WarSclerotic

Iran voices support for UN-sponsored Syria… JPost – Middle East.

By REUTERS/Handout

DUBAI – Iran backs a UN-sponsored peace plan for Syria that calls for the withdrawal of troops that are crushing an uprising but does not demand the removal of Tehran ally President Bashar Assad, its foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Iran backed popular uprisings that removed leaders in Egypt, Libya and Yemen but has steadfastly supported Syria, a rare ally in the Arab world which is largely suspicious of Tehran’s ambitions for greater regional influence.

The “Syria issue should be dealt with patiently,” the official news agency IRNA quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi as saying, warning that “any hasty approach to the Syrian issue and the creation of a power vacuum in that country could have very damaging consequences for the region.”

He added that UN-Arab League special envoy to Syria Kofi Annan would travel to Iran on Monday or Tuesday next week.

Salehi was talking on the sidelines of a meeting with visiting Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan who has called for Assad to step down.

Turkey hosted a conference of Syrian dissidents on Tuesday and will host a “Friends of Syria” meeting of mostly Western and Arab countries on Sunday.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has praised the Syrian leadership’s handling of the year-long uprising in which thousands have died, saying Tehran would do everything it could to support its closest Arab ally.

Tehran has tempered its rhetoric since anti-government demonstrations began in March last year, from wholeheartedly supporting Assad to encouraging him to pursue social and political reforms to take account of popular grievances.

Another longtime ally of Assad, Russia, called on Syria’s opposition on Wednesday to accept the peace plan put forward by Annan and urged foreign countries to press the foes of Assad to comply.

Moscow has repeatedly accused the Syrian opposition of blocking efforts to resolve the conflict.

Russia’s foreign ministry said it was pleased to learn that Assad had accepted the peace plan, which calls for a ceasefire and withdrawal of government forces from cities and towns ahead of political dialogue.

“It is extremely important in this context for Syrian opposition groups to follow the example of Damascus and clearly declare their agreement with … the peaceful resolution proposals of the UN-Arab League special envoy,” it said in a statement.

“Obviously, much also depends now on external players, particularly those that are capable of influencing the opposition in a positive way,” the ministry added.

Syria’s splintered opposition leaders reunited under the Syrian National Council (SNC) umbrella group on Tuesday during a meeting in Istanbul.

But they remained skeptical about Annan’s plan and said they did not believe Assad was interested in negotiating an end to the conflict.

‘Iran says nuclear talks to be f… JPost – Iranian Threat – News.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

03/28/2012 09:46

At ceremony receiving Turkish PM, Salehi says talks expected to take place next month, venue will be finalized within days.

By REUTERS

Renewed nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of nuclear negotiators are expected to take place on April 13, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said Wednesday, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported.

A venue for the talks will be finalized in the coming days, Salehi said at a ceremony welcoming Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Tehran, adding that Istanbul has expressed readiness to host the talks.

Erdogan arrived in Tehran Wednesday morning for a two-day visit that will include meetings with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani. Salehi received the Turkish delegation upon its arrival in Tehran.

Erdogan arrived with a delegation including his foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, his energy minister, undersecretary of intelligence, deputy chief of the Turkish General Staff, head of the Turkish Atomic Energy Organization and a number of parliamentarians, official Iranian news agency IRNA reported.

The talks were expected to cover Iran’s nuclear program, recent developments in the Middle East and ties between the two countries, according to the report.

On Tuesday, a Western diplomat told Reuters he expected the meetings to be held on April 13-14, while another envoy said those dates had not been confirmed and a third suggested later in the month was possible. The venue was unclear, they said.

A spokesman for European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who handles dealings with Iran on behalf of the big powers, said “nothing has been decided yet” regarding the time and place for a meeting.

The last meeting over the nuclear work that Iran says is peaceful but the West suspects has military links took place in Istanbul in January 2011, when the two sides failed even to agree on an agenda.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Pentagon to seek additional Iron Dome funding, U.S. official says – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News.

Statement by Department of Defense spokesperson comes after U.S. officials initiate Iron Dome Support Act meant to allow purchase of additional anti-missile systems.

By Natasha Mozgovaya

The Pentagon will approach Congress to enlarge the amount aid the United States awards Israel toward the production of the Iron Dome anti-missile systems, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.

Last week, Rep. Howard L. Berman introduced the Iron Dome Support Act (IDSA) authorizing U.S. President Barack Obama to provide assistance if requested by the Israeli government to procure additional Iron Dome systems.

	An Iron Dome rocket being launched to intercept a missile near Be’er Sheva on Sunday August 21, 2011.
	Photo by: AP

While the Iron Dome Support Act was still in initial stages of the legislation process, it has already won support from both parties. Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was one of the initial supporters of the bill, along with four other congressmen from both parties.

In a statement released by the Pentagon on Tuesday, spokesman George Little said that “supporting the security of the State of Israel is a top priority of President Obama and Secretary Panetta,” adding that last year the US provided 205 million dollars for the system.

“The Department of Defense has been in conversations with the Government of Israel about U.S. support for the acquisition of additional Iron Dome systems and intends to request an appropriate level of funding from Congress to support such acquisitions based on Israeli requirements and production capacity,” Little said.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, in response to the Pentagon’s statement, said that the decision was “another indication of the depth of the security relationship between the United States and Israel, and a badge of honor to the Israeli security industries which developed the Iron Dome and which are working on developing a multilayered interception system.”

“I congratulate the American administration for aiding the bolstering of Israel’s security,” Barak added.

Congressman Steve Rothman, a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, said in a statement following the Pentagon’s announcement that he was “pleased to see that Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and the Obama Administration understand the importance of and remain committed to funding the life-saving rocket defense program, Iron Dome.”

“We must continue to stand with Israel to make sure that our most important strategic ally in the region has the additional Iron Dome batteries it needs to protect its population from rocket attacks. As a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to robustly fund Iron Dome,” Rothman added.

Commander: Prepare for Ops You Read About in Books – Defense/Security – News – Israel National News.

Paratroopers prepare to jump.

Israel news photo: Flash 90

“The Israeli nation is in a constant state of battle, and we may have to undertake operations of the kind we’ve only read about in books,” Paratroopers Brigade Commander, Col. Amir Baram, told his soldiers at a brigade-level ceremony held last week in Haifa.

The ceremony concluded an intensive two-month training period that included a parachuted brigade training exercise – the first of its kind in over a decade – as well as numerous battalion exercises.

The training exercises were exceptionally challenging in intensity, both physically and mentally. Many of the battalion exercises were on days of Shabbat, without breaks. “We must maintain preparedness and readiness despite the training, since when combat breaks out, it will come as a surprise. The real challenge during wartime will be much more difficult,” Col. Baram told  the IDF Website.

The warning could mean that only the IDF’s very top officers — and perhaps not even they — will know in advance of a military strike. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hinted three weeks ago that an operation against Iran is only months away.

The Brigade Commander spoke of the unfolding changes in the Arab world. Additionally, he addressed the brigade’s preparedness for combat as well as routine security operations. “We are determined to defend the State of Israel – if needed, with fire and iron,” assured Col. Baram.

During the ceremony that focused on the brigade’s combat history and heroism, exceptional soldiers were rewarded for their achievements in the various fields. Brigade veterans were also in attendance.

4th Home Front Search and Rescue Battalion Created – Defense/Security – News – Israel National News.

Home Front S&R drill

Israel news photo: Flash 90

The IDF continues to make preparations for a war that will likely include missile attacks on the civilian home front: a fourth Search and Rescue Battalion has been established by the Home Front Command.

The IDF’s Bamahane magazine reported that the battalion is to absorb manpower from both the headquarters and two operational batteries of the “Ram” Battalion, which operates anti-aircraft Stinger missiles. The decision apparently reflects a greater concern regarding the threat of enemy missiles than the threat posed by enemy jet fighters.

“There was a decision to build four battalions, but we never dreamed it would happen so quickly,” said head of Planning and Organization of the Home Front Command, Lt. Col. Elena Samson.

Enlarging the search and rescue forces will create a large force available to respond to emergency situations, including non-conventional attacks, large-scale rescue events, and other extreme situations, said Bamahane. “There is an understanding that the home front is becoming a second battlefield, so it must get stronger,” explained the head of Manpower in the Home Front Command, Lt. Col. Sharon Horev.

Bamahane‘s Niva Goldberg and Yarden Tzur reported that the ‘Ram’ Battalion’ battery that was not transferred to the Home Front Command will remain operational and will be re-assigned to the air defense wing of the air force. The wing operates the Iron Dome and Arrow missile defense systems, and will absorb the Magic Wand system in the future.

The Stinger batteries will join the Home Front Command in August, and will begin training in search and rescue skills required for Home Front duties in early 2013.

“Ram” battalion commander, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said: “This summer we will change the color of our berets but continue the same operational mission. What will change is that during emergencies our mission will switch to one of saving lives.”

Report: Hamas, Iran coordinate response to Israel strike – Israel News, Ynetnews.

Lebanese paper says Haniyeh discussed Hamas’ role in case of Israeli strike on Iran with Tehran officials

Elior Levy

Lebanese newspaper al-Mustaqbal reported Tuesday that the purpose of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud al-Zahar’s recent visit to Iran was to define Gaza’s role in the case Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Hamas Prime Minister in Gaza Haniyeh visited Tehran last February while al-Zahar arrived at the Iranian capital earlier this month. According to the report, the parties discussed the introduction of missiles into the Gaza Strip in preparation for a conflict with Israel, which would enable Hamas to retaliate with rocket fire. Hamas has previously declared it will not take part in a conflict between Israel and Iran.

According to the report, Iran pledged to increase financial aid to Gaza and as a first step provided Hamas with $33 million immediately after Haniyeh’s visit. Sources told al- Mustaqbal that Iran is working to sabotage Palestinian reconciliation efforts for fear of its effect on the Gaza Strip. Fatah has made a similar claim.

Haniyeh and Ahmadinejad (Photo: Reuters)

It should be noted that the paper is associated with former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who holds anti-Iran views.

The sources also stated that Haniyeh and al-Zahar’s visits in Iran were held against the backdrop of Hamas power struggles between Khaled Mashaal‘s camp and Haniyeh and al-Zahar loyalists. Mashaal maintains close relations with the Gulf states while Haniyeh and al-Zahar focus efforts on Iran and Syria.

Mashaal visited Turkey this month and called for Palestinian unity. He said that the struggle against Israel will continue in the political-diplomatic arena and did not mention armed resistance.

Germany official: Meeting with Israel’s Barak left me ‘more concerned’ of war with Iran – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News.

Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere says feels some Israeli cabinet members do not give enough thought to the negative consequences that could develop in wake of a strike of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

By Ofer Aderet

Germany’s defense minister Thomas de Maiziere said that a recent meeting with Defense Minister Ehud Barak left him “more concerned” as to the possibility of war with Iran, an interview published on Tuesday indicated.

	Ehud Barak with German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere in Berlin, March 20, 2012.
	Photo by: AP

De Maiziere’s comments came after U.S. President Barack Obama said on Sunday there was still time to resolve the Iranian nuclear standoff through diplomacy, indicating, however, that the window for such a solution was closing.

Obama reiterated his position on the Iran nuclear issue after talks with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on the eve of a nuclear security summit in Seoul.

“I believe there is a window of time to solve this diplomatically, but that window is closing,” Obama told reporters.

Obama has pressed Israel to hold off on any attack on Iran’s nuclear sites to give sanctions and diplomacy time to work, but has said military action remains an option if all else fails.

In an interview with German newspaper Bild published on Tuesday, de Maiziere was asked whether his meeting with Barak gave him any indication as to the possibility of war with Iran, to which de Maiziere said: “I don’t know, but from my talks, including with Israel’s defense minister, I have become more concerned that secure.”

“We’re doing everything we can to discourage Iran from its nuclear program. First and foremost using sanctions. But the Israeli side doesn’t believe the sanctions are successful,” the German defense minister said.

Later on, de Maiziere was asked on the possibility of an Israeli attack in Iran, saying: “Iran is trying to hide a considerable part of its nuclear program deep in the ground. If that succeeds, it would hinder an Israeli attack.”

“But some Israeli cabinet members don’t estimate enough the negative consequences of such attacks. I told Ehud Barak that it was hard to calculate the consequences, and one mustn’t take uncalculated risks,” de Maiziere said, adding that, “as a result,” as Israel’s friends, we warned it against such a move.”

DEBKAfile, Political Analysis, Espionage, Terrorism, Security.

DEBKAfile Special Report March 27, 2012, 5:28 PM (GMT+02:00)

IDF Golan border unit

Israel boosted its Syrian and Lebanese border units as special flights carrying thousands of pro-Palestinian activists from Tehran touched down in Damascus Tuesday, March 27 for the international Global March to Jerusalem Friday, March 30. Before taking off, they were split into small groups and tutored by Iranian Al Qods Brigades officers in tactics for breaching Israeli border barriers, bursting through and challenging the Israeli military forces defending the border.

On arrival in Damascus, one group of activists was sent by special bus to Lebanon, where Hizballah officers stood by to lead them to villages close to the Israeli frontier; a second is assigned to face Israeli lines on the Golan.

These anti-Israeli activists from several countries are being planted at strategic points to carry out the plan hatched together by Iran, Syria and Hizballah to ignite Israel’s two northern borders in solidarity with the annual Israeli-Arab Earth Day next Friday.
Earlier reports from Damascus that the demonstrators would keep the Quneitra sector of the Golan and the Lebanese Beaufort were meant to put the Israeli command off its stroke by disguising the real scope of their plans and their objective:  a mass assault on Israeli borders. They are programmed to coincide with the outbreaks the Palestinian Authority is preparing for Jerusalem and the West Bank and Israeli-Arab disturbances inside Israel – all on the same day, as debkafile reported earlier Tuesday.
The Palestinian extremists of the Gaza Strip will certainly not stand aloof.

Syria Fires on Lebanese as Deserters Flee Army – Middle East – News – Israel National News.

Lebanese and Syrian protesters shout slogans against Assad

Reuters

Syrian troops fired machine guns on a border town in northern Lebanon, but Beirut denied reports that Assad’s crossed the border. Reuters reported that Syrian soldiers invaded Lebanon.

One report stated that nearly three dozen Syrian troops destroyed a farm building in Lebanon and fought rebels who had fled there. One resident reported that soldiers crossed the border in armored personnel carriers.

Heavy gunfire was heard Tuesday morning, according to the Beirut Daily Star. No casualties were reported at the village of Al-Joura in Masharih al-Qaa, which has served as a passage for Syrian soldiers and civilians trying to escape the carnage in Syria.

At least six more people were killed Tuesday morning in a suburb of Damascus and in Homs, one of the strongest areas of opposition to the regime that it says has killed more than 10,000 people.

Assad reportedly visited Homs morning in a sign that his soldiers have successfully suppressed rebel forces.

The Beirut newspaper reported that Syrian President Bashar Assad has accepted Kofi Anan’s plan to end the violence, but Assad previously has verbally accepted several proposals without executing them.

An opposition leader who has fled to Turkey told the Star, “The Syrian government is going to depend on propaganda as it has over the past few months – propaganda of armed terrorists. The government denies that there is a popular uprising in the country, saying the revolt is being driven by terrorists.”

Netanyahu Sees Strike on Iran’s Nukes as Worth the Risk – Bloomberg.