ISRAEL - IRAN: Benjamin Netanyahu Speech to US Congress 2015

Benjamin Netanyahu Speech to Congress 2015 [FULL] | Today on 3/3/15 | New York Times  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRf1cdw4IAY Blogger Rough Summary  [opening portion abridged]: Senate suck up to Netanyahu big time Lots of applause. Truman to Obama support airing. Appreciates Obama. Applause. Applause.  Applause. Applause.  Applause. Applause.  Applause. Applause.  Applause. Applause.  Applause. Applause.  Staged? Senate waaaaay more receptive & supportive of Netanyahu than were the crowd at AIPAC. US Senators representing corporations, military manufacture, various lobby groups, probably clapping for war. Purim Haman Esther - right to defend against enemies / plot foiled / our ppl were saved Today, another attempt by Persian potentate to destroy Israel. Ayatollah Tweet - During Israeli 'Operation Protective Edge' in Gaza.  [  My warped idea of:  Persia vs Israel through the ages - Image source: tumblr  ] Mentions Hezbollah. 1979 Iran hijacked by zealots. New constitution. Ideological mission of jihad. Founder Khomeini extorted followers to export. [ Iran is the new #BlamePutin -  ie #BlameIran ] Every drama in Middle East is sponsored by: Iran, according to Netanyahu Global terror network, he claims Do not believe  'Iran's aggression' left unchecked / gobbling up the nations. Iran's march of conquest, subjugation & terror. Probably should have made that clearer: I, personally, find this unbelievable (rather than instruction not to believe). Congress applauds like crazy b/c Netanyahu is painting Iran as responsible for evil around the world. Dumb. Ideology of Iran 'regime' deeply rooted in Islam / always enemy to America / Iran & Isis competing for crown of militant Islam Both want to impose: first region & then entire world. Just can't agree between themselves who will take that crown. Mentions Islam medieval creed (?) or similar. Do not share [values] Intercontinental ballistic missiles & bombs scaremongering. To defeat ISIS but let Iran get nuclear weapons is to win battle but lose war. We can't let that happen. Congress applause. Iran still refuses to come clean about military & nuclear program. Iran caught TWICE operating secret nuke facilities. Uh-oh. Facilities, that inspectors didn't even know existed. Right now, Iran could be hiding nuke facilities we don't know about. As IAEA inspection authority said 2013: If no undeclared nuke facilities in Iran, it will be first time in 20 yrs it doesn't Iran has proven time and again, that it cannot be trusted. That is why the first major concession = source of major concern. Major concession: leaves Iran with a vast nuclear infrastructure & relies on inspectors to prevent a break-out. Major concession: creates a danger that Iran could get to the bomb by violating the deal. Major concession creates a second, even greater, danger: that Iran could get to bomb by keeping the deal. Danger in concession: virtually all of Iran restrictions would automatically expire in about a decade. Decade may seem a long time in political life, but it is the blink of an eye in the life of a nation. We all have responsibility to consider what will happen when Iran's nuclear capabilities are virtually unrestricted. When Iran's nuclear capabilities are unrestricted, Iran would have capacity to build a huge nuclear capacity: many nuke bombs Iran supreme leader says Iran plans to have 190,000 centrifuges - 10x what Iran has today - enriching uranium. With this massive capacity, Iran could make the fuel for an entire nuclear arsenal in a matter of weeks, once it decides. John Kerry confirmed last week, Iran could legitimately possess massive centrifuge capacity when deal (restriction) expires. Foremost sponsor of global terrorism could be weeks away from having enough enriched uranium for an entire arsenal nukes .. Iran intercontinental ballistic missiles program is not part of the deal. Iran refuses to even put on negotiation table. Iran intercontinental ballistic missiles prog = Iran has means to deliver nuke arsenal to far reaching corners world, incl US Deal has 2 major concessions: 1)     Leaving Iran w vast nuclear prog 2)     Lifting restrictions on prog, in about a decade = BAD Deal does not block Iran path to nuclear bomb; it paves Iran path to bomb. So why would anyone make this deal? Deal: >b/c hope Iran will change for better in coming years? >or believe alternative to this deal is worse? NETANYAHU disagrees. Netanyahu does not believe Iran radical regime will change for better after this deal. Regime in power for 36 yrs Voracious appetite for aggression grows with each passing year Deal would only whet Iran appetite Would Iran be less aggressive when sanctions are removed & its economy is stronger? If Iran gobbling up 4 countries now, while under sanctions, how many more countries will Iran devour when sanctions lifted? VIDEO – NETANYAHU Speech to Congress -  [10:33]  Four countries ‘gobbled up’ reference: 1)     Lebanon 2)     Syria 3)     Iraq 4)     Yemen *Gaza *Golan Heights Iran aim: 2nd choke point oil supply. If sanctions lifted: Would Iran fund less terrorism when it has mountains of cash with which to fund more terrorism? Why should Iran's radical regime change for better, when can enjoy best of both worlds: >aggression abroad >prosperity at home Iran's neighbours know Iran will become even more aggressive / more terrorism when its economy is unshackled & path to bomb. Many of these neighbours say they will respond by racing to get nuclear weapons of their own. Deal will change ME for worse. Deal supposed to prevent nuclear proliferation, would instead spark a nuclear arms race in the most dangerous part of planet. Deal would not be a farewell to arms; it would be a farewell to arms control & ME would be criss-crossed by nuke tripwires. ME is a region where small skirmishes can trigger big wars. Deal would turn it into nuclear tinderbox. Deal with Iran deferring prob. down the road only creating sit'n where a much more dangerous Iran will have to be faced. A Middle East littered with nuclear bombs = potential nuclear nightmare. Solution: Insist that restrictions will not be lifted as long as Iran continues its aggression in region & the world. Before lifting restrictions, world should demand Iran do 3 things: 1. Stop aggression against neighbours in ME. ... 2. Stop supporting terrorism around the world. 3. Stop threatening to annihilate Israel, one & only Jewish state. If world powers won't insist Iran change behaviour before deal is signed, at least insist Iran change before deal *expires*. If Iran changes behaviour, restrictions would be lifted If Iran does not change behaviour, restrictions should not be lifted. If Iran wants to be treated like a normal country, let it act like a normal country. [cue: standing applause] Deal argument: >no alternative to deal >Iran nuclear knowhow cannot be erased >prog so advanced & best is delay inevitable NETANYAHU: Nuclear knowhow without nuclear INFRASTRUCTURE = no nuclear weapons can be made. Iran's nuclear prog can be rolled back well beyond current proposal: >insisting on better deal >keeping up pressure Keeping up pressure [would be effective b/c]: very vulnerable regime, esp. given recent collapse in price of oil. If Iran threatens to walk from table (this often happens in Persian bazaar), call their bluff. They'll be back b/c need deal. By maintaining pressure on Iran (& those who do business w Iran), you have the power to make them need [deal] even more. We've been told for over year that no deal is better than a bad deal. This is a bad deal. Very bad deal. Better off without. NOW we are being told only alternative to this bad deal is war. That's just not true. Alternative to deal: = much better deal. A better deal that does not leave Iran w a vast nuclear infrastructure in such a short break-out time. Better deal = keeping restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in place until Iran's aggression ends. Better deal = won't give Iran easy path to bomb. No country has a greater stake than Israel in a good deal that peacefully removes this threat. However difficult, second option would prevent nuclear-armed Iran, nuke armed ME & horrific consequences of both. Capping off, better deal option: = security of Israel = security of Middle East = peace of world, that we all desire "My friends, standing up to Iran is not easy. Standing up to dark & murderous regimes never is." NETANYAHU With us today is holocaust survivor & Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel [Seated w Sarah Netanyahu] [Applause] [ Elie Wiesel ] NETANYAHU: Elie, your life & work inspired us to give meaning to the words: never again. NETANYAHU: Wish could promise, Elie, that lessons of history been learned. Urge leaders of world not to repeat mistakes of past. Mistakes: >sacrifice future for the present >ignoring aggression in hopes of gaining illusory peace Netanyahu - days when Jewish ppl remain passive in face of genocidal enemies: those days are over. NETANYAHU: We are no longer scattered among the nations powerless to defend ourselves. We've restored our sovereignty & ancient home NETANYAHU: Soldiers who defend our home have boundless courage. NETANYAHU: For the first time in 100 generations, we, the Jewish ppl, can defend ourselves. [Applause somewhat less enthusiastic on the 'we can defend ourselves' section of Netanyahu speech (it seems to me)] NETANYAHU: As PM of Israel can promise you one more thing: even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand. [Enthusiastic Senate applause to: I know that America stands with Israel ... etc] NETANYAHU: You stand with Israel b/c you know that the story of Israel is not only story of the Jewish ppl but of the human spirit that refuses again & again to succumb to history's horrors. NETANYAHU: Facing me, overlooking this august chamber, is image of Moses. Moses led our ppl from slavery to gates of promised land. NETANYAHU: Before the ppl of Israel entered the land of Israel, Moses gave message that has steeled our resolve for 1,000s yrs NETANYAHU: I leave you with [Moses] message today: Be strong & resolute; neither fear no dread them. NETANYAHU: May Israel & America always stand together, strong & resolute ... may god bless state of Israel & may god bless USA. Lots of applause. NETANYAHU waving. Thanking. Prolonged applause. Walking chamber. Handshaking. Applause continues. Cuts out. NOTE: Netanyahu says Iran gobbling countries, incl. Iraq. BUT Iran is FIGHTING vs ISIS in Iraq Tikrit — Iraq Shiite & Iraq Sunni alliance, mission overseen by Iran military official - http://on.rt.com/q4wvx5   COMMENT The Ayatollah tweet referred to in the speech would be in relation to the then Israel bombing of Gaza (Operation Protective Edge 2014), concerning children that were killed by the Israeli military.  The reference to al Aqsa Mosque (third holiest mosque in Islam) would be in reference to whatever dispute had then been central between the Israelis and Muslims regarding the mosque. It appears the mosque is at the centre of a 'Judaise' dispute (and other disputes) that have arisen out of the reclamation of the ancient Jewish homeland, after the passage of over 2,000 years of occupation and heritage attaching to yet another Levant people (Palestinians), who were under the rule of various empires (including Ottomans and the British), so it is a very unusual set of problems that give rise to ongoing animosities in Israel, Palestine and the region beyond. Initially, I was sceptical.  But as the speech progressed, I was just about convinced of terrorism, the collapse of civilisation, medieval atrocities and a nuclear Armageddon coming our way.  Now I'm not that sure, although the medieval atrocities bogeyman is still scary. The ace up Netanyahu's sleeve would have to be the secret nuclear development facilities, as that just doesn't sound right.  So who can argue with that? What's interesting is that Pakistan (another Islamic state), which seems far more scary and chaotic than Iran, has nuclear arms.   Yet this development wasn't prevented by the Anglo-American side. Israel is lobbying for continued sanctions and restrictions on Iran because Israel ostensibly sees Iran as an existential threat.  However, from what I've read, the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran is also a threat to Israel's hegemony in the region, so this is worth bearing in mind. While there is much emphasis on common values, this is just persuasive window dressing.  Shared strategic interests play a far greater role in the Middle East than do extraneous cosmetic considerations, such as human rights issues.  We know that because Saudi Arabia isn't all that different to Iran in respect of human rights issues, yet Saudi Arabia isn't singled out as a threat to the world. On the other hand, while Saudi Arabia is said to be funding militants in the region and funding Islamisation beyond the region, the Saudis aren't seeking to develop a nuclear capacity.  Or are they? It would appear that Saudi Arabia is also gearing up to produce nuclear energy: Saudi Arabia plans to construct 16 nuclear power reactors over the next 20 years at a cost of more than $80 billion, with the first reactor on line in 2022. Nobody's complaining about Saudi Arabia's plans, so what's the issue with Iran? The secret development sites came to mind, but then it occurred to me that maybe Iran was forced to engage in secret development because of the sanctions imposed on Iran.  So Iran's secrecy may not be as suspicious as it seems. Between the nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors around the globe, you'd think that everybody would be looking at winding back to zero nuclear arms and zero nuclear energy rather than developing more of the same. Is Netanyahu's war-like speech just bluff to put pressure on the Iran negotiations?  Is it a performance to justify imposition of sanctions on Iran?  Or is it a declaration of Israeli and US intentions?

Netanyahu - More Than Electoral Campaign Bluster

ISRAEL Israel's ability to influence inter'l community, in general, + USA, in particular, is damaged by Netanyahu's election moves  Netanyahu has set 3 'fires': > US Congress diplomatic “terror attack” > Golan Heights > settlements tender / expansion From article:   As Netanyahu rampages, Israel's interests are but collateral damage The prime minister has become a ticking cluster bomb, discharging its lethal load at timed intervals and destroying the remains of Israel’s standing in the world. http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/1.640046  .................................................................................... COMMENT Thought this was worth sharing. Seems like Netanyahu and Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman are on the same rampaging page: Sounds like #Israel Foreign Minister Lieberman wants 3rd war in #Lebanon http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4621448,00.html … Took Lieberman's remarks seriously and considered that maybe Israel is aiming to fire up a conflict with Lebanon, but now I'm thinking maybe it's all in line with Netanyahu's election campaign moves. Anyway, I thought this was an interesting way to look at what's going on right now, although I'm not entirely convinced this is all merely voter influencing behaviour. Since Netanyahu took office in 2009: Can I Take a Tax-Deduction on My Donation to Israeli Settlements in Palestine?American charities funnel millions of dollars to support the building of illegal settlements in the occupied territories. It's time for this to end. By Eric Goldstein January 29, 2015"... from the beginning of 2009 until the beginning of 2014, the settlement population grew 23 percent — more than double the rate of the overall Israeli population, which expanded 9.6 percent." "In late December, another 380 new housing units in East Jerusalem settlements were approved." "This growth is partly being funded by millions of dollars from tax-exempt American charities, which help expand and support settlements." https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/01/29/illegal-tax-deduction-charity-israel-settlements-palestine-irs/  Judging by the settlements article, Netanyahu's policies are consistent and have a tangible, progressive impact on what is going on in the Middle East.

Lebanon & Israel - International Concern vs Business as Usual

LEBANON International Community Greatly Concerned after Nasrallah's Speech, Warns of 'Catastrophic' Outcomes by Naharnet Newsdesk 6 hours ago Lebanese officials received warnings from foreign countries over attempts to drag Lebanon into a new confrontation with Israel despite Prime Minister Tammam Salam's moderate stance from the latest developments along the border. According to An Nahar newspaper published on Saturday, U.S. and French officials contacted several ministers to stand on the cabinet's stance from Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's speech. Nasrallah declared on Friday that the party no longer recognizes the rules of engagement with Israel, saying that it has the right to respond to an Israeli attack in any way or time it deems fit. Ministerial sources said that Salam's moderate position from Hizbullah attack on Israeli troops in the occupied Shebaa Farms on Wednesday should have been met with the same tone by Nasrallah. The sources considered that Nasrallah's speech could further deteriorate the situation. Concerned sources reportedly received warnings from foreign countries on attempts to drag Lebanon into a catastrophic confrontation that will impact its security and economy. Salam had stressed that Lebanon is committed to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 after the Shebaa operation, urging the international community to rein in the hostile intentions of Israel, which is gambling with the security and stability of the region. The prime minister also stressed that “Lebanon stands united behind the legitimate armed forces that are tasked with defending its land, security, and people.” Two Israeli soldiers were killed and seven wounded on Wednesday in a Hizbullah attack on a military convoy in the occupied Shebaa Farms. [This followed Israeli attack on Hezbollah, that killed several - ie Quneitra, mentioned below.] The attack prompted Israel to shell areas in southern Lebanon in a significant escalation along the volatile border. Hizbullah said in its claim of responsibility that it targeted several vehicles transporting officers and soldiers with missiles to avenge the Israeli raid on Syria's Quneitra that killed six of its fighters and a top Iranian general. Meanwhile, al-Liwaa newspaper reported on Saturday Salam will head to Germany next week to take party in Munich Security Conference. The premier's visit to Germany compelled the cabinet to hold its session on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. instead of Thursday. http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/165552-international-community-greatly-concerned-after-nasrallah-s-speech-warns-of-catastrophic-outcomes ISRAEL Liberman calls for 'harsh and disproportionate' response to Hezbollah attack Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman called Wednesday for a "harsh and disproportionate response" to a multi-pronged Hezbollah attack that injured several IDF soldiers on Wednesday. Speaking during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, Liberman said that China or the US would respond in such a disproportionate manner to an attack against its sovereign territory. http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Liberman-calls-for-harsh-and-disproportionate-response-to-Hezbollah-attack-389278 COMMENT Liberman says 'sovereign territory', while Lebanon says 'occupied Shebaa Farms'. Lebanon gets international pressure (including USA & France) regarding Hezbollah Secretary General's speech. Taking a guess, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman's call for a "harsh and DISPROPORTIONATE response" from Israel (who initiated the latest hostilities, as I understand), has gone unnoticed.

Death of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon ( UNIFIL) Peacekeeper

Haaretz Article Spain blames Israel for death of peacekeeper on Lebanon border The Spanish peacekeeper was killed when Israel retaliated against a Hezbollah strike; UN launches probe. By The Associated Press    and Gili Cohen | Jan. 28, 2015 | [ . . .  ] UINFIL observers reported seeing an anti-tank missile being fired from Lebanon toward an Israel Defense Forces vehicle on Wednesday morning – a Hezbollah strike that killed two soldiers and wounded seven others. Israel retaliated with artillery fire. “During the course of the developments, a UNIFIL peacekeeper deployed at a UN position near Ghajar sustained serious injuries that resulted in his death,” the statement said. Shortly after, around 1:30 P.M., five rockets were fired toward Israel. The IDF once again returned fire. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman called his Spanish counterpart to convey Israel's condolences for Soria Toledo's death. UNFIL stated that the 10,000-strong UN peacekeeping operation has reinforced its presence and intensified patrols in its area of operations. According to messages relayed between Hezbollah and Israel through UNIFIL it appears that the two sides wish to avoid further escalation. Hezbollah's messages stated that the organization considers the attack an adequate retaliation to the airstrike in Syria last week, attributed to Israel, that killed seven Hezbollah operatives.  EXTRACT ONLY - FULL @ SOURCE: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.639624 ............................................................... United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon ( UNIFIL) United Nations created on adoption of Security Council Resolution 425 and 426 on 19 March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon (which Israel had invaded five days prior) Mandate adjusted twice: > Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 > after the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 Mandate enhanced: > after 2006 Lebanon War Source:  Wikipedia Not taking in much of the UNIFIL information. Looks like they've been there a total of almost 36 years now, and it looks like there's been a fair few UN fatalities over the years.

Israel - Lebanon Clashes

WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE Deadly border clashes stoke fears of war in Israel, Lebanon By William Booth and Hugh Naylor January 28 at 9:15 PM JERUSALEM — Residents of Israel and Lebanon feared Wednesday that their countries were edging toward war after Israeli troops and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia exchanged deadly barrages across a fractious border earlier in the day. The clashes, which began with a Hezbollah attack that killed two Israeli soldiers, marked one of the most serious flare-ups of violence in the area since a month-long war in 2006 and raised tensions in a volatile tri-border zone close to positions held by Syrian rebels, including Islamist factions. A U.N. peacekeeper was also killed, although it was unclear how he died. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that “whoever is behind today’s attack will pay the full price.” In addition to Hezbollah, Netanyahu said Israel would hold the governments of Lebanon and Syria — which Hezbollah is backing in its civil war— responsible for any attack originating from their territories. The Israeli leader, in the midst of a competitive election campaign, also blamed Iran, another ally of Hezbollah, for trying to open a new front against Israel. As anti-armor missiles and tank artillery flashed across the countries’ frontier, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, traveling in China, said Israel should retaliate “in a very harsh and disproportionate manner.” The Lebanese-based Shiite movement Hezbollah, which asserted responsibility for the attack on an Israeli convoy, also threatened more actions. The deadly exchange on the border came 10 days after an Israeli airstrike in the Syrian-controlled portion of the Golan Heights killed six Hezbollah fighters and a senior military commander from Iran. Hezbollah leaders had vowed to retaliate. The Lebanese Hezbollah group struck an Israeli military convoy on Wednesday, killing two Israeli soldiers. The attack was an apparent retaliation for an airstrike that killed six Hezbollah fighters in Syria earlier this month. The Israeli military said seven troops were wounded in Wednesday’s hostilities, and the United Nations said a Spanish member of its peacekeeping force was killed in the village of Ghajar, which straddles the Israel- Lebanon border. Andrea Tenenti, a spokesman for the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon, said the circumstances of the “tragic incident” were being investigated. The clashes began when an anti­tank missile struck Israeli military and civilian vehicles traveling in a convoy along the border. The attack was followed by mortar rounds launched from Lebanon that landed near Israeli troops in the foothills of Mount Hermon, according to Israeli military officials. That barrage was answered by dozens of artillery shells fired into Lebanon. Israeli military officials said their forces launched “aerial and ground strikes at Hezbollah operational positions.” In a separate operation, Israeli jets hit Syrian army artillery positions near the Israel-occupied Golan Heights in response to two rockets fired from Syria the previous day. No casualties were reported. The triangle where Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet has been mostly quiet for years, but increasingly the nearly four-year-old conflict in Syria has spilled over. Hezbollah has backed the embattled government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which is also supported by Iran. The recent tensions began escalating Jan. 18, when a missile from an Israeli warplane struck a convoy traveling near the Syria-Israel demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights, killing the six Hezbollah members and the Iranian general. Israeli officials claimed Hezbollah had been planning a large-scale attack against Israel. Among the dead was Jihad Mughniyah, the son of Imad Mughniyah, a former top Hezbollah militant who was assassinated in a 2008 car bombing in the Syrian capital, Damascus. Israel is suspected of playing a role in the elder Mughniyah’s killing. The Israeli military had since been bracing for a retaliatory strike, moving additional soldiers, tanks and air-defense systems into the border zone. After Wednesday’s exchange, Israeli civilians were evacuated from some areas along the border. The exchange of fire took place in a contested area known as Shebaa Farms. Hezbollah says the area belongs to Lebanon, and the United Nations defines the area as part of Syria. The Israelis claim it is theirs. “The tension in the north is very tricky. It’s a very flammable situation,” said Maj. Gen. Israel Ziv, a reserve officer in the Israel army and former chief of operations. “Israel has to contain it, to defend our interests, but not get drawn in” to the Syrian battlefields, Ziv said. The fact that Hezbollah attacked Israeli troops, rather than Israeli population centers near the border, may make Israel less likely to respond harshly. But the death of two Israeli soldiers might also bring further Israeli action at a time when Hezbollah, distracted by its fight in Syria, could be weakened. Some analysts estimate that as many as 1,000 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in Syria, while others put that number in the hundreds. Hezbollah does not disclose such information, but its losses in Syria are widely believed to have been significant. “Hezbollah is stretched thin because of Syria. Even if it were not in Syria, that doesn’t mean that Hezbollah would want a major escalation with Israel,” said Hilal Khashan, a professor at the American University of Beirut. “The Israeli shelling in the south isn’t terribly intense,” he said. “So I don’t think this will lead to a major conflagration.” A Lebanese political analyst who has close ties with senior Hezbollah officials described the latest attack as “a trap set by Hezbollah.” “It’s important to note that Hezbollah’s first statement [on Wednesday’s attack] was called Communique No. 1, which means that it is signaling that it is ready to fight more,” said the analyst, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the tense situation. Netanyahu warned Hezbollah not to escalate. “I suggest that all those who are challenging us on our northern border, look at what happened in Gaza,” he said, referring to last summer’s 50-day war between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas, which left more than 2,100 Palestinians dead and swathes of Gaza in ruins. He later sharpened his warnings, singling out Iran and saying those “behind the attack today will pay the full price.” Israel and Hezbollah fought a four-week war in 2006, which failed to dislodge key Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and was interpreted in the Arab world as a victory for the militia group. On Wednesday, Israeli military officials said rumors that an Israeli soldier was abducted by Hezbollah forces were untrue. A kidnapping of Israeli soldiers was one of the events that led to the 2006 war. Naylor reported from Beirut. Suzan Haidamous in Beirut contributed to this report. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israel-and-lebanons-hezbollah-trade-fire-across-border-casualties-reported/2015/01/28/dd9a6b68-a6e0-11e4-a2b2-776095f393b2_story.html COMMENT If this is a trap, it may be more likely to be an Israeli trap than a Hezbollah trap, if you consider the chain of events.  Hostilities were initiated by Israeli air-strike on Syrian controlled Golan Heights, killing 6 Hezbollah troops and an Iranian officer. As Israel initiated the round of hostilities, during a time Israel appears intent on lobbying for sanctions against Iran and disrupting the Iran nuclear talks, it is possible that any action here may be a means of either drawing Iran into conflict or perhaps steering opinion against Iran. However, I'm not sure what that Iranian officer was doing scouting around Israel's border. That seems odd.  But I've never observe military before, so I don't know. Shebaa farms, the location of the latest hostilities, is a region that belongs to either Lebanon (according to Hezbollah), to Syria (according to United Nations) or to Israel (according to Israel), so it's not even clear whose territory this took place on.

Quickie Round-up

Been slack maintaining entries. Twitter is a much faster medium with a sense of immediacy.  Quite addictive.  Been like a heroin junkie on twitter lately. Twitter more suited to churning information, which I'm doing right now. Blogger's a snail in comparison but it's a wonderful medium for more involved discussion of information. So what's been happening: Middle East Iraq Kurds (with help of US bombing) have taken x3 Iraq towns.  Trouble up north.  From map someone sent me on Twitter the other day, they've to a long way to go.  The map was dotted with towns that Islamic State had taken. Iran Diplomatic meeting with Saudi Arabia. These two are competitors rather than allies, I understand. Iran is alleging industrial sabotage and claims to have apprehended x4 spies, who are being interrogated. Story of a shot down Israeli drone spying on nuclear is in the news, but I haven't checked it out yet.  How slack is that? From recollection, Fars News mentioned Iran has one of the world's largest gas resources.  A few countries are clamouring for business, by the sound of it. Iran will meet UN's Catherine Ashton on Sept 1 (from recollection) to further discuss the nuclear energy matter -- which has been an ongoing discussion for ages now b/c the west (and probably other interests) are trying to block Iran's bid for nuclear enrichment.  West fear of nuclear power / weapons potential, so want Iran to SCALE DOWN -- which is the OPPOSITE of what they want. Iran's been subject to sanctions.  If I understand correctly, it is not permitted to use/trade in US dollars (which is international currency), is not permitted to do electronic transfers and it would most likely be subject to trade restrictions (specifics of which I don't recall, if I've come across that in my travels).  Anyway, the US can make that kind of blockage when it comes to currency and trade because it has big representation (voting rights when it comes to IMF and is influential re WTO and actually controls the international currency and impacts international economy through its Federal Reserve).  So US tends to have an upper hand. But that may alter in the future b/c the Chinese economy is not that far off the US economy - 16 point something percent of global GDP versus US 19 point something.  However, at this point, US has the voting rights and representation advantage because China has a meagre representation compared to the US. Saudi Arabia Chopped off something like 19 heads since Aug. 4th.  Yet it is on the UN Human Rights Council. Saudi Arabia very close US ally and appears to be a close business partner.  Shell (while foreign owned / non-US 'owned') has an arm with it's head office based in Texas and it's HUGE. Saudi Arabia happens to be a 50% partner in projects. Saudi Arabia is hosting a 'Friends of Syria' pow-wow.  But it is actually friends of the Syrian *opposition*.  So it's kind of like a false advertising title, no? Attendees: Turkey, US, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt & Jordan. So that pretty much tells you who's with the US (who's against Syria -- well, against the current rulers, I gather) and it gives you a peak into part of the dynamics of control of this part of the world. Interesting that Italy's in the mix.  Wonder why Italy's involved.  Know it's EU/NATO involved ... what has it got to do with the Middle East? All of them:  imperialists.  History of imperialism.  And current imperialism in the form of big money corporations.  But Italy's broke, I think.  So what's it doing? Italy's maybe some kind of pawn?  Probably the immigration pawn.  Everyone's jumping 'ship' from North Africa and entering Europe through Italy (as well as Spain, I believe).  So maybe their role is something to do with immigration due to wars? Nope.  Syria is next to Israel.  The immigration is launching itself from Libya, where there's a people smuggling trade going on, I think.  It was referred to as 'human trafficking' but I'd say they mean 'people smuggling'.  Don't know for sure yet. Syria Assad government is probably struggling.  There's the US and everybody else against that government.  The west their M/E allies have tried to unseat him by supplying rebel militias with weapons and thus encouraging the bid to topple the Assad government. The opposition, I believe, is assorted militias rather than one political/military body attacking the government. Syria has asserted that there will be no air bombing in its territory without its prior consent -- ie re the bombing of Islamic State militias the US intends to do in Iraq (which it wants to extend or may wish to extend to Syria, where they are also dominant (I believe). The laugh is, US probably funded and armed these people in the first place.  I'm not entirely clear on that but it looks like they might have. In my travels, it was asserted that Assad is playing the rebel militias off against each other.  I don't know that.  That was just someone's opinion.  Not clear to me how this could be an advantage to him - ie this backing of rebels who are fighting his troops.  Doesn't make sense to me. Israel Bombing of Gaza resumed.  Something like 360 bombs dropped by Israel and deaths over 100 Palestinians since 19th, I believe. Stray mortars from Syria have landed Golan Heights.  Prior Syrian territory claimed by Israel during Six Day War 1967.  Now Israeli controlled.  Too rushed to double-check at the moment.  Anyway, deemed strays. Lebanon Massive strike of electric energy company.  Company not profitable.  Power blackouts.  Something like 2,000 workers are contract workers.  They want full-time employment.  Problem of state subsidy, lack profitability plus claims that workers clock on but don't perform -- ie take off.  Anyway, looks like worker are burning stuff outside the premises and blocking management from entering. Libya Tripoli taken over by rebel forces.  Finally got the airport.  Burned. Italy MASSIVE monthly spending on patrols: #EU - Italy picks up 3,500 refugees at sea this weekend!.. spends 9.5 mil euros ($13 mil) PER MONTH air/sea patrols>http://goo.gl/xCuNuw #Italy rescue 70,000 North African refugees since start Oct 2013 patrols> Libya launching point. 'Human trafficking'> http://goo.gl/E9QBhs Spain Doing it hard.  Unemployment at 25%.  Farmers cracking the shits over the EU sanctions (really US-EU-NATO when you consider the dynamics).  Costing them big time not being able to supply Russia. Poland Someone enterprising found a partial way around sanctions.  Investment in Belarus + intensive preservation + Belarus (& ors) being in 'Customs Union' (Eurasian), means side-stepping (to some degree) the anti-Russian sanctions and being able to unload produce to Russia. France Ooh, la la.  Big problems.  Government dissolution.  Economic minister badmouthed France policy and Hollande called for dissolution and new cabinet.  Eco min not happy that spending cuts are to finance tax cuts for corporations in bid to increase employment.  Eco minister pissed at tight fisted Germany not stimulating economy, I think. Eurozone Things are crap.  Economy stalling.  Will probably resort to QE. #EU - sounds like Eurozone *deflation* .. 'ailing bloc'... ECB quantitative easing? >>  http://goo.gl/Sw0JvX Described as a 'last resort' measure.  But this has been done before.   New to watching politics and economics, so I'm not up on exactly what it is apart from buying up 'assets' (in form of bonds, I think). UK, Japan and one other has done this before. Serbia Big problem with hazardous industrial waste -- accumulated, historic also.  Contamination fears. Elections in Republic of Serbia - part of B/H.  Serbia says will not interfere. Former diplomat to Turkey (and expert on Islamic affairs) claims neighbouring Turkey has an expansionist agenda. Two dairy companies will supply Russia, as Serbia will not bow to the EU anti-Russian sanctions.  Serbia is in negotiations to join EU and is not fully fledged member, so can do what it wants, I suppose. And that's the end of the round up because I could go on forever and not cover everything that's going on right now.  And while I'm summarising I'm hanging to check on latest news I'm missing out on! There's so much happening!!!

Above is just a quickie (and not necessarily complete) round-up from memory of last day or so events/news.

Excuse typos.  In hurry.