Another Intel Leak from the White House- This Time Creating Chaos in Middle East

Chaos and confusion in the Middle East is not really that unusual. However, chaos and confusion in the Middle East that is being caused by, or at minimum exacerbated by, the US, is something that gets my attention- especially when that chaos could lead to a new shooting war.  

First, I will start with what is known for sure. On Wednesday, October 30, 2013, an air defense base in the Syrian port of Latakia, was attacked from the air.  Reports say that Russian SA-125 Neva/Pechora and SA-8 Gecko/Dgreen mobile missiles/launchers were at the base and that those missiles, and other related equipment were being transferred to Hezbollah. 

From this point on, the chaos and confusion starts.  There is something  weird with this tale and the nations involved.  There are parts of this whole mess that seem out of pattern or out of character at best- at worst there is another story here or "something else going on" altogether.

After the Port of Latakia gets hit, Syria basically does nothing.  In fact, they seem to downplay the entire attack. The Dam Press, loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad says, "Yes, Latakia was hit- but no one was hurt.” That has been the response so far from Syria.  To give some background, Israel has bombed, or is believed to have bombed, locations in Syria in January 2013 and May 2013.  After this bombing, Syria just shrugs off the attack.  That might be a little weird, but maybe Assad has a bit too much on his plate right now, with is country being in a civil war, the world accusing him of using chemical weapons on his people, the UN wanting destruction of the chemical weapons. A non-response type response may be the best thing for him to do.  I can buy into Syria doing nothing for now.

After the attack the confusion and likely disinformation begins. There are reports on Lebanese TV saying, Turkey was behind the attack. “Ankara acted in response to a downed Turkish jet [and death of pilots] from last year."  Perhaps this might be plausible- but the Lebanese TV source? An unnamed Israeli official- and the report could not be independently confirmed.  Why would Beirut run an unconfirmed report from anonymous Israeli Officials that points to Turkey?

Now the fun REALLY begins. An unnamed White House source says, Yes, Israel did it!  The United States, long known to be Israel’s strongest ally, throws Israel under the bus in front of the entire world- supposedly because the White House did not want the world to have the impression that the US knew about or sanctioned the attack.  

Yet, at the same time we are sticking it to our friends from the White House, US Secretary of Defense Hagel announces in an address to the Anti-Defamation League in New York, that the US will be providing Israel with six V-22 Osprey's- and the order will be EXPEDITED. The next six Osprey’s to hit the assembly line will go to Israel- moving ahead of an existing US Marine Corp order—The Marines will get their Osprey’s later.

So now we have the US leaking potentially damaging information about Israel one minute and announcing expedited sales of military aircraft the next. Yes, I know that there is, perhaps, a certain level of animosity between "Our Great Leader, HRH Barack Hussein Obama (Peace be upon him)" and Israel. I also know that SecDef is not known to be a supporter of Israel- but a leak to damage relations in the Middle East at the same time as an announcement of expedited military aircraft??? This is getting "ODD" here.

The next “out of character” response/reaction comes from the Israeli press reporting Israel is furious with the US leak- again from unnamed sources. Why is that odd? Because Israel does not usually acknowledge that the type of action they are accused of ever happened! At worst they deny everything. Other times when they have been accused by the world of covert action- like in the case of the assassination/mysterious death of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai- Israel just says nothing—no leaks, no hints—nothing. The fact that even "unnamed officials" are saying "we are furious at the US leak" is significant by itself!

Just when you thought this all may be over, another country is denying everything.  Turkey is denying “reports claiming [they] gave Israel 'critical intelligence' prior to [Israel's] alleged strike” in Latakia.  What is really interesting, is they are denying they gave Israel ‘critical intelligence’—at stressing how great a relationship they have with IRAN. 

At this point, it looks like the only country not making accusations or denials is Syria—and they are the country that was  attacked.

Something odd is going on in the Middle East and the White House has pushed the US right into the middle of it, while shoving our closest ally in the region away from us. The Big Picture is not clear.  I am certain there is more data and information that is not public yet and that this crisis is not over.   Events this complex, controversial, dangerous and chaotic don't just happen on accident. Something is happening and I am sure the next part of it will be "interesting"- whatever it turns out to be.

Another Intel Leak from the White House- This Time Creating Chaos in Middle East

Ron Paul is a NUT

I have been watching a bit of the GOP debate in Iowa. Ron Paul ACTUALLY BELIEVES it is OK for Iran to get a nuke! And Terrorist should be treated as CIVILIANS!!!

This guy is a NUT JOB!!!!

From Fox News- Ron Paul on Iranian Nukes:


(Editors note: I do not care for the politics of the person that originally posted the video on YouTube and I am looking for another source)

Another clip:

Ron Paul is a NUT

More "Wet Work" in the Middle East

Another nuclear scientist in Iran, Darioush Rezaie, has been killed.  Again, the “scientist” was killed by a pair on a motorcycle in Tehran.  Again, this appears to be “wet-work” by the Mossad.

Several “nuclear scientists” from Tehran have been killed over the last few years.   Iran blames the US and the “Zionist Regime” (aka Israel) for the hits, but no one has admitted responsibility “on the record.”  The German magazine Der Spiegle has claimed that Mossad is behind the deaths of Darioush Rezaie, as well as Masood Ali Mohammadi (January 2010), Majid Schahriari and Feridun Abbasi (November 2010).

It is also believed that Israel (specifically Mossad) may also be behind the Suxnet virus that shutdown the Iranian nuclear [weapons] program in the summer of 2010.

More "Wet Work" in the Middle East

Still to Come- From My Notes File

There are a couple of things on my radar. One or two I have been following for a while and another is new, but I thought I would give out a preview of what is in my notes file...

Meir Dagan- Head of Mossad is saying he won't quit- doesn't see the need too, while Dubai is saying they are 99% sure it was Mossad-- I am re-looking at the footage- there are some things that are bothering me, but I can't put my finger on it directly. The door being locked from the inside is still an issue.

Falklands War II?- Argentina is declaring maritime exclusion zones, the Brits aren't happy, and Argentina is boarding ships.

Air France is restarting the investigation of AF 447 and starting a new search for the aircraft. This was an Airbus that went down over the Atlantic on a flight from Brazil last year... There were reports of sudden decompression. Did the plane actually go down from a terrorist bomb?

And of course, the IAEA announcement that Iran is pursuing nukes...

More to follow...

Still to Come- From My Notes File

Iran Shuts Down Gmail

From FOXNews.com - Iran Shuts Down Gmail, Announces National E-Mail Service: "Iran's telecommunications agency announced Wednesday that it has permanently suspended Google's e-mail services and that a national e-mail service for Iranians will be rolled out soon"

In other words, this Islamic Extremist "government" that defies the will of its people in elections, is now doing everything possible to make sure that they control any information into or out of the country.

For those that don't understand the infrastructure of the Internet, this type of blocking is possible. The only "possible" (and by possible I mean chances are slim) way of getting around this would be bi-directional satellite- maybe. Perhaps there is another method but most would probably be controlled by Iran's telecommunications agency.

Next, expect reports to filter out of Iran about people being "lined up against a wall" and "the family being billed for the cost of the bullet."

Iran Shuts Down Gmail

Iran Makes Space Launch- Bad News for Israel and the Rest of the World

Iran announced a successful space launch today, stating they shot a payload containing some animals into space.

The problem with this?

If you can orbit a payload into low-earth orbit, you can use the same rocket to lauch a payload containing a nuclear warhead to any target on the planet.

Of course, I am sure that Iran's space program is completely peaceful.  Its not like Iran has ever stated they want to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.  Oh, wait, they did...

Iran Makes Space Launch- Bad News for Israel and the Rest of the World

Moves to Stop Iranian Arms Smuggling to Hamas

US Navy Combined Task Force 151 has been ordered to stop ships that are smuggling arms to Hamas, according to reports in the London Times, Haaretz and yNet. Additionally, a French Frigate has been ordered to the area to stop arms smuggling. French President Sarkozy ordered the French Foreign Minister to work with the US and Europe to find methods to stop the arms smuggling to Hamas.

Israeli military intelligence has been circulating documents that suggest that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has a large program in place to re-arm Hamas after the recent fighting with Israel in Gaza.

Last week, the crew from the USS San Antonio (LPD-17) boarded a Cypriot flagged ship owned by Iran, and it is believed that weapons were found. These weapons were heading from Iran to Hamas. This event occurred on January 19-20. Some reports suggest that this was originally a covert op that was initiated because of the "memorandum of understanding" between the US and Israel that was signed on January 16.

There is some discussion as to the legal basis for the boarding and any future boarding in international waters as the ship was flying the flag of a nation.

The concern of course is what happens next? If the US Navy moves to stop Iranian shipping of weapons--which I believe it should-- and an Iranian ship decides it is not going to "heave to" then what? What are the rules of engagement in this situation? Does the Navy fire a shot across the bow? Does the Navy disable a rudder with a shot or small torpedo? How does Iran respond, if the US fires on an Iranian ship that refuses to stop? How do we react, should an Iranian vessel fire upon us, or members of a boarding party are killed? Are we looking at the opening moves of the next war? Or will Iran back down like the Soviets did with Cuba in 1962?

Iran is determined to re-arm Hamas, just as they are determined to acquire nukes. All of this is for one purpose-- to annihilate Israel. The US should of course stop Iran. Hamas is a terrorist organization and is responsible for the deaths of Israeli's as well as Americans and people of other countries. They, like the Taliban, are not a legitimate government. They are terrorists.

The US used to believe in stopping terrorist threats. I hope we still do.

Moves to Stop Iranian Arms Smuggling to Hamas

Iran Running Out of Yellow Cake

Iran is apparently running out of yellow cake uranium, which is used to process nuclear weapons. The British are lobbying major uranium producing nations, asking them not to sell uranium to Iran. The idea is that if Iran runs out of uranium, it could help contain their nuclear ambitions.

However, according to reports, Mossad believes that Iran will produce its first nuclear weapon this year or next. Israeli military intelligence agrees with this assessment.

Iran of course claims their nuclear program is peaceful and they would never even think of the idea of harming Israel. Maybe they are thinking they need a nuclear program because of the concern of all the green-house gas that all their oil and natural gas would produce if they used that to produce electricity.

Maybe Iran was listening to the Inaugural address. After all, President Barak Hussien Obama said, "know that your people will judge you on what you can build."

Well Mr. President, it looks like Iran can build a nuke or two, and now something needs to be done before it is too late.

Iran must be stopped. If we do not stop them, Israel will. Regardless, there must never be an Iranian bomb.

Iran Running Out of Yellow Cake

More Military Moves By Iran

Iran has decided to perform a bit of a "show of force" starting today (Monday in Iran). They have announced they are going to be running joint military exercises, maneuvers and performing "domestic" weapons testing. The location of the maneuvers was not announced.

Iran also stated their navy has developed new submarine technology to prevent their subs from being picked up on "radar" (personally I thought sonar was the bigger concern).

Iran stated that their air forces and revolutionary guard will be involved in the maneuvers. From PressTV.ir (Iranian Media)-

The Islamic Republic Air Force will test Iran's domestic-made warfare in a joint military exercise with the IRGC, the Defense Ministry says.

The joint aerial maneuver will be held on Monday and is aimed at boosting Iran's defensive capabilities and operational tactics, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said.

The military exercise, which involves The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), comes in the wake of escalating US and Israeli threats to strike the country's nuclear facilities...

...Tehran has warned that Israel and 32 US bases in the region will be targeted should the country come under attack. (Emphasis Added)

This is right along with my earlier statement--1+1=3. Something is not adding up in Iran.

More Military Moves By Iran

Moves by Iran: 1+1=3

It appears that Iran has been making unusual purchases of monkeys, enough so that the "dealers," who are actually dealing in an endangered breed and are in violation of international law, are concerned.

Iran is purchasing the monkeys in the hundreds, and are purchasing a size that is apparently not able to be used for vaccine research as they claim. The purchases are being made by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute. Opposition groups in the past have claimed in the past that this was actually a biological weapons facility. Iran is going so far as to send scientists to the countries in Africa to review the shipments before accepting them. The monkeys are being sold for £60 each. From Iran Focus News:

Manji said scientists at the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute in Iran had bought 215 vevet monkeys from him this year but he had become suspicious about their true motive, athough he was still trading with them. They had “spent a lot of money” on getting the monkeys, even sending over scientists to check on each consignment.

“Iran is very secretive,” said Manji, who has been exporting monkeys for 22 years. “They said it [the monkeys] was for ‘our country’, for vaccine. [They said] ‘We don’t buy vaccine from anywhere; we prepare our own vaccine’.

“But I think they use it for something else. You know why? Because they don’t go on kilos. Iran wants [monkeys weighing] 1.5kg to 2.5kg, [but] 1.5kg for vaccine is not possible.”

The other "interesting" news out of Iran is the announcement from their space agency that they are planning to put a man into orbit (and presumably bring him back alive). While this may be a project to boost the moral of the country and purely for scientific purposes, it is also a statement of military capability. Placing an object into a precise orbit, especially an object large enough to carry a man, also means that you can deliver a warhead to a precise target, ANYWHERE on the planet.

Finally, T. Boone Pickens has been saying on his commercials that Iran is converting it's cars to natural gas, so that it can sell more oil on the world market. However, production and sales of oil is from Iran is controlled by OPEC. Perhaps they are wanting to keep it in the ground to extend their ability to sell in the future.

But it is also possible that they are conserving oil for military use. You do not convert your military vehicles to natural gas. It is more difficult to transport than oil, and if your military moves into another country, you can use the oil they have or gas they have in your military vehicles- living off the land- so to speak. You can not do this as easily with natural gas.

So, Iran is importing endangered monkeys for "vaccine" research, they are running a "peaceful and scientific" space program, and they are conserving oil, "to make sure the supplies are" available for future generations."

1+1=3

.

Moves by Iran: 1+1=3

Followup: Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

UPDATE 3/13/2008- The Washington Post is reporting that the UK will "re-evaluate" Kazemi's case and that for the time being, he will not be deported.

The case of Mehdi Kazemi, 19, got worse for him today. Dutch officials are now deporting him back to Great Britian.

Kazemi had applied to Great Britain for political asylum because he (rightfully) fears execution if he his forced to return to Iran where he is from. When Great Britain denied his request, he fled to The Netherlands. Now, the Dutch are returning him to Great Britain, where he faces deportation to Iran, and then death by strangulation from a noose.

Kazemi's crime is that he his gay. His former boyfriend has already been hung by the Iranians.

His family is planning an appeal in Great Britain.

Followup: Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

Kuwait Analyst: Best if Israel Takes Out Iranian Nukes

It is called Realpolitik. It is defined as "politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives." In other words, "we may disagree, but there are practical matters to consider."

I have heard stories of Saudi or Kuwaiti intelligence services being trained by Mossad, some Arab countries privately expressing thanks and relief when Israel took out Iraq's reactors in 1981 and other incongruities in the complex relations of the Mideast. This appears to be another one.

A Kuwaiti Analyst and former government adviser said in an interview with Al-Siyassah that having Israel take out any Iranian nukes would not be a bad thing and that it would be much better for the region for Israel to take action than for the US to do it.

"Honestly speaking, they would be achieving something of great strategic value for the [Gulf Cooperation Council] by stopping Iran's tendency for hegemony over the area," he said, adding that "nipping it in the bud by Israeli hands would be less embarrassing for us than if the Americans did it"

GCC countries are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

There is no way that this comment was just made arbitrarily. This has got to be a back-door signal to the Israeli Government. I don't think that "freedom of the Press" rates as high in the Mideast as it does here.

So, sometime in the future, Israel may send F-15 I's to Iran. The mission will be secret until the moment it is carried out. There will be no leaks. The Israeli Air Force will be completely successful. Iran will protest. The UN will meet in emergency session. The Security Council will vote to condemn Israel- but stop at a condemnation. The US and Great Britain might abstain if they don’t veto.

But, quietly, the leaders of the world, and the leaders of Arab countries in the Middle East will call Israel, and say "Great job! Thanks…." And the world will breath a sigh of relief.

Maybe President Ronald Reagan's immediate reaction to the 1981 Israeli attack on Iraq said it all. When he was told of the attack, his said, "Well, Boys will be Boys!"

Kuwait Analyst: Best if Israel Takes Out Iranian Nukes

Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

UPDATE: See my followup with news from 11 March 2008.

This is one of those cases that I am sure will give heartburn to some of my readers, however, I ask everyone to take a deep breath and look through the surface issue and look instead at the barbarity of Iran.

Mehdi Kazemi, 19, came to Great Britain in 2005 to attend school. However, his situation has changed from being a student to running for his life. Kazemi is gay. His boyfriend was arrested, tortured and then hanged by the Government of Iran- not for murder, or rape, but simply because he was gay. Now Kazemi has been told by his father, that if he returns to Iran, he will be tortured and hung as well.

Kazemi applied for asylum in Britain but was denied. Now he has fled to The Netherlands. where the Dutch police are holding until he can be returned to Britain where he faces deportation to Iran and certain death.

Kazemi wrote to the British Home Secretary,

"I wish to inform the Secretary of State that I did not come to the UK to claim asylum. I came here to study and return to my country.
"But in the past few months my situation back home has changed. The Iranian authorities have found out that I am a homosexual and they are looking for me."

This is not a case about this kid being gay. I could care less who he sleeps with or what he does in bed. This is a case about the BARBARITY of a TOTALITARIAN REGIEME. This a case about a THEOCRACY that will EXECUTE anyone that disagrees with it. This a case about BARBARISM from a religion that calls itself the "Religion of Peace."

This is a case where all of us, no matter our personal feelings or personal opinions need to stand up and call on Great Britain and the Netherlands to save this poor kid's life and stop this execution.

Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

Oil Prices Down Before Elections?

The International Affairs Director of the Iranian National Oil Company today said "In view of the US presidential elections and considering the fact that the US is the world's biggest oil consumer, we expect oil prices to drop late summer."

So the question becomes just who exactly are they trying to influence?

Oil Prices Down Before Elections?

French Say Report Reinforces Need for Pressure On Iran

While the US Media seems intent on broadcasting to the world that the NIE on Iran says,"Bush is Wrong," other countries, including the French are saying the report means that the world needs to keep up pressure on Iran and that the need for sanctions has not been deminished.

The German government stated that the report confirmed that pressure on Iran was working and that the pressure should be maintained.

From AFP

Britain's foreign secretary David Miliband agreed Wednesday that Tehran was still refusing to bow to UN resolutions to halt uranium enrichment, which can be used to make bombs.

"That defiance remains the case," Miliband told reporters after talks in London with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, adding Britain and China were committed to non-proliferation.

"We will continue to work very closely together, secure in the knowledge that we are pursuing the shared goal of a more stable and peaceful world," he said.

Germany also said Iran's nuclear program remained a cause for concern. "The findings confirm what the German government has always said -- that diplomatic negotiations are promising," chief government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm said.

"But you also know the reality that two UN Security Council resolutions have not been followed and that Iran has not yet stopped its uranium enrichment program."

French Say Report Reinforces Need for Pressure On Iran

The Things Iran Has Said

While the world seems to be paying attention to the NIE that alleges that the Iranians have stopped their nuclear weapons program, there are several points that seem to be being missed.

Iran is continuing to enrich Uranium. This is against UN Resolutions and the only logical use for this is for weaponization.

Iran announced the development of the Ashura Missile. This missile is alleged to have a 1,200 mile range and is supposed to be a step up from the Shihab-III missile. The 1,200 mile range will allow this missile to hit anywhere in Israel, a state that Iran has sworn to wipe off the face of the earth. Additionally this missile can hit a variety of US bases in the region. The purpose of this missile can in no way be construed to be defensive with the indicated range.

Iran has announced that it has developed a sonar evading submarine, the "Ghadir." It is unlikely in my opinion that a diesel-electric boat could evade US sonar, but, again, this is not a purely defensive weapon. This weapon is, in my opinion designed for the sole purpose of stopping shipping in the Persian Gulf and to punch holes in the sides of merchant vessels.

None of these developments can be construed as "peaceful." Each of these developments continue to point to the fact that Iran is a Clear and Present Danger, if not to the security of the United States, then definitely to our strongest alley in the Middle East, Israel.

The Things Iran Has Said

Iranian F-4 Crashes into Persian Gulf

According to the Associated Press, an Iranian F-4 Phantom crashed into the Persian Gulf this morning, killing both crew members.

These are aircraft purchased from the US during the 1970's and due to the various embargo's against Iran, they have not been able to purchase spare parts from the US. However, the F-4 has been sold around the world and it is possible that parts could be purchased from other vendors.

There are a few questions though that cause me some concern.

First, why did Iran report this so quickly after it happened? They are not known for openness of the press. I have done a quick google search and only found a couple other references to Iranian military aircraft crashing.

Second, the Iranian military refers to the pilot and his back seat person as "martyrs." I find that wording to be interesting.

Third, this crash is in an area full of US ships, including a couple of Battle-Carrier Groups. But there has been nothing released from US Central Command. The US Navy MUST have seen the aircraft go down.

This is one of those events that makes me wonder if there is more to the story.

Iranian F-4 Crashes into Persian Gulf

Iran calls for US nuclear apology?

Iran wants the US to APOLOGIZE???? For what? The response from the US should be a very carefully considered, thoughtful and well worded, "Go to HELL!" First, why should any of us trust anything from the IAEA. Second, why should anyone think that Iran is actually being truthful? I am more inclined to believe that Iran learned from the mistakes of its next door neighbor (Iran) and does a better job of hiding things. Further the report says that Iran" had clarified 'some' of its nuclear history, but questions" remain about its current activities. This is the understatement of the year. There are big questions, like, what is Iran enriching uranium for? If not for their own bomb, perhaps it is for one for Syria or Hamas?

From the BBC:

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said the US and its allies should apologise for their treatment of Iran over its nuclear programme.

Mr Ahmadinejad said the latest report by the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) showed Iran had been truthful about its nuclear activities.

The IAEA found Iran had clarified some of its nuclear history but questions remained over present activities.

The US has vowed to push for further UN sanctions in the light of the report.

The IAEA report praised Tehran for making progress in responding to questions about past activities but warned that the agency's knowledge about Tehran's current nuclear programme was diminishing.

It said that Iran was continuing to enrich uranium in defiance of demands by the UN Security Council.

Iran calls for US nuclear apology?