, missiles and fuel, fight their way to the targets, engage the targets and get home. If they don't take AA missiles, then they could probably do it, but that would be a bad idea. F-15 w/o missiles <<< Iranian aircraft with missiles.

That's before considering that Iran has around as many large nuclear sites as Israel has F-15 Ra'am. And most of the Iranian nuke sites we know about are much too large to destroy with a few conventional bombs. And that excludes the ones we don't know about.

Now if we HELP them, its a whole other deal. But Israel won't be doing this on their own. This is nothing like Iraq, which had a single, easily destroyed compact target.

[eridani]

171. Some Israelis are worried about this.

http://www.gush-shalom.org/archives/article344.html

It is not very flattering to be paraded like a Rottweiler on a leash, whose master threatens to let him loose on his enemies. But this is our situation now.

Vice President Dick Cheney threatened a few weeks ago that if Iran continues to develop its nuclear capabilities, Israel might attack her.

This week, President George Bush repeated this threat. If he were the leader of Israel, he declared, he would have been feeling threatened by Iran. He reminded those who are a little slow that the United States has undertaken to defend Israel if there is a threat to its security.

All this adds up to a clear warning: if Iran does not submit to the orders of the US (and, perhaps, even if it does) Israel will attack it with American help, much as it attacked the Iraqi nuclear reactor some 24 years ago.

The same week, something quite unexpected happened: Ariel Sharon sent the Chief-of-Staff, Moshe Ya’alon, packing. His successor will most probably be General Dan Halutz.

Halutz is, of course, a pilot, and one who played his part in the 1981 attack on the Iraqi reactor. If he succeeds Ya’alon, it will be the first time in the annals of the Israel Defense Forces that an airman is appointed Chief-of-Staff. That is rather curious. In the coming year, the army will be called upon to carry out a very difficult operation on land: the evacuation of the Gaza Strip settlements. The appointment of an Air Force general as Chief-of-Staff may hint that the IDF is planning something even more important in the air.

[IndianaGreen]

125. But the US could refuel Israeli aircraft as they cross Iraqi air space

and the US can provide support in terms of jamming and confusing Iranian radar, and rescuing any downed pilots. Remember that both Israel and the US are run by neocons.

[MakeItSo]

170. you gotta be kidding me

Of course Israel has enough aircraft enough range to hit Iran.

[whistle]

16. The invasion is scheduled for June because it takes that long...

...to mobilize and put in place an adequate number of military troops and support infrastructure to launch the attacks in Iran. The stock market is also a consideration especially for the Carlyle Group.

[shadowknows69]

19. this is all shocking news to who??? n/t

the only question is are we going to let it keep happening.

[Dirty Hippie]

23. I have a friend from Iran

and she says there is no way the people will revolt against the ayatollahs if the US attacks. Quite the opposite, the people will stand with their government. Their hatred of the US is much stronger than their dislike of their rulers.

... or so says my friend.

She is also sick with worry. She lived through Iran-Iraq war and still has nightmares about the bombs.

[CAcyclist]

57. Ask her about the Christian Iranians here in the US

They are waiting for the country(Iran) to "open"

Ask her if she's heard anything like that from other Iranian ex-pats.

[distantearlywarning]

96. All of us are sick with worry - here or there. n/t

[confludemocrat]

24. Yes they will bomb targets

But no way will they invade yet. The military could not bear the strain beyond that and this time we are facing a country of ~80 million people vs what--23 million in Iraq. Talk about an insurgency! Even if they could blitzkrieg Iran initially they would eventually meet their Stalingrad somewhere inside the country. The neocons are insane, thinking that the Iranians would rise up against the mullahs rather than defend their homeland. Gimme a break!

[mmonk]

29. We have troops all around the area

and not just in Iraq.

[Strelnikov_]

36. The Soviet Union Was On The Verge Of Failing Late 30’s/Early 40's

People were tiring of the sacrifice, the Stalinist police state, and the promises undelivered. Stalin could have faced a counter-revolutionary threat in the 40’s if Hitler had not attacked. Instead, it unified the country against a more despised threat, and provided the unity of purpose for the Soviet Union to rival the US into the 70’s.

Sound familiar?

[SheepBootHero]

32. How would Ritter know any inside information?

I don't believe the people in power are dishing out war plans to Mr. Ritter so what is he using as proof for such a far out statement?

[Donailin]

34. Uh, b/c he has total credibility/ ask William Pitt.

[SheepBootHero]

39. Mike Moore has credibility too

But he like Ritter are not seers who can factually predict something they are not privy to. Credibility does not equate to soothsaying.

[Donailin]

43. see post 41

and as far as I know, while Moore was filming in Flint, Ritter was inspecting weapons in Iraq as chief UN weapons inspector. But hey, if you think Bush isn't that crazy or crooked, by all means enjoy the delusion.

<edited for correction>

[Dhalgren]

51. Hey, SheepBoot.

welcome to DU. Enjoy the intelligence and insight - they're free, so take advantage...

[anarchy1999]

128. IMVHO, Ritter has far more credibility than Mr. Moore, and I am a fan

of both. I have been to see them both speak. When Ritter came to Dallas, we spent $700 to sponser two tables. An American "Hero".

[Strelnikov_]

42. He Is One Of The Few Who Called The Iraq WMD Issue Correctly

and may still have sources on the 'inside' of the Pentagon.

Irregardless, an air strike against Iran's nuclear infrastructure has been telegraphed for more than a year now.

I am still holding out hope the threat is just a bargaining ploy. But considering the idiots in power, and looking back at the 'catastrophic success' Iraq has become . . .

The Emperor Chimp ignored all the warnings on that one too.

[Charles19]

109. They actually might be doing just that....

See they need massive media support for this and the peoples support. They will keep sending out bait like this until people bite, get behind it and then they can do it.

They do not have enough support for this so if they can get lucky, send out some bait like this and have some groups bite, they can proceed. As it stands right now they CANNOT proceed. No Great Britain and I actually doubt Israel even thinks it is a good idea. The hawks there would take it as a bonus if they could get the U.S. to do some damage but there will be some missiles coming there way if Iran is attacked, probably from more than one country. Certainly something to make them think twice.

[Hoping4Change]

114. Ritter is no repuke chickenhawk armchair philospher the kind that

posts in Freeperville. Ritter was on the inside and has contacts. He was right on with no WMDs and shrub dickheads were all wrong. You say Riiter is making a farout statement. I don't think so.

[kineneb]

37. the situation in Iran

First- BushCo & the NeoCons will probably attack Iran, they are preping us for it now
Two- they have no idea what they will be getting into once they do this

I have lived in Iran and still have relatives there (long story). The Persian culture is an ancient one, and even though the people may hate the government of the mullahs, they will fight to the last for their country. Iran is high plateau, much of it is above 4000' elevation, and it has a lot of rugged terrain.

[Strelnikov_]

46. Everything I Have Read Indicates It Will Be An Air Strike On Nuclear

infrastructure, then kind of stand back and see what happens. It was a while back, but I remember reading that the neo-cons think that if they knock out Iran's nuclear capability, the people will turn on the Mullah's?!?

I fully agree about the terrain. It is probably the reason Iran has such an ancient culture, in that it has been a historically difficult country to subdue. And history is filled with stories of people who rally around leadership they dislike to oppose a more hated foe who is attacking their nation.

I will keep hoping it is a bluff, but prepare for the worst.

[kineneb]

47. Don't forget Iran may have Sunburn missiles

They are conventional long range weapons which can hit US ships in the Persian gulf. Like I said, BushCo doesn't know what they are getting themselves into. This will get ugly, fast. Oh, and one other thing about the Persians: they study a lot of history in school, and have a different perspective on time spans than your average American. They haven't forgotten Mossedeq or the Shah.

[Strelnikov_]

52. Yes, The Neo-Cons Always Seem To Forget The 'Enemy' Always Gets A Vote

One of my concerns for the last year is that Israel will do the air strike, Iran will lash out at US forces, and the Chimp will use this as provocation for a draft and broader attack on Iran. The neo-cons will play it as a new 'Pearl Harbor'.

And I do not have the faith in our systems to counter the ASM threat that could close off 1/6th of the worlds oil flow. History is littered with weapons systems that do not perform as expected. There has never been the degree of ASM threat US forces will face in the gulf, so we really do not know what will happen. My concern with ASM's is that they are relatively simple compared to the systems needed to counter them.

[earthside]

40. One Attack Away

Let's face it ... though it is an ugly picture.

We're just one terror attack - inside this country - away from a complete tyranny.

Just think about it ... the fear, the outrage, the surge of patriotism, the desire for vengence.

Bush will then get his draft, Democrats will fall over themselves to vote for an Iran/Syria war resolution ... Hell, they'll probably tack Social Security privatization on to the war legislation.

So ... you know what is going to happen. Don't you?

Scott Ritter just figured it out.

[LibertyorDeath]

50. Exactly right. Wonder who they'll 9 \11 this time my $ on

a Blue State, West Coast. Seattle, San Francisco or LA.

Bookmark this puppy cause these fuckers have no sole.

[arcane1]

83. San Francisco is what scares me

all the bloody hippies queers and us queer-lovers here.. the repubes HATE us but they'll love us plenty if we get blown up

love us just long enough to get their wargasm on

just like NYC

[Daphne08]

71. I have thought about another 'terror attack'

and the loss of what is left of our civil rights (in the name of Security) as well as the possibility of a draft.

It keeps me awake at night.

[yorkiemommie1]

44. not surprised

sent link to my freeper friends so they can mark their calendars and know that their prez is a conniving jerk.

this needs to be taken up by Dr. Dean and Senators Boxer, Byrd, Kennedy, Kerry, ... so that the voters can be shown ahead of time the brainwashing that they will be put through.

[clem_c_rock]

49. This may be the start of WWIII

This will be complete insanity. We can't even subdue Iraq which is a cake walk compared to Iran. Iran has a real army.

Furthermore, China has just signed a 70 billion oil deal w/ them. Russia is arming them and is their ally.

The Iranian people are ready for this and will be protecting their homeland while we will have a drafted army of people who have no reason to be fighting except for what the Tv has told them.

How the hell will the US economy handle this? This could be the complete implosion of the US. How many countries would love to see this happen and kick the US when it's down.

Insanity.

[yorkiemommie1]

56. they're bug****ing nuts, all right

... and we're all supposed to be consumed by the Jackson Distraction and whatever other red herrings they drag across our path that we won't notice that we are in yet another Bush war.

my daughter says that some of her older (Flush the Johns types) colleagues have become silent at the mention of Bush's name. well, too bad. buyers' remorse. too late for them. too late for us. too late for the rest of the world.

Georgie, instead of reading goat books have a look at this:

"A Fool Lies Here..."
Now it is not good
For the Christian’s health
To hustle the Aryan brown,
For the Christian riles
And the Aryan smiles
And he wearth the Christian down;
And the end of the fight
Is tombstone white
With the name of the late deceased,
And the epitaph drear,
“A fool lies here
Who tried to hustle the East."


— Rudyard Kipling

[kineneb]

67. Thanks for the Kipling

I grew up with my grandfather reciting RK's poems. Kipling understood India better than most of the Brits. Bet he would see Iran the same way.

Your a better man than I am, Gunga Din.

[glitch]

111. Excellent epitaph to the lot of them! Thanks for posting.nt

[arcane1]

84. Peak Oil, friend

the money to be made, the power to be had, in the next decade, while short-lived, is irresistable to those who already have all the money and power

:scared:

[American liberal]

145. If this really goes down as predicted

I suspect the historians will decide that WWIII began when Bush Jr. started bombing Bahgdad (sp) in March 2003--or possibly even the WTC bombings of 9/11/01?

[Barrett808]

58. Just got back from seeing Dahr in Seattle

An evening of grimness. Bless his heart for being so brave.

[hiley]

68. Dahr has seen it all

Oh if the MSM would have him on daily.
I put a link to his dispatches in most of my emails but always to the media.

[durutti]

62. Again, I have doubts about Ritter's credibility.

I posted something in-depth about this in the thread with the poll asking how many believed there were WMDs before the war.

[springhill]

65. How about the credibility of Seymour Hersh?

I absolutely trust Scott Ritter, however, he is not the only one with knowledge of coming wars. Read this Seymour Hersh interview. He has people inside the pentagon that are feeding him information. It will happen, you can count on that.

Iran: The Next Strategic Target

By Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!. Posted January 19, 2005.


Investigative reporter Seymour Hersh burst open the secret neocon plans aimed at Iran. In an interview, Hersh explains how Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld are keeping America in the dark about their war games.

http://www.alternet.org/story/21021

[durutti]

106. Hersh is undoubtedly a journalist of the highest caliber...

But that doesn't mean he can't make mistakes or be fooled.

I tend to believe that what Ritter and Hersh are saying is accurate. But perhaps it's not.

[eridani]

172. Probably enough worried people in the military--

--to leak to someone like Ritter.

[Randi_Listener]

64. No fucking way.

How can the US military bomb Iran and sit back? What do you think the Iranian missile batteries will be doing while we wait and see? I'll tell you what the fuck will happen, they will be raining down missile artillery on every US base inside Iraq.

[Randi_Listener]

66. Look at this shit.

[MnFats]

70. And what if some Russian technicians & consultants..

...find themselves 'collateral damage' when we attack? Will Shrub be able to look Putin in the eye at that time?

....fuck, i'm starting to think the Fundies are right about one thing...the apocolypse is almost upon us.....

[daleo]

72. A self-fulfilling prophecy, I think.

It will be rather disappointing for them, when they look up from the smoldering ruins and DON'T see a giant Jesus on a white horse.

[98geoduck]

73. I still think Israel will be pushing the button on this one.

[evolvenow]

85. Any chance that B*sh & War Criminal Club will be tried in Germany for War

Crimes before June?
Impeaced for TWO STOLEN STEAL_ECTIONS?
Complicity in 9/11.
Illegal wars and the Murder of over 121,400+ people.

At what point will these Murders be held accountable for these Treasons?

Perhaps Gitmo?

[arcane1]

87. such poetic justice..

justice that will never happen...

the MOST we can ever hope for is to stop, or at least postpone, them...

they will always have someone to pardon them for their crimes...

they always have..


the only way is if all of Europe, China, and Russia went to full-scale war against us, and that wouldf be a fucking mess for all..

hell, it's going to be a fucking mess no matter WHAT happens :evilfrown:

[malaise]

88. ROTFL

Didn't need Scott to know the elections were cooked. Isn't that par for the course?

[Disturbed]

89. A four front war on Terror?

"What do you think the Iranian missile batteries will be doing while we wait and see? I'll tell you what the fuck will happen, they will be raining down missile artillery on every US base inside of Iraq."

The sunburns and subs will attack the U.S. Ships. Every freakin' missle the Iranians have will be in the air.

A few hours after that Syrian and Iranian troops will flood into Iraq.

What can China do about this? Don't they hold a few billion of the U.S. Debt? Would they convert to Euros?

Will Russia just sit out?

If this war with Iran and Syria happens maybe those freakin' fundies will have been correct about the End times.

What can the American people &/or Dems do to stop the madness? Nothing.

[4MoreYearsOfHell]

91. kick (nt)

[leftchick]

92. June would be an excellent time for Iran to Test the "Sunburn" missile

against our fleet in the gulf. Too bad chimpy** never thinks of this shit.

http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?id=2439

~snip~

The Sunburn missile has never seen use in combat but has been extensively field-tested by the Russians which probably explains why its fearsome capabilities are not more widely recognized. The Russians have been known to leak, via double agents, incorrect technical data to the US Defense Intelligence Agency. Other cruise missiles <>have<> been used, of course, on several occasions, and with devastating results. During the Falklands War, French-made Exocet missiles, fired from Argentine fighters, sunk the HMS Sheffield and another ship. And, in 1987, during the Iran-Iraq war, the USS Stark was nearly cut in half by a pair of Exocets while on patrol in the Persian Gulf. On that occasion US Aegis radar picked up the incoming Iraqi fighter (a French-made Mirage), and tracked its approach to within 50 miles. The radar also “saw” the Iraqi plane turn about and return to its base. But radar never detected the pilot launch his weapons. The sea-skimming Exocets came smoking in under radar and were only sighted by human eyes moments before they ripped into the Stark, crippling the ship and killing 37 US sailors.

Not only is the Sunburn much larger and faster, it has far greater range and a superior guidance system. Those who have witnessed its performance trials invariably come away stunned. According to one report, when the Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani visited Moscow in October 2001 he requested a test firing of the Sunburn, which the Russians were only too happy to arrange. So impressed was Ali Shamkhani that he placed an initial order for six of the missiles.

The Sunburn can deliver a 200-kiloton nuclear payload, or: a 750-pound conventional warhead, within a range of 100 miles, more than twice the range of the Exocet. The Sunburn combines a Mach 2.1 speed (two times the speed of sound) with a flight pattern that hugs the deck and includes “violent end maneuvers” to elude enemy defenses. The missile was specifically designed to defeat the US Aegis radar defense system. Should a US Navy Phalanx point defense somehow manage to detect an incoming Sunburn missile, the system has only seconds to calculate a fire solution –– not enough time to take out the intruding missile. The US Phalanx defense employs a six-barreled gun that fires 3,000 depleted-uranium rounds a minute, but the gun must have precise coordinates to destroy an intruder “just in time.”

The Sunburn’s combined supersonic speed and payload size produce tremendous kinetic energy on impact, with devastating consequences for ship and crew. A single one of these missiles can sink a large warship, yet costs considerably less than a fighter jet. Although the Navy has been phasing out the older Phalanx defense system, its replacement, known as the Rolling Action Missile (RAM) has never been tested against the weapon it seems destined to one day face in combat.

The US Navy’s only plausible defense against a robust weapon like the Sunburn missile is to detect the enemy’s approach well ahead of time, whether destroyers, subs, or fighter-bombers, and defeat them before they can get in range and launch their deadly cargo. For this purpose US AWACs radar planes assigned to each naval battle group are kept aloft on a rotating schedule. The planes “see” everything within two hundred miles of the fleet, and are complemented with intelligence from orbiting satellites.

[megatherium]

148. Sunburns won't be a major factor

since the war will be mainly a protracted air campaign.

The air war will start with a huge number of cruise missiles (launched from Iraq or from B52s), which will destroy most of the Iranian radar and anti-aircraft missile sites. This will be followed by heavy bombing of strategic and military targets, 24/7 for months.

Our leaders are not foolish enough to stage any ground offensive. Their goal will not be to conquer Iran. Their goal will be a failed state in Iran that cannot threaten US interests.

[frankieT]

154. I think you're right.

my question is if not the sunburns, do Iran have some other serious means (with the targets) to respond to this campaign ? attack all ships in the Gulf, US troops in Iraq directly or through Shiites proxies, Saudi Arabia, the main US Arab asset in the region or Israel, its natural ally, disrupt oil business. I don't think that diplomacy or worldwide indignation will stop them, nor Russia and China counter effectively this project until the nuclear stage. Maybe, there is a need for a democratic change in Iran and/or US before the bloodbath.

[Megahurtz]

153. I don't think Bush cares,

he just wants to bring on Armeggedon.:( He thinks he won't be here for it when it happens.

[davsand]

102. I think Ritter and Hersch are probably right.

My belief is based on one more little tidbit, and that that is the fact that Halliburton is letting its contracts in Iran expire. I remember reading an article about that just recently.

I told my husband THEN, if you knew when those contracts expired you'd probably be able to predict WHEN they (and I include Israel in that "they", along with Great Britain) will go after Iran.

I take Ritter seriously, all by himself. I take Hersch seriously too. However, WAY beyond those two and their combined credibility, is the conviction I have that Halliburton's profits and well being are the prime indicators.



Laura

[Barkley]

103. Good Analysis Laura!

The connection with Halliburton profits is brilliant.

[Barrett808]

104. Iran can make things so much more miserable for us in Iraq

The new Baghdad-Tehran axis just won't sit still for an attack on Iran. If you think things in Iraq are bad right now...

[davsand]

120. This one will not be limited to the Middle East.

We already know that the Russians and the Chinese will not support the US if we go after their business partner, Iran.

Now, if you take into account that Chavez is worried the US is planning to kill him:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1252689

And if you think about the fact that the Chinese just signed a big oil deal with Chavez, suddenly, it gets to be a REALLY intense situation globally.

The problems of dealing with a few insurgents (possibly funded by the CIA, I might add!) are gonna be the least of it if we try and go into Iran.

In the interest of Halliburton's fun and profits, they are destabilizing the entire planet--not just the Middle East. The current Washington regime has been out there spinning the entire Columbia/Venezuelan business coalition as a threat already.

My biggest question is how much the American public will accept? how much further can they go before the entire mess falls apart for them here at home?

Does it take X number of filled US body bags?

Does it take seeing our cities burring before they all realize the madness that is at work here?

Nah, if they go into Iran the shitstorm will just be STARTING. IMO.


Laura

[American liberal]

123. so what do any of you plan to do with this information?

I, for one, plan to write letters to my elected representatives voicing my opposition to this move to shore up oil reserves and the Military-Industrial complex. I will call the White House repeatedly to voice my opposition. I will participate in all local demonstrations in opposition to this madness--all the time knowing that my protestations may not effect the outcome one iota--but it will certainly make me feel better. How about you?

Throw off the mantle of apathy and join the opposition! It is time to stop this madness!!!!

[davsand]

126. Feel like Cassandra?

Sorry, I'm not being flip, but at this point, I seriously do feel like we are playing the role of Cassandra--complete with our ostracism for daring to utter dire "prophecy."

We ALL need to be talking to other people. We need to be writing letters and faxing/mailing them along with calling our Senators and Congressmen. I'd suggest letters to the editor for your local paper. Be prepared to be held up to ridicule, for a time, however...

You are right, however, we have GOT to get the word out there that it is coming, and the media is NOT talking about it.


Laura

[American liberal]

144. Please excuse my ignorance, Laura...

who's Cassandra?

[davsand]

150. Greek Mythology.

Cassandra received the power to foretell the future from Apollo. Apollo taught her about the art of prophecy because he had an ulterior motive--he wanted her as his lover. Cassandra accepted Apollo as a teacher, but not as a lover.

He was annoyed to be rejected so he punished Cassandra by causing the gift that he gave Cassandra to be twisted. Everyone who heard her foretellings of future events believed that they were hearing lies.

In one of her most painful predictions Cassandra warned the Trojans about accepting the infamous Wooden Horse from their Greek opponents. But as Apollo made certain, no one believed Cassandra when she warned her companions about the future. We all know how well THAT turned out...

Sorry for the obscure reference!


Laura

[sagesnow]

133. My marching shoes

and protest signs are ready.

[peacebird]

134. Halliburton pulling out of Iran - kinda sums it up, eh?

[Randi_Listener]

107. Shia Insurgents

Not only will we be fighting the Sunni insurgents. The Shiites will also jump into this shit. We'll fucking be fighting the Shiites in Iraq and Iran as well as the Sunnis in Iraq. Talk about a motherfucking mess.

[chenGOD]

115. Scott Ritter best be careful....

Don't fly in any small planes or drink already opened water Scott!!!

I get the feeling there's a lot that Scott knows that could be pretty damaging to the powers that be.

[bunny planet]

141. He better start telling it then even more than he has already.

High visibility will be the only thing that will prevent them being able to get away with 'suiciding' him.

[cmd]

117. This is really all about oil

See the big pipeline from Afghanistan, through Iran and into the Persian Gulf? Who will build it? Who will profit from it? Follow the oil.

edit: I'm having a comma problem today.

[Khaotic]

127. The Site Isn't Coming Up For Me

Anyone else having a problem bring the site up?

I also found the story here: http://www.newshounds.us/2005/02/20/scott_ritter_says_us_will_attack_iran_in_june.php

... but only a synopsis.

Looks like the original link: http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/2295/2/

... has been taken down.

Maybe someone here saved the entire story and could cut and paste the remainder that wasn't pasted at the beginning of this thread.

I'm sure the Neocon Christian Reich GOP SOBs don't want to deal with another Clarke. Since they have more control than ever over the media I wouldn't put it past them to play this down and simply ignore it.

Democracy Now!, Air America Radio, Thom Hartmann, Ed Schultz, I.N.N. World Report, etc., shouldn't let this one die.

They should be on this like white on rice.

Again, hopefully someone else can post the rest of the story. Paul (what a moron) Harvey pun completely unentended.

[reprobate]

142. It's there for me.

[bamacrat]

129. He better watch his back or he too may "commit suicide".

[doodadem]

130. Things that make you go hummmm.....

I can buy that Bushco has Iran attack plans in place. But it sounds to me like the Iraqi elections did NOT go the way they wanted at all. So don't understand the comment about them being cooked.
Also, anyone else catch the statement by Joe Lieberman over the weekend? It's even more worrying. He's talking about sanctioning Russia for going back on "democratizing", and for assisting Iran. So now, with all of our other problems, why do you want to keep poking that big bear with a sharp stick?
Have any of these people EVER heard of the merits of diplomacy? It's like it's a totally lost art anymore. And with Condi Rice as our SOS, that's not likely to change.

[eridani]

173. The cooking was within the bounds of belief

There are limits if you are going for believability. Our own election could not have been stolen had it not been so close to begin with.

Originally, Sistani's slate had 58% and Allawi's bunch 4%. Post-fiddling, that became Sistani 48%, Allawi 14%. All of a sudden, no majority, so Sistani has to do a coalition. No one would have ever believed Allawi 58% and Sistani 4%, so that was not done.

[Strelnikov_]

131. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Will Be Just About Topped Out In June

About 58 days of imports. Party hardy!!

Is this (Iran attack) the event that OPEC thinks will cause demand to plunge?

"There have been developments (that suggest) that during the second quarter of 2005, demand for oil will plunge,"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=266x82

[Eawyn]

135. I keep wondering what the EEC will do, if we push for war in Iran

I think they would without question take punitive action. And they are a big economy and a major trading partner for us. Also, they did manage to dominate the world militarily and economically for centuries, as compared to our what 70 years?

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

137. I don't see it happening...

I hope Ritter is wrong on this.

We have about 450,000 active duty military personnel with about 200,000 reservists. Of the 650,000 troops, nearly 450,000 are either in Iraq, just back from Iraq, or preparing to head off to Iraq. That leaves fewer than a quarter million troops to invade a country that is larger, more geographically diverse, and better equipped than the decimated Iraqi Republican Guard to repulse an invasion. If we invade, it's going to be a bloodbath that even the Bush Administration wouldn't risk.

I know it's probably a bad idea to "misunderestimate" the stupidity of this Administration, but I don't think even they would go there -- and certainly the Pentagon brass would be screaming bloody murder the whole time. And you'd like to think that the Press, having been so thoroughly snookered the last time, would hold the Bush Administration to a higher standard.

I mean, you know, one hopes...

[Lori Price CLG]

138. Off topic... but CLG founder/chair will be on Scarborough Country Feb. 21

CLG Founder and Chair, Michael Rectenwald, Ph.D., will be on MSNBC's 'Scarborough Country,' TONIGHT!! (February 21, 2005) 10PM EST. The topic will likely be the Wead tapes. The show re-airs at 3AM EST.

Just letting folks know a Lefty will have air-time, :)

Lori R. Price
Gen. Mgr., Citizens for Legitimate Government
http://www.legitgov.org/

Receive the (free) CLG Newsletter every day!
http://www.legitgov.org/#subscribe_clg

[tlcandie]

139. Maybe they bomb from the air and wait for them to cross into

Iraq and "Bring IT On" there? Continue mass bombings w/o stepping foot into Iran like they did Iraq for ten years. :shrug:

[Deja Q]

140. I'll wait and see.

[sidpleasant]

151. And the GOP will dismantle SS while we're distracted by Iran

In today's NY Times Paul Krugman writes "The campaign against Social Security is going so badly that ... if the past is any guide, the Bush administration will soon change the subject back to national security." My bet is that an attack on Iran will be the distraction that will provide cover for the GOP to ram Social Security privatization through Congress.

[cthrumatrix]

156. Bingo

[Megahurtz]

152. Well, we all already knew about

the Iraq election being cooked didn't we?
And as far as figuring out the other.....uh.......well...:scared:

:nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke:

[robertpaulsen]

157. Kicked, bookmarked, recommended!

:kick:

[Zgrrl]

161. Kick

n/t

[mmonk]

167. Has Israel used

its new bunker busters yet?

[GetTheRightVote]

168. losers all of them, no more wars, many groups working against *

Good Americans pissed at the haterd of this admin to its own citizens.

:kick:

[Blaq Dem]

169. Bush wants Syria too...

I wouldn't be surprised if someone later down the road come up with some evidence linking the US gov to the death of Lebanon's prime minister Hariri. Everything is so calculated. Nothing shocks me anymore.

[eridani]

174. That was probably Israel

The suspects had Australian passports, a known Mossad modus operandi.

[Blaq Dem]

178. Muslims usually brag about their killings

The way this assissination was performed is uncharacteristic of the typical "Hey, everybody! Look what I did!" sort of thing. No one has stepped forward and claimed this deadly deed. Not even Al Qaeda has sent out a terror-gram claiming this. Oddly enough, it happens before an election.

It looks like a distraction as well as an excuse to invade Syria.