Stephen Lendman: To War or Not To War! Syria And Iran in The Crosshairs!

• To War or Not To War! 
  by Stephen Lendman, http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/ 
  Will Obama wage more wars or won’t he? He’s already fighting multiple direct and proxy ones. November elections approach. Electoral priorities dictate policy. On the one hand, Americans are fed up with wars. More risks offending supporters who want current ones ended. Holding back gives Republicans a campaign issue. Acting tough against alleged enemies sometimes sells well. Smart money says not now.
   –
  Doing the right thing doesn’t matter. Imperial priorities take precedence. Odds favor full-scale Syrian intervention. Timing alone remains unknown. Consequences can wait for later. Will Iran be next?
   –
  On August 3, Haaretz headlined “Netanyahu: If Israel attacks Iran, I will take responsibility for the consequences,” saying:
   –
  He criticized Israeli security officials for suggesting they’re concerned about taking responsibility for agreeing.
   –
  Unnamed ones believe “Netanyahu remains steadfast in his determination not to rely on the United States, and can be expected to order the IDF to attack Iran in the coming months.” Others think he’s bluffing. It’s “psychological warfare” to pressure Washington to attack. Asked about repercussions if he acts unilaterally, he said “I’ll go and say that I, I am responsible.”
   –
  Some with him said “he pounded the table and his chest with his fist.” His fuming didn’t stop. “I’ve had enough of this atmosphere,” he said. Ranting shows poor leadership skills. It’s also reveals his megalomaniacal worldview. He menaces everyone regionally and beyond.
   –
  He rails against regional rivals. He always prefers having Washington do his dirty work. He admits Obama won’t act now. Greater pressure is needed to budge him. False flags always shove hard. Both countries have long histories using them.
   –
  If war looks imminent as some say, that strategy seems likely. Netanyahu’s office refused to comment on quotes and histrionics attributed to him. Mossad-connected DEBKAfile (DF) isn’t shy about controversial reports. Some have credibility. Others are too fanciful or implausible to believe. Still more come straight from Israel’s propaganda handbook.
   –
  DF’s August 5 report may combine some of all three. Headlined “Wartime tasks split: US to smash Iran’s missiles, Israel tackle Syria, Hizballah,” it said:
   –
  An unnamed “US military source” said “American armed forces are standing ready for war with Iran.” Prioritized is “destroy(ing) Iran’s Shebab-3 ballistic missile batteries.”
   –
  They can strike Israel, Gulf states, and US regional bases. Iran’s missile arsenal is large. Syria and Hezbollah have their own. War might unite them against a common foe. None seek conflict but will defend themselves effectively if attacked. Tiny Israel would be battered. So would US regional assets. Level-headed commanders know the risks.
   –
  DF claims America’s Aegis missile defense, Israel’s Arrow rockets and Iron Dome offer adequate protection. Putting them to the test may prove them more porous than protective. Neither country wants that known if true.
   –
  On August 4, Defense Minister Brig. General Ahmad Vahidi said Iran successfully test-fired its fourth generation Fateh 100 missile. Its range is 300km. It’s able to strike and destroy land and sea targets with 100% accuracy.
  –
  read more!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BbtqLSM6068]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KLSlmLx4Fls]

end