Basically, Iran has already started the war, with both incurions into Iraq for the past years, with rhetoric proclaiming genocide on Israel and with funding and training Hamas, Hezbollah and using Syria as its proxy.

Those who have been helping in the background, should be monitored closely, namely Russia, China, and North-Korea.

I have been witness of Iran's movements for the last 10 years, and there is undeniable proof to make a case even unto and before God.

Yet we hope for Gods Mercy, since God knows that Iran is the one who will make the false move.

Exclusive:

Iran, Syria, Lebanon on military alert over US Gulf movements and Israel’s home defense drill

April 6, 2008, 5:36 PM (GMT+02:00)

http://www.debka.org/headline.php?hid=5168

USS Abraham Lincoln heads to Persian Gulf


According to British media, the US is set to attack Iranian military facilities. DEBKAfile’s military sources add that the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Force is heading for the Persian Gulf.

War tensions in the Middle East have shot up - not only over the signals flashing between Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, but also on the US-Iranian front in Iraq in the wake of rising in violence around the Basra conflagration.

Tuesday, April 8, US Iraq commander, Gen. David Petraeus and ambassador to Baghdad, Ryan Crocker, will stress in their report to Congress that Iran is waging war on America in Iraq, say sources in Washington, London and Baghdad.

This emerged strongly last week, when US intelligence learned that Iran had intervened directly in the Iraqi government’s crackdown on renegade militias in Basra and southern Iraq, by directing and provisioning those militias through the Revolutionary Guards’ al Qods Brigades.

Official sources in London predict that Iran’s intervention against the American effort to stabilize Iraq may well prompt a US attack on the military installations in Iran which are orchestrating the interference.

Gen. Petraeus is on record as accusing Iran of being the source of the daily rocket bombardment of Baghdad’s Green Zone, seat of government and US diplomatic and military headquarters.

DEBKAfile’s military sources report that Moscow has dropped its two nickels into the rising war alarm. In the last two weeks, Russian military and intelligence officials have been leaking claims of intensified American military movements around Iranian shores.

Iran is certain to come up in Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin’s farewell talks in the Black Sea resort of Sochi Sunday, along with other controversial business, such as Moscow’s objections to NATO’s eastern expansion and US missile shield in East Europe.

Saturday, US defense secretary Robert Gates turned up in Oman, the site of big American air bases, for talks with Sultan Qaboos. He then flew straight back to Washington. While Gates insisted to correspondents aboard his plane that the US is committed to a diplomatic solution for Iran’s covert nuclear program, the surpise visit struck sparks in the already fraught regional atmosphere, particularly as it followed on the heels of US Vice President Dick Cheney’s talks in Oman two weeks ago.

DEBKAfile’s Middle East sources sum up how Tehran and Damascus read these events and the picture they have built up of Washington’s intentions as combined with Israel’s military steps:

1. US is preparing to attack the Iranian military installations linked to subversion in Iraq. The operation will widen out into strikes on the Islamic Republic’s suspect nuclear sites.

2. Israel will use the chance for a concurrent attack on Syria.

3. Israel will attack Hizballah’s strongholds in Lebanon.

4. A broad, coordinated US-Israeli offensive will be mounted against Iran, Syria and Hizballah.

Iran and Syria view Israel’s four-day home defense exercise against missile attack, conventional or non-conventional, beginning Sunday, as setting the stage for these attacks.

Both believe Washington and Jerusalem are in close military step. Neither is reassured by soothing statements from prime minister Ehud Olmert and defense minister Barak that Israel does not seek violent confrontation - especially when the US administration is withholding all comment. Hence the high state of preparedness ordered by the jittery governments in Tehran, Damascus and Beirut.


............................................benny

JPost.com » Middle East » Article


Apr 6, 2008 19:01
Hizbullah: IDF exercises are preparation for new war on Lebanon
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Hizbullah's deputy leader says new Israeli military exercises are intended to prepare for a new war on Lebanon.

Sheik Naim Kassem also warned Sunday that the Islamic militant group was fully ready to defend Lebanon if Israel attacks again.


.................................................benny

JPost.com » Middle East » Article


Apr 6, 2008 20:12 | Updated Apr 6, 2008 20:40
Hizbullah: IDF preparing for new war on Lebanon
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
BEIRUT, Lebanon
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 1


Israel's new military exercises are intended to prepare for a new war on Lebanon, the deputy leader of Hizbullah said Sunday.




Hirsh Goodman on Syria

Sheik Naim Kassem also warned that Hizbullah is fully ready to defend Lebanon if Israel attacks again.

Kassem's remarks came as Israel began a five-day home front security drill Sunday, simulating responses to war and other emergency situations, including a large-scale terror attack or natural catastrophe.

Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said the drill was meant to help Israel apply lessons from its inconclusive 2006 war against Hizbullah guerrillas, during which the group fired hundreds of conventional rockets into Israel. However, he and other Israeli officials denied the exercise was related to current friction along Israel's northern border with Syria and Lebanon.

RELATED
PM allays Syrian fears over drills

"These drills are part of preparations for war because Israel is always in a warlike situation," Kassem told a rally south of Beirut. "These maneuvers are part of preparations for something in the future - probably it could be far off - but it is a preparation for war."

Kassem said the Israeli drills were also intended "to raise the collapsing morale of the people inside Israel following the defeat in the 2006 war."

Israel attacked Lebanon that summer after Hizbullah killed three Israeli soldiers and seized two others in a cross-border raid. But the Israel has acknowledged it failed to achieve two of its declared objectives: freeing the two captured soldiers and destroying Hizbullah's military structure.

After the war, a 13,500-strong UN force, along with 15,000 Lebanese troops, was deployed along the Lebanese-Israeli border to monitor a UN cease-fire.

Kassem said Hizbullah was ready to defend Lebanon if it was attacked again by Israel.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, whose Western-backed government is locked in fierce power struggle with the Syrian-backed opposition led by Hizbullah, told reporters Sunday that he opposes the Israeli exercise.

Saniora said he had instructed the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon to be vigilant "so that Israel will not use (the drills) as a pretext to violate our airspace or launch an attack on Lebanon." He spoke in Cairo after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

In a speech last month, Hizbullah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah threatened to retaliate with an "open war" against Israel for the assassination of one of his top commanders, Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed Feb. 12 in a car bomb in Syria. Hizbullah and Iran, its main backer, blamed Mughniyeh's assassination on Israel, which denied any role.

Israel declared a heightened security alert after Mughniyeh's death, fearing Hizbullah retaliation.


...............................................benny

Israel sends more jets to Syrian border
Written by MikeS

Perilous Times

INFOWARS.NET
Israel has increased the number of times it sends fighter jets to the Syrian border, 'in preparation' for a possible confrontation.

As the Israeli military has been put on high alert along the northern border, a senior war ministry official revealed that the air force has slightly increased the number of times it dispatches jets to the northern border, with planes being sent almost every day.




"It's not a significant increase, but whenever there is a tense period, there is an increase," the official told The Jerusalem Post.

Intelligence officials, however, attributed Syrian military movements near the border more to nervousness than the likelihood of conflict.

Officials said Thursday that Israeli forces would be kept on high alert along the border due to an increase in cross-border tension.

The London-based daily Al-Quds al-Arabi had earlier reported that Syria had massed its troops and tanks along the Lebanese border and recruited reserve forces in preparation for a possible Israeli attack.

Syria, however, denied the allegation, saying despite indications that Israel is preparing a military assault against Syria, Damascus "is not massing forces [along the border]".



...............................................benny

Back to Headlines | Previous Story | Next Story | Print Version




Gaza Rocket Strikes Israeli City; No Casualities -AFP



JERUSALEM (AFP)--Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket that struck the southern Israeli town of Ashkelon late Saturday, causing no casualties, the Israeli army said.

Witnesses told AFP that the alert sirens were sounded across the city and shortly afterwards a loud explosion was heard.

An army spokeswoman said the rocket landed in Ashkelon's industrial zone in the south of the city, home to 70,000 people.

This was the first time in more than three weeks that a rocket fell on Ashkelon, as Israel and militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza observe a relative lull in violence in and around the Palestinian territory.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

.......................................benny

Apr 6, 2008 13:15 | Updated Apr 6, 2008 13:35
Barak won't declare special 'emergency situation' in Ashkelon
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced Sunday that he had decided not to proclaim a "special emergency situation" in Ashkelon as has been declared in Sderot.

Barak was requested to consider the matter by MK Yoram Marciano (Labor).

In the end, it was decided that the rocket attacks toward the city were not as heavy as in the case of Sderot and that the proclamation of an "emergency situation" would be liable to create bigger panic among residents than the situation warranted.
..............................................benny

Syria on Alert Because Hizbullah Revenge Attack is Near

(IsraelNN.com) 4/6/08 Syria has raised the state of alert of its armed forces because it knows Hizbullah's revenge attack against Israel for the killing of Imad Mughniyeh is near, according to Channel 2.

Soon after Mughniyeh's death, Israel warned Syria that it would hold it responsible for any revenge attack launched by Hizbullah for the killing of Mughniyeh, its operations officer.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Ne...sh.aspx/144516
........................................................benny

Sunday, April 06, 2008
DISPATCH FROM THE GOLAN HEIGHTS: Israel begins largest emergency drill ever to prepare for war



(Golan Heights, Israel) -- Pray for peace, but prepare for war. This has been my theme over the past few years, but I have never felt the urgency to do both -- pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as the Scriptures teach us in Psalm 122:6, and make preparations to ship into the region at least $120 million worth of humanitarian relief over the next few years -- more than I do right now. The Palestinian foreign minister says he thinks a peace treaty with Israel can be signed by year's end. But war clouds are also building on the horizon -- particularly with Iran, Syria and Lebanon -- and no one is quite sure how long we have until the next conflict breaks out. As I write this, I am looking out over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights and wondering just what the future holds. And I am not alone. Today, the Israeli government begins the largest emergency drill ever to get its citizens and first responders ready for what they fear could be coming soon.


"In face of increased tensions with Syria and Iran's efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon, parts of the country will shut down later this week for what security officials say is the largest emergency exercise in Israel's history," reports The Jerusalem Post. "The drill, which is being organized by the newly-established National Emergency Authority, will start on Sunday and last five days....The first two days of the drill include security cabinet meetings -- led by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert -- to simulate the effectiveness of the current decision-making process during an enemy attack. On Tuesday, sirens will sound briefly nationwide; the public is asked to use the time to locate the closest bomb shelter or protected room. Drawing from lessons of the Second Lebanon War and in preparation for Iranian nuclear bombs as well as possible chemical and biological attacks, the Israel Police, IDF Home Front Command, other military branches, all of the country's hospitals, the Fire and Rescue Service, Magen David Adom and other rescue services will participate in the five-day drill. Rescue services will simulate mass evacuations from 'hit zones' -- including chemical and biological attacks -- and hospitals will drill their ability to treat thousands of injured."


With me are nearly 200 evangelical Christian pastors and church leaders from more than 20 states, all participating in a Joshua Fund "Prayer & Vision Trip" through the Holy Land. Over the past few days, we've been exploring the history of this beautiful country, the enormous challenges facing the Jewish State at present, and the prophecies that will shape Israel's future. We've taken these leaders to Caesaria and studied the Book of Acts together in the Roman Amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean. We've taken them to Har-Megiddo -- the mountain known as "Armageddon" -- as we studied the prophecies of Daniel, Zechariah and Revelation. We've taken them to Nazareth, as we considered the challenges of life for Arab followers of Jesus in the city and country where our Savior grew up.


Soon, we will head to Jerusalem for the Epicenter conference (Thursday, April 10th), briefings by various Israeli leaders, and to do a food distribution project for the poor and needy in the Holy City and in towns and villages around the country. Please pray for safety and wisdom for us. But far more importantly, please pray that the Lord would pour out His blessings on the people of this land, and her neighbors. You and I may not be able to stop the war that is coming. But we can make a difference in the name of Jesus in the lives of those who are suffering today. We can show them unconditional and unwavering love. This is our Biblical mandate. May we take it seriously -- and soon.
.............................................benny

JPost.com » Israel » Article


Apr 6, 2008 23:22 | Updated Apr 7, 2008 4:47
Dozens 'killed' in war simulation
By YAAKOV KATZ AND YAAKOV LAPPIN
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 1


Dozens of Israeli civilians were "killed" on Sunday as Israel went to "war" with Syria, Hizbullah and Hamas on the first day of the country's largest-ever emergency exercise, "Turning Point 2."


The IDF will play a major role in this week's 'Turning Point 2' exercise.
Photo: Channel 10
The five-day drill opened with an announcement by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the weekly cabinet meeting of an outbreak of hostilities following the firing of Katyusha rockets into northern Israel by Hizbullah in Lebanon. The simulated conflict quickly escalated and by the afternoon - representing the fourth day of the war - Israel was also being hit by Syrian missiles and Hamas-fired Kassams and Katyushas.

A defense official involved in the exercise said that according to the National Emergency Authority - in charge of the drill - by the fourth day of the war several dozen civilians had been killed by the missiles. The official said that it was possible that by Monday, Israel would also start getting hit by Iranian Shihab-3 ballistic missiles.

At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, sirens will blast nationwide; civilians are asked to use the few moments to locate the closest bomb shelter or protected room.

RELATED
Hizbullah: IDF preparing for new war

During the exercise, rescue services will drill mass evacuations from "hit zones" - including chemical and biological attacks - and hospitals will drill their ability to treat thousands of injured.

Only some of the scenarios guiding the drill - drawn up by the recently-formed National Emergency Authority and the Defense Ministry - can be revealed to the public, a police source said.

"There's no cause for alarm - these are intended purely as exercises," said Yoram Ohayon, the head of police's operations division.

"As far as I know, there is no concrete information that any kind of missile is going to be fired at Israel. This exercise is aimed at optimizing the complex inter-organizational response that is needed for a mass-casualty incident," he said, speaking by phone from the police's national operations room in Jerusalem.

"As soon as a threat penetrates Israel's borders, the police are the designated first-responders. Every incident has its own drawer plan, and if, God forbid, a threat does materialize, we will know how to deal with it," Ohayon said.

The largest "incident" during the drill will take place in the Haifa Port area on Wednesday, when police and rescue services will simulate an explosion at a major chemical plant.

"This is our worst-case scenario, which is why we chose it for this week's drill," said Moshe Weizmann, spokesman for the Northern Police District. During the exercise, police officers and rescue services will put on bio-chemical protection suits to shield them from the hazardous materials that could contaminate the site, and will attempt to evacuate "victims."

"They will only have a window of opportunity of a few minutes to do this," Weizmann said.

"For the first time, the lessons of the Second Lebanon War will be applied and examined. First, police will arrive on the scene, and they will be followed by officials from the Home Front Command, who will take charge," he added.

On Wednesday, the police's Southern District will simulate an emergency situation that includes a major incident in Ashkelon, Southern District chief Cmdr. Uri Bar-Lev told The Jerusalem Post. "We will examine police responses to missile attacks as well as unconventional weapons attacks."

The district had been preparing for the worst over the past several months, he added. "Just last month, Lachish police simulated a chemical attack. We also had to make preparations for the possibility of a mass Palestinian storming of the Gaza border," he said. "We're constantly engaged in counterterrorism, with a focus on Gaza and the South Hebron Hills. Now we will prepare for attacks that get through our defenses."

In Tel Aviv, police were a little more guarded about the emergency scenarios they had been asked to drill, but a spokeswoman did say, "One of our threats will be a sea-based attack."

Firefighters will accompany the police in each simulated incident, and will use the drill to rehearse weapons-of-mass-destruction scenarios, Galilee Operations fire chief Amir Levi said.

This week's drill will include hundreds of mobile intensive care units and ambulances manned by paramedics, medics and other Magen David Adom staffers.

For the first time, a new underground shelter will function in Haifa during the drill, which will involve 10 ambulances, two mobile intensive care units, a mobile headquarters, 26 MDA medics and paramedics, and IDF medics.

After the Second Lebanon War, it was decided to build the 600-square-meter underground shelter, at a cost of NIS 1.5 million. MDA staffers would be able to stay there for a long time - with their families - and be able to emerge and provide help at all times while knowing their loved ones were safe. The shelter has all the control systems needed to coordinate rescue activity.

On the last day of the exercise - Thursday - Emek Medical Center in Afula will be the site of a simulated strike by a chemical warfare missile. The hospital has been asked to cope with a conventional missile, but at a certain stage, the hospital will receive an alert of a chemical weapon, which will "hit" near the medical center.

Around 300 simulated wounded - high school pupils and soldiers - will be rushed to the emergency room. In the first part of this exercise, the large visitors parking lot - which will be closed to the public - will be used to wash off the "victims." The staffers will wear special protective gear, including masks, impermeable suits and gloves.

Judy Siegel and AP contributed to this report.


...............................................benny

Apr 6, 2008 23:39 | Updated Apr 7, 2008 3:27
'Recent tension with Syria - over Israeli warning to Assad'
By GIL HOFFMAN
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 3


Sources close to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert confirmed a Channel 2 report Sunday that the reason for the tension with Syria was a message Israel sent Damascus warning that Bashar Assad's regime would be held responsible if Jews around the world were harmed in retaliation for the killing of Hizbullah arch-terrorist Imad Mugniyeh.


Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Photo: AP
Israel has not claimed credit for the killing, but Syria and Hizbullah hold Israel responsible for Mugniyeh's death. Hizbullah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to take revenge against Jews abroad, and Syria drafted reserve soldiers last week as tensions escalated.

In a move likely to further enhance the tension with Syria, Olmert reportedly approved an American request to allow congressional hearings to reveal details of the strike on an alleged Syrian nuclear installation that foreign sources have attributed to Israel.

Officials in US President George W. Bush's administration asked to reveal the information in order to use it against North Korea. Olmert agreed to the request, despite opposition from Israeli intelligence officials.

RELATED
PM allays Syrian fears over drills

His advisers, Yoram Turbowitz and Shalom Turgeman, went to Washington last week to speak about the issue with US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and other top American officials.

Olmert downplayed the tension with Syria at the start of Sunday's cabinet meeting and stressed that there was no connection between the current security situation with Syria and Monday's drill in the Home Front Command.

"I want to emphasize that this is only a drill, with nothing hiding behind it," Olmert told the cabinet. "All the reports about heightened tension in the North are exaggerated. We have no secret plans. This drill is not part of anything else. It seems to me that the Syrians know this as well and they have no reason to analyze this drill differently.

"I would like to make it unequivocally clear that this is a routine drill. The State of Israel is not intent on any violent confrontation in the North. On the contrary, we have said more than once that we have an interest in holding peace negotiations with Syria."

Deputy Hizbullah leader Sheikh Naim Kassem said Sunday that the Israeli exercise was intended to prepare for a new war with Lebanon. He warned that Hizbullah was fully prepared to defend Lebanon if Israel attacked again.

Kassem said the Israeli drills were also intended "to raise the collapsing morale of the people inside Israel following the defeat in the 2006 war."

AP contributed to this report.
................................................benny

Pss.2
[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
[3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
[4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
[5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
[6] Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
[7] I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
[8] Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
[9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
[10] Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
[11] Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
[12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Source: Jerusalem Post, 4/7 2008
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?c=J...icle%2FShowFull
-------------------
Israel has no better friends in the world than Christian Zionists, Likud opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.
[Opposition leader Binyamin...]

"This is a friendship of the heart, a friendship of common roots, and a friendship of common civilization," Netanyahu told a conference of American Evangelicals in Jerusalem.

The event, which was organized by the San Antonio, Texas-based Christians United for Israel, drew 1,000 Israel supporters led by the conservative evangelical Pastor John Hagee, who has been a stalwart supporter of Israel for the past three decades.

Hagee on Sunday announced donations of $6 million to a number of Israeli causes and declared that Israel must remain in control of all of Jerusalem.
RELATED

* Reform leader: 'Christians for Israel' hurt country

"Turning part or all of Jerusalem over to the Palestinians would be tantamount to turning it over to the Taliban," Hagee said.

Among the 16 causes Hagee supported with the contributions he announced were Magen David Adom and a conference center in the West Bank settlement of Ariel.

Hagee has united evangelical Christian supporters of Israel in the US under one umbrella organization, dubbed the Christian Aipac, which focuses solely on support for Israel and does not work to convert Jews to Christianity.

Netanyahu's remarks come just days after the head of the left-leaning Reform Movement in the US Rabbi Eric Yoffie said that Israel should not deal with Christian Zionists like Hagee, calling him an "extremist" who rejected territorial compromise with the Palestinians and disparages Catholics.

Hagee has vehemently denied being anti-Catholic and said his remarks have been mischaracterized, and based on statements that were "totally false." The head of the Knesset's increasingly influential Christian Allies Caucus MK Benny Elon (National Union-National Religious Party), who has spearheaded Israel's relations with the evangelical Christian world, called Yoffie's politically based remarks "shameful," and called Hagee a "visionary man of courage" and an "outstanding spiritual leader."

"You are the right man in the right place in the right time," Elon said Friday at a book launch of Hagee's book In Defense of Israel, which has now been translated into Hebrew.

Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin called the burgeoning ties between Israel and the evangelical Christian world "one of the most important things," after close to 2,000 years of enmity persecution and pogroms.

"What we have to understand is that the Christianity of persecution and intolerance and Jew-hatred is not the Christianity of Pastor Hagee and most evangelists today," Riskin said.

He called the rapprochement between Christians and Jews "one of the miracles" of the 20th century.

AP contributed to this report.
---------------------


Isn't it amazing, or rather astonishing, or rather embarrassing?
That not every Christian supports the common roots?
To me it is like waking up one morning, somewhere in the Middle Ages, wondering where all the misled Christians went?
Misled into hatred, indifference. WAKE UP! Cast out the sin of hatred, everywhere, everyone! Now is the time.

Like a blanket we lay over Israel and no harm to Gods Holy Land will come.
Weild Gods Shield over the Land! May they all know the Glory of God and His Eternal Love.

An Israeli 'Turning Point' <STRATFOR>
April 7, 2008

Israel launched a major, nationwide military exercise on Sunday. Scheduled to last five days, it is designed to simulate air and missile attacks against Israel, including “unconventional” weapons — which we would assume refers to chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. The exercise will test Israel’s ability to protect its population and maintain continuity of government and military decision-making in the event of such an attack.

The Israelis have emphasized that the simulation is not an attempt to raise tensions in the region, nor a cover for an attack on either Lebanon or Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Sunday, “The goal of the exercise is to check the authorities’ ability to carry out their duty in times of emergency and for preparing the home front for various scenarios. There is nothing else hidden behind it.”

The code name of the exercise is “Turning Point 2,” a choice that bears some scrutiny because code names have become public relations tools. From Operation Peace for Galilee (Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982) to Urgent Fury (the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983) to Iraqi Freedom, the code names selected by Western countries have less to do with the desire for security than the desire for a clear message. (Turning Point 1 was a much smaller exercise that took place last year. However, given rumors flying around the region right now, anything called “Turning Point” will raise eyebrows, even if it was used before.)

Thought was given by the Israelis to the name “Turning Point.” That choice was intended to deliver a message, and deliver it to two audiences. One audience is the Israeli public. The other is Israel’s adversaries, ranging from Hamas and Hezbollah to Syria and Iran. That a message is being delivered along with the exercise is clear. The meaning of the message, however, is more opaque.

“Turning point,” as Winston Churchill used it in World War II, is that moment in which the trend of the war shifts away from one side and toward another. It is a decisive moment, a point of rectification. From the Israeli standpoint, there would appear to be three conflicts that need to be rectified. The first is the Israeli confrontation with Hamas in Gaza, where an extended stalemate appears to be in place. The second is Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah: The Israeli-Hezbollah war of 2006 defined a balance between Israeli and Hezbollah forces that is unsatisfactory to Israel. Many Israelis would argue the need for a turning point there — a reinitiation of conflict to change the outcome of 2006 — and Hezbollah has been claiming that this is Israel’s intent. The third of Israel’s conflicts has been in its relations with Iran. Israel has asserted that Iran is working on a nuclear weapon and delivery system that will threaten Israel. An elimination of that threat through offensive, defensive or combined efforts would certainly be a turning point.

The Israelis may have in mind one or more of these actions taking place simultaneously. A combined action in Gaza and the Bekaa Valley would represent an attempt to achieve a turning point in the Israeli strategic position. Either or both of those offensives might trigger missile attacks using chemical weapons. Therefore any operation that would be intended as a turning point in the regional conflict might well contain a defensive scenario against a large-scale chemical attack on Israel from weapons deployed in Lebanon or possibly Syria.

The Israelis could also be conducting a necessary exercise for implementing defensive warfighting scenarios under unknown circumstances. They might have chosen the code name simply to jangle nerves in the region. However, over the past weeks we have seen everything from U.S. Sixth Fleet naval vessels moving close to the Lebanese coast, to very convincing reports of Syrian troop movements along the Lebanese border. Jangling the nerves of the region seems superfluous.

The name might simply mean that from this moment forward, Israel is ready for unconventional air and missile attack. Or it could be intended as a signal that Israel is interested in a broader turning point. Either way, code names are not casually chosen and the code name for the largest anti-WMD defensive exercise that Israel has ever undertaken was not pulled out of a jar.

“Turning Point” is an interesting choice.
................................................benny

Tulsa Prophecy Ponderings
The 2008 Mid-America Prophecy Conference at Tulsa, Oklahoma has come and gone, and I wanted to think with you just a bit on perspectives gleaned while there this past week.

Conference speakers, some of whom have been my personal friends for many years, provided insights from discernment that can be found only in God’s servants who have devoted their lives to submitting to His will while they undertake study of these end times. There seemed a collective sense during this conference, unlike most of recent vintage, that the almost eerie lull in which we find ourselves, prophetically speaking, might foreshadow significant things just ahead.

The speakers presented perspectives on those possibilities from varied and fascinating viewpoints.

David Reagan spoke on the imminency of the second coming and the thrilling prospects that event promises for believers and portends for non-believers. Reagan gave the conference attendees masterfully presented insights into Israel's primary role in the end-times. He moved the audience with a profound look into how the Jewish people have been satanically persecuted throughout their history, and why Satan was--and remains-- intent on killing every Jewish person.

Walid Shoebat, a one-time Muslim now converted to Christianity, included as part of his several lectures some fellow speakers asking him questions, which made for a different but interesting slant on prophetic matters discussed. His focus was, in part, on how Islam is not a peaceful religion, like many are trying to portray it. He presented the origin of the Israel land controversy, going in-depth about how there was no such thing as a Palestinian, providing historical examples that proved the word “Palestine” came from ancient Rome, with the Caesar so naming the region in order to take away the Jews' legitimate claim to their promised land. He gave the facts about Rome using the region’s former inhabitants, the history of the Philistines, in making up the name “Palestine." Shoebat, a former Islamic terrorist, expressed and expounded upon the subject of frustration for most all of the attendees, presenting the case for why there is many who make excuses for terrorists, saying they are justified in their murderous acts--when there is no excuse.

Mike Gendron, a former Catholic, spoke on Roman Catholicism and his belief that that powerful religious system will be the nucleus of the forming one-world religion. He spoke passionately on the importance of witnessing to the soul-saving power of Jesus Christ in these closing days of the Church Age.

Gary Fisher, as we have come to expect from him, gave a masterful presentation on Israel and that nation’s all-important part in the mix of end-time matters. He spoke on proof of the nearness of the return of Christ, based in large part upon Israel’s juxtaposition against the other nations of Planet Earth today.

Les Feldick, host lecturer of a long-standing television program on biblical studies, spoke on signs of the rapture--signs of the second coming. I had never met Mr. Feldick, but found him personally engaging in private conversation. He proved to be a Bible teacher with a special gift for making one feel as if sitting in private conversation when receiving his teaching. His thorough knowledge of Bible prophecy, in particular, is compelling.

Phillip Goodman, host of the Tulsa Mid-America Prophecy Conference--and, if I may digress for a moment of personal interjection, one of my closest friends--spoke on the imminent rapture of the church. He also addressed, with a level of expertise few possess, the coming Russian-Islamic invasion of Israel as found in the Gog-Magog events of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39. He indicated that the major players are in place for this showdown between Gog and Israel’s great protector. The current world, he believes, is configuring in ways that forewarn a soon-coming explosion in the Middle East.

Jeremy Hall, a citizen of Canada and co-host of a prophecy conference held in his country, spoke on exposing false doctrine, and how Christians can be insulated against the terrible effects of lies from the false teachers, only if steeped in God’s Word and prayer. I found Mr. Hall a quite thoroughly furnished lecturer, in both his gift for speaking and in well-studied acumen. His mature level of understanding and ability to impart that understanding to those in attendance is particularly gratifying to see in one young in physical years. He spoke on the millennium, expressing reasons he believes the pre-trib view of the rapture is the correct view while the other primary views of rapture fall short of meeting biblical parameters for that great event.

Joe Lawendowski traveled from Alaska to bring the conference attendees a fascinating and pertinent perspectives on eschatological events being set on God’s end-times stage. He spoke on "Babylon: Past, Present and Future." His being stationed in Iraq while in the U.S. military gave insights few have the privilege of accumulating, then using as part of Bible study on end-times matters. His presentation included photographs of the area where ancient Babylon sat. His pictures of still-existing bricks that were etched with the name of "Nebuchadnezzar" held the attention of those in attendance, while Lawendowski’s excellent lecture covered Babylon and its past, present, and future relevance to Bible prophecy. Jeremy Hall and Joe Lawendowski are partners in a ministry, and are joint hosts of the Canadian prophecy conference.

On another note of interest about the Tulsa conference: I was priviledged to pose interview questions to each of the conference speakers as part of filming during early preparation for a documentary I’ve been asked to help put together. The documentary at this point is intended to be seven one-hour shows in a series on end-times things. It will, God willing, air at a future date on A&E, Discovery Channel, The History Channel, or perhaps one of the broadcast networks.

The series will include many other writers, speakers and scholars on Bible prophecy, including Todd Strandberg, and myself. Todd and I ask, on behalf of all involved in the project, that you lift prayers that God’s will be done at every step of the way in this effort.

--Terry

..............................................benny

Apr 7, 2008 14:26 | Updated Apr 7, 2008 14:52
Ben-Eliezer: We will destroy Iran if they attack us
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 0


"An Iranian attack will prompt a severe reaction from Israel, which will destroy the Iranian nation," National Infrastructure Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor) said on Monday. Teheran, he added, "is definitely aware of our strength. Even so, they are teasing us with their alliances with Syria and Hizbullah, and supplying them with many weapons, and we have to deal with that."


Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly called to "wipe Israel off the map."
Photo: AP [file]
Speaking during a visit to the war room offices that were established as part of the emergency drill "Turning Point 2," he asserted that "the exercise that Israeli is simulating at the moment is not a false display or a fictional scenario."

According to the minister, "the reality in the future is likely to be many times more severe than that with which we are familiar. We are facing a reality in which the home front will become the battlefield."

"In a future war," Ben-Eliezer continued, "it will be much safer to live in Nahariya or Shlomi than in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv because I foresee that during the opening blow hundreds of missiles will rain on Israel. No place in the country will be outside the range of Syria and Hizbullah's missiles and rockets."
...............................................benny

Iran: Arabs must closely watch Israeli drill


Spokesman for Iranian Foreign Ministry says Israel's 'provocative actions' should be brought to the attention of international community

Dudi Cohen Published: 04.07.08, 12:14 / Israel News




"The states of the region must closely watch the Israeli drill. These provocative actions should be brought to the attention of the relevant officials in the international community," an Iranian official said Monday referring to the nationwide home front maneuver being held by Israel this week.



Keep Calm

Olmert reassures Syria: Home front drill not a threat / Roni Sofer

(Video) 'We are not seeking any military confrontations in the North,' PM says as Israel launches five-day security drill meant to simulate responses to war, other emergency situations
Full Story




According to Mohammad Ali Hosseini, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, "These actions are aimed at boosting the morale of the Israeli commanders and their soldiers."



Hosseini also claimed that the drill was a direct result of US Vice President Dick Cheney's recent visit to the Mideast. "Unfortunately, after every visit of senior American officials in the region and the occupied territories we witness similar actions by the Zionist regime."



The drill, which opened Sunday, is scheduled to be held throughout the week.



Advertisement



The IDF, on its part, has been attempting to alleviate concerns regarding the exercise among its neighbors. Lebanese daily As-Safir on Saturday quoted diplomatic sources in New York as saying that Israel has asked UNIFIL to inform the Lebanese government that the military exercise will not threaten Lebanon or Hizbullah and that "it will not include the border region".

.............................................benny

Israeli minister hurls unprecedented threat at Iran
April 7, 2008, 3:56 PM (GMT+02:00)

National Infrastructure Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said Monday, April 7: “An Iranian strike on Israel would result in an Israeli response that would devastate the Iranian nation.” On a visit to the national defense exercise’s situation room, Ben-Eliezer also warned: “An Initial strike on Israel would see hundreds of missiles hit us… all of Israel will be within range of Syrian and Hizballah missiles.”

DEBKAfile’s military sources note: In all of its 60 years, no Israeli leader has ever threatened to destroy another nation, however belligerent - even when Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Israel should be “wiped off the map.”

His words directly contradict the soothing statements made by prime minister Ehud Olmert and defense minister Ehud Barak that the defense exercise is in no way intended as a threat or an escalation of war tensions.

The minister’s wild rhetoric, apparently off the top of his head, could be interpreted as a threat of Israeli nuclear retaliation to a potential Iranian attack.

Ben Eliezer continued in slightly more measured tones when he said: The Iranians won’t be rushing to attack Israel because they are well aware of our strength, but they bait us by providing weapons to Syria and Hizballah, which we need to deal with.”

Our sources point out that thus far, Israel has never directly addressed any of the three perils.

In Tehran foreign ministry spokesman, Mohammad Ali Husseini advised the states in the region to closely watch the Israeli exercise, which he described as “provocative” and aimed at boosting the army’s morale.

................................................benny

Exclusive: Iran, Syria, Lebanon on military alert over US Gulf movements and Israel’s home defense drill
April 6, 2008, 9:14 AM (GMT+02:00)


USS Abraham Lincoln heads to Persian Gulf
According to British media, the US is set to attack Iranian military facilities. DEBKAfile’s military sources add that the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Force is heading for the Persian Gulf.

War tensions in the Middle East have shot up - not only over the signals flashing between Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, but also on the US-Iranian front in Iraq in the wake of rising in violence around the Basra conflagration.

Tuesday, April 8, US Iraq commander, Gen. David Petraeus and ambassador to Baghdad, Ryan Crocker, will stress in their report to Congress that Iran is waging war on America in Iraq, say sources in Washington, London and Baghdad.

This emerged strongly last week, when US intelligence learned that Iran had intervened directly in the Iraqi government’s crackdown on renegade militias in Basra and southern Iraq, by directing and provisioning those militias through the Revolutionary Guards’ al Qods Brigades.

Official sources in London predict that Iran’s intervention against the American effort to stabilize Iraq may well prompt a US attack on the military installations in Iran which are orchestrating the interference.

Gen. Petraeus is on record as accusing Iran of being the source of the daily rocket bombardment of Baghdad’s Green Zone, seat of government and US diplomatic and military headquarters.

DEBKAfile’s military sources report that Moscow has dropped its two nickels into the rising war alarm. In the last two weeks, Russian military and intelligence officials have been leaking claims of intensified American military movements around Iranian shores.

Iran is certain to come up in Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin’s farewell talks in the Black Sea resort of Sochi Sunday, along with other controversial business, such as Moscow’s objections to NATO’s eastern expansion and US missile shield in East Europe.

Saturday, US defense secretary Robert Gates turned up in Oman, the site of big American air bases, for talks with Sultan Qaboos. He then flew straight back to Washington. While Gates insisted to correspondents aboard his plane that the US is committed to a diplomatic solution for Iran’s covert nuclear program, the surpise visit struck sparks in the already fraught regional atmosphere, particularly as it followed on the heels of US Vice President Dick Cheney’s talks in Oman two weeks ago.

DEBKAfile’s Middle East sources sum up how Tehran and Damascus read these events and the picture they have built up of Washington’s intentions as combined with Israel’s military steps:

1. US is preparing to attack the Iranian military installations linked to subversion in Iraq. The operation will widen out into strikes on the Islamic Republic’s suspect nuclear sites.

2. Israel will use the chance for a concurrent attack on Syria.

3. Israel will attack Hizballah’s strongholds in Lebanon.

4. A broad, coordinated US-Israeli offensive will be mounted against Iran, Syria and Hizballah.

Iran and Syria view Israel’s four-day home defense exercise against missile attack, conventional or non-conventional, beginning Sunday, as setting the stage for these attacks.

Both believe Washington and Jerusalem are in close military step. Neither is reassured by soothing statements from prime minister Ehud Olmert and defense minister Barak that Israel does not seek violent confrontation - especially when the US administration is withholding all comment. Hence the high state of preparedness ordered by the jittery governments in Tehran, Damascus and Beirut.

.................................................benny

Headline News
Monday, April 07, 2008 by Staff Writer

Report: Lebanon moves civilians away from Israel border

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default...=178&nid=15665

In another sign that renewed armed conflict between Israel and Hizballah may be on the horizon, a major Arab satellite network reported Sunday that the Lebanese army had begun pulling the civilian population back from the Israeli border.

Later in the day, a military correspondent with Israel's Channel Two News said that Syria and Lebanon are on heightened alert because they know that Hizballah is about to attack Israel or an overseas Israeli asset.

Hizballah blames Israel for the February assassination of its operational commander Imad Mughniyah, and has vowed to strike back.

Israeli government sources confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sent a message to Syrian President Bashar Assad that Damascus will be held directly responsible for any Hizballah attack on Israel.

According to defense officials, Syria is readying itself to hit Israel following the Jewish state's initial response to the imminent Hizballah attack.
..............................................benny

Iran is probably not aware that God has already seen all of this, while traveling time before Creation.
Does one need to say more?

Except for Saying that God is the ALMIGHTY.
In God We Trust.

Iran proposes missile shield against U.S., Israel

19:01 | 07/ 04/ 2008
http://en.rian.ru/world/20080407/103957109.html


TEHRAN, April 7 (RIA Novosti) - Iran's defense minister said on Monday the world needs a missile shield to protect against threats from Israel and the United States.

Tehran has joined Russia in opposing U.S. plans to deploy elements of its missile defense system in Central Europe to counter possible strikes from "rogue states," specifically Iran.

"If the world needs an anti-missile shield, it must be used to counter missiles and the nuclear menace coming from the U.S. and Israel, which directly or indirectly threaten different countries with aggression and war," Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said.

The minister said U.S. claims that the European missile shield would defend against Iran's missiles were nothing but a sham.

"Our country's missile arsenal is purely defense-oriented and is only a threat to aggressors," the minister said.

Washington plans to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland in addition to installing radars in the Czech Republic. The ten missiles in Poland could be placed on duty by 2013.

Najjar said Tehran was open to cooperation with every country except Israel, which Iran does not recognize, to ensure stability and security in the Middle East.


............................................benny

Israel prepares for future war on three fronts with five-day emergency drill

news.scotsman.com


ISRAEL yesterday began a five-day nationwide civil defence exercise that analysts say aims to prepare the country for being bombarded by missiles in a possible future war with Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas.

The exercise, expected to be the largest emergency drill in Israeli history, is to include simulated chemical and biological attacks and to put emphasis on the response of government bodies and the drilling of schoolchildren in entering shelters and protected spaces.

Leading military analyst Ron Ben-Ishai wrote on the Hebrew language Y-net website yesterday that the idea was to prepare the country for a situation in which almost all of its territory was targeted by missiles from Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, from which Hamas fighters currently fire rockets at southern Israel. Mr Ben-Ishai said a major Israeli military operation in Gaza could be one of the possible sparks for such a three-way barrage.

With media in Israel and Syria carrying reports of heightened tensions in recent days, Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert yesterday termed the exercise a "routine drill".

"The state of Israel is not intent on any violent confrontation in the north," Mr Olmert said. "On the contrary we have said on more than one occasion that we have an interest in holding peace negotiations with Syria."

Meanwhile, reports from Gaza said yesterday that a five-year-old Palestinian boy was killed and four relatives wounded by an Israeli artillery shell that struck their home near the Bureij refugee camp.

In Lebanon, Naim Kassem, a senior Hezbollah leader, termed the Israeli exercise "preparation for a future war" and accused Israel of "threatening Lebanon and the region". He said Hezbollah was ready to meet any Israeli challenge. Israeli deputy defence minister Matan Vilnai defended the drill, saying: "An exercise aimed at protecting schoolchildren cannot be considered a threat to Syria or Hezbollah."

More than 4,000 rockets landed in northern Israel during its 2006 war with Hezbollah, sending more than one million Israelis into shelters.
............................................benny

Israel concerned N. Korean nuclear know-how, material has reached Iran

By Barak Ravid
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/972228.html


The United States and Israel seek to pressure North Korea to cease its nuclear cooperation with Iran, which is one of the motives behind their agreement to disclose details on the air-force strike in Syria last September.

According to foreign press reports, the strike targeted a nuclear installation built with North Korean assistance.


According to information obtained by Washington and Jerusalem, North Korea transferred technology and nuclear materials to Iran to aid Tehran's secret nuclear arms program.

U.S. and Israeli officials agreed last week that the talks between the U.S. and North Korea, scheduled to take place in Singapore tomorrow, should be used to pressure Pyongyang to disclose its nuclear cooperation with countries in the Middle East. As a pressure tactic, U.S. officials could reveal details of North Korea's cooperation with Syria to Congress.

Foreign news sources reported that in addition to helping Syria build the nuclear facility that Israel attacked, North Korea sent engineers and various materials to the site. Israel and the U.S. fear that Pyongyang could be doing even more to boost Iran's nuclear program.

During their talks in Washington last week with high-ranking officials, Yoram Turbowicz and Shalom Turjeman, advisers to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, agreed that the details of the air strike would be released by the Americans.

Israel would continue to decline commenting on the matter, as it has done since September, and would not alter its censorship policy.

Syria claimed that the facility hit was an unused military installation and denied having a nuclear development program. North Korea also denies exporting its nuclear expertise. Iran claims that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.

In the past few months Olmert has met with key world leaders to discuss Syria.

The most important meeting in Olmert's "campaign" to defend the Israeli air strike and create a united international front against Syria was with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On October 10, about a month after the attack, the two leaders spoke on the phone about Syria and other issues. They agreed that due to the sensitivity of the matter, talks should be continued face to face.

On October 18, Olmert flew to Moscow for a five-hour visit. It had been announced, to much surprise, the day before. Officials in the Prime Minister's Office said at the time that the Iranian issue was the focus of the talks, and that Olmert planned to present Putin with intelligence on a number of strategic issues.

Haaretz learned that Olmert presented Putin with the problems relevant to Syria.

One week later, Olmert flew to Paris and London, where he met with President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, respectively, and filled them in on the operation. While in London, Olmert also met with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was also visiting the British capital.

After the air strike in Syria, two detachable fuel tanks from Israeli fighter planes were found in Turkish territory, near the Syrian border. Turkish news reports said this proved that Israeli aircraft had flown over Turkish airspace on their way to their target.

Turkey made a formal complaint to Israel and asked for clarifications from Jerusalem.

In his hour-long meeting with Erdogan, Olmert briefed the Turkish prime minister on the situation.

A few days later Olmert informed the cabinet that he had apologized to Erdogan for the fuel-tank incident.

"If Israeli planes indeed penetrated Turkish airspace, then it was without prior intent or any intent to infringe upon or undermine Turkish sovereignty, which we respect," Olmert told the cabinet.
...........................................benny

Apr 7, 2008 13:11

'Warning to Assad sparked tension'

By GIL HOFFMAN
Print Subscribe
www.jpost.com


Sources close to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert confirmed a Channel 2 report Sunday that the reason for the tension with Syria was a message Israel sent Damascus warning that Bashar Assad's regime would be held responsible if Jews around the world were harmed in retaliation for the killing of Hizbullah arch-terrorist Imad Mugniyeh.


Israel has not claimed credit for the killing, but Syria and Hizbullah hold Israel responsible for Mugniyeh's death. Hizbullah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to take revenge against Jews abroad, and Syria drafted reserve soldiers last week as tensions escalated.

In a move likely to further enhance the tension with Syria, Olmert reportedly approved an American request to allow congressional hearings to reveal details of the strike on an alleged Syrian nuclear installation that foreign sources have attributed to Israel.

Officials in US President George W. Bush's administration asked to reveal the information in order to use it against North Korea. Olmert agreed to the request, despite opposition from Israeli intelligence officials.

His advisers, Yoram Turbowitz and Shalom Turgeman, went to Washington last week to speak about the issue with US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and other top American officials.

Olmert downplayed the tension with Syria at the start of Sunday's cabinet meeting and stressed that there was no connection between the current security situation with Syria and Monday's drill in the Home Front Command.

"I want to emphasize that this is only a drill, with nothing hiding behind it," Olmert told the cabinet. "All the reports about heightened tension in the North are exaggerated. We have no secret plans. This drill is not part of anything else. It seems to me that the Syrians know this as well and they have no reason to analyze this drill differently.

"I would like to make it unequivocally clear that this is a routine drill. The State of Israel is not intent on any violent confrontation in the North. On the contrary, we have said more than once that we have an interest in holding peace negotiations with Syria."

Deputy Hizbullah leader Sheikh Naim Kassem said Sunday that the Israeli exercise was intended to prepare for a new war with Lebanon. He warned that Hizbullah was fully prepared to defend Lebanon if Israel attacked again.

Kassem said the Israeli drills were also intended "to raise the collapsing morale of the people inside Israel following the defeat in the 2006 war."
..........................................benny

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satelli...cle%2FShowFull


'Report on Sept. 6 strike to show Saddam transferred WMDs to Syria'

An upcoming joint US-Israel report on the September 6 IAF strike on a Syrian facility will claim that former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein transferred weapons of mass destruction to the country, Channel 2 stated Monday.

Furthermore, according to a report leaked to the TV channel, Syria has arrested 10 intelligence officials following the assassination of Hizbullah terror chief Imad Mughniyeh.
........................................benny

Exclusive: Ahmadinejad to respond to Israeli minister's threat on Iranian Atom Day
April 7, 2008, 10:43 PM (GMT+02:00)

DEBKAfile’s Iranian sources report that Tehran’s response to Israeli Infrastructure minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer’s warning that a Tehran attack on Israel would call forth a response that “will devastate Iran” is expected to be incorporated in president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech Tuesday on the occasion of Iranian Atom Day.

Israeli intelligence sources were highly critical of the remarks the minister made during a visit to the national defense exercise’s situation room Monday, April 7. They say he should have known better than to provide easy propaganda fodder for Tehran’s Atom Day celebrations. He handed Iranian leaders an opening for their claim that Israel’s defense exercise was part of the Jewish state’s plans for a nuclear attack on their country, thus diverting international opprobrium away from their own covert nuclear plans.

DEBKAfile’s Iranian sources add that Tehran promised the people “joyful tidings” for its Atom Day. The president was expected to unveil the start of industrial production of advanced P2 centrifuges for giving uranium enrichment production a major push.

But now, say Israeli intelligence sources, Ben-Eliezer has given him the excuse to announce bigger and better progress in Iran’s nuclear program. The military situation in the region is fraught enough, the sources said, and there was no need to add fuel to the fire.

...............................................benny

It is obvious, that following the empty genocide rhetoric by Ah-Mad-(man)-In-Jihad, their next move is to try and turn the tables of image in an attempt to switch from bad guy to good guy. Point is that History has already recorded the start of aggression, so who are they fooling?

Israel warns Iran before emergency drill

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/04/07/...eats/index.html

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- A day before Israel implements a "routine" emergency drill, an Israeli official Monday said the entire country is at risk of Hezbollah rocket attacks and blamed Iran for "provoking us" by backing the terrorist group.

"An Iranian attack will lead to a harsh retaliation by Israel," says Benyamin Ben Eliezer.

Israeli Infrastructure Minister Benyamin Ben Eliezer warned against an attack by Iran, which he said is unlikely to happen.

"An Iranian attack will lead to a harsh retaliation by Israel, which will lead to the destruction of the Iranian nation," Ben Eliezer said, pointing out that Iran "will not attack Israel so quickly because they understand the ramifications."

"They are certainly aware of our strength," he said. "Nonetheless, the Iranians are provoking us through their allies Syria and Hezbollah, (providing) them with much weaponry, and with that we have to contend."

On Tuesday, Israel will begin a nationwide emergency response starting with a 90-second-long siren that will sound across Israel at 10 a.m. (3 a.m. ET) except in the southern town of Sderot, a frequent target of rocket attacks launched by Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Ben Eliezer stressed that the nationwide emergency drill "is not aimed at threatening any of the countries surrounding us." But he offered a bleak scenario for Israel in the face of a future war.

"I predict that in the opening strike, hundreds of rockets will land in Israel," Ben Eliezer said. "There will not be a place in the country out of the range of the missiles and rockets of Syria and Hezbollah."

During Tuesday's drill, Israeli television will show a message from the military as well as instructional videos on how to seek shelter during an alert. During that time, Israeli schools and government offices will practice entering protected spaces.

The country will also begin practicing its response to a variety of attacks, including rocket strikes and incidents involving chemical and biological agents.

Haemek Hospital in Afula will be one of the institutions taking part in those drills, which will end on Thursday.

Speaking on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stressed the exercise "is only a drill" and has nothing to do with "exaggerated" reports of heightened tensions with Syria.

"I would like to make it unequivocally clear that this is a routine drill," Olmert said before the start of his weekly Cabinet meeting.

"The state of Israel is not intent on any violent confrontation in the north. On the contrary, we have said more than once that we have an interest in holding peace negotiations with Syria. They know exactly what our expectations are. I can also say that we know what their expectations are; if these conditions will bear fruit, then this is what we are intent on and nothing else."

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the exercise is a direct result of Israel's 2006 war with Hezbollah militants based in Lebanon, which failed to weaken the Hezbollah either militarily or politically.

"The Second Lebanon War created a situation by which the home front is part of the front," Barak said Monday. "Israel has no interest in escalating the situation in the region.

Syria: U.S. can buy our loyalty - By Aaron Klein – www.worldnetdaily.com

For Saudis' place as chief ally, trade partner, willing to discuss peace with Israel, Iran ties


JERUSALEM – If the U.S. helps facilitate billions of dollars in business for Syria and builds up Damascus as the primary American ally in the Arab world in place of Saudi Arabia, the Syrians would be willing to discuss scaling back alliances with Iran and making peace with Israel, according to a senior Syrian official speaking to WND.

The official said Syria recently conveyed this message to numerous visiting foreign dignitaries, including U.S. congressmen and Turkish mediators.

He said Syria also demanded as a key condition for considering altering its alliances that the U.S. cease opposing Syrian influence in Lebanon.

"Syria is the key to the Arab world. We have influence with Hezbollah and Lebanon and hold many cards in the Palestinian and Iraqi arenas. The U.S. needs to rethink the value of the investment it places in Saudi Arabia," said the official, who spoke by phone from Damascus on condition his name be withheld.

The official said Syria is asking the U.S. firstly to end its opposition to a trade and association agreement between Damascus and the European Union drafted in 2004 that is said to be worth about $7 billion per year for the Syrian economy. The agreement was not signed or implemented largely due to American pressure, said the Syrian official.

Syria is also asking the U.S. not to object to Syrian "influence" in Lebanon, which was occupied for nearly 30 years by Syrian forces until protests prompted by the 2005 assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister for which Syria was widely blamed. Pro-democracy Lebanese leaders accuse Syria of meddling it Lebanon's affairs by directing the Hezbollah terrorist group, which holds key parliamentary seats, to interfere in the election of a new Lebanese president.

The main Syrian request is that America uphold Damascus as its main "partner" in the Arab world instead of Saudi Arabia, said the Syrian official.

He said in exchange Damascus would discuss severing "many ties" with Iran, but he would not specify which ties and whether Syria is willing to cut off all coordination with the Iranians.

"We are ready to significantly and deeply reduce relations with our Iranian brothers if conditions are met," the official said.

He said Syria is willing to sign a treaty with Israel and come to some sort of accommodation regarding the strategic Golan Heights, mountainous territory looking down on Israeli population centers which Syria used twice to launch ground invasions into the Jewish state.

The official claimed the Golan was not "the biggest obstacle" in preventing a Syrian-American-Israeli agreement.

He claimed Syria would "not categorically reject the idea of leasing some sections of the Golan to Israel for up to 99 years."

Israeli leaders in recent days expressed public willingness to start negotiations with Syria regarding the Golan Heights.

Just yesterday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said during a weekly government meeting Israel has "an interest in holding peace talks with Syria, who know full well what our expectations are, just as we know theirs."

WND reported exclusively in February Olmert's government held high-level talks with Syria via Turkish mediators regarding renewing negotiations over an Israeli retreat from the Golan Heights. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government last week confirmed those talks.

According to Israeli media reports multiple foreign envoys who met with Syrian President Bashar Assad said that they were surprised to see in his office, alongside photos of his dead father, photographs of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hezbollah Sec. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah, which led the envoys to believe that Syria is strongly committed to an alliance with Iran and Hezbollah.

Syrian-Saudi 'crisis'

Security officials in Jerusalem confirmed to WND their knowledge of the Syrian offers to the U.S., which they said prompted a major crisis between Syria and Saudi Arabia.

According to the security officials, Saudi Arabia earlier this year began shipping weapons to the anti-Syrian leadership in Lebanon to bolster them against Damascus' influence and the Syrian-backed Hezbollah.

The Syrian-Saudi crisis was highlighted at last week's Arab Summit, a major annual meeting of Arab leaders which was held this year in Damascus. Saudi Arabia sent only a low-level representative – which was seen as a major snub to Syria – and used the platform to blast Syria.

According to knowledgeable Arab diplomatic sources, Saudi Arabia wanted to boycott the event altogether, but sent the low-level delegation to uphold its record of attending every Arab Summit.

Israel, Syria on war alert

The reports of Syria's stated willingness to negotiate with Israel and the U.S. comes as Syria, Lebanon and Israel increased their alertness along a joint border zone amid a possible breakout of hostilities.

The countries are preparing for the possibility of Hezbollah attacking Israel in retaliation for the assassination of arch-Hezbollah terrorist Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a car bomb in Syria in February.

According to Israeli security officials, Israel has warned Syria, which sends weapons to Hezbollah, Damascus would be held accountable for any Hezbollah attack on Israeli soil.

Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Dan Harel, warned last week Israel will "respond with a heavy hand" against anyone trying to target Israel.

Touring Israel's northern border with Lebanon and Syria, Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated last week Israel is the most powerful country in the Middle East and warned against challenging it.

Barak was to travel last week to Berlin for strategic talks about the Middle East but postponed the trip due to tensions with Syria, his aides said.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said yesterday Damascus is prepared for an Israeli attack on its soil, but has chosen peace as its strategic option.

Amid the tensions, Israel this week will hold its largest-ever war drill to prepare the public and government and army institutions for the possibility of a future war. The drills will reportedly include testing of missile alert sirens, Israel Defense Force war simulations, Homefront Command, police and emergency services responses and drills in hospitals and emergency centers.

As part of the drill, Israel will simulate a massive missile bombardment, including a chemical missile attack.

Hezbollah's Deputy Commander Naim Kassem said yesterday Israel's decision to hold the nationwide military exercises was intended to prepare for a "new war" on Lebanon.

But Olmert told reporters, "Israel is not expecting any violent clashes in the north ... the Syrians know they have no reason to assess the drill any differently."
.............................................benny

U.S. war against Iran would have global implications Russia says

http://www.agoracosmopolitan.com/hom.....;/01/02327.html

Special to The Canadian

MOSCOW (RIA Novosti et al.) - Russia is concerned about a possible attack on Iran and insists that military action near its border is totally unacceptable, says the first deputy foreign minister.

Russia, which is separated from Iran in the south by three tiny South Caucasus nations and shares a sea border with the Islamic Republic, has been actively promoting a diplomatic solution to the Iranian issue.

"Any military action near our border is totally unacceptable," Andrei Denisov said. "We are strongly against it and we are doing our best to prevent it from happening."

Media reports in late March 2008, said Washington was preparing to strike at Iran in early April but Denisov denied the information.

"Our partners say movement of military structures in the Persian Gulf is part of a planned rotation," the diplomat said.

Yury Baluyevsky, the head of the Russian General Staff, has warned Washington that it should think twice before launching a military campaign against Tehran as it would have global implications.
__________________
..............................................benny

Barak: We have our eyes on Syria, Lebanon


Defense minister attends memorial service for soldier killed on Gaza border, blames Hamas for his death and 'every rocket fired from Gaza'

Roni Sofer Published: 04.08.08, 00:50 / Israel News




Israel continues to send messages to Damascus, and this time from the mouth of Defense Minister Ehud Barak. He participated in a memorial service for First Sergeant Major Liran Banai, a Givati Brigade soldier who was killed a month ago by an explosive device on the Gaza border. Banai served as his deaf-mute parents' eyes and ears, so his loss was especially painful.



Confidence

Barak to Northern Command: Hizbullah growing stronger, but so are we / Hanan Greenberg

Defense minister tours IDF’s Northern Command, says Hizbullah is ‘wary of firing at Israel at the moment, but beneath this blissful quiet there is a storm brewing’
Full story



"We are ready, and have our eyes on Syria and Lebanon," Barak comforted the other participants. "There is still some tension; maybe because they blame us for (assassinated Hizbullah commander Imad) Mugniyah's death, but I have made it very clear that Israel is the strongest country in the region."



In addition, Barak reiterated the calming message recently sent to Syria: "We have no interest in fighting, and I believe the Syrians understand this."



Barak was welcomed warmly by the people attending the ceremony, and many commended him on his fight against terrorism in Gaza and the northern border. But as to the continuing threats to Israel, Barak warned: "I don't think anyone can truthfully say it's over. It's not over, but eventually we will bring peace to the residents of Sderot, Ashkelon, and the Gaza border. The fight against terrorism in Gaza is not over yet.



"I ascribe the relative quiet to the heavy blow we dealt Hamas during 'Warm Winter' operation. They received a bigger blow than they first thought. I have no doubt that the closure on Gaza also helped."



'Hamas must pay'
When asked whether he thought that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was also responsible for the calm, Barak responded: "There has been a definite improvement in measures taken by the Egyptians to prevent the smuggling of weapons and terrorist activities at the border."




Barak added that "the Egyptians didn't like what they saw at the Rafah Crossing – thousands of Palestinians bursting through the border. These days they have been working against this. Still, I don't think they carry the bulk of the responsibility for the calm."



Advertisement



Before leaving the service, Barak hugged the bereaved father and prayed with him. As the soldier's family left the synagogue, Barak remarked that he believed Hamas was responsible for every rocket fired across the border, and for every explosive device, including the one that killed Banai.



"Hamas is sovereign in Gaza, and therefore must pay the price. We will continue to act against them," Barak concluded.


.................................................benny

Barak to Northern Command: Hizbullah growing stronger, but so are we


Defense minister tours IDF’s Northern Command, says Hizbullah is ‘wary of firing at Israel at the moment, but beneath this blissful quiet there is a storm brewing’

Hanan Greenberg Published: 04.01.08, 14:05 / Israel News




Defense Minister Ehud Barak said during a tour of the IDF’s Northern Command Tuesday that “Hizbullah is wary of firing at Israel at the moment because of the blows it sustained during the Second Lebanon War, but we also have many lessons to learn from that war, which we will hopefully implement in IDF training.”



Sobering Threats

Barak: Hizbullah threats must not be taken lightly / Efrat Weiss

As Shiite terror group prepares to mark 40 days since assassination of its top commander Imad Mugniyah in Damascus, defense minister says Israel 'must keep its eyes open'
Full article



Barak, along with Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, Brigadier General Imad Fars, commander of Division 91, and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the IDF, Major General Dan Harel, toured the IDF’s Northern Command post along the northern border, speaking to IDF soldiers stationed there, and receiving a security briefing from senior officers of the Northern Command.



“Hizbullah, lurking on the other side of the border, is wary of firing at Israel at the moment, but continues to plot various schemes throughout the entire northern front,” said Barak. “Hizbullah is getting stronger, but so is Israel, which is the strongest nation in the region. I would suggest that no one of the other side of the border mess with Israel, for their own good.”



As for heightened tensions on the northern front in wake of the assassination of Hizbullah commander Imad Mugniyah, Barak stated that “the IDF is ready, willing and able to deal with all possible contingencies. Israel sees right through this blissful quiet and is well aware that a storm is brewing underneath the surface.”




Hizbullah might get others to do their dirty work
In similar vane, the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee met Tuesday with Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and a representative of the IDF’s Intelligence Branch.



The Intelligence Branch representative informed the Mks present that “Hizbullah is continuing its military escalation in Lebanon, and is supplied with ample arms from Syria and Iran. It is improving and streamlining all of its military units, and thus we still cannot rule out an attack in retaliation for Mugniyah ‘s assassination. Hizbullah is also likely to send other groups to do their dirty work for them, and not claim credit for such attacks.”



IDF Chief of Staff Ashkenazi stated during the meeting that “Hizbullah operates in the sly and in resident clothing mainly in residential areas in Lebanon, because the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) cannot operate in these areas without permission from the Lebanese army.”



Advertisement



Ashkenazi further noted that “We (the IDF) are continually operating in Gaza and will continue to do so even tonight. We are targeting terror operatives and will continue to strike at them.”



As for political negotiations with the Palestinians, the chief of staff noted that “the IDF has clearly mapped out all of Israel's various security interests".



Amnon Meranda contributed to this article
......................................................benny

Rocket Attacks Near Ashkelon


(IsraelNN.com) Gaza terrorists fired three rockets at the city of Ashkelon early on Monday morning. The attack took place shortly after 3 a.m.

The rockets landed in an open area near a kibbutz (cooperative community) south of the city. No injuries were reported.



..................................................benny

Apr 8, 2008 11:57 | Updated Apr 8, 2008 16:46
Iran: We have 6,000 new centrifuges
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 12


Iran has begun installing 6,000 new centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, Iranian state television quoted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying Tuesday.


Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinijad
Photo: AP [file]
The US immediately criticized the announcement as an example of Iran's continued defiance of international demands that it suspend uranium enrichment, which can produce fuel for a nuclear reactor or fissile material for a weapon.

"Today's announcement reflects the Iranian leadership's continuing violation of international obligations and refusal to address international concerns," said Gregory Schulte, the US representative to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency.

"This approach has not brought Iran international respect or accolade but rather increasing censure and sanction," added Schulte in a written statement. "Negotiation, not escalation, provides the best path to international respect and regional security."

RELATED
Do you think Minister Ben-Eliezer's public threats to destroy Iran were necessary?

Iran already has about 3,000 centrifuges operating in Natanz, and the UN has passed three sets of sanctions against Iran for its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment. Teheran insists its nuclear program is focused on the peaceful production of energy, not the development of weapons as claimed by the US and many of its allies.

"Iran's announcement today adds to the deep level of uncertainty and distrust of Iran's intentions," said a British diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

Ahmadinejad made Tuesday's announcement as he toured the Natanz facility in central Iran.

"The president announced the start of the phase of installing 6,000 new centrifuges in Natanz," state television reported.

The television also quoted Ahmadinejad as saying that "other activities have been carried out" in Natanz that he would announce later Tuesday.

The president's trip was scheduled to coincide with Iran's National Day of Nuclear Technology, marking the second anniversary of when Iran first enriched uranium on April 8, 2006.

Ahmadinejad is widely expected to confirm for the first time that Iran has installed hundreds of more sophisticated centrifuges that can enrich uranium faster.

The workhorse of Iran's enrichment program is the P-1 centrifuge, which is run in cascades of 164 machines. But Iranian officials confirmed in February that they had started using the IR-2 centrifuge that can churn out enriched uranium at more than double the rate.

Iranian state television didn't say if the installation of the 6,000 new centrifuges included the older P-1 or the advanced IR-2 centrifuges.

Diplomats in Vienna told The Associated Press on Thursday that Iran has assembled hundreds of advanced centrifuges at Natanz.

One diplomat said more than 300 of the centrifuges have been linked up in two separate units in Iran's underground enrichment plant and a third was being assembled. He said the machines apparently are more advanced than the thousands already running underground, suggesting they could be the sophisticated IR-2 centrifuge.

But a senior diplomat said that while the new work appeared to include advanced centrifuges, they were not IR-2s. He added that it was unclear whether the machines were above or under the surface.

Both diplomats are linked to the IAEA but asked for anonymity because their information was confidential.

A total of 3,000 centrifuges is the commonly accepted figure for a nuclear enrichment program that is past the experimental stage and can be used as a platform for a full industrial-scale program that could churn out enough enriched material for dozens of nuclear weapons.

Iran says it plans to move toward large-scale uranium enrichment that ultimately will involve 54,000 centrifuges.

Also Tuesday, China said it will host a meeting of officials from the United States, Russia and Europe this month in Shanghai to discuss ways to restart talks on the Iranian nuclear issue.

The April 16 meeting will discuss plans to resume the talks and promote a solution to the issue "through diplomatic negotiations," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a regular news conference.

"China always believes that the Iranian nuclear issue should be peacefully resolved through dialogue and negotiations," Jiang said.

"China hopes with the joint efforts of relevant parties the Shanghai meeting will yield positive results," she said.

Officials from the European Union as well as member countries Britain, France and Germany will attend.
..............................................benny

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Free Headline Alerts

Israeli intel projects a one-month war with Syria

TEL AVIV — Israel's intelligence community has concluded that the next war would involve missiles and Hizbullah, last at least a month and include Syria.


The intelligence community has drafted a series of scenarios for Israel's emergency services to prepare for future war. The scenarios envisioned the next war as including massive missile and rocket salvos, some of them containing chemical weapons, on Israeli cities.
"The scenarios are based on Arab military capability rather than intentions," an Israeli government source said. "The war in Lebanon was also seen as a taste of what a full-scale war would bring."


Also In This Edition

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NORTHEAST ASIA:

Anti-Chinese cracks in Philippine rice bowls
MIDDLE EAST:

McCain, Cheney: U.S. in Iraq long-term
NORTH AFRICA:

Fresh fighting in reported in Sudan's oil region




Officials said Israel's military, police and emergency services have been on high alert for an attack by Hizbullah, Syria or Iran. They said the current alert would last throughout April and did not rule out a continuation of high combat-readiness for the rest of 2008.

Under the scenarios, hundreds of Israelis would be killed and thousands injured in missile strikes on Tel Aviv. The enemy missiles would target strategic facilities, including Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Syria was also expected to be a participant in the next war against Israel. The intelligence community envisioned Hizbullah, Iran and Syria coordinating strikes on northern and central Israel. The Hamas regime and the Palestinian Authority would also fire rockets from the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In one scenario, Iran would also attack the Jewish state. The intelligence community did not expect Iran to fire nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, but said such an attack could stem from Syria.

The Israeli casualty count would reach 230 in a conventional weapons attack. In a chemical strike, the intelligence community envisioned up to 16,000 deaths.

The intelligence community has also envisioned Iran's use of Hizbullah as a proxy in a nonconventional weapons attack. One scenario was that Hizbullah launches Iranian-origin Ababil unmanned aerial vehicles filled with toxic chemicals to strike a school or government building.

Officials said the scenarios reflected the Israeli military's two leading priorities — defending against missile threats as well as stopping Iran's nuclear weapons program. They said the rocket and missile threat was meant to be resolved through the development of defensive systems rather than offensive military campaigns.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said anti-missile systems would enable Israel to avoid a war of attrition and consider withdrawal from the West Bank as well as the Golan Heights. A short-range missile and rocket system, termed Iron Dome, was not expected to be ready until at least 2010.


..........................................benny

Syria ready to confront Israel

Posted: 08-04-2008 , 14:04 GMT


Syria said it is preparing for all possible scenarios through developing the country's capabilities to confront any Israeli attack. "When the language of understanding with Israel regarding the peace process comes to an end, Syria will be prepared for any possibility," Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad was quoted as saying by the state-run daily al-Thawra on Tuesday.



Mekdad added Israel's five-day nationwide drill was aimed at restoring its military deterrence, which was lost in the 33-day Lebanon War in the summer of 2006. As Israel steps up its efforts to generate this "centralized atmosphere" in order to reap benefit from the Lebanon War, [Syria] draws plans in advance for a conflict, he added.


....................................................benny

Iran's Ever-Shorter Fuse
By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Tuesday, April 08, 2008 4:20 PM PT

Terrorism: While the Islamofascist menace in Tehran continues its steady march toward obtaining the means to reduce a city to ashes, the U.S. and the world continue to risk inaction in the face of the unprecedented threat.




In Naqsh-e Rustam in southern Iran can be found the famous rock relief of a Roman emperor kneeling in submission to Shapur I, king of Iran during the Second Persian Empire in the third century. Iran did indeed defeat the world's greatest power in a battle in Mesopotamia, capturing the emperor Valerian at a "peace conference" and keeping him prisoner until his death.

Will Western civilization in the 21st century once again let Iran land a devastating blow upon us? Will a future President Obama take part in a "peace conference" of some kind with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as he has promised, only to find it to be a trick?

And will Tehran obtain the power to hold hostage not just the leader of the world's greatest power but its people, as well, under the threat of nuclear terrorism, courtesy of Iran-supplied suitcase bombs?

The government whose leader has called for Israel to be wiped off the map is taking another big step toward gaining weapons of annihilation. The regime's television service relayed a Tuesday announcement from Ahmadinejad that Iran is now installing 6,000 new centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant in Natanz.

Tehran has said it plans eventually to have 54,000 centrifuges in operation. Some 3,000 are believed active so far; that's already enough to produce material for building dozens of atomic bombs.

The world's response continues to be what it has been for years — pathetic and disgraceful. This week saw the odd spectacle of the Communist Chinese government hosting a meeting with various United Nations Security Council and European Union diplomats regarding how best to proceed with — you guessed it — another round of talks with Tehran. China and Russia, of course, bear grave responsibility for enabling Iran's nuclear program by helping the regime build nuclear plants.

In Iraq, Iran is in a state of war with the U.S. In his Senate testimony Tuesday, Gen. David Petraeus, our top commander in Iraq, called Iran's backing of militia groups the biggest long-term threat to a free Iraq.

"Iran has fueled the violence in a particularly damaging way," Petraeus told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

In essence, Iran and Iraq are not really even two issues; both, rather, are challenges facing the U.S. within the context of the global war on terror — just as Germany and Italy were not two separate issues during World War II, but parts of a combined force threatening life and liberty worldwide. In that world war as in the present one, fanatics in both countries cooperated in hopes of defeating the U.S.

Can anyone imagine a member of Congress 65 years ago making distinctions between Hitler, Mussolini and imperial Japan's Tojo the way Democrats today pit Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan against one another as priorities in the war on terror?

Just as Nazi Germany's V-1 "Doodlebugs," raining death down on London, had the same end objective as Japan's kamikazes, Tehran's nuclear program today and its allies' Iraq destabilization program share the same ultimate purpose: The victory of global jihad, entailing the destruction of Western freedom in as bloody a fashion as possible. The conflict in Iraq and the necessity to prevent Iran from obtaining the nuclear bomb are the same war.

As Americans hear once again from Petraeus how and why we must stay in Iraq until our job there is finished, we also must understand that neighboring Iran is another part — very possibly a larger part — of the same threat, the same enemy. A permanent base in a free, stable Iraq, firmly allied to America and the rest of the free world, could well be a desirable long-term goal.

That would send a message to the Iranians they are not getting from us today — that we will not tolerate their emergence as nuclear jihadists



http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArti...92547849632104
....................................................benny

Apr 8, 2008 11:57 | Updated Apr 9, 2008 10:24
'We can speed up enrichment 5-fold'
By GIL HOFFMAN AND AP
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 59


Iran has for the first time tested an improved centrifuge that works five times faster than the current version, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday evening, following his earlier announcement that Iran had begun installing 6,000 new centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant in Natanz.




Ahmadinejad claims Iran now has 6000 new centrifuges

Ahmadinejad toured the Natanz facility in ceremonies marking the second anniversary of the day Iran first enriched uranium in 2006. On that day, "Iran stepped into a path that will put the country in a more deserving position in the world," Ahmadinejad said, according to state-run television.

"The president announced the start of the phase of installing 6,000 new centrifuges in Natanz," state television reported.

Later in a nationally televised speech, he announced the testing of the new, more effective centrifuge.

RELATED
'Iran training Hizbullah fighters for next conflict with Israel'
Kantor: Stop doing business with Iran
'German firm helps Iran monitor Israel'
Do you think Minister Ben-Eliezer's public threats to destroy Iran were necessary?

Ahmadinejad said a "new machine was put to test" that is smaller but five times more efficient than the P-1 centrifuges that are currently in operation at Natanz. He provided no further details on the new device or on how many Iran had.

He called the development a "breakthrough" and the "beginning of a speedy trend to eliminate the big powers" dominance in nuclear energy.
The Iranian president lauded Iran's achieved proficiency in the cycle of nuclear fuel despite UN sanctions and pressures imposed by the world's big powers.

The announcement of the installation of the new centrifuges, which Western officials said could not be immediately confirmed, represented a major bid to expand enrichment, a process that can produce either fuel for a nuclear reactor or material for a warhead. Iran currently operates 3,000 centrifuges at its underground nuclear facility in Natanz.

A diplomat following Iran's nuclear program at the Vienna, Austria-based International Atomic Energy Agency, said Ahmadinejad's statement appeared to be "a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing."

"It seems to be little more than a publicity stunt," said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized comment publicly.

But Western nations appeared divided on how to respond. France called for UN sanctions already imposed on Iran to be "reinforced."

But Russia, an ally of Iran, said the West should instead put forward a new package of economic incentives aimed at persuading Teheran to halt enrichment. Teheran rejected one such European package last week.

A source in the Prime Minister's Office responded by calling on the world to take whatever steps were necessary to prevent the nuclearization of Iran.

"Unfortunately the reckless language of the Iranian leadership is matched by their reckless behavior," the source said. "The international community must act today. Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged Iran to accept a deal and halt enrichment.

"Iran faces continued isolation in the international community because it will not take a reasonable offer from the international community to have another way," she said in Washington. "The six parties have put forward, I think, a very generous set of incentives should Iran agree to live up to the obligations that any state has when a Security Council resolution is passed."

Gregory Schulte, the US representative to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, said Tuesday's announcement by Iran "reflects the Iranian leadership's continuing violation of international obligations and refusal to address international concerns."

"This approach has not brought Iran international respect or accolade, but rather increasing censure and sanction," he said in a written statement.

The UN has passed three sets of sanctions against Iran for its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment. Teheran insists its nuclear program is focused on the peaceful production of energy, not the development of weapons as claimed by the US and many of its allies.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner called the announcement of new centrifuges "dangerous" and said UN sanctions should be increased.

"If that continues, we must reinforce sanctions, but we also must continue dialogue," Kouchner told a news conference in Paris. "I fear that we will have to continue on the road toward sanctions if we do not encounter responses from the Iranians."

But Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said there was no need for new sanctions. Instead, he told Ekho Moskvy radio that diplomats from the US, Russia, China, Britain and France, along with Germany, would offer Iran new economic, energy and security incentives to halt uranium enrichment.

"We must focus on drafting new positive proposals now," Lavrov said.

He also reaffirmed Moscow's strong warning opposing the use of force against Iran, saying that it would exacerbate the crisis in the Middle East and make a peace settlement impossible.

"A negotiated settlement is the only possibility," Lavrov said. "Any attempt to use force will trigger a series of unsustainable crises in the Middle East."

Britain's Foreign Office said Iran had "chosen to ignore the will of the international community," accusing Teheran of "making no effort to restore international confidence in its intentions."

The workhorse of Iran's enrichment program is the P-1 centrifuge, which is run in cascades of 164 machines. But Iranian officials confirmed in February that they had started using the IR-2 centrifuge, which can churn out enriched uranium at more than double the rate.

Iranian state television didn't say if the installation of the 6,000 new centrifuges included the older P-1 or the advanced IR-2 centrifuges.

A total of 3,000 centrifuges is the commonly accepted figure for a nuclear enrichment program that is past the experimental stage and can be used as a platform for a full industrial-scale program that could produce enough enriched material for dozens of nuclear weapons.

Iran says it plans to move toward large-scale uranium enrichment that ultimately will involve 54,000 centrifuges.
..............................................benny

Local nuke war would cause world havoc Tue Apr 8, 4:55 PM ET



WASHINGTON - A regional nuclear war would not only be devastating to the countries involved, it would cause havoc worldwide for at least a decade, according to a new analysis.

ADVERTISEMENT

The massive fires resulting from even a limited conflict would blast enough soot into the atmosphere to create an ozone hole over heavily populated areas, researchers warned in a paper in Monday's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

A region of depleted ozone over the Antarctic, known as an ozone hole, has been a concern for years as it allows damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun to reach the Earth's surface. Some chemicals have been banned from use to help eliminate that hole.

Unlike the Antarctic, a nuclear-induced ozone hole would affect much of the world, causing damage to plants and animals and adding to skin cancer, eye damage and other effects in millions of people, according to researchers led by Michael J. Mills of the University of Colorado.

Mills' team used complex computer programs to model what would happen in the atmosphere in the event of a war between India and Pakistan in which each detonated 50 Hiroshima-sized nuclear explosives.

They calculated that the blasts would send as much as five million metric tons of soot as high as 50 miles into the atmosphere.

The soot and the heat from solar radiation would cause a series of chemical reactions that would break down the stratospheric ozone layer that protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, they said.

"We would see a dramatic drop in ozone levels that would persist for many years," Mills said in a statement. "At mid-latitudes the ozone decrease would be up to 40 percent, which could have huge effects on human health and on terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems."

They calculated that a 40 percent ozone decrease would result in a 132 percent increase in light damage to plants and a 213 percent increase in DNA damage associated with skin cancer.

The mid-latitudes are the regions between the tropics and the arctic and are home to the largest numbers of people.

___

..................................................benny

Israel 'lacks ways to combat possible chemical attack'


Home Front Command chief says nationwide emergency drill progressing well; country still short on ways to sufficiently battle chemical threat. Refitting citizens with ABC kits may take up to five years

Hanan Greenberg Published: 04.09.08, 13:26 / Israel News





"We still don't have the best response for a chemical threat, we're not where we want to be, but in a few years will be able to offer a much better answer," Home Front Command Chief Major-General Yair Golan said Wednesday.



Golan, who held a press briefing on the Home Front Command's nationwide emergency drill, reiterated the cabinet's decision to refit Israeli citizens with atomic, biological, and chemical (ABC) protection kits, calling it "the right decision, given that an emergency situation can happen out of the blue."



Readiness

Syria to hold emergency drill / Roee Nahmias

Damascus announces nationwide drill aimed at testing security forces, civil administration's readiness for emergencies, natural disasters
Full story



The defense establishment, he added, is currently reviewing the best way to proceed in the matter: "I assume that as we collect (the ABC kits), we will manufacture more of them as well, until we get to a point that every citizen has an updated kit… we probably won't wait for our repositories to be filled and start redistributing them before that.



"This won't happen in a day or two," added Golan. "We will be implementing a perennial work plan spanning t