In an article unwisely gloating about the success of the Stuxnet hit on Iranian nuclear energy development, Yossi Melman in Haaretz gets one thing right:
Israel will not attack Iran. At least not in the next few years. It will not attack, first and foremost, because the United States opposes such a move. Israel has never taken any independent step on a strategic issue of global importance without first coordinating or consulting with its allies, or at least without reaching the conclusion that the move would be received favorably in Washington.
Also in Haaretz, examining Barak’s defection from the Labor Party, Aluf Benn opines in contrast with Melman:
Ehud Barak and Benjamin Netanyahu share a worldview. Both enjoy smoking cigars and reading biographies of Winston Churchill. Both consider Israel a Western bastion in the heart of a hostile Muslim world. Both do not trust the Arabs and believe that there is “no partner” on the Palestinian side. And both consider the Iranian nuclear program a major threat to Israel and support a military operation against it.
…The press conference of former Mossad chief Meir Dagan undermined the view of Barak and Netanyahu: If the timetable for an Iranian bomb has been pushed back to 2015, there is no need to send the bombers to Natanz this year. But they have not given in. Barak’s political-security chief at the Defense Ministry, Amos Gilad, was quick to warn that the Iranian timetable is even shorter, and Dagan took back some of his statements yesterday at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, apparently under pressure by the prime minister.
Netanyahu and Barak have hinted over the past two weeks that Israel is on the verge of a surprising diplomatic move. In his address to foreign reporters, Netanyahu promised that in 2011 “the truth will emerge” about who really wants peace in the region.
Well, Nutanyahoo, we have just seen who wants democracy in the region, and it isn’t you – for you, arab democracy is also a threat. Yet while people’s rights are being trampled, there will not be peace. Anyone who has actually experienced the fascist boot on their neck knows this. Therefore Nutanyahoo really doesn’t want peace either. Ziostan is at 144th position on the Global Peace Index. The Dark Prince mistakes peace for the sinister calm that follows genocide of Palestinians and home demolitions, whilst manufacturing convenient exaggerated threats from neighbours with no intention of attacking Ziostan. Thus Ziostanian militarism and its totalitarian drive for expansionism is sustained, the neocolonial defence industry is happy, Ziostan retains a preemptive claim on victimhood and support from Ziostan’s neocolonial sponsors and Ziostan-first lobby is ensured.
Rinse and repeat. Iraq yesterday, Iran today, then who’s next to be demonised by Ziostan from the ‘hostile sea of Arabs’ which surround it, regarded as undeserving of rights the Ziostanian ruling elite take for granted?
Palestine / Israel Links
Ex-IAEA chief: west ‘hyping’ Iran nuclear threat
Military strike on Iran is what unites Netanyahu and Barak
What a Joke – as if the US will permit the UN to make a decision for Israel. Before the UN makes a decision for us : Israeli rejection of a fair American peace proposal is liable to accelerate a decision by the UN General Assembly and to exacerbate the internal conflict in Israel.
Bulldozes from the Jewish National Fund demolished the Bedouin village for Al-Arakib for the ninth time yesterday and today.
Strength in numbers
Israel’s ‘Labor’ Party implodes : Barak Leaving Labor: Rats Leaving Sinking Ship
Gaza Diary day 24: visiting the Samounis
We Have a Dream – My Palestinian Partner and I’s Plea for Peace
More ‘Talk of Peace Talks’ hasbara : Netanyahu aides: Labor Party split will help advance peace talks with Palestinians
Did pop star Paradis cancel Israel concert over politics?
#BDS: Vanessa, n’y va pas!
To Exist is To Resist
Top UNRWA officials resign
A Gaza family’s tragedy
Gaza: Life and death in the buffer zone
MK praises resolve of Al-Araqib village
Tunisia
Long live the Autonomous Popular Resistance in Tunisia!
Cablegate And Tunisia : Suha And Laila
Tunisia: How the US got it wrong
Long live the Autonomous Popular Resistance in Tunisia!
To the tyrants of the Arab world…
Tunisia and reshaping the Arab world
Wikileaks Links
Whistleblower Rudolf Elmer hands over Swiss bank documents
Other Links
How blogging and hip-hop are undermining the US military from within
Our world is addicted to risk to fund our lifestyle
Rome told bishops not to report abuse
Secret inquiries into secret crimes – ‘The news over the weekend that Prime Minister Julia Gillard has asked the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (the IGIS) to inquire into new claims that the Australian government was complicit in a CIA rendition to Egypt (where he was tortured) of former Guantanamo Bay detainee and Australian citizen Mamdouh Habib should be met with some scepticism.’
Tribute to Patrice Lumumba On The 50th Anniversary Of His Assassination
Child detentions ‘unlawful’, High Court to be told