Bush Birthday Gift to Israel: WAR

[Purveyor]

I know I'm breaking TPM rules by using my space to link to another Cafe piece.

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/05/14/iran_whats_the_game/

But I have to do it. Everybody needs to read Todd Gitlin's report about the cheerleading conference on war with Iran that is taking place in Israel. The whole war party is there, even President Bush.

Upon landing in Israel, Bush said he had a gift for Olmert and Peres but he could not reveal what it is for security reasons. But I can tell you.

I think it is a promise that either the US will attack Iran sometime in the next 250 days or Bush will give Israel the go-ahead to do it.

That attack, should it take place, would threaten every one of us here -- not to mention the existence of the State of Israel.

But, hell, Bush said in a speech to Knesset that Masada is the example he admires. That is where the Jews committed suicide rather than submit to Roman occupation. Husbands and fathers slit the throats of their wives and kids.

Bush announced: "Masada will not fall again."

Time to get scared, kids. The neocons have 250 days left to bring the temple down on all our heads.

Also, Bush is already attacking the Democratic nominee for not being ready to go to war with Iran. Obama believes in negotiations so he's an appeaser (like Reagan with Gorbachev). It is no coincidence that Bush is putting out this garbage in pretty much the only place in the world where he can get away with it: a conference of hardliners in Israel.

---EOE---

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/05/15/bush_birthday_gift_to_israel_w/

[Selatius]

1. If there is a war, all Persian Gulf oil will be cut off for the duration of the conflict.

Because nobody is going to run the Hormuz Strait without fear of being sunk by Russian anti-ship Sunburn missiles sold to Iran some years back. Iran sits prominently above the Strait and could easily fire down on any ship crossing through.

This will send oil prices skyrocketing into space, and the US economy will be brought to its knees with the worst oil price shock in recorded history. The EU economy would suffer terribly as well, including the rest of the world.

Worse yet, it may provoke the splintering of Iraq, since many Shia militias are influenced by Iran. With Baghdad in chaos, Turkey may take matters into their own hands in terms of dealing with the Kurds and launch a full-scale invasion to keep a lid on the Kurds who will find Baghdad is no longer keeping them in check.

In Baghdad, expect Iranian scud missiles to land on the Green Zone, perhaps several dozens of them. No telling how many American servicemen are going to get bombed. Worse yet, Shia militias may attempt to overrun the Green Zone in the name of killing the "infidels."

[countmyvote4real]

2. I hope it doesn't happen, but you all are right about if it does.

I only differ that I think the oil has already brought us to our knees. Yes, it's bottomless pit. And it's getting worse.

It's long past time to restore President Carter's solar panels on the WH and tax incentives for all involved in making it happen. (In retrospect he might be charged with "appeasing" somebody/something that is presumed or supposed to be our enemy if we are to puppet's speech on its face.)

And then there's the irony of it all. *'s grandfather is a documented appeaser. Not for talking, but for conceding in return for war profits.

HELLO!

Not only is it within his DNA, it's probably the most passionate WASP discussion * ever heard at the family breakfast table. (I went out on a limb and assumed * ever had breakfast with his family. I don't know for sure that the family ever discussed that rebuke amongst themselves at breakfast or anywhere, but I have to assume they still bring it up when they get together. What family doesn't?)

[Baby Snooks]

3. The Saudis

Many observers have wondered why Bush has not already found reason to attack Iran in his "war on terror" which is how he covers up the illegal occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq. His rhetoric of late has focused on not only Iran but Syria. So we may be headed for a "two-fer" with our military forces being directed into both countries from Iraq. Reality is he wants Iran and Syria in order to either restore the old Iraqi pipeline to Haifa or build a new one. And connect it to Iran.

Many observers have begun to realize the reason why he has not been able to do so is Saudi Arabia which simply cannot afford for the Strait of Hormuz to be blocked which most likely would be the first act by Iran and they would sink as many ships as possible to block the strait.

Many observers now wonder if Bush is willing to lose Saudi oil in order to gain Iranian oil in addition to Iraqi oil.

A very dangerous game has obviously begun finally and Congress at this point really cannot stop it - we can thank Nancy Pelosi for that.

Even if it had been unsuccessful the reality of impeachment is it would have limited Bush's ability to act independent of Congress.

Instead he is able to do what he wants. The Empress sits while the Emperor fiddles. Rome is burning. And taking all of Italy with it.

The man is evil. No other word for him. As is Cheney.

The real danger is the alliance that exists between Iran and Russia - the Russians may decide they have had enough of Bush. And of us.

"And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air..."

The problem is the flag won't still be there. It will be gone. Along with our major cities.