U.S. unlikely to sanction another Israeli strike on Syria
The New York Times says a July 5 attack on Yakhont missiles did not finish the job and that further strikes by Israel can be expected; in the past, the U.S. ignored the details and expressed understanding for Israel’s need to defend itself, but that may now change.
Israeli defense sources have declined to comment on The New York Times’ report on an alleged Israeli strike in Latakia, Syria; Israel didn’t comment either when the explosions took place on July 5. After three earlier air strikes attributed to Israel – one in January and two in the beginning of May – Israeli officials dropped hints but refused to admit that Israel was responsible.
The details on the Latakia strike have come out gradually. Only two weeks after the attack could the international press paint a clearer picture: It was an air strike targeting a warehouse where Russian-made Yakhont antiship cruise missiles were stored. The fear was that they would be transferred from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The New York Times website reported Wednesday that the strike did not destroy all the missiles. All the paper’s reports on Israeli and U.S. military activity in the area are based on reliable sources in the U.S. administration. The reports have yet to be denied.
After the May and July strikes, the Israeli press reported that Israeli officials had criticized the U.S. administration, the Pentagon in particular. The Israelis said the reports on the strikes had increased the tension between Israel and Syria and could push Syrian President Bashar Assad to order a military response. This time The Times went one step further: The U.S. sources say further Israeli strikes are likely. In effect, they warned the Syrians, letting them prepare in advance.
After the first three attacks the administration issued evasive formal statements. It ignored the details and expressed understanding for Israel’s need to defend itself. The U.S. approach implied that the decision to strike had been approved by the administration in advance, even if the Americans weren’t aware of the details. The new report seems to indicate that the United States would not sanction another strike.
Apart from Syria’s obvious military inferiority, Assad’s failure to react seems to be linked to U.S.-Russian relations and their positions on the Syrian civil war. One could assume that Russia would urge Syrian restraint to prevent a military escalation with Israel. Still, the Russians might change their stance, especially since they intend to supply S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, according to reports in the foreign media, and probably Russian experts to boot. Israel has already warned against sending these missiles to Syria and has implied that they may be attacked.
Senior Israeli officials – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and his predecessor Ehud Barak – have often said the transfer of Yakhonts to Hezbollah would constitute a red line prompting Israeli action. Israel fears the Russian missile’s high precision, which might damage warships and strategic targets on Israel’s coast, even if the missiles were launched from far away in Lebanon or Syria.
Explore posts in the same categories: Uncategorized
WarSclerotic 
August 2, 2013 at 1:45 PM
The Obama administration will do everything it can to prevent a wider Mideast war involving Israel even if this means the erosion of Israeli security. Israel must remember that Obama desperately wants to finish his last term in office as a “peacetime” President. The deadly consequences of his policies, both domestic and foreign, will be left to the next President which will allow Obama to always deny that it was his fault. It is all about him, just him. Israeli planners should always remember that America just provided it with a long list of wanted military material, but in case of war America will no resupply Israel.
August 2, 2013 at 2:46 PM
If this article is true, I wonder what Bibi got in return for his concession.
August 2, 2013 at 3:41 PM
In Mr Brzezinski’s view, whoever is the next US leader must persuasively propose the following dramatic steps to peace: a) Palestinians give up the right of return from Jordan b) demilitarize of the Palestinian state c) Israel share Jerusalem d) Israel return to its pre-1967 war borders with “equitable adjustments”.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/local-elections/2033694/Barack-Obamas-consultant-accuses-Jewish-lobby-members-of-McCarthyism.html
August 2, 2013 at 3:56 PM
So?
What is this supposed to tell us?
August 2, 2013 at 4:25 PM
Ships artaxes !
The brzezinski,, obama doctrine, yo know ???
Brzezinski: I think it should, first of all, take as its point of departure the recognition of the fact that the traditional global conflicts that we witnessed over the last 200 years, are no longer going to be waged in the future. That is to say the notion of global hegemony by a single power is no longer feasible, even for the most powerful. But at the same time we are going to be faced with many more simultaneous conflicts with some potentially high risks. And therefore our response has to be far more intelligent, diversified, hopefully collegial with other major states, and avoid a kind of total confrontation that was implicit in our recent historic experience.
John Kerry and Chuck Hagel.
Brzezinski: We have an Obama doctrine, but I have often said – and at some political risk to myself – we have an Obama doctrine, we don’t have an Obama strategy. I think these two guys can provide the strategy for the doctrine.
August 3, 2013 at 2:20 AM
ships?
airplanes?
dude, I’m not Albert Einstein but neither I am stupid.
Your comments still don’t make sense and still are not related to my comment.
August 2, 2013 at 4:29 PM
As i stated Obama is trying to get Russia on board.
FOREIGN POLICY: Russian President Vladimir Putin has angled himself into a position of power for years to come, going so far as to compare himself with former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Should the West fear Putin, and how should the United States deal with him going forward?
Zbigniew Brzezinski: No, I dont think the West should fear Putin, even though he might not be the most attractive personality. Hes basically a Russian autocrat at a time of considerable transition in Russias position geopolitically and in Russias national self-identity. The West should be clear regarding its own interests and promote them firmly. It should oppose any attempts at Russian imperial restoration, and whenever possible, it should cooperate with the Russians regarding issues of joint interest.
August 2, 2013 at 4:31 PM
FP: What are your thoughts on the upcoming Middle East peace conference, especially in light of Israels recent attack on Syria? Do you think any progress can be made?
ZB: Progress will be made at the forthcoming conference only if the United States forthcomingly leads and starts out by defining explicitly the minimum requirements of an eventual settlement. That is: no right of return, the genuine sharing of Jerusalem, lines with reciprocal accommodations, and a demilitarized Palestinian state.
August 2, 2013 at 4:34 PM
FP: You and many other critics of the Bush administrations policy toward Iran argue that the United States needs to engage Iran. But it seems that at every turn, the hardliners outmaneuver so-called pragmatists within the Iranian regime. Madeleine Albright, for instance, bent over backward as secretary of state under the Clinton administration to reach out to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, and got nowhere. Engagement isnt so simple, is it?
ZB: It has been demonstratedduring the Bush administration, and even during the Clinton administration, both of which rebuffed efforts by the more moderate Iranians to establish some sort of a dialogue with usthat simply calling them names or threatening to change the regime certainly is not going to be very productive. And a war with Iran, initiated by the United States, would be a historical disaster for the United States, making Iraq look like a very moderate afternoon football game. It certainly is a possibility. Im not prepared to say if it is a probability.
August 2, 2013 at 4:44 PM
THE BRZEZINSKI/OBAMA AXIS
By Professor Paul Eidelberg
September 26, 2009
NewsWithViews.com
To put it more bluntly: Brzezinski’s political mentality — like that of countless other American academics — is anti-American. An Obama-Brzezinski axis has revolutionary significance. It may accelerate the de-Americanization and decline of the United States.
Read a lot more here.
http://www.newswithviews.com/Eidelberg/paul120.htm
August 2, 2013 at 5:08 PM
Lucky for us, nobody listens to this scum.
Excepting Obama and lefties looking to acquire a patina of “scholarly” legitimacy.
August 2, 2013 at 5:03 PM
This antisemitic swine, like his former antisemitic boss Jimmy Carter, just won’t quit or die.
August 2, 2013 at 5:15 PM
100% right JW, but we still have to deal whit this scum !!
August 2, 2013 at 5:18 PM
JW this scum are setting the agenda in the USA in the UN in Europe at the moment.
August 2, 2013 at 6:04 PM
August 2, 2013 at 4:58 PM
artaxes…
I covered this in a comment on the first article about the freeing of the terrorists. What Israel “gets” is not from the US.
August 3, 2013 at 9:56 AM
JW, I know.
But as you said yourself rightly, for many it will not matter what Israel does or doesn’t.
For them Israel is always the bad guy.
Anyone remembers that Israel withdrew unilaterally from Gaza?
That’s why I believe that Bibi was pressured by the US or that he made a deal.
August 2, 2013 at 3:38 PM
“The deadly consequences of his policies, both domestic and foreign, will be left to the next President ”
Good assessment Norm. Might I add that Mr. Obama’s deadly consequences have already begun, i.e. Benghazi, among many others.
The scandal:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10218288/CIA-running-arms-smuggling-team-in-Benghazi-when-consulate-was-attacked.html
The coverup:
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2013/08/breaking-obama-administration-is-hiding-benghazi-survivors-dispursing-them-around-the-country-and-changing-their-names-video/
We are a nation divided!
August 2, 2013 at 3:40 PM
JW, please don’t moderate this comment, but you are welcome to intensify it…..ha, just kidding.
August 2, 2013 at 5:00 PM
Huh???
August 2, 2013 at 5:35 PM
Lately, my posts are displayed with an ‘Awaiting Moderation” message next to the comment. Doesn’t really matter. Just making a joke.
Anyway, I see that Jimmy Carter is going to North Korea to win the release of a US citizen. I believe he will be successful as the NK’s want him to leave as well and meeting his ‘demands’ would be the quickest way to get him the hell out of their country.
August 2, 2013 at 5:41 PM
Steve…
If your have more than one link in your comment it automatically gets held for moderation in order to prevent potential spamming.
There was a short period when all comments needed to be moderated after the “Tony” business.
Trust me, it’s not personal my friend.
August 3, 2013 at 9:25 PM
Tony please fuck off and die or FOAD
August 2, 2013 at 5:32 PM
Steve is the damage reversible ??
August 2, 2013 at 5:39 PM
Permanent. I am doomed to a life of moderation, boredom, and insignificance.
August 2, 2013 at 5:48 PM
A Ha , you are changed into an European.
You will fit into the new world under construction.
August 2, 2013 at 5:49 PM
Joop…
Now THAT’S funny!
ROFL !
August 2, 2013 at 6:01 PM
No speeka da engeesh.
August 2, 2013 at 5:46 PM
Agreed. Divided and pissed
August 2, 2013 at 4:59 PM
We are here focus t on Israel, but watch what happening in the chinese waters and the growing USA military involvement in Australia .
You can not see this separate from what is happening in the middle east.
It is just power play to get them on board, done whit the nation states just 4 power blocks whit a central government.
The big plan for the future of the world, but how will Israel fit in ??
August 2, 2013 at 5:55 PM
Here are two very interesting articles about the U.S. strategy (I already posted them at the bottom of another far less debated article earlier today) :
The US & EUSSR abridge the Arab-spring over the imploding Israeli socio-economic bubble : http://essential-intelligence-network.blogspot.fr/2013/07/ziobubble.html
http://essential-intelligence-network.blogspot.com/2013/07/obamas-muslim-brotherhood-in-desperate.html
I would like your take on these theses. I think they make sense.
August 2, 2013 at 5:57 PM
‘Feel Good’ video of the day:
http://www.breakingnews.com/item/ahZzfmJyZWFraW5nbmV3cy13d3ctaHJkcg0LEgRTZWVkGJ37xRIM/2013/08/01/video-reportedly-shows-very-large-explosion-which
August 2, 2013 at 6:14 PM
Special for Steve
August 2, 2013 at 6:25 PM
The original from the film. Only us codgers remember….
August 2, 2013 at 6:22 PM
Steve take my crazy words slowly
August 2, 2013 at 6:26 PM
Forgive me JW, it is the last one
Steve keep your soul in sanity, some feeling
August 2, 2013 at 6:48 PM
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
Ring the bells that still can ring
August 2, 2013 at 6:49 PM
you can have the parts but not the sum
August 2, 2013 at 7:49 PM
Joop, thanks for all the nice stuff, but I’m fine. I’m just kidding around. Don’t understand much Spanish though. I’ve been known to speak English and some French during the day and snore a lot at night.
August 2, 2013 at 8:03 PM
Steve i have a ton more nice stuff, but i,am afraid that i will upset JW.
Sometimes i have the feeling to say something whit music.
This is hart and soul , i give a translation but perhaps you understand France enough.
The Mother
They came,
They all here,
As soon as they heard the scream
She’s gonna die, the Mother
They came
They came here,
Even from the south of Italy
There is even Giorgio, the cursed son
With arms full of presents
Kids all play in silence
Around the bed or on the floor
Even their games dont have any importance
It’s a little bit their lasts presents
to the mother, to the Mother
We warm her with kisses
We put her pillows up
she’s gonna die, the Mother
Virgin Mary, full of grace
who as her statue on the bedroom
Of course you open you arms to her
Singing the Ave Maria
Ave Maria…
There is so much love, memories
Around you, you the Mother
There is so much tears, and smiles
Trought you, you the Mother
And all men were so hot
on paths full of sun
She’s gonna die, the Mother
They can go drink fresh the all new wine
The good wine of the good bottle
Whereas scarfs and hats are mixed on the bench
It’s funny, we dont feel sad
Close of the big bed and of the affection,
there is even an oncle who plays guitar
Who plays, who plays being carefull
To the Mother, the Mother
And women had memories
About sad songs of the evenings
She’s gonna die, the Mother
Slowly, eyes closed
Sing as we rock a baby
After a good day
For them to smile when they fall asleep
Ave Maria…
There is so much love, so much memories
Around you, you the Mother
There is so much tears and memories
Trought you, you the Mother
That never, ever, ever
You will leave us
http://lyricstranslate.com
August 2, 2013 at 8:11 PM
Sorry JW my Weltschmerz is kicking in , happens sometimes, but i have it under control, i let it run for a day or so.
August 2, 2013 at 8:36 PM
My Yiddishe momme
I need her more than ever now
My Yiddishe momme
Id like to kiss her wrinkled brow
I long to hold her hand once more
As in days gone by
And ask her to forgive me
For things I did that made her cry
How few were her pleasures
She never cared for fashion styles
Her jewels and her treasures
She found them in her baby’s smiles
Oh I know that I owe what I am today
To that dear little lady who’s gone away
To that wonderful Yddishe momme
momme, momme of mine
August 2, 2013 at 8:46 PM
No comments , you get it or not.
August 2, 2013 at 9:01 PM
August 2, 2013 at 9:04 PM
But there is LIFE
August 2, 2013 at 9:37 PM
Let the good winds of life blow your mind clean and clear.
A gem
August 2, 2013 at 9:48 PM
Gino Vannelli – Father & Son
an other gem
August 2, 2013 at 10:16 PM
Modern classic, for ever ( better best )
This the end folks for today
GINO VANELLI (Live) – Brother To Brother
August 2, 2013 at 10:36 PM
some years later
Gino Vannelli, Brother to Brother, Metropole Orchestra 2002
August 4, 2013 at 10:08 AM
I have a hunch I’ll regret this but, with Joseph permission, I’ll answer – hope for the last time – to ” Tony ” the golden boy .
You don’t like Israel too much. In fact, you don’t like it at all. I don’t like people who don’t like Israel. You know, God like Israel very much. Jesus was a Jew. He loved God. He loved the Jewish People.
Many Christians today understand this and they also love Israel.
Many Jews today understand this and they also love Jesus.
And now, ” Tony ”, with all this love surrounding you, I’ll tell you this:
” All You Need Is Love ”. I’m without cure, am I ? Once again I reach the Beatles.
August 4, 2013 at 1:12 PM
Your obsession with everything supposetly negative about the Jews and Israel is really transparent but could you for once stick to the truth?
The first Christians were Jews.
In fact they were so much Jewish that there was a debate among them whether non-Jewish converts to Christianity should observe Old Testament Jewish laws like circumsision or whether they should eat only kosher etc.
Next you claim that Christians are more tolerant than Jews which is simply false.
As soon as the Christian faith unforatenately became mingled with politiics and was used for political ends many Christian leaders became very intolerant.
But the same goes for all religions.
According to you, Israelis (I think youm mean Jews) don’t like anyone else.
Not only there is no evidence for this but your claim is contradicted by the fact that Israel seeks (and in many cases has) friendly relations with other countries.
Those evil intolerant Jooz even allow others to visit their holy sites in Israel and the truth is that in the West Bank or Gaza the muslim intolerance against Christians is as bad as in any other islamic land.
Try to get to Mekka as a Christian and keep your head on your shoulders. Good luck with that.
Your statement that Judaism and Christianity are contradictory is ridiculous.
Almost all religions are exclusive and contradictory. You cannot be a Catholic and a Bhuddist at the same time neither can you be a Muslim and a Hindu at the same time.
But it’s only them evil Jooz. We got your point.
Are you wrong? You bet.
Are you an antisemite? As clearly as a cristal, yes.
You are not here to seek the truth in civilized debate.
You are here to spread your lies and hate.
That is a fact you have repeatedly proven because no amount of facts and no matter how often we have shown that your claims are false or irrelevant did you stop to repeat your lies over and over again.
As I said before: no amount of facts or reasonable arguments can change your position.
You are not interested in the truth.
There is no point that we waste our time with you
And now do us a favor and go to sites which welcome your lies, because we are not stupid and uneducated enough to believe them.
In short: F……k off!
August 4, 2013 at 2:48 PM
a Ha ! , i smell , Redress, Nureddin Sabir,
He writes onThe official English website of Muslim Brotherhood
http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=22901&ref=search.php
and
http://www.aljazeerah.info/Opinion%20Editorials/2013/July/22%20o/Israel%27s%20Stooges%20in%20Britain%27s%20Labour%20Party%20By%20Nureddin%20Sabir.htm
August 4, 2013 at 2:50 PM
Forgot this one
http://www.redressonline.com/2013/05/religious-persecution-in-israel/
Yep we know you now.