Putin: "An attack on Iran will be viewed as an attack on Russia"...

[LakeSamish706]

Attack Iran and you attack Russia
By Pepe Escobar

The barely reported highlight of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Tehran for the Caspian Sea summit last week was a key face-to-face meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A high-level diplomatic source in Tehran tells Asia Times Online that essentially Putin and the Supreme Leader have agreed on a plan to nullify the George W Bush administration's relentless drive towards launching a preemptive attack, perhaps a tactical nuclear



strike, against Iran. An American attack on Iran will be viewed by Moscow as an attack on Russia.



http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/IJ26Ak06.html

[bdamomma]

1. oh boy oh boy, Putin is not playing when he says words like that.

now where is China, cause * instigated them also when the Dai Lama visited DC last week. * enemy of all nations.

[LakeSamish706]

4. China stays silent, but I believe that they would back Russia and...

not the US if a war were to break out. If a war does happen, you might look for China to move on Taiwan to piss the US off and instigate a move by the US toward China... Just my opinion, but that would seem like a logical way for China to proceed. All bets are off as to what North Korea might do.

[jmp]

8. China getting themselves bombed to protect Iran ...

Sounds logical to you???

[Dhalgren]

14. Do you seriously think that the US would bomb China? For Taiwan?

I don't. I think that we would cut loose Taiwan in exchange for China staying out of the Iran issue. Quid pro quo...

[jmp]

18. No. I do think we'd sink their entire navy ...

And blow their air force out of the sky though.

[Dhalgren]

23. That's just a lot of big talk - which is all the US has anymore.

We could no more go into conflict with China and/or Russia now than anything. We can't even launch a real fighting war against Iran - they'd kick our asses. All we can do is bomb countries that won't or can't bomb us back. Russia and China can definitely bomb us back. Bush's owners do not want a war with any country that could actually disrupt corporate profits. No, your great commander will not lead the US in a glorious war against the heathen masses - the corporations will reel Georgie back in. Maybe he can invade Granada again...

[jmp]

27. "All we can do is bomb countries that won't or can't bomb us back."

Is THAT all??? And that doesn't count as war to you? :eyes:

Those of you dreaming of Russia and china standing up to the US are going to be in for some harsh reality when Bush bombs Iran. These same theories about countries ganging up on the US were kicked around before we invaded Iraq.

[tblue37]

48. Besides. China OWNS us. Literally. (eom)

[bdamomma]

38. maybe China will say "pay up" to the US

[Elidor]

36. China will stay out of it

They have nothing to gain from involvement. And they have no love for the Russians.

[Yukari Yakumo]

50. Actually China will get involved. How is another question.

China has a lot of economic investments in Iran. China also has us by the balls because of our debts.

[Joanne98]

2. I'm officially predicting that an attack on the state owned banks is the last straw!

BUSHCO is just trying to privatize Iran's banks by boycott! If Putin lets them get away with this, they will come after his oil companies and he knows it. It's back to the cold war folks. Thank Bush and his GREED FEST.

[debbierlus]

3. I hope the Russian response can stop this insanity

Our government certainly doesn't listen to us.

[havocmom]

22. Let's hope the US military brass listens to Russia & does the math

Let's also hope the SANE members of US military brass can hogtie the yahoo end-timers in high places in the Air Force. Those guys are my biggest concern re starting WWIII by hitting Iran.

[KansDem]

5. "Check" George, it's your move...

We're waiting... George? GEORGE?

[jmp]

7. You think this would deter Bush?

Why? Short of nukes, Russia is in no position to tangle with the US.

[acmavm]

13. What a freaking odd statement. Why would you say that? You

don't think that Putin means it? What makes your outlook so rosy? Got some info to share with the rest of us?

[jmp]

21. It's not 1970 anymore. There is no parity ...

Between the US and Russian armed forces. They are outclassed. Badly. And they know it.

Also ... Russia's entire national budget is about $160 billion (US dollar). They can't AFFORD a large scale military engagement. Certainly not with the US.

[acmavm]

40. And you know this how? Because I don't believe it. They've

have PLENTY of time to recoup from the arms race of yesteryear.

We don't have shit outselves anymore. bush** & co. have seen to that. We're a paper tiger. All we have are nukes.

Unless you have some solid info that proves that Russia is so weak I think I'll just remain very sceptical.

[Elidor]

45. I'd say that Russia and Iran together could make any bombing campaign

Prohibitively costly. Do you think such a campaign, against two countries at once, would be a "cakewalk?"

[KansDem]

17. Oh, I think Russia is at its best moment in history to tangle with the US!

After four years in Iraq, the US is in no position to take on another front.

Iraq's lost...
Afghanistan's lost...
The American people do not want war...
The American people do not want a draft to fight the war they do not want...

If a few rag-tag "insurgents" can stop the US in its tracks in Iraq, what do you think Russia will be able to do?

Don't forget, we defeated the Italian, Japanese, and German war machines is less time than it took to secure Baghdad's Green Zone (which really isn't secure now, is it?)

[jmp]

25. "If a few rag-tag 'insurgents'" ...

That couldn't possibly be less relevant.

"Don't forget, we defeated the Italian, Japanese, and German war machines is less time than it took to secure Baghdad's Green Zone (which really isn't secure now, is it?)"

True ... but it took us only a matter of weeks to trash the entire country and plant our flag in downtown Baghdad. If you are asserting that Russia could stop the US from conquering Iran ... you are absolutely correct. But if you think that Russia could keep the US from bombing Iran back to the 1800s ... you couldn't be more wrong.

In any case, Russia has nothing to gain from confronting the US directly.

[LakeSamish706]

26. Something that you forget though, it is the US that is talking about Nuking others...

and not the other way around. Putin has simply stated that if the US fires first, we will return fire and that fire will be directed directly at the US Homeland. Not sure how people feel here about that, but it certainly scares the shit outta me.

[jmp]

29. That is silliness ...

1) US nukes Iran
2) Russia nukes the US
3) US nukes Russia

What exactly did Russia gain?

Irrational fear is a poor substitute for rational thought.


btw despite all the bluster, the US will NOT nuke Iran. It is simply not necessary.

[KansDem]

34. Perhaps this is Russia's "Cuban Missile Crisis?"

btw despite all the bluster, the US will NOT nuke Iran. It is simply not necessary.

Well, now, it appears Putin's threat worked! Or, at least, that's what it'll look like.

1) Bush threatens Iran
2) Putin threatens Bush
3) Bush backs off ("btw despite all the bluster, the US will NOT nuke Iran. It is simply not necessary.")
4) Putin smiles for the whole world to see; Bush looks stupid(ier)

Nothing like having a leader we can be proud of! :sarcasm:

[rasputin1952]

32. The Russian military is nothing to sneeze at, they have not

been involved in a 4+ year war that has depleted their military into something just a tad more than a shell. While they have problems, they are a force to be reckoned with, to be sure. For all of the talk about technology and the "gee-whizz" stuff of the past 20+ years, there has been little to show that nothing other than "boots on the ground" will win the day. The Russians have a lot more boots than we do.

We have failed to learn, (or at least bush and the neo-cons), that war si not the answer to every problem that rises. Hell-bent on destruction, bush has had his sights on virtually anything that continues his cycle of failure and disaster. He cannot see anything other that what he wants to see. Time after time reality has slapped him silly, and he just ambles down whatever path to hell he is on. I truly believe the man is insane. Whatever world he inhabits, it is a dark and terrifying one, a place I would not go to on a bet.

Anyone who supports this maniac is jsut as daft as he is.

[beberocks]

10. George's next move is still toward war.

Those more aggressive sanctions towards Iran means WWIII is on schedule for the neocons. I think they are ignoring Putin's statements because they actually want a nuclear war. The * admin are lunatics and just plain evil.

[jmp]

6. "An attack on Iran will be viewed as an attack on Russia"

Yeah right. :eyes:

[Colobo]

9. That's why we need to support a Dem candidate that is not

in tune with Bush's line of thinking...

[Think82]

35. we need a foreign policy expert... like BIDEN

Please people, we need his expertise in this historical moment.

[AndyA]

11. Bush has undone everything that established good relations with Russia.

The idiot, once again, true to his character has failed miserably at any attempt to be successful. Everything the man touches turns to shit. EVERYTHING!

Congress needs to put impeachment on the table, or we're going to be broke, involved in WWIII, with a military that's already worn out and stretched too thin because of Iraq.

Bush is a liar, a failure, and quite likely a psychopath in need of mental evaluation. Congress needs to do something to stop this man.

[PATRICK]

12. I have seen this quote twice now

and the post implies it was never publicly said or even clearly speculated. I think the post line should be changed because if there is no public quote this dangerous it should not set forth as if it is.

After reading the article it hardly goes against a more probable interpretation that Russia is trying to plot a deal, not make a suicide pact. The worst thing it reminds me of in the pass is the line drawn against us in Vietnam from invading, mining Haiphong harbor and a few other things. I think even that was strongly implied but never stated. I think Bush worries more about the oil markets than Russia in the present lurch toward Iran. Threatening to nuke Iran MAY have been a feeler to see if Russia WOULD draw a line somewhere, but have we seen anything like the handcuffs slapped on us in Vietnam? The scary thing is that we have not no matter how crazed our threats toward Iran. The abomination of getting permission to mess Iran up just a little so we could get mcuked and mired more on the losing ME scene is not known either.

[hlthe2b]

15. So, for Georgie's * WWIIII, we now have an axis forming

and how impressive that of the two (soon to be many) current "axis" members, is our old ally from WWII, Russia (aka the Soviet Union). So now, who will be our allies? Oh, that's right, reliable old Britain (maybe) and Palau. Maybe even Trinidad and Tobago, if we bribe them enough....:mad:

So, will China be the next asian might, replacing Tojo and Japan?

God help us....

[BattyDem]

30. Another WW is coming ...

and this time, we're Germany. :scared:

[progressoid]

16. Makes Bush's WWIII comments a little more prophetic

and frightening.

[LakeSamish706]

19. Lets remember one other thing here, I don't believe that any other sane country...

in the world wants war, period... Its only the Bush Administration that does. Everyone else would still like to settle problems by talking to those that they feel are causing the problem.

[robinlynne]

20. wow.

[Froward69]

24. ok no playing around here this is serious

not only god help us. But now is not the time to be playing around. Bush is in check. Hillary voted to recognize 1/3 of Iran's military as terrorist. loose cannon in my view. Obama simply hasn't the experience. Edwards is too eager to be president for Himself much less that of the interests of the nation.

Biden has the experience and KNOWS most world leaders personally. Biden would restore allies worldwide. Biden has expressed the need to focus on Pakistan, NOT war with Iran. Biden would like to focus on what is Truly important finding and killing Osama Bin-laden. Remember him? Like Biden has said "if Iran puts a nuke on a missile take it out". other wise step away from the rhetoric with Iran. sanctions are the way to go.

We All Know how the Rethugs want war don't even go there, or get me started on the topic.

edit=spellcheck

[jillan]

51. I completely agree. This is not a time to have a popularity contest for President.

And that is the #1 reason why I support Biden.

[BattyDem]

28. And there you have it

Putin is telling us that we will be starting WWIII if we attack Iran ... and we all know the assholes in charge are going to do it anyway. :grr: :scared: :nuke:

[The Magistrate]

31. Someone, Sir, Has An Over-Active Imagination

Perhaps Mr. Escobar, perhaps this unnamed 'diplomatic source'.

Russia will not treat an attack on Iran as an attack on Russia, at least not in the sense this usually means, that of fighting alongside the country so named. Russia probably would supply weaponry, possibly even technicians to operate some of it, but would engage in no more of a military nature than that.

[gasperc]

33. that, and the oil markets would go ape shit

but I'm sure BushCo thinks tapping the strategic oil reserve will fix all.

[Renew Deal]

37. WW3 sounds like fun

:hide:

[bdamomma]

39. not fun when people get killed.

[Renew Deal]

41. You must not think like a Bushie

Off to the re-education camps with you!

[bdamomma]

46. think like a bushie??? no, I am reality based, he is psychotic based!

[ideagarden]

42. ask your congress and senate to upgrade their web pages

Boxer and Feinstein didn't even have Iran on their pages (CA). Not even a topic. Feinstein is lost in the sauce of bankers Scultz and Rohatyn and would not reply. Even wikipedia know the constitution is being vandalized (see their page: a message like no editing due to vandalism). Here is Boxer's message and I note it sounds just like what Bush is spouting. Either she didn't write it w/ Blackwater looking over her shoulder or her staff is being influenced by the fascist in power. At least she still says diplomacy.

"Thank you for contacting me to express your views regarding relations between the United States and Iran . I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns on this issue, which is extremely important to me.

Although Iran 's defiance in the wake of international condemnation of its nuclear program is deeply troubling, I believe that the United States and the international community must continue to pursue diplomatic options in urging Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program. Rigorous diplomacy, backed by effective sanctions, offers the best means of ending this dangerous program without a military confrontation.

I am also greatly concerned by Iran 's growing influence in Iraq and its support of armed Shiite militias. Again, I believe that the United States should work with the international community to convince Iran to help bring stability to its war-ravaged neighbor. International diplomacy provides the best means of persuading Iran and other neighboring countries to help end the terrible civil war in Iraq .

Please be assured that I will continue to push for diplomatic solutions as the best way of resolving disagreements with Iran .

Thank you again for contacting me regarding this important issue.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator "

[lala_rawraw]

43. and there you have it...

only this time, we are not looking like the "good guys" and to make matters worse, China and Russia together will destroy us.

[Alhena]

44. I doubt Putin really means that ...

Russia would be perhaps the biggest beneficiary of an attack on Iran, which would drive oil prices through the roof. That would mean hundreds of billions of dollars in increased oil revenue for Russia. Plus, Iran would need to replenish its stock of Russian military equipment that is used or destroyed in the conflict.

An attack on Iran would be folly for us, though I can understand Israel's concerns about a guy who has pledged their destruction having nukes. Here's an idea: why not let Israel do its own dirty work for a change? If Iran starts developing ICBMs that can reach the US then that might be different.

[Eurobabe]

47. I looked into Vlad's eyes and saw his soul....

Bush you STUPID dumb fuck. :nuke:

[Supersedeas]

49. how do you have a World War if every other country isolates Iran -- a World War requires allies

and Dimson anticipates Iran teaming up with others against us.

[OneBlueSky]

52. anyone remember the last time we heard something of this nature? . . .

it was President Kennedy, during his speech about the Russian missiles in Cuba . . . my memory's not that precise, so I'll have to paraphrase, but he said something like "any attack on anyone in the Western Hemisphere by missiles from Cuba will be considered a direct attack on the United States by the Soviet Union, subject to a full retaliatory response" . . .

Khruschev backed down . . . unfortunately, Bush may not be smart enough to do the same . . .