Bush refuses to rule out force against Iran

[tocqueville]

1 hour, 54 minutes ago

JERUSALEM (AFP) - US President George W. Bush refused to rule out the use of force against Iran over the Islamic Republic's resumption of nuclear activities, in an interview aired on Israeli television.

When asked if the use of force was an alternative to faltering diplomatic efforts, Bush said: "All options are on the table."

"The use of force is the last option for any president. You know we have used force in the recent past to secure our country," he said in a clear reference to Iraq, which the United States invaded in March 2003.

"I have been willing to do so as a last resort in order to secure the country and provide the opportunity for people to live in free societies," he added.

Bush was speaking from his ranch in Crawford, Texas to a reporter from Israeli public television. The Jewish state has accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons and believes it is the prime target of the alleged arms programme.

The international community was waiting for Tehran's response after urging the Iranian government to halt its uranium conversion activities, which it resumed on Monday.

Bush expressed doubts that the European Union (EU) initiative to defuse the crisis through diplomatic means would succeed

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050812/pl_afp/irannuclearusisrael_050812181507

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Setting the Stage. That's why we're amassing more troops in Iraq

before cutting them back.

Where are our aircraft carriers? Are they lining up for shock and awe?

[BrklynLiberal]

2. How can he? It has probably already started...like Iraq.

[DemVet]

3. *Flashback*

Bush said: "All options are on the table." That's what we said before Iraq. Get ready. Gasp.

[leftylady]

6. I really hope they don't decide to do this.

That would really suck. But I wouldn't put it past these guys.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

11. deja vu all over again

what a mess he's getting us into, ollie.

[arcane1]

4. arcane1 refuses to rule out....

fuck it, I won't say more... :grr:

[longship]

5. Congress needs to zip him up.

Only Congress holds the power to declare war. We need to activate our Reps to prevent what will become a monumental catastrophe. This lunatic needs to be stopped, and stopped quickly.

[katsy]

7. So...

who's gonna attend his war? The twins?

BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

[Union Thug]

8. With what army?

Seems like were' getting a little low on troops lately.

[izzie]

9. Can any one really think Iraq makes us safe?

Who could really believe Bush in this?

[JDPriestly]

10. If Iran, why not N. Korea, Pakistan, etc.

Why Iran? Do you suppose Iran has oil? Who would'a thunk it?

[cthrumatrix]

12. read up on the Iranian Oil Bourse to Open March '06 (it trades oil w/Euros