Iran Doesn't Have Illegal Nukes; but Israel Has Hundreds

If speculation and rumors add up, George W Bush could be planning an attack on another innocent nation of people.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The investigative journalist who revealed both the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam and Abu Ghraib military torture scandal in Iraq, Seymour Hersh, says his sources have revealed that the United States is very close to staging an attack against Iran. He told NPR that Congress' is already funding covert military operations, information that will be part of the upcoming issue of The New Yorker. (see: several articles on digg.com)

For his part, Bush dismissed the idea that his administration is planning to attack Iran as "wild speculation". His pattern of grave military errors up until now however, is certainly no reassurance that he isn't lying.

Even though former President Jimmy Carter revealed to the world that Israel has hundreds of armed nuclear weapons pointed at targets around the world illegally, (see: Carter Reveals Israel's Possession of 150 Nuclear Weapons) our cowboy president George "W" Bush is still injecting lie after lie into the news media about Iran's nuclear program.

It doesn't have one. Iran's only ambition is to one day have nuclear power, like other countries. The only country we know to have illegal nukes, is Israel.

In all probably, the current government of the Jewish State would love to blow Iran off the map, there is little doubt about that. But the charges of "nuclear" this and that are all made up, self created political statements from dishonest governments that are warring by desire, for the profit, for the alleged "security" that killing other people is supposed to deliver.

The sad reality is that an estimated 65% of the residents of Israel are against the hostile regard displayed toward the country's predominantly Muslim neighbors, and they seek the peaceful settlement of differences, rather than violence.

Israel didn't exist until 1947. It rests on land wrestled away from Palestinian people who had lived there for generations. They were literally "terrorized" from their homes and neighborhoods to make room for the arriving Jewish settlers who would be Israel's first residents. Then, over the years, for a number of reasons, Israel expanded more and more always with the support of the U.S. and Great Britain and other western nations. That certainly is the short version of it, but all too many Americans don't even know that.

Iran was ripped off by western governments for decades, and by the late 1940's they'd had enough of it, and demanded fair payment for their oil. The western response was to covertly kill Iran's first Democratically elected President, and kidnap the man who we knew as "The Shah" and place him in a CIA camp, until he agreed to serve as a puppet government leader for the U.S. and Britain. (see: Warmongers, Chickenhawks, FOX News and Iran ) By 1979, the people of Iran were maxed out and they experienced a revolution. This is when the hostage crisis began. The Shah was removed from power and no western nations have been friendly toward Iran ever since.

Iranian people are very fond of Americans and they are very westernized. Women in Iran are "covered" when they go outside. In most cases this is a garment that is worn over a woman's hair but not her face. The Chador is worn by some women, this is an Iranian Islamic veil- different from Burqa that is seen in Afghanistan and Iraq and Saudi Arabia. In fact, more than half of all Iranian students are female and many women hold office and high powered jobs.

I have established friendships with a number of people in Iran through MySpace and I feel blessed for being able to get so many realistic answers for the complex questions posed by the U.S. and western press. The people of Iran like Americans, value their freedom. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is much like President Bush in that he is a hard conservative. But any good side of this man is blocked from view by the American networks, and his words are twisted and mis-interpreted by political operations like FOX News.

Their pundits continue to suggest that the Iranian President "denies the Holocaust" but Iranian TV just ran a multi-episode series on the Holocaust the the plight of the Jews and others during WWII and it was government sponsored, That sure doesn't sound like a place that is trying to re-write history. Ahmadinejad's often missed point is that the Holocaust affected far more than just the Jewish people; it is very true when you truly measure the millions of civilians in Europe who were killed directly or indirectly by Hitler's war machine.

In the 2005 elections, Iran saw a good deal of youthful support for Hashemi Rafsanjani, the previous President. His policies were not all embraced, but they were tame some say, when compared with a new extremist called "Ahmadinejad". I have been told that he scared many of people and especially younger Iranians. This led to a good degree of support for Rafsanjani, described as a moderate politician. It sounds like the reason he was ultimately not elected, was because most of his youthful supporters didn't participate in the election. Thus, voter apathy really led to the election of the controversial President Ahmadinejad.

But he wanted to lay flowers at the place Americans call "Ground Zero" and he was denied. Again, not the mark of a man who lives to bring terror to the U.S. Indeed, it is the United States that is a threat for the former land known as Persia.

For Americans, the worst this could lead to is beyond all imagination. Some speculation is so scary that it is hard to swallow; but not that hard. One source suggested that Bush will attack Iran with our tired, stretched out military forces and then use the foolish attack as a basis for martial law, and the delaying of the next election. That may sound wild, but it doesn't hurt to consider the possibilities.

Bush is certainly not alone when it comes to a warring desire against Iran. Oregon's own Senator Ron Wyden is a vocal critic of Iran, but then he began by supporting the war against Iraq. (see: Oregon Lawmaker Introduces The “Stop Arming Iran Act”). But the most vocal Democrat calling for action against Iran over imaginary nukes is Senator Joseph Lieberman, (see: Lieberman's Demands for War in Iran are Cowardly) whose very core values and literal patriotism stands in strong question for many voters.

Seymour Hersh may well be right on this one, but from what I can gather, most Iranians themselves hardly believe it. That is because in their hearts, they still believe that the United States is a good country, and not just a rogue military agent for Israel. Only time will tell.

For more on the revelation from Seymour Hersh, visit this article from ThinkProgress.org:

Tim King is a former U.S. Marine with twenty years of experience on the west coast as a television news producer, photojournalist, reporter and assignment editor. Today, in addition to his role as a war correspondent in Afghanistan where he spent the winter of 2006/07, this Los Angeles native serves as Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. Salem-News.com is the nation's only truly independent high traffic news Website, affiliated with Google News and several other major search engines and news aggregators. Tim's coverage from Iraq that was set to begin in April has been delayed and may not take place until August, 2008. You can send Tim an email at this address: newsroom@salem-news.com

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Henry Ruark July 9, 2008 4:22 pm (Pacific time)

sts et al: Same here re posts missing. But realize huge pile of email and comment vs dedicated but small staff..."been there, done that" and damned glad it's them and not me ! Patience is virtue here, and we enjoying inestimably valuable open, honest, democratic channel, as best possible now. THAT helps us realize what it will be, soon.

sts July 9, 2008 5:44 am (Pacific time)

Many of my posts seem to not show up after I write them. hmmm. Anyway, I read an interview from a jewish person whois part of the Iranian government. He is the only jewish person in their government, and he speaks his mind regularly. Not saying jewish people have a complete free ride in Iran, but they are pretty much left alone, and it was surprising to see a jewish person as part of their government. He reminds me of Ron Paul tho. He writes to the rest of the government and the president, but is not taken very seriously.

S.LaMarche; July 4, 2008 6:28 pm (Pacific time)

this is an excellent piece of writing Tim, well done. At the end of the day I thenk I know who runs the show, our "leaders" don't want us reading history. Did you see "Kingdom"? take care my friends.

Henry Ruark July 4, 2008 2:03 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Participation by all who join dialog appreciated here, esp. when links provide further information. BUT be sure to evaluate each and every link, including any from me. YOU bear personal responsibility here, so look, think, check ELSEwhere, put all pieces together..and then THINK some more...making sure to cut away from your original sure-to-be partially developed no matter who you are... Process is called "learning" and depends on personal power to guide it well, from many diverse sources,all chechable, against/with each other. That's why Founders sought simple truths from philosopher sources centuries-deep --and THEN "thought it through" for themselves...and look what happened !!

Henry Ruark July 4, 2008 1:27 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Best hope is that "millions are waking up" --absolutely true, and what's doing the job is people who put truth out there for all to see --and check "with own eyes" AND evaluate with own mind. Internet is most powerful communications tool ever, and we owe it to ourselves AND our nation to use it strongly, honestly, openly --and democratically. In essence, it can do for millions what The Federalist Papers did for the Founders, with only two (or 3) of them writing at first...but then drawing in more and more, including Franklin. We MUST remember what that canny old geek told them-all: "We must hang together, or we will surely hang separately". Go, gang-of-millions, GO ! We can beat the h... out of greed-driven "ME FIRST and LAST, and ALL the TIME", such as you-know-who...and some few others who sign on here with synonyms and tree-hiding. IF you dare not sign real name, better check what you are sharing here...!!

sts July 4, 2008 10:01 am (Pacific time)

jimmyjack: me too

sts July 4, 2008 10:00 am (Pacific time)

yeesh! takes forever for comments to be approved and show up.. nevertheless, I like this website. So, while our economy is going down the trash, our vets are disregarded, our infrastructure is falling apart, congress approves another kazillion dollars to give israel... wake up and smell the coffee. I am a Christian, Jesus is my friend, but I do not believe in hastening armegeddon..Not our job. This entire mess has NOTHING to do with our faith. It is about power and greed, lies and deception, and I wash my hands of it all. go henry! :-)

sts July 4, 2008 7:41 am (Pacific time)

Dave: ah never mind, it aint worth it. dont bother Henry. Years of propaganda, mis-information, and brainwashing. I have learned to just walk away. There is sooo much evidence in regards to israels participation on the liberty. Anyway, Dave shouldnt be concerned, 90% of congress are bought and paid for by Israel, Israel owns most of the propaganda media, and millions of deluded Christians think it is their mission to hasten armageddon. But, on a more positive note: millions are waking up. The Ron Paul movement was a shot in the arm last year that has excited many to keep up the fight. And from what I understand, even tho we are only, maybe 10% or so, in 1776 there were only 3-5%, and look what happened then.. The spirit of the true patriot cannot be crushed, even by Israel.

JimmyJackJohnson July 3, 2008 9:48 pm (Pacific time)

Weird website...a mix of pro-marijuana and anti-Israel stories. I kinda like it, in a way.

Josh July 3, 2008 1:22 pm (Pacific time)

Great article and my prayers are that we can avoid a conflict. If Israel attacks, then let them deal with the consequences on their own. If an attack does go forward, it will be by air, directed at infra-structure. If Iran chooses to impact the oil tankers, then every thing changes for us, for they will have their military ability neutralized immediately by our missles. I sure hope that does not happen, because the people of Iran will suffer considerably. I am interested in who has proof, besides Iran's assertions, that they do not have, nor are they developing nuclear weapons? I find their leadership pretty scary.

Henry Ruark July 3, 2008 1:20 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Forgive-again -- but MUST ask D.J. from what files and PDF's he gets his so-sure findings in complex situations which have pundits worldwide seeking solutions overwhelmed with realistic difficulties ? "War" simply substitutes might for mental efforts, to the great profit of warmaking corporations and the great loss of life, limb, love and brain-parts for many, including grieving family members and fatherless children. D.J., how do you justifyyour closing key-phrase:"Attacking Iran's nuclear facilities before the point of no return is the only sound policy." Will await your answer here, or if you prefer direct, just ID self to Tim, and "let's get it on !" with due deference to others in this space.

Henry Ruark July 3, 2008 12:55 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Forgive my intermittent reference to writer's files and PDFs. For any professional writer (read:"starving freelancer" !) clipfiles from any/all sources were rapid road to rapid writing for assignments which meant living-cost checks...so you kept them, from any/all sources. Only alternative was library time, costly, often difficult when working other jobs to survive for self-and-family... THEN came Internet, easing burden but still demanding rapid access, achieved by PDF file rather than on-paper. Okay ? DO have most of 'em, do use them, WILL share when ID opens direct contact.

Henry Ruark July 3, 2008 12:39 pm (Pacific time)

Dave J. et al: Please note that D/J supplies no reference for "see with own eyes" and YOUR own mind for ANY of his personally-misguided statements. He is not just misinformed but wishes to distort/pervert the open historic record for his own malign purposes --as is usual-run when ANYthing re Israel actions are brought into examination. We have nothing from D.J except partial-name; you know and have been invited to evaluate yourselves the data and sources from which Tim and I speak on this one --without any prior discussion at any time.(AND accessed by simple request and ID to Tim !) Fact is fact and fancy abounds in this area, driven by overwhelming dollar-pile motivations, as your gas costs surely should prove to you. Never forget Cheney ran Halliburton, and achieved huge personal fortune from that enterprise, now heavily paying off via no-bid contracts, and including subsidiaries also feeding heavily at same lush troughs, from taxpayer dollars for preemptive war chosen by Bush II, a close friend and longtime family associate. Coincidence with planned attack on Iran, too ? YOU decide...OR do you prefer that Congress use Constitutional process as "great forum for the nation". ??!! D.J, from what background do you choose to advise us all, as if filled with special knowledge from professional sources ? To me, you are just a set of initials --and can well be a paid shill for those who wish to further delude us on any sensible, rational and reasonable "foreign policy". In current U.S. circumstance we cannot possibly pursue yet another "wasting war", with our greatgrand/grandchildren saddled with huge costs from those we have already allowed to set up wreck of the nation. Only possible motivation for such open attack is to pilfer and plunder MORE OIL, at whatever cost it may take, in lives, national treasure, and world-wide consequence from which we may never recover...

Dave J July 3, 2008 11:39 am (Pacific time)

This article is completely inaccurate and biased. Israel decided not to sign the NPT so that her weapons would be legal. Iran did sign the treaty which obligates that state to abide by specific rules. It has not, for simple reason it does wish to acquire illegal nuclear weapons. Israel has proven to be responsible with her weapons; it is highly doubtful Iran will be equally responsible. And given that Iran is one of the main sources of terrorism globally, and specifically in Iraq, I for one do not want to wait to find out. Attacking Iran's nuclear facilities before the point of no return is the only sound policy.

Tim King to Dave: Was Israel responsible when it attacked the U.S.S. Liberty during the Six Day War in 1967 blasting American sailors to death? Was the United States responsible when it shot down an unarmed and totally innocent Iranian Air Bus on July 3rd 1988?

No, I didn't think so. Iran has been very clear that it does not have nuclear weapons. Israel denied it on a world level until President Carter exposed it. Israel is a non-declared nuclear power; all of the position and bargaining has been under that premise. Israel's current government is a deceiver of all things that are honest and right in the world. If the U.S. goes to war over this imaginary problem, then it will be the end of all of us. I sincerely hope you are leading the charge, because American military forces are tired and abused.

Jimmy July 3, 2008 11:39 am (Pacific time)

Hmmm, they have... Oil... Check Islamic fundamentalists.. Check WMD's.... Check Yep, W's taking us into another war. IMPEACH HIM NOW!!!!

Henry Ruark July 3, 2008 10:46 am (Pacific time)

To all: From some years following the very events Tim relates here, and longterm personal and professional contacts across the writing profession, I can --and unhesitatingly DO-- guarantee his statements are accurate and insightful. Never forget we were sold a piece of rotten goods to bring about a premeditated attack on Iraq --clearly now proven to be preemptive and UNprovoked, and intended to open up that nation for still-further exploitation by the large world-encompassing oil corporations. Do you LIKE the resulting bleeding-off of YOUR own resources, due to the economic policies thus revealed ? We are fortunate to have in Tim a courageous reporter who has "been there", seen for himself, preserved his own sources, and now "tells it like it really is" --right here on S-N. THE major role of the U.S. press used to be, under the Constitutional privileged protection,"telling truth to power"--and should be, AGAIN ! For anyone still in doubt, ID-self to Editor Tim and I will gladly supply PDFs and filed materials from 30 years covering each and every point he makes --for your own-mind examination and checkability.

[Return to Top]

Iran Doesn't Have Illegal Nukes; but Israel Has Hundreds

Quick Links

DINING

MUST SEE SALEM

AUCTIONS - APPRAISALS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ONLINE SHOPPING

Advertise with Salem-News