Panetta Says Israel to Attack Iran in the Spring

Clean

Clean

5,000+ Posts
Apparently he said this at a NATO meeting in Brussels.

Seems to me that's some intelligence that you wouldn't want to get out for a lot of reasons. First of all, there's that old WWII maxim, loose lips sink ships. Second of all, even if it's not true, think about the effect it will have on already soaring gas prices not to mention the effect it will have on middle East tensions.

The Link

This after he first announced on Wed. that we'd be withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2013, which he later tried to qualify saying that we'd be taking a backseat to Afghan troops, but still be there. I guess he wants the Taliban to have plenty of time to get their offensive planned out.

Hard to believe that he was head of the CIA. Seems like he's better suited to being a gossip columnist.

This should put BO's schizophrenic policy towards Israel to the test. If it's true, they're going to need a lot of help from the U.S. to succeed.
 
Hmmm
Reuters reported this on CNN report. CNN says they confirmed it

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes there is a growing possibility Israel will attack Iran as early as April to stop Tehran from building a nuclear bomb, U.S. media reported on Thursday.

The Washington Post first reported that Panetta was concerned about the increased likelihood Israel would launch an attack over the next few months. CNN said it confirmed the report, citing a senior Obama administration official, who declined to be identified."The Link
 
Wow. I have a hard time seeing any scenario in which making such a comment is a good idea. If it's true, then you undermine any surprise element of the attack and endanger Israel's military when they do attack. If it's not true, then you're pouring gasoline on a diplomatic fire.
 
Mrdeetz
You bring up a good question. WHY would the BO Admin say this>
This hurts Israel either way.
I guess pannetta is NOT denying it. he is just not confirming it. That seems pretty reckless to me but maybe there is some diplomatic tactic here.

This sure seems like a slap in the face to our closest ally in the region. so Why do it?
 
The Obama administration has been trying really hard to dissuade Israel from launching a preemptive strike against Iran. It's very possible that Israel is/was planning to strike Iran soon, so by spilling the beans on it, perhaps Panetta is hoping Israel will re-reconsider their idea (i.e. "Oops, sorry, I didn't mean to spill coffee all over your strike planning binders, I guess now you'll have to go back to HQ and reprint/revise them"). Secondly, perhaps it is meant as a backhanded "last chance" warning to Iran, giving them a final opportunity to stand down their nuke program before everything and everybody goes to hell in a handbasket.

Then again, maybe he's just blowing smoke and stirring the pot for fun (but doubt it).
 
I believe that Israel has already attacked Iran.

If you are questioning the effectiveness of Panetta then you do not know what you are talking about.
 
Panetta is so much ******* smarter than the rest of the world.

He said exactly what he wanted to say and what he meant to say.

Iran: take notice.
 
Iran: Take notice???

Iran has been under attack for over 60 years if you want to be technical, so they've been taking notice for a loooooong time. Overthrowing their government is a pretty big thing. Then the sanctions on them and the subsequent attack by Saddam after the 79 revolution....

And ever since the revolution it has been constant, to varying degrees, animosity/sanctions/threats from the West.

People just dont understand when you are are constantly dealing with other countries trying to control you for years, it has an effect.

We dont promote democracy. Only political control. If somehow democracy fits that mold, then great, but thats not the goal of the US, despite what politicians say.

If you guys dont care about actual freedom and democracy, then fine. Just dont act like Iran is some bad guy and we are some good guy.
 
BI
If this wasn't sarcastic
"He said exactly what he wanted to say and what he meant to say.

Iran: take notice. "

Why did Panetta not confirm he said it Why be coy ?
and what does he want Iran to take notice of?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

NEW: Pro Sports Forums

Cowboys, Texans, Rangers, Astros, Mavs, Rockets, etc. Pro Longhorns. The Chiefs and that Swift gal. This is the place.

Pro Sports Forums

Recent Threads

Back
Top