Iran Cancels Gaza Flotilla, US State Dept. Denounces Blockade Runners

Middle East • Views: 3,738

Iran has been making a lot of noise about sending a flotilla of “humanitarian aid” to Gaza, but today the news is that they’ve canceled their plan.

And after blustering for weeks about destroying the Israelis if they tried to stop the flotilla, Iran’s reason for canceling is: they’re afraid of “Israeli threats.”

One of the organizers of an Iranian aid flotilla that was to said to Gaza in efforts to break Israel’s naval blockade on the territory, announced Thursday that the event has been cancelled due to “Israeli threats.”

Army Radio reported that a separate Iranian ship, carrying 60 Iranian activists, was being prepared to sail to Gaza via the Caspian Sea. This after the Lebanese media reported several days ago that Egypt has denied Israel’s request to prevent Iranian ships from passing through the Suez Canal toward Egypt.

Meanwhile Thursday, the U.S. State Department issued a statement calling the aid flotillas to Gaza irresponsible.

“Mechanisms exist for the transfer of humanitarian assistance to Gaza by member states and groups that want to do so,” the U.S. State Department said regarding Lebanese plans to ship aid to Gaza. “Direct delivery by sea is neither appropriate nor responsible, and certainly not effective, under the circumstances.”

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229 comments
1 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:38:46pm

They have no…no…*pulls out dictionary, flipping through it quickly, then throws it down* marbles!

2 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:39:05pm

State Department said what?

This must be a mistake. Right wingers keep telling me that the Obama administration is abandoning Israel.

3 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:39:18pm
Meanwhile Thursday, the U.S. State Department issued a statement calling the aid flotillas to Gaza irresponsible.

How many seconds will it take for Pamela Geller to morph that into “Obama hates the Jews”?

4 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:40:22pm

The sooner people realize that Iran is all talk and no action, the better. Then again, Iran’s fear of ‘Israeli threats’ kind of kills the ‘evil regime that needs to be attacked’ logic.

Iran…ripe for mocking, but not much else.

5 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:40:27pm

re: #3 Cato the Elder

How many seconds will it take for Pamela Geller to morph that into “Obama hates the Jews”?

0.68 nanoseconds.

6 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:41:31pm

re: #4 darthstar

The sooner people realize that Iran is all talk and no action, the better. Then again, Iran’s fear of ‘Israeli threats’ kind of kills the ‘evil regime that needs to be attacked’ logic.

Iran…ripe for mocking, but not much else.

The sooner the Iranian nuclear and missile program is stopped we can restrict ourselves to just mocking. Until then, they are a real threat.

7 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:41:57pm

re: #3 Cato the Elder

How many seconds will it take for Pamela Geller to morph that into “Obama hates the Jews”?

It’s been done. To Sinatra, even.

8 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:42:41pm

re: #6 Bagua

The sooner the alleged Iranian nuclear and missile program is stopped we can restrict ourselves to just mocking. Until then, they are a real threat.

FTFY…

9 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:43:50pm

Umm about that 11 ship flotilla from the US navy…
Coincidence? Not!

10 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:44:40pm

The Iranians misspelled the word ‘EUROPEAN’.

They incorrectly spelled it as ISRAELI threats.

11 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:47:26pm

re: #9 Rightwingconspirator

Umm about that 11 ship flotilla from the US navy…
Coincidence? Not!

Image: 3502894643.jpg
Anyone recognize the class of this ship?

12 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:47:49pm

re: #2 Charles

State Department said what?

This must be a mistake. Right wingers keep telling me that the Obama administration is abandoning Israel.

I really do believe the Iranians feared a real American threat.

I also believe they were surprised by a pretty unified European response.

13 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:48:00pm

House passed Disclosure Act (NRA excepted, of course). 217 - 170.

14 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:48:57pm

re: #13 darthstar

House passed Disclosure Act (NRA excepted, of course). 217 - 170.

Figures.

15 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:50:39pm

re: #11 Varek Raith

Image: 3502894643.jpg
Anyone recognize the class of this ship?

It’s a Reuters photo. Plus it looks like there’s a damaged boat in the foreground that took on fire. Probably unrelated to the Red Sea.

16 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:50:51pm

re: #11 Varek Raith

Image: 3502894643.jpg
Anyone recognize the class of this ship?

Looks like those new style frigates

See here.

17 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:16pm

finally, some straight forward support for Israel….very cool, and it’s no surprise Iran chickened out, blockade busting doesn’t look good on them…they know Israel would win that confrontation

18 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:51:33pm

re: #4 darthstar

The sooner people realize that Iran is all talk and no action, the better. Then again, Iran’s fear of ‘Israeli threats’ kind of kills the ‘evil regime that needs to be attacked’ logic.

Iran…ripe for mocking, but not much else.

Horseshit.

19 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:52:22pm

re: #4 darthstar

The sooner people realize that Iran is all talk and no action, the better. Then again, Iran’s fear of ‘Israeli threats’ kind of kills the ‘evil regime that needs to be attacked’ logic.

Iran…ripe for mocking, but not much else.

yeah, they just murder their own citizens…and yes, they still need to be attacked

20 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:52:43pm

re: #18 Cato the Elder

Horseshit.

I agree. They don’t have to ‘win’ any confrontation. All they have to do si show up and the game changes.

21 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:53:38pm
22 Kragar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:54:45pm

re: #11 Varek Raith

Image: 3502894643.jpg
Anyone recognize the class of this ship?

Supply ship.

23 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:54:57pm

re: #11 Varek Raith

Image: 3502894643.jpg
Anyone recognize the class of this ship?

Whidbey Island class dock landing ship.

24 Kragar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:55:35pm

re: #21 MikeySDCA

No small feat, since the Caspian Sea is landlocked.

They were going to deliver 1000 septic tanks. As soon as they learned how to drive them, they were going to assault Israel.

25 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:55:59pm

re: #20 researchok

I agree. They don’t have to ‘win’ any confrontation. All they have to do si show up and the game changes.

I ran had no reservations about crossing the Iraqi border and shooting up innocent people back in the day, trying to get something going with the kid cleric, with his own little army….what’s his name

26 drogheda  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:56:12pm

re: #11 Varek Raith

That seems to be the USS Ashland. Photo appears to be recycled and used as a stock photo.

More info at Wikipedia.

27 Taqyia2Me  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:56:22pm

This is good news!
Now the flotilla is stopped, better double down searching for new tunnels.

28 drogheda  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:56:57pm

Doh. Link fail.

USS Ashland at Wikipedia.

29 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:57:22pm

re: #26 drogheda

That seems to be the USS Ashland. Photo appears to be recycled and used as a stock photo.

More info at Wikipedia.

There it is.

30 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:58:38pm

Can we have a new thread, Charles? Darthstar thinks this means Iran is no longer of any concern.

31 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:58:43pm

re: #27 Taqyia2Me

This is good news!
Now the flotilla is stopped, better double down searching for new tunnels.

Egypt has been trying to block some of the tunnels, but they get sniped at and ambushed…I can’t figure out why the tunnels are not simply destroyed

32 marsl  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:59:03pm

Well, this is a lesson learned by the Iranians. They chickened out, after realizing that Israel kills Islamic activists, even when they are disguised as “peace activists”.

Iranians are Muslims, but are no fools. Perhaps those in government want martyrdom, but the vast majority does not.

33 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:59:54pm

re: #30 Cato the Elder

Can we have a new thread, Charles? Darthstar thinks this means Iran is no longer of any concern.

LOLOL

34 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:00:01pm

re: #30 Cato the Elder

Can we have a new thread, Charles? Darthstar thinks this means Iran is no longer of any concern.

just brokering missiles is a grave concern

35 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:00:12pm

My throats really hurting so I’m gonna log off folks. Take care and Keep Laughing Everyone!

36 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:00:24pm

re: #19 albusteve

yeah, they just murder their own citizens…and yes, they still need to be attacked

You do realize that blood-lust makes your ass look big.

37 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:00:47pm

re: #8 darthstar

FTFY…

You are alone in the world in believing that the Iranian nuclear program is not for weapons. There is universal agreement on this, by the western nations, the UN, even the Arab states hostile to Israel. Everyone. Only you believe them and take their side in this.

38 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:01:04pm

re: #26 drogheda

That seems to be the USS Ashland. Photo appears to be recycled and used as a stock photo.

More info at Wikipedia.

Here’s a large format image from the US Navy:

Image: 100410-N-6110S-263.jpg

39 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:01:14pm

re: #36 darthstar

You do realize that blood-lust makes your ass look big.

I don’t have any blood lust…what the hell are you thinking?

40 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:01:47pm

re: #30 Cato the Elder

Can we have a new thread, Charles? Darthstar thinks this means Iran is no longer of any concern.

I didn’t say they were “no longer of any concern”…I just said that their obvious bluff getting called showed that they’re not as big a threat as they want you to believe they are. We went through this with Iraq in 2003…you’d think people would learn by now.

41 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:02:15pm

re: #38 Gus 802

Here’s a large format image from the US Navy:

Image: 100410-N-6110S-263.jpg

Hey, now that I think about it. That’s not a Reuters photo after all. So, I guess Reuters can steal images from the USN and stick their name on it?

42 marsl  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:03:25pm

re: #21 MikeySDCA

No small feat, since the Caspian Sea is landlocked.

They are going to Gaza like the Prophet went to Jerusalem. Flying a enchated horse or something like it….

43 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:04:38pm

re: #41 Gus 802

Hey, now that I think about it. That’s not a Reuters photo after all. So, I guess Reuters can steal images from the USN and stick their name on it?

Seems a prophetic image, considering the burned up boat in the foreground.

44 Varek Raith  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:04:48pm

re: #23 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Whidbey Island class dock landing ship.

AH HA!
Thanks all!


Good job Reuters. Lol.

45 drogheda  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:04:49pm

re: #41 Gus 802

Hey, now that I think about it. That’s not a Reuters photo after all. So, I guess Reuters can steal images from the USN and stick their name on it?

I hear Photoshop can do things like that. ;P

It also appears that pirate boats and fire do not go together very well.

46 marsl  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:04:58pm

re: #11 Varek Raith

US Navy vs Iranian Navy?

47 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:05:11pm

re: #40 darthstar

The whole point of Iran’s posturing is that they want to seem threatening to Israel. As far as I can tell, they’re scared shortsless.

48 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:05:19pm

re: #40 darthstar

I didn’t say they were “no longer of any concern”…I just said that their obvious bluff getting called showed that they’re not as big a threat as they want you to believe they are. We went through this with Iraq in 2003…you’d think people would learn by now.

situation is dramatically different….be reasonable…are you content to have a nuclear armed totalitarian theocracy over there?

49 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:06:10pm

re: #40 darthstar

I didn’t say they were “no longer of any concern”…I just said that their obvious bluff getting called showed that they’re not as big a threat as they want you to believe they are. We went through this with Iraq in 2003…you’d think people would learn by now.

Yep. Let’s just let the mullahs go on their merry and see what happens. I’m sure everything will work out just fine.

50 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:06:51pm

re: #47 windsagio

The whole point of Iran’s posturing is that they want to seem threatening to Israel. As far as I can tell, they’re scared shortsless.

Iraq did the same thing under Saddam. It’s posturing to protect their fragile sense of superiority. What’s amazing is how quickly and blindly people jump in to believe them and help elevate Iran to ‘super-evil’ status. It just doesn’t make any sense.

51 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:06:57pm

re: #48 albusteve

To go with the gimme, we seem relatively okay with China and N.korea ;)

(or are totalitarian atheists better? >>)

52 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:07:03pm

re: #36 darthstar

You do realize that blood-lust makes your ass look big.

abusteve is not blood thirsty. This is a blood libel tactic. Steve is responding to Iranian aggression and threats.

53 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:07:16pm

re: #46 marsl

US Navy vs Iranian Navy?

To the USN, it amounts to two words: Target practice.

54 abolitionist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:07:19pm

re: #25 albusteve

I ran had no reservations about crossing the Iraqi border and shooting up innocent people back in the day, trying to get something going with the kid cleric, with his own little army…what’s his name

Islamist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ?

55 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:07:37pm

re: #50 darthstar

I’ll say it again. People never got over the 1979 Revolution and the hostage crisis. it still seems to rankle to this day.

56 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:07:45pm

re: #52 Bagua

abusteve is not blood thirsty. This is a blood libel tactic. Steve is responding to Iranian aggression and threats.

It was a BLUFF. It got called. They folded. Collect your winnings and move on.

57 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:07:55pm

re: #50 darthstar

Iraq did the same thing under Saddam. It’s posturing to protect their fragile sense of superiority. What’s amazing is how quickly and blindly people jump in to believe them and help elevate Iran to ‘super-evil’ status. It just doesn’t make any sense.

quickly?….hahaha!….what year were you born?, obviously after 1979

58 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:08:21pm

re: #39 albusteve

I don’t have any blood lust…what the hell are you thinking?

Every-time Israel defends itself the Arab and Iranian media is full of stories and cartoons about the blood drinking Jews.

59 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:09:11pm

re: #52 Bagua

Lol jump straight to blood libel.

C’mon, lets be serious here.

60 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:09:25pm

re: #58 Bagua

Every-time Israel defends itself the Arab and Iranian media is full of stories and cartoons about the blood drinking Jews.

It really is pretty formulaic.

That is a part of a predictable pattern.

61 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:09:26pm

re: #57 albusteve

quickly?…hahaha!…what year were you born?, obviously after 1979

I remember the Iran Hostage crisis quite well. I still applaud the Canadians for sneaking a bunch of Americans out of there. I was in Toronto soon after that and visited Niagra Falls. I remember the big “Thank You, Canada” banners hung on the US side.

62 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:09:34pm

re: #52 Bagua

abusteve is not blood thirsty. This is a blood libel tactic. Steve is responding to Iranian aggression and threats.

I’ll add bloodthirsty to my ever growing list of bad stuff I am….I’ll put it after Nazi and before moron….LOL!

63 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:09:37pm

re: #58 Bagua

Every-time Israel defends itself the Arab and Iranian media is full of stories and cartoons about the blood drinking Jews.

As opposed to when Israel doesn’t defend itself, when the Arab and Iranian media is…full of stories and cartoons about the blood drinking Jews.

64 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:10:23pm

re: #55 windsagio

I’ll say it again. People never got over the 1979 Revolution and the hostage crisis. it still seems to rankle to this day.

so you think we should ignore Iran?

65 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:10:36pm

re: #58 Bagua

Every-time Israel defends itself the Arab and Iranian media is full of stories and cartoons about the blood drinking Jews.

He said Iran needs to be attacked. Sounds like war-mongering blood-lust to me. I never said anything about drinking blood, nor do I thing Steve sparkles when he’s in direct sunlight.

66 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:10:37pm

re: #56 darthstar

It was a BLUFF. It got called. They folded. Collect your winnings and move on.

The ship was a bluff, but the Iranian nuclear and missile program is not a bluff. Nor is the Iranian proxy war against Israel via Hamas and Hezbollah a bluff. This is real and thousands of Iranian rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel. You are being obtuse or naive not recognizing that all this blockade running is an attempt to open a sea supply route for weapons.

67 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:11:29pm

re: #61 darthstar

The other thing I remember is the US government selling weapons to the Iranians very very soon after the crisis. Looks like a mistake now, dunnit?

68 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:11:32pm

re: #65 darthstar

He said Iran needs to be attacked. Sounds like war-mongering blood-lust to me. I never said anything about drinking blood, nor do I thing Steve sparkles when he’s in direct sunlight.

the object is not to kill people…I have no lust to kill people, give it up

69 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:12:10pm

re: #67 windsagio

The other thing I remember is the US government selling weapons to the Iranians very very soon after the crisis. Looks like a mistake now, dunnit?

That was Reagan…sshhh. Not supposed to mention that.

70 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:12:23pm

re: #59 windsagio

Lol jump straight to blood libel.

C’mon, lets be serious here.

go ahead….should we ignore Iran or not?

71 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:12:24pm

re: #64 albusteve

nope, but we need to think rationally about them, and make reasoned, not emotional responses to what they do.

72 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:12:31pm

re: #59 windsagio

Lol jump straight to blood libel.

C’mon, lets be serious here.

Lol, giggle giggle. Why didn’t you object to Darthstar describing Steve’s comment as “Blood-lust”?

73 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:12:52pm

re: #70 albusteve

Geeze, I was getting to it! I do other stuff while I have LGF running y’know :P

74 Amory Blaine  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:12:59pm

Maybe we could end the recession with world war 3.

75 McSpiff  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:13:15pm

re: #62 albusteve

I’ll add bloodthirsty to my ever growing list of bad stuff I am…I’ll put it after Nazi and before moron…LOL!

You really aren’t good at this alphabetic thing.

76 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:13:33pm

re: #68 albusteve

the object is not to kill people…I have no lust to kill people, give it up

Oh, you mean a peaceful attack? Why didn’t you say so in the first place? Peaceful attacks are cool with me. Nerf-guns, water-weenies, pillow fights…but the tickle-fighting can turn violent, so I recommend avoiding it.

77 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:14:01pm

re: #72 Bagua

Because it was accurate.

Everyone here knows that DS wasn’t saying that steve literally wanted to drink their blood, including you.

78 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:14:38pm

re: #60 researchok

It really is pretty formulaic.

That is a part of a predictable pattern.

Absolutely, I’ve seen countless examples over the years. Just suggesting Israel defend itself is now “Blood-lust”, even here at LGF. Oh those poor misunderstood Iranians.

79 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:15:02pm

re: #71 windsagio

nope, but we need to think rationally about them, and make reasoned, not emotional responses to what they do.

like what?…strut your stuff…are you saying it’s unreasonable to be concerned with their nuclear capabilities?….what are your ideas, you mock mine but provide non otherwise, then say “let’s get serious”….go ahead

80 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:15:04pm

re: #55 windsagio

I’ll say it again. People never got over the 1979 Revolution and the hostage crisis. it still seems to rankle to this day.

And I say you and Darthstar are a couple of pie-eyed peace pussies who somehow manage to double-team every Israel thread.

I wonder why?

81 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:15:38pm

re: #79 albusteve

I’ve said what I think we should do many times steve, look it up.

82 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:15:47pm

re: #73 windsagio

Geeze, I was getting to it! I do other stuff while I have LGF running y’know :P

don’t care about your private business

83 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:16:16pm

re: #80 Cato the Elder

So what exactly are you saying? I’m a little dense, so you’ll have to spell it out :p

84 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:16:24pm

re: #77 windsagio

Because it was accurate.

Everyone here knows that DS wasn’t saying that steve literally wanted to drink their blood, including you.

It’s okay. They can’t do anything about Iran, so they’re using me as a substitute. I’m more than happy to allow them to wax their machismo at my expense for a little while.

85 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:16:24pm

re: #75 McSpiff

You really aren’t good at this alphabetic thing.

do I need to be?

86 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:16:38pm

re: #82 albusteve

don’t care about your private business

*relieved*

Now I can open my blinds again ;)

87 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:17:07pm

re: #81 windsagio

I’ve said what I think we should do many times steve, look it up.

you are not part of the discussion I guess…

88 McSpiff  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:17:10pm

re: #85 albusteve

do I need to be?

Na, I’m just OCD.

89 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:17:13pm

re: #80 Cato the Elder

And I say you and Darthstar are a couple of pie-eyed peace pussies who somehow manage to double-team every Israel thread.

I wonder why?

“Pie-eyed peace pussy?” I’ve never been called a pie-eyed peace pussy before! Updinged for originality.

90 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:17:31pm

re: #77 windsagio

Because it was accurate.

Everyone here knows that DS wasn’t saying that steve literally wanted to drink their blood, including you.

You have no understand of how the blood libels have worked throughout the centuries and to this day. Jews defending themselves are portrayed as Blood-thirsty” or “Blood-lust.” This occurs in countless examples in print, media, cartoons, speeches, and now on LGF.

91 McSpiff  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:17:56pm

re: #80 Cato the Elder

God forbid someone’s first choice isn’t war…

92 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:18:07pm

re: #90 Bagua

You have no understand of how the blood libels have worked throughout the centuries and to this day. Jews defending themselves are portrayed as Blood-thirsty” or “Blood-lust.” This occurs in countless examples in print, media, cartoons, speeches, and now on LGF.

Steve’s not even jewish.

93 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:18:22pm

re: #84 darthstar

It’s okay. They can’t do anything about Iran, so they’re using me as a substitute. I’m more than happy to allow them to wax their machismo at my expense for a little while.

Just keep the wax off of me…i’m no man-o-lantern/

94 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:18:41pm

re: #84 darthstar

It’s okay. They can’t do anything about Iran, so they’re using me as a substitute. I’m more than happy to allow them to wax their machismo at my expense for a little while.

relax, calm down…there is no machismo to it

95 researchok  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:18:43pm

re: #78 Bagua

Absolutely, I’ve seen countless examples over the years. Just suggesting Israel defend itself is now “Blood-lust”, even here at LGF. Oh those poor misunderstood Iranians.

Naw…no one here can even say ‘Iran’ without rolling their eyes.

96 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:18:59pm

re: #90 Bagua

Bagua, you’re dishonestly using the term ‘blood libel’ in order to bully people and try to shut them down. Don’t cheapen the term by using it for dirty internet tricks.

97 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:19:03pm

re: #93 Aceofwhat?

Just keep the wax off of me…i’m no man-o-lantern/

Hey Ace! Did you watch that Isner-Mahut match? That was something.

98 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:19:13pm

re: #89 darthstar

“Pie-eyed peace pussy?” I’ve never been called a pie-eyed peace pussy before! Updinged for originality.

yes you have, several times

99 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:19:29pm

re: #94 albusteve

relax, calm down…there is no machismo to it

Have I not been calm?

100 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:19:57pm

re: #98 albusteve

yes you have, several times

Nope…that’s a new one.

101 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:20:43pm

re: #91 McSpiff

God forbid someone’s first choice isn’t war…

I’d be glad to hear your opinion regarding Iran…do you have one?

102 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:21:34pm

re: #92 darthstar

Steve’s not even jewish.

Meaning? Supporters of Israel, such as the USA, are also portrayed as “Blood-thirsty” or having “blood-lust” as you said. It is formulaic. You may be unaware of this.

103 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:21:45pm

re: #90 Bagua

You have no understand of how the blood libels have worked throughout the centuries and to this day. Jews defending themselves are portrayed as Blood-thirsty” or “Blood-lust.” This occurs in countless examples in print, media, cartoons, speeches, and now on LGF.

Jesus. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? Is albusteve a jew defending himself?

104 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:22:12pm

re: #100 darthstar

I have the image of you with this long list of insults, whenever someone comes up with a new one, you add it to the list and congratulate them :D

105 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:22:27pm

re: #102 Bagua

Meaning? Supporters of Israel, such as the USA, are also portrayed as “Blood-thirsty” or having “blood-lust” as you said. It is formulaic. You may be unaware of this.

You implied that I was accusing Jews of being blood-thirsty. I wasn’t. Please try to maintain at least the illusion that you’re trying to be honest.

106 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:22:34pm

re: #91 McSpiff

God forbid someone’s first choice isn’t war…

True. On the other hand, why speculate about whether Iran really does want to wipe Israel off the map? What have they done for the globe to deserve such a magnanimous gesture?

Sanity demands that we take them at their word. That does not mean we invade first and ask questions later. It means that we warn them that we’re the flinching type and then we go stand very very close to them and stare.

Or something like that. Laughing it off, though, isn’t on the list.

107 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:23:07pm

re: #103 Nimed

Jesus. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? Is albusteve a jew defending himself?

He is advocating on behalf of Israel and being charged with “blood-lust”.

108 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:23:16pm

re: #104 windsagio

I have the image of you with this long list of insults, whenever someone comes up with a new one, you add it to the list and congratulate them :D

It’s all in my mind. I’m too lazy to write them down, but if something new comes up, well…I do have a canned response. When you have to resort to “pie-eyed peace pussy” you know you’ve already lost the debate.

109 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:23:52pm

re: #97 darthstar

Hey Ace! Did you watch that Isner-Mahut match? That was something.

Did i watch it? Did i watch it? I took yesterday afternoon and today off from work!

Absolutely historic. Epic. Loved every minute.

110 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:23:54pm

re: #103 Nimed

Jesus. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? Is albusteve a jew defending himself?

it’s not about me and the post is accurate…seems you are a bit out of touch

111 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:24:07pm

re: #105 darthstar

You implied that I was accusing Jews of being blood-thirsty. I wasn’t. Please try to maintain at least the illusion that you’re trying to be honest.

I made it clear that you were extending the blood-libel to Abusteve. I am being perfectly honest, those were your words.

112 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:24:29pm
113 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:24:54pm

re: #99 darthstar

Have I not been calm?

you have. no one who updings an insult like that needs to be told to calm down.

114 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:25:01pm

re: #106 Aceofwhat?

I don’t think we’re laughing it off, but rather advocating a rational response.

If we’re not very careful and absolutely sure, a military attack will make things worse not better.

115 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:25:16pm

re: #111 Bagua

I made it clear that you were extending the blood-libel to Abusteve. I am being perfectly honest, those were your words.

My words were sarcasm. Anyone with a sixth-grade education would have picked up on that.

116 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:25:17pm

re: #112 MandyManners

The reason they cancelled is because she tried to sign up.

GAH!

How ‘bout a little warnin’ next time?

117 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:25:35pm

Windsagio and Darthstar on the same thread.

See you all tomorrow. I need to go puke.

118 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:26:01pm

re: #117 Cato the Elder

Windsagio and Darthstar on the same thread.

See you all tomorrow. I need to go puke.

Oh, don’t quit now, Cato.

119 Gus  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:26:14pm

Might be a route. North from the Caspian Sea on the Volga River. Then westerly on the Volga-Don Shipping Canal to the Black Sea.

120 HoosierHoops  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:26:28pm

re: #117 Cato the Elder

Windsagio and Darthstar on the same thread.

See you all tomorrow. I need to go puke.

Stay Classy Cato

121 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:26:39pm

re: #108 darthstar

It’s all in my mind. I’m too lazy to write them down, but if something new comes up, well…I do have a canned response. When you have to resort to “pie-eyed peace pussy” you know you’ve already lost the debate.

plenty of snark but no contribution to the question….very predictable…so how should we and the Israelis deal with this non threat, or reduced threat or whatever you call it

122 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:27:29pm

re: #115 darthstar

My words were sarcasm. Anyone with a sixth-grade education would have picked up on that.

Sarcasm? Pinning the “Blood-lust” label on Steve?

You do realize that blood-lust makes your ass look big.

You made it clear what you were charging Steve with.

123 Bob Levin  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:27:33pm

There was quite a bit of chess playing recently, as I’ve read of US and Israeli ships sailing up the Suez canal, Israel dropping arms into a depot in Saudi Arabia.

But there have also been words from Lebanon, Hezbollah Iran, Syria Iran, Turkey Iran, not to mention Hamas Iran.

All of this escalates the closer the UN gets to imposing further sanctions on Iran.

124 marsl  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:27:34pm

Where is an Iranian porn star when we need her?

125 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:28:02pm

re: #113 Aceofwhat?

you have. no one who updings an insult like that needs to be told to calm down.

going macho is over the top…a completely stupid notion

126 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:28:03pm

What, exactly, is an Iranian “activist”?

I would know exactly what they meant if you said American activist, or Canadian activitist, or even (fill in European country of your choice) activist. It’s a person that, having a choice to do whatever they please, has chosen to dedicate large amounts of time and money to a cause. This person is entirely unconnected (usually—I wouldn’t be surprised if a few are government moles just to keep an eye on things) to their government.

I highly doubt these gentlemen would have been civilians.

Most Iranian activists were recently seen wearing green and burning dumpsters in downtown Tehran.

127 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:28:58pm

re: #124 marsl

Almost linked a google image search with ‘safe’ off, thought better of it.

So we’ll say this: “Apparently, they exist!”

128 marsl  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:29:22pm

re: #127 windsagio

Really?

129 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:29:24pm

re: #114 windsagio

I don’t think we’re laughing it off, but rather advocating a rational response.

If we’re not very careful and absolutely sure, a military attack will make things worse not better.

you have not advocated anything…wtf?…you have added nothing on behalf of Iran….just snarky blather…why don’t you put up or shut up?

130 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:29:31pm

re: #107 Bagua

He is advocating on behalf of Israel and being charged with “blood-lust”.

Alright. Well, he was actually proposing attacking Iran. I do think darthstar used a bit of heated rhetoric there. The question of Iran is very complex, and there are enormous costs associated to a military attack. That is not to say that it should be ruled out completely — there are no good solutions for this…

131 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:30:04pm

re: #128 marsl

Search ‘iranian porn star’ in google image. Unsurprisingly, NSFW

132 McSpiff  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:30:25pm

re: #101 albusteve

I’d be glad to hear your opinion regarding Iran…do you have one?

Honestly, I don’t really have a strong opinion on Iran. I was hoping to see a democratic revolution after the last elections, and then at the 1 year anniversary but we all know that didn’t come to pass.

The entire Afghanistan mission has zapped my country’s (Canada’s) military to such a degree that I highly doubt we’d be involved in any Iranian conflict for at least a decade, except maybe for enforcing a naval blockade.

Has Iran done enough to justify an American/Israeli attack? Yep, they’ve been asking for one since ‘79. Do I think politically and militarily its the best idea for the US/Israel to do so… honestly, its outside of my pay grade. Kicking a cornered dog can get you bit. But sometimes a cornered dog will bite anyways.

I tend to use a rational actor model in my mind, and there is no rational reason for Iran to attack Israel. At the same time I don’t make a very good religious fanatic, so I can’t really think like one either. There’s also no guarantee that a coup wouldn’t lead to an even more hardline regime, one we really wouldn’t want to have nukes.

So if America and Israel want to do all the hard work, I’ll support them, but I don’t think Canada has the capacity to be involved.

133 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:30:38pm

re: #121 albusteve

plenty of snark but no contribution to the question…very predictable…so how should we and the Israelis deal with this non threat, or reduced threat or whatever you call it

I don’t know about the Israelis, but I know what we’ll do. We’ll make statements that sound an awful lot like the crap we mock on HotAir, only it’s not, because we’re better than them, and then we’ll snipe at each other because someone has a difference of opinion, and attacking each other and pulling out loaded terminology is the way of the internet.

Can you believe it’s been 120+ comments and nobody’s mentioned that Iran not trying to run a flotilla through the embargo/blockade/Israeli defenses was actually a good thing?

134 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:31:12pm

re: #130 Nimed

No he really didn’t. The term ‘bloodlust’, we all know what it means and what it implies. In modern english (outside of vampire fanfics), it in no way implies an actual desire to drink blood.

Its specious, and only meant as an attack.

135 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:31:15pm

Clearly, Obama is such a pussy that Iran didn’t want to catch wuss-cooties by entangling with our allies.

Ok that was forced. I’ll try harder next time.

136 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:31:21pm

re: #130 Nimed

Alright. Well, he was actually proposing attacking Iran. I do think darthstar used a bit of heated rhetoric there. The question of Iran is very complex, and there are enormous costs associated to a military attack. That is not to say that it should be ruled out completely — there are no good solutions for this…

Yes, and I pointing out the cultural significance of the term he was using. Many people buy into these sorts of memes without realising what they are doing.

137 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:31:29pm

re: #122 Bagua

You made it clear what you were charging Steve with.

Man, I’d love to play poker with you some day.

138 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:31:57pm

re: #123 Bob Levin

There was quite a bit of chess playing recently, as I’ve read of US and Israeli ships sailing up the Suez canal, Israel dropping arms into a depot in Saudi Arabia.

But there have also been words from Lebanon, Hezbollah Iran, Syria Iran, Turkey Iran, not to mention Hamas Iran.

All of this escalates the closer the UN gets to imposing further sanctions on Iran.

which are too soft to be effective….and way long overdue according to BOs timetable…and whatever happened to the commitment the Russians and the Chinese made that he so proudly talked about….sanctions are a bust, meanwhile the machinery spins along

139 marsl  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:32:07pm

re: #131 windsagio

And no burkas and no veils. Damn, i’m happy. Even those mullahs can’t win with pornography. Wonder why….

140 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:32:17pm

re: #134 windsagio

No he really didn’t. The term ‘bloodlust’, we all know what it means and what it implies. In modern english (outside of vampire fanfics), it in no way implies an actual desire to drink blood.

Its specious, and only meant as an attack.

Once again, you concern troll another pro-Israel thread attempting to derail the pro-Israel posters and make the thread all about windsagio. Why is that?

141 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:32:28pm

re: #133 darthstar


Can you believe it’s been 120+ comments and nobody’s mentioned that Iran not trying to run a flotilla through the embargo/blockade/Israeli defenses was actually a good thing?

Dammit, you ruined it!

142 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:32:57pm

re: #137 darthstar

Man, I’d love to play poker with you some day.

That can be arraigned! Perhaps we will meet up in LV sometime? Do you go there?

143 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:33:19pm

re: #140 Bagua

I’m glad I taught you a term man.

Anyways, this thread isn’t about Windie (except you saying it is), its about Darthstar.

And you’re the one that made it that way, by accusing him of Blood Libel.

144 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:33:23pm

re: #114 windsagio

I don’t think we’re laughing it off, but rather advocating a rational response.

If we’re not very careful and absolutely sure, a military attack will make things worse not better.

I agree with the second part.

As to the first, eh…not so much. I’ll quote Darthstar “all talk and no action”. The only thing worse than an unnecessary attack is unnecessarily allowing Iran to attack.

Part of the problem is that we have a fundamental disagreement (which we need not reprise here and now) about how much responsibility we bear for taking Saddam at his word. While i have some criticism for the Iraq affair, calling dude’s bluff is not one of them.

Better that we made the mistake of invading Iraq and finding less WMD than make the mistake of letting Saddam off of the sanctions hook entirely, leaving him able to implement his [by now well-documented and undisputed] plan to reconstitute said WMD’s.

145 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:33:23pm

re: #136 Bagua

Yes, and I pointing out the cultural significance of the term he was using. Many people buy into these sorts of memes without realising what they are doing.

By saying blood-lust made his ass look big? He said Iran should be attacked. I explained this upthread (using simple words, even). Stop trying to conflate one comment with some kind of global anti-semitism…it wasn’t. Sheesh.

146 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:33:35pm

re: #133 darthstar

I don’t know about the Israelis, but I know what we’ll do. We’ll make statements that sound an awful lot like the crap we mock on HotAir, only it’s not, because we’re better than them, and then we’ll snipe at each other because someone has a difference of opinion, and attacking each other and pulling out loaded terminology is the way of the internet.

Can you believe it’s been 120+ comments and nobody’s mentioned that Iran not trying to run a flotilla through the embargo/blockade/Israeli defenses was actually a good thing?

Well, not that there is anything wrong with what has been said down this thread… but it could have something to do with the second post on this thread…

re: #2 Charles

State Department said what?

This must be a mistake. Right wingers keep telling me that the Obama administration is abandoning Israel.

Ya think?

147 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:33:36pm

re: #142 Bagua

That can be arraigned! Perhaps we will meet up in LV sometime? Do you go there?

It’s a trap! He’s going to arrest you!

148 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:33:41pm

re: #134 windsagio

No he really didn’t. The term ‘bloodlust’, we all know what it means and what it implies. In modern english (outside of vampire fanfics), it in no way implies an actual desire to drink blood.

Its specious, and only meant as an attack.

re: #136 Bagua

Yes, and I pointing out the cultural significance of the term he was using. Many people buy into these sorts of memes without realising what they are doing.

Wait a minute. By “heated rhetoric”, I don’t mean darthstar was deliberately using an ethnic slur. I think you know better than that, Bagua.

149 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:34:17pm

I’d like to think that the Iranians realized that sending some of their thugs to tangle with IDF forces in small boats was not what anybody wanted, and wouldn’t have fooled anyone who didn’t want to be fooled.

I doubt it, though.

150 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:34:24pm

re: #142 Bagua

That can be arraigned! Perhaps we will meet up in LV sometime? Do you go there?

I do…but I don’t want to be arraigned. Arranged is fine. :)

151 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:35:32pm

re: #132 McSpiff

nice post…and Canadians are the best, they go into it everytime and pay their dues…as for me Canada deserves an opinion to be taken seriously….it’s not always about numbers, it’s about spirit and Canada has plenty of pluck….tough guys

152 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:35:35pm

Let me repeat, I can’t believe someone on here accused someone else of Blood Libel.

If you think that’s actually true, immediately report the posts in question to Our Host. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to ban someone like that.

153 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:36:37pm

re: #133 darthstar

I don’t know about the Israelis, but I know what we’ll do. We’ll make statements that sound an awful lot like the crap we mock on HotAir, only it’s not, because we’re better than them, and then we’ll snipe at each other because someone has a difference of opinion, and attacking each other and pulling out loaded terminology is the way of the internet.

Can you believe it’s been 120+ comments and nobody’s mentioned that Iran not trying to run a flotilla through the embargo/blockade/Israeli defenses was actually a good thing?

you have added nothing but wind…you have not addressed the question

154 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:37:10pm

re: #153 albusteve

you have added nothing but wind…you have not addressed the question

I’m sorry…what was the question?

155 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:37:31pm

re: #140 Bagua

Once again, you concern troll another pro-Israel thread attempting to derail the pro-Israel posters and make the thread all about windsagio. Why is that?

there is no game there…forget it

156 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:37:36pm

re: #154 darthstar

Wait, you’re me?!

157 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:38:11pm

re: #148 Nimed

Wait a minute. By “heated rhetoric”, I don’t mean darthstar was deliberately using an ethnic slur. I think you know better than that, Bagua.

Don’t twist my words, I did not say he was deliberately using an ethnic slur. I said: “abusteve is not blood thirsty. This is a blood libel tactic. Steve is responding to Iranian aggression and threats.”

This “blood thirsty” accusation comes up in various forms each and every-time Israel defends itself against aggression. Most of the people in the west who buy into this don’t understand what they are doing.

158 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:38:25pm

re: #154 darthstar

I’m sorry…what was the question?

thought so…go back to Star Trek or whatever

159 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:38:51pm

re: #150 darthstar

I do…but I don’t want to be arraigned. Arranged is fine. :)

Egad, yes, let’s go with arranged.

160 albusteve  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:39:19pm

re: #145 darthstar

By saying blood-lust made his ass look big? He said Iran should be attacked. I explained this upthread (using simple words, even). Stop trying to conflate one comment with some kind of global anti-semitism…it wasn’t. Sheesh.

Iran should be attacked, it’s true….and it will happen eventually

161 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:39:47pm

re: #152 windsagio

Let me repeat, I can’t believe someone on here accused someone else of Blood Libel.

If you think that’s actually true, immediately report the posts in question to Our Host. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to ban someone like that.

Another lie from a troll. And another Israel thread successfully derailed by your ignorant concern trolling.

162 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:40:04pm

re: #152 windsagio

Let me repeat, I can’t believe someone on here accused someone else of Blood Libel.

If you think that’s actually true, immediately report the posts in question to Our Host. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to ban someone like that.

I used “blood-lust” in a sarc post to Steve. Bagua elevated that to “blood-libel” (which, as I understand it, means ritual murder or sacrifice with the intent to drink the victim’s blood)…honestly, that’s a little freaky to me. But once something’s on the internet, it’s there forever, like herpes. And no, for the record, I wasn’t accusing either Steve or Bagua of having herpes.

163 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:41:34pm

re: #160 albusteve

Iran should be attacked, it’s true…and it will happen eventually

Better get the extra large tub of vaseline for that show. Ooh…there’s a RndPaul() thread…I think I’ll move over there.

But I will check back out of courtesy to you.

164 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:43:27pm

re: #162 darthstar

Thats my whole frustration. Blood Libel refers to the old racial prejudices and the accusations that people used to make about Jews (ie that they drank human blood). The term ‘bloodlust’ in modern usage has absolutely nothing to do with drinking any blood, but rather with

Bloodlust is a desire for extreme violence and carnage, often aroused in the heat of battle and leading to uncontrolled slaughter and torture.

That definition of ‘bloodlust’ describes some peoples position on Iran to a T, especially albusteve’s.

165 McSpiff  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:43:36pm

re: #151 albusteve

nice post…and Canadians are the best, they go into it everytime and pay their dues…as for me Canada deserves an opinion to be taken seriously…it’s not always about numbers, it’s about spirit and Canada has plenty of pluck…tough guys

Hey that’s really appreciated. Most of my good friends are in the forces, and I just had an interview with a naval defense contractor today about doing a project with them (would be mostly unpaid, goes towards a degree requirement). I’m much more aware of our military’s capacity, and the impact deployments have on the personnel. So while I can say “Yes, Iran is a problem for Israel, an ally of ours”, its much harder now for me to mentally commit boots on the ground.

But if Canada was truly needed, we’ll be there for the US, Israel and I’d hope NATO in any conflict against Iran.

I really hope this isn’t coming across as the stereotypical “wait for the Americans to take care of it” post.

166 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:43:45pm

re: #157 Bagua

Don’t twist my words, I did not say he was deliberately using an ethnic slur.

I said: “abusteve is not blood thirsty. This is a blood libel tactic. Steve is responding to Iranian aggression and threats.”

This “blood thirsty” accusation comes up in various forms each and every-time Israel defends itself against aggression. Most of the people in the west who buy into this don’t understand what they are doing.

Look, whenever someone engages or advocates war or military aggression that I consider unnecessary, “blood-thirsty” is one of the epithets that comes to mind, as in “Attila was a blood-thirsty SOB.”

Do you want to ban the use of the term? This blood libel stuff is ridiculous.

167 Aceofwhat?  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:43:52pm

re: #133 darthstar


Can you believe it’s been 120+ comments and nobody’s mentioned that Iran not trying to run a flotilla through the embargo/blockade/Israeli defenses was actually a good thing?

I’ll say it: good for the State Dept. Way to go!

bbl-

168 Tiny alien kittens are watching you  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:44:02pm
“Mechanisms exist for the transfer of humanitarian assistance to Gaza by member states and groups that want to do so,” the U.S. State Department said regarding Lebanese plans to ship aid to Gaza. “Direct delivery by sea is neither appropriate nor responsible, and certainly not effective, under the circumstances.”

But the logic, it burns us, it burnnns usss! arghhh. ;)

169 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:46:13pm

re: #162 darthstar

I used “blood-lust” in a sarc post to Steve. Bagua elevated that to “blood-libel” (which, as I understand it, means ritual murder or sacrifice with the intent to drink the victim’s blood)…honestly, that’s a little freaky to me. But once something’s on the internet, it’s there forever, like herpes. And no, for the record, I wasn’t accusing either Steve or Bagua of having herpes.

Yes, you accused Steve of “blood-lust” with a bit of added snark.

170 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:47:03pm

re: #164 windsagio

Thats my whole frustration. Blood Libel refers to the old racial prejudices and the accusations that people used to make about Jews (ie that they drank human blood). The term ‘bloodlust’ in modern usage has absolutely nothing to do with drinking any blood, but rather with

That definition of ‘bloodlust’ describes some peoples position on Iran to a T, especially albusteve’s.

Yeah, but the superior intellects have attempted to make it sound like I was using the former and not the latter. Shit happens.

171 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:47:27pm

re: #166 Nimed

Oopsy daisy. PIMF and make the necessary changes. “Attila was consumed with blood lust when he leveled Aquileia”.

172 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:49:33pm

re: #169 Bagua

Yes, you accused Steve of “blood-lust” with a bit of added snark.

Not bad…that only took you 133 comments to figure out. Blood-lust and blood-libel are two entirely different things, as windy explained above.

I realize this is an emotional subject for you (and others here), which is why, in part, I don’t take your insults personally.

173 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:52:01pm

re: #166 Nimed

Look, whenever someone engages or advocates war or military aggression that I consider unnecessary, “blood-thirsty” is one of the epithets that comes to mind, as in “Attila was a blood-thirsty SOB.”

Do you want to ban the use of the term? This blood libel stuff is ridiculous.

Not at all ridiculous. The depictions of Israelis and Jews as blood thirsty each time they defend themselves are extremely common and widespread. Your being unaware of this does not make it untrue.

This one below is from the recent “peace” flotilla. Jews stabbing the ship with a bloody sword. Yet we know the Jews were attacked and savagely beaten. The idea is to paint the victims as aggressors.


Image: 78260.jpg

174 Bubblehead II  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:52:11pm

New to the thread, so I am dropping to the bottom. I am sorry if this has been posted, but I think it has a lot to do with the cancelation of the planned attempt to break the blockade.

‘Lebanon blocking new bid to break Gaza sea blockade’

*snip*

“Lebanese leaders fear that any new attempt to break Israel’s maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip could inflame tensions in the region, already high since Israel killed nine Turkish activists during a raid on an aid convoy on May 31, the paper said.”

As a side note, Charles would you please get rid of the auto http:// in the links window. It’s a pain to always have to delete it before you paste your link into it.

175 Bubblehead II  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:54:22pm

It figures. I post a late comment and Charles opens a new thread.

/// Charles hates me…… Stamps foot and move up thread.

176 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:55:20pm

re: #172 darthstar

Not bad…that only took you 133 comments to figure out. Blood-lust and blood-libel are two entirely different things, as windy explained above.

I realize this is an emotional subject for you (and others here), which is why, in part, I don’t take your insults personally.

Again, they are not different things. It is a blood-libel tactic and I have already stated that you may be unaware of this. Obviously you are. The charges of excessive force leveled against Israel each time Israel defends itself is a modern form of the traditional blood-libel. The whole purpose of these ships is to have more blood-libels to pin on Israel. They are deliberate provocations.

177 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 3:58:48pm

re: #173 Bagua

Not at all ridiculous. The depictions of Israelis and Jews as blood thirsty each time they defend themselves are extremely common and widespread. Your being unaware of this does not make it untrue.

This one below is from the recent “peace” flotilla. Jews stabbing the ship with a bloody sword. Yet we know the Jews were attacked and savagely beaten. The idea is to paint the victims as aggressors.

Image: 78260.jpg

Yep…that cartoon does depict the Israelis as violent (he’s wearing a cowboy hat, and not a yarmulke, so I don’t think it’s meant to label all Jews, but the Israeli government itself). That said, I can see where one might be offended.

To play devil’s advocate (and for the record I thought the flotilla was a silly idea regardless of how I feel about the embargo/blockade itself), there’s a difference of opinion out there about who the attackers were. Many people see the flotilla members as defending themselves and the soldiers (even though they were armed with toys for godonlyknowswhy) as attackers, while others see the soldiers as innocent victims who weren’t prepared for resistance by the attacking boats. It’s a fucked up argument either way you look at it, and one that won’t be settled in our lifetime.

178 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:00:02pm

re: #177 darthstar

Damn, figures it would be DS that makes me abandon the thread ;)

179 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:00:32pm

re: #176 Bagua

Again, they are not different things. It is a blood-libel tactic and I have already stated that you may be unaware of this. Obviously you are. The charges of excessive force leveled against Israel each time Israel defends itself is a modern form of the traditional blood-libel. The whole purpose of these ships is to have more blood-libels to pin on Israel. They are deliberate provocations.

Blood-lust is simply getting a hard-on for wars when you don’t have to participate in them. It’s not a blood-libel tactic. Americans had blood-lust for the Taliban and Al Qaeda after 9/11, and rightly so. I know I did. I don’t think it was blood-libel. I just wanted (and still want) that fucker bin Laden dead.

180 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:03:40pm

re: #177 darthstar

Yep…that cartoon does depict the Israelis as violent (he’s wearing a cowboy hat, and not a yarmulke, so I don’t think it’s meant to label all Jews, but the Israeli government itself). That said, I can see where one might be offended.

[…]

And there are hundreds of similar comics in the Arab media every-time Israel defends itself. Sometimes the hands are dripping with blood, or in this one a sword, in others the Jews have actual fangs and are drinking blood. The allegation is always lusting for blood, one way or another. When used against Israel or Jews it plays into this historic reality, again, whether you realise or not.

181 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:05:28pm

re: #180 Bagua

The point is still this.

The word “Bloodlust” does not mean that in the English language, and hasn’t meant that for a long time.

If the problem here is that English isn’t your first language and you’re honestly confused, I’ll be more than happy to apologize.

182 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:07:16pm

When I see “bloodlust” all I think is “well, I play alliance, so we call it heroism.”

183 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:08:44pm

re: #182 Fozzie Bear

Fuck WoW. I almost had to go to hte hospital because of that game.

184 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:09:03pm

re: #180 Bagua

And there are hundreds of similar comics in the Arab media every-time Israel defends itself. Sometimes the hands are dripping with blood, or in this one a sword, in others the Jews have actual fangs and are drinking blood. The allegation is always lusting for blood, one way or another. When used against Israel or Jews it plays into this historic reality, again, whether you realise or not.

And there are hundreds of comics depicting Arabs as suicide bombers. I don’t see how they’re all that different from each other? Or is it okay only to mock the other side? Who was that dude with the Birkenstocks who talked about not sinning and first stones and shit? Whether you realize it or not.

185 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:09:46pm

re: #183 windsagio

Fuck WoW. I almost had to go to hte hospital because of that game.

Jesus what happened?

186 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:11:13pm

re: #184 darthstar

And there are hundreds of comics depicting Arabs as suicide bombers. I don’t see how they’re all that different from each other? Or is it okay only to mock the other side? Who was that dude with the Birkenstocks who talked about not sinning and first stones and shit? Whether you realize it or not.

So it is ok to use a libel because there are others that may be libeled? “You did it too” is that your argument here?

187 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:11:37pm

re: #173 Bagua

Not at all ridiculous. The depictions of Israelis and Jews as blood thirsty each time they defend themselves are extremely common and widespread.
This one below is from the recent “peace” flotilla. Jews stabbing the ship with a bloody sword.

Sorry, spent some time upstairs.

How do you go from that to saying that it’s unacceptable for darthstar to call albusteve, which is not even Jewish, blood-thirsty?

188 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:13:19pm

re: #185 Fozzie Bear

I was an officer in a top-100 ranked raiding guild (this was in Burning crusade), and a former friend who was another officer (but who I’d gotten into personality conflicts with because we were the 2 that really ran everything and had some power struggles) convinced the Guild Leader and most of our top players to quit and transfer with him to Death and Taxes (this was right before they collapsed, ironically), and also stole our entire guild bank (which was worth probably 5000$ real money).

The stress was so bad I was having chest pains for a few days, not to mention the longterm stomach problems from the previous stress.

I decided that I was done at htat point (no game should make you sick), and now I can barely stand to LOOK at WoW related things.

189 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:13:26pm

re: #187 Nimed

Sorry, spent some time upstairs.

How do you go from that to saying that it’s unacceptable for darthstar to call albusteve, which is not even Jewish, blood-thirsty?

Read my comments and you may understand.

re: #36 darthstar

You do realize that blood-lust makes your ass look big.

abusteve is not blood thirsty. This is a blood libel tactic. Steve is responding to Iranian aggression and threats.

190 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:13:27pm

re: #186 Bagua

So it is ok to use a libel because there are others that may be libeled? “You did it too” is that your argument here?

Nope. I’m just saying one shouldn’t get all worked up because of a political cartoon. It’s a reflection on the artist, and not on an entire race or religion.

191 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:15:03pm

re: #189 Bagua

Hey, don’t take my word for it.

192 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:18:52pm

re: #190 darthstar

Nope. I’m just saying one shouldn’t get all worked up because of a political cartoon. It’s a reflection on the artist, and not on an entire race or religion.

Worked up? I object strongly to the demonisation of Israel and Jews. I object strongly to the Iranian proxy wars against Israel and their stated intention to wipe Israel off the map.

To you this is just art. Our views are different. To you the Iranians are just bluffing, you ignore the thousands of Iranian missiles that have been launched at Israel. To you the Iranian nuclear and missile program are not a proven threat. To me Iran is a real and severe threat.

193 Nimed  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:23:43pm

re: #189 Bagua

I’ve understood your argument, I just think you’re very wrong. But this isn’t going anywhere, so I’ll drop it.

194 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:23:47pm

re: #192 Bagua

Quite agree. Iran is a real threat. If they ever get a nuke, they will use it, giving it to either Hamas or Hezbollah. And/or using all those new medium and long range missiles they have been feverishly testing recently. Those who think Iran is only bluffing are wishful thinkers.

195 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:25:24pm

re: #194 charles_martel

So you’re saying that the leaders of Iran are suicidal. Got it.

196 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:27:15pm

re: #195 windsagio

Google the Cult of the Twelfth Imam. yes, they are — the leadership that is. Plus, Rafsanjani has publicly stated that Iran could survive a nuclear exchange, while they believe Israel will not.

197 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:29:03pm

re: #196 charles_martel

Google the Cult of the Twelfth Imam. yes, they are — the leadership that is. Plus, Rafsanjani has publicly stated that Iran could survive a nuclear exchange, while they believe Israel will not.

There is nothing the Iranians or any enemies of Israel could do or say that would receive criticism from windsagio. He consistently spins on their behalf.

198 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:29:31pm

re: #195 windsagio

Read this:

iran-press-service.com

199 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:29:33pm

re: #192 Bagua

Worked up? I object strongly to the demonisation of Israel and Jews. I object strongly to the Iranian proxy wars against Israel and their stated intention to wipe Israel off the map.

To you this is just art. Our views are different. To you the Iranians are just bluffing, you ignore the thousands of Iranian missiles that have been launched at Israel. To you the Iranian nuclear and missile program are not a proven threat. To me Iran is a real and severe threat.

Sorry…had to take a call from a Sales creature…2K a day is a little high for consulting, so I’m trying a little politicking to get her down four or five hundred…

Okay, yes, it is “just art” And I understand your objecting to the demonization of Israel and Jews. I object to the demonization of Israel and Jews as well. But as you’ve noticed, I don’t buy into the demonization of Iran and Islam either. Just as I don’t buy into the demonization of the Republican party or the Democratic party (though I do see demons in those two groups).

As I live in the US, all the threats I see are, for the most part, domestic, yes. That doesn’t mean I don’t care what happens overseas.

200 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:32:41pm

re: #197 Bagua

There is nothing the Iranians or any enemies of Israel could do or say that would receive criticism from windsagio. He consistently spins on their behalf.

So is your beef against Iran or windsagio? If your differences are irreconcilable, then maybe it’s best not to engage…and vice-versa. But LGF is a place where people come for that sole purpose (at times). I always try to pull something positive from these discussions (one of the downsides of being a pie-eyed peace pussy, I suppose).

201 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:32:46pm

re: #199 darthstar

Sorry…had to take a call from a Sales creature…2K a day is a little high for consulting, so I’m trying a little politicking to get her down four or five hundred…

Okay, yes, it is “just art” And I understand your objecting to the demonization of Israel and Jews. I object to the demonization of Israel and Jews as well. But as you’ve noticed, I don’t buy into the demonization of Iran and Islam either. Just as I don’t buy into the demonization of the Republican party or the Democratic party (though I do see demons in those two groups).

As I live in the US, all the threats I see are, for the most part, domestic, yes. That doesn’t mean I don’t care what happens overseas.

Great, then we agree. I was pointing out how your “joke” played into a tactic you don’t approve of and were apparently unaware of. Now you understand. That is progress.

202 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:36:39pm

re: #201 Bagua

Great, then we agree. I was pointing out how your “joke” played into a tactic you don’t approve of and were apparently unaware of. Now you understand. That is progress.

My opinion hasn’t changed, nor my understanding. My joke didn’t play into the ‘blood-libel tactic’…that was something you brought up and suggested. I fully knew what you were doing, but chose to ignore it until others started getting involved, and as we’ve had a few delete-fests today, figured it was worth my time to stick around and explain myself, which I have done, clearly, at least twice now.

203 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:36:51pm

re: #200 darthstar

So is your beef against Iran or windsagio? If your differences are irreconcilable, then maybe it’s best not to engage…and vice-versa. But LGF is a place where people come for that sole purpose (at times). I always try to pull something positive from these discussions (one of the downsides of being a pie-eyed peace pussy, I suppose).

As Windy feels it necessary to troll me constantly, I am free to respond. As he takes the opposing side in every pro-Israel thread, I feel free to respond. I prefer to discuss things to both learn and educate, to exchange ideas, something we usually end up doing. But those who just wish to troll me get barked at.

204 justaminute  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:37:27pm

I am always late when LGF wants to talk Iran. Since I am married to an Iranian and have been going there every couple of years I know what some there are thinking.

The mullahs are really not in charge that much now. It’s pretty much of a military dictatorship. It’s pretty hard to rise up and fight the regime when you know you are going to die. They want electricity because the electricity goes off and on and when it is 115F that makes everyone cranky. On a day to day basis you don’t think about Israel. They think about the US because they are actually to the right and left of them. They have alot of Afghans that have come from across the border, thanks to the war. Refugees is kind of painful when you barely have money to help yourself. They have lived alot with sanctions for a long time. But thank you, they will take that instead of bombs.
P.S. that COIN strategy that the US thinks is going to work in Afghanistan, its not. But that’s OK, it will keep the US busy for another 2 or 3 years.

205 Bagua  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:38:52pm

re: #204 justaminute

But that’s OK, it will keep the US busy for another 2 or 3 years.

Why is that “OK”?

206 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:43:22pm

re: #205 Bagua

Why is that “OK”?

It keeps us from invading Iran.

207 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:43:28pm

re: #197 Bagua

Man I sure was up on them beating the hell out of their own people! That was totally excellent on their part!

208 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:44:34pm

re: #204 justaminute

To me, that makes Iran even more dangerous. How did Nazi Germany dig itself out of the Great Depression? By mobilizing and launching a war. Economic hardship and public unrest only will make the Iranian leaders take more drastic steps to stay in power.

209 justaminute  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:44:48pm

re: #205 Bagua

Why is that “OK”?

Because alot of Iranians have family here and in Europe. They know alot of whats happening here. What you see on your TV screen, they do to. They know the US is in a tight space money wise. The longer the US keeps fighting with itself the better off they are. We are not hardly United anymore.

210 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:46:27pm

re: #208 charles_martel

To me, that makes Iran even more dangerous. How did Nazi Germany dig itself out of the Great Depression? By mobilizing and launching a war. Economic hardship and public unrest only will make the Iranian leaders take more drastic steps to stay in power.

Shit…we went over two hundred comments without mentioning the Nazis…that’s gotta be a fucking record.

211 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:48:06pm

re: #203 Bagua

Some day you’ll understand that people can disagree with you in good faith, and hopefully soon after, you’ll learn that people disagreeing isn’t a personal attack.

212 justaminute  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:49:19pm

re: #208 charles_martel

To me, that makes Iran even more dangerous. How did Nazi Germany dig itself out of the Great Depression? By mobilizing and launching a war. Economic hardship and public unrest only will make the Iranian leaders take more drastic steps to stay in power.

You think that because you are looking at history, they are not. Many just live month to month. Iran the dictatorship wants you to think they are dangerous, but the people do not want you to. They just want what you want, to live, feed your family, send your kids to school. Be happy, they want what every human does. They do not want to kill or be killed.

213 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:50:05pm

re: #210 darthstar

I’m sorry, but I do consider Iran just as dangerous as the Nazis. They are ideologues in a position to start a world war just as big as WWII.

214 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:52:13pm

re: #212 justaminute

I quite understand that the Iranian people are good people, but they are not in control of their government, as you yourself said. In the end, the leadership of Iran may start a nuclear war, and the world must deal with that.

215 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:53:08pm

re: #213 charles_martel

I think its a dangerous mistake to confuse the Rhetoric coming out of Iran with what they really want.

Religion can be a powerful tool for control, but they know nationalism is a better one. Constantly putting up the US and Israel (and the west in general) is a great way for the government to try to retain control… But its slipping anyways.

Iran is going towards what is essentially a secular military dictatorship, and has been for a while. The Mullah’s BEST hope for keeping control is an attack by the US and Israel at this point.

216 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:55:21pm

re: #213 charles_martel

I’m sorry, but I do consider Iran just as dangerous as the Nazis. They are ideologues in a position to start a world war just as big as WWII.

Then you don’t understand how WWII started. It’s worth a read, by the way, that story. The constant comparison of people to the Nazis is so overused that it carries about the same weight of accusing the government of acting like Pharaohs.

217 windsagio  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 4:56:06pm

re: #216 darthstar

I’m warning you, you’re acting exactly like Oliver Cromwell!

218 justaminute  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 5:00:06pm

re: #214 charles_martel

I quite understand that the Iranian people are good people, but they are not in control of their government, as you yourself said. In the end, the leadership of Iran may start a nuclear war, and the world must deal with that.

There is no reliable reporting what the average Iranian want. I can just report gossip. Why do you think the government has a death wish? If they have a death wish why are they (gov and Revolutionary Guards loading themselves up with wealth? Talk is if Israel or the US bombs there is already safe house and place for them. Not the people. Dead poor Iranians are going to be the pics out of bombing there. Is the world ready for that or the American public. Because that is all your going to probably get.

219 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 5:01:22pm

re: #217 windsagio

I’m warning you, you’re acting exactly like Oliver Cromwell!

Damn…I was hoping for Neville Chamberlain.///
///
///
///

220 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 5:10:23pm

re: #216 darthstar

Then you don’t understand how WWII started. It’s worth a read, by the way, that story. The constant comparison of people to the Nazis is so overused that it carries about the same weight of accusing the government of acting like Pharaohs.

I just love it when people simply refuse to believe their own ears when they hear the stated hegemonic and genocidal objectives of the leadership of Iran. Many in the US also denied Hitler’s own horrific plans for many years, with tragic results.

221 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 5:14:21pm

re: #215 windsagio

I disagree. Most liberals and atheists discount the power of religion as a motivating factor. We cannot ignore Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, and the fact that they are right now waging a proxy war with Israel using them. Once they get nuclear weapons, they have multiple means of delivery, and the destruction of Israel would make them heroes and the undisputed leader in the muslim world.

222 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 5:20:25pm

re: #218 justaminute

Why do you think the government has a death wish?

The words of Ahmadinejad, the words of Rafsanjani, the words of the Defense Minister….

223 darthstar  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 5:27:15pm

re: #222 charles_martel

The words of Ahmadinejad, the words of Rafsanjani, the words of the Defense Minister…

Rafsanjani is the moderate in Iran…you’re confusing him with another Ayatollah:

Following years of deterioration in foreign relations under Khomeini during the Iran-Iraq war, Rafsanjani sought to rebuild ties among Arab states,[25] as well as with countries in Central Asia, including Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.[26] However, relations with European countries and the United States remained poor, even though Rafsanjani has a track record of handling difficult situations and defusing crises.[27]

He condemned both the United States and Iraq during the Persian Gulf War in 1991. After the war he strove to renew close ties with the West, although he refused to lift Khomeini’s fatwa against the British author Salman Rushdie.[28]

Rafsanjani has said that Iran is ready to assist Iraq, “expecting nothing in return”. On the other hand, he has said that “peace and stability” is a function of the “evacuation of the occupiers.”[29]

Iran gave humanitarian help to the victims of the conflict. Iran sent truck loads of food and medicine to Iraq and thousands of Kuwaiti refugees were given shelters in Iran.[30]

Rafsanjani voiced support to Prince Abdullah’s peace initiative and to “everything the Palestinians agree to”. He was also clear that Iran’s international interests must take precedence over those of Iranian allies in Syria and Lebanon.[27]

Rafsanjani is a supporter of Iran’s nuclear program. In 2007 Rafsanjani reiterated that the use of weapons of mass destruction was not part of the Islamic Republic culture. Rafsanjani said: “You [US and allies] are saying that you cannot trust Iran would not use its nuclear achievements in the military industries, but we are ready to give you full assurances in this respect.”[31]


from wikipedia

224 charles_martel  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 5:52:36pm

re: #223 darthstar

RAFSANJANI SAYS MUSLIMS SHOULD USE NUCLEAR WEAPON AGAINST ISRAEL

TEHRAN 14 Dec. (IPS) One of Iran’s most influential ruling cleric called Friday on the Muslim states to use nuclear weapon against Israel, assuring them that while such an attack would annihilate Israel, it would cost them “damages only”.

iran-press-service.com

225 abolitionist  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 6:11:51pm

re: #224 charles_martel

Not to minimize it, but that story is from Dec 2001, according to the URL.

226 lawhawk  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 6:12:46pm

I said this when Iran was first squawking over sending ships. They were all bluster but no actual capabilities. Iran barely has a navy to speak of, and they’re not particularly seaworthy outside their territorial waters, let alone a significant sea transit into the Med. It just wasn’t going to happen, and they don’t have the ships at their disposal to send their navy ships to confront the Israelis and protect their own waters.

It would have been far more credible if Turkey wanted to run the blockade with their navy, which is one of the larger ones in Europe.

The Iranians were doing this for domestic consumption and to puff up their own standing.

Still, it is curious that they claim that they backed down because of “Israeli threats”. Since when has that stopped the Iranians from going off the deep end when it comes to Israel? Perhaps their navy leadership told Ahmadinejad and the mad mullahs that they don’t have the ships that can do what they claim.

227 Achilles Tang  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 6:23:56pm

re: #221 charles_martel

Most liberals and atheists discount the power of religion as a motivating factor.

Rubbish.

228 Dr. Shalit  Thu, Jun 24, 2010 7:23:49pm

Obviously, the “Iranians” a/k/a Persians are caught between IRAQ and a HARD PLACE. They know the score, Israel would sink an “Iranian” Vessel in a New York Minute. Turkey was different, the Israelis want to repair that relationship if possible. In Turkey, a democratic change of government or Kemalist Coup would do it. In the case of the so called “Iran” a/k/a Persia, more would have to happen to restore the Kissengerian balance reached in the mid-1970’s prior to the Khomenist Coup. Old Henry had the IDEA, Turkey + Israel + Persia as a de facto alliance = Peace in the Middle East. Paraphrasing the old rationale for NATO - It Kept The USA In, The Russians more or less OUT, and the ISLAMISTS DOWN! Was a great plan. Then, unfortunately, with My Help, CARTER HAPPENED. -S-

229 jayzee  Fri, Jun 25, 2010 2:05:13pm

Can you sail to Gaza from the Caspian Sea?


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