Gates warns against Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities

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April 16, 2009

The Defense secretary tells a group of Marine students that such a strike would only delay the nuclear program while strengthening the Iranians' resolve.

Washington -- Amid increasing suggestions that Israel may attack Iran's nuclear facilities, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates warned this week that such a strike would have dangerous consequences, and asserted that Tehran's acquisition of a bomb can be prevented only if "Iranians themselves decide it's too costly."

Using his strongest language on the subject to date, Gates told a group of Marine Corps students that although a strike probably would delay Tehran's nuclear program one to three years, it would unify Iranians, "cement their determination to have a nuclear program, and also build into the whole country an undying hatred of whoever hits them." Israeli officials fear that the Islamic Republic may gain the know-how to build a bomb as early as this year, and several of them have warned that Israel could strike first to eliminate what it considers an existential threat.

read: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-us-iran16-2009apr16,0,5208507.story

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1. .

[LooseWilly]

2. Just say No...

I'm so glad it's Obama in office, and whose virtual "permission" the Israelis need before they pull this sort of move.
A little "No Drama" is called for right about now.