Reply to Panetta: Israel may attack Iran in April

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[quote=TheManWithAUsername][quote=jsteele]First, it is not at all clear that the deaths of the scientists killed so far has fundamentally harmed any Iranian nuclear program that may or may not exist. Maybe the deaths set back the program, maybe they didn't. But, if a program of that importance hangs on the lives of such a small number of individuals, I would be shocked to find those individuals wandering around the streets of Tehran.[/quote]
All true, but that cuts both ways. If they're inconsequential, then Iran won't care as much.

[quote=jsteele]Second, my point is not that killing Iranian scientists would lead Iran to launch either a conventional or nuclear attack. Rather, I envision the sort of tit for tat that is common in that part of the world....If things escalate -- which is the natural tendency of such things, we will be right back to the massive sort of fighting that you think is being prevented by assassinations. You seem to see assassination as a solution to avoid greater violence. I see it as a step that is more likely to lead to greater violence than it is to avoid further violence.[/quote]
I think my points apply here. I don't believe that Israel's enemies have restrained themselves b/c they don't hate Israel quite enough yet. I think the Iranian leadership wouldn't hesitate to destroy Israel were it in their power to do so without causing themselves too much harm. If full war breaks out, I think it will be simply because the attacker sees more to gain than to lose (or less to lose than through inaction), and not because of increasing tensions. Tension has not been the missing factor.

[quote=jsteele]Finally, it is really disappointing to see you resort to the sort of right-wing jingoism that you normally parody.[/quote]
And people consider [b]me[/b] abrasive. Jingoism? I specifically criticized the way we destroy other countries. I’m speaking directly against harming foreign innocents.

[quote=jsteele]Please provide one single direct quote from an Iranian leader saying that he would like to eradicate the US.[/quote]
“Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury.” More on that below.

[quote=jsteele]Yes, I know that "everyone knows" such things have been said. Just like "everyone knew" Iraq was producing WMDs. I don't care what "everyone knows". I would like you to provide one direct quote.[/quote]
I didn't say “everyone knows.” Whether I'm wrong here or not, I don't say that crap when challenged, as you know by now. There’s no call for that pedantic tone with me, and putting those words in my mouth is beneath you.

More on your request for quotes...

Since you didn't ask, I assume you don't question that Ahmadinejad would like to destroy Israel. I assume you also don't question that he takes all kind of crazy and often contradictory positions.

That being the case, I'm not sure why you seem to find my view so offensive. That is, I can understand that if I were advocating for a U.S. invasion you would demand the clearest possible evidence of his hostility to us, but I’m just saying that it’s a good thing if people interfere with his plans.

Below are the best I could find in 30 minutes or so. The first one, which I quoted above, responds to your request pretty well. [b]However, from his more typical statements I’d say that it’s unfair to say that he has expressed a desire to destroy the U.S.[/b] I do believe my government’s conclusion that Iran has been sponsoring terrorism for decades, including acts against the U.S., so putting it all together I’d say that he is our enemy and would consider a major terrorist attack against us if empowered to execute one.

“Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury.”

“The establishment of Zionist regime was a move by the world oppressor against the Islamic world.”

“We don't shy away from declaring that Islam is ready to rule the world.”

“Do not doubt, Allah will prevail, and Islam will conquer mountain tops of the entire world.” 
 
[/quote]

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