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One Step Closer to War in Iran

By Larry Johnson on March 11, 2008 at 3:51 PM in Iran, Iraq

While most people are fixated with the spectacle of Elliot Spitzer’s tasty hookers, the real news broke this afternoon that really deserves your full attention because we are a step closer to war with Iran.  Admiral William Fallon, Commander of Central Command aka CENTCOM, resigned. The resignation follows on the heels of last week’s article in Esquire, The Man Between War and Peace.  Please read it.

Admiral Fallon has led the resistance among military senior commanders who oppose a military strike against Iran.  Fallon correctly recognizes that an attack on Iran will put the United States at great risk and ruin our ability to influence events for the good in the Middle East.  He knows first hand that U.S. military forces are stretched past the breaking point and are unable to provide the military support required to carry out offensive operations against targets in Iran.  This is madness and President Bush has not learned a goddamned thing from the mis-adventure in Iraq.  It is time for Congress to stand firmly against this rush to war.  But it is an election year and such a stand would require courage–a trait sorely lacking among most members of either party.

  • http://noquarterusa.net/ SusanUnPC

    Thanks, Larry. I was hoping you’d be available to write this up.

    And I’m so glad you linked the Esquire story, which CNN is mentioning in its coverage.

    This is so insane, I can’t even comprehend it.

  • JoeySky

    For the sake of the country and the world, Bush should just go play golf for the rest of his presidency.

  • grannyhelen

    Wow. Great article – thanks…and too bad we’re losing him.

  • simon

    Well, Cheney’s going to the middle east next week, right?

    I guess I’m not worried about it, even if he does bomb, he’s such a fuck up, it won’t matter.

    What was that movie, Dr Stragelove, or How I Learned to Love the Bomb?

    Just another day in Nutbush city limits…

  • http://www.apj.us Gene Gaudette

    Naturally, our sterling news media have their journalistic and pundit noses planted firmly in Elito Spitzer’s crotch when a far more ominous and significant story should be the top headline.

  • Cromwell’s severed head

    Thank God impeachment is off the table and the neocons are in full retreat. Now back to American Idol.

    • simon

      neocons in full retreat

      Do you think bombing Iran would be a good move for the neocons?

      It’s a pushback, right on schedule for the dull witted ones, isn’t it?

      It would be a disaster for Israel, and Bush, further isolating both, and depriving them of more oil profit, no matter what crazy delusions are currently playing in their heads.

      Think about it.

  • fiscalliberal

    Larry – I remember that it was rumored that Mel Laird ignored some of Nixon’s orders.

    Do you think Gates would execute the Iran Strike Order with out resigning?

    • simon

      Do you think Gates would execute the Iran Strike Order with out resigning?

      Playing demon’s advocate here, like ping pong, say, do you think there are interests within the US government that would play dick Cheney, and the neocons, and this move was anticipated?

      Just a what if…

  • roseeriter

    I’ve wondered for quite awhile that if Bush does go into Iran will he then have to stay as the president?
    Meaning how could we interupt the ‘new war’ by changing hands? The repugs in congress have been looking realy smug to me lately like they know something’s up.

  • S. Markom

    It seems impossible to stage any kind of invasion into Iran. So wouldn’t it be more likely that it would be bombing missions targeting suspected nuclear facilities?

    And if so would they do it to affect the election or following the election

  • Mr.Murder

    Bush is meeting with Sarkozy, and assembling several Euro bigwigs in the talk.

    France is the company whose interests parallel Iran back to their efforts of colonial rule.

    They have extensive holdings there. Some major fiscal triangulation is going on.

    Meanwhile, a hundred billion of Iraq’s oil money in each of two recent years has propped American banks up, and as these withdrawals were announced we timed with it a Fed auction for helping lenders.

    It looks from glance like Iran’s leader got Iraq to call dubya’s bluff and left the taxpayer and Federal Reserve footing the bill for their neighbor’s private takeover of some market sector institutions and their capital.

    Just one more way China end runs the market structures and continues expanding its influence.

    • simon

      It looks from glance like Iran’s leader got Iraq to call dubya’s bluff and left the taxpayer and Federal Reserve footing the bill for their neighbor’s private takeover of some market sector institutions and their capital.

      Just one more way China end runs the market structures and continues expanding its influence.

      Well, yes, and if Cheney thinks this, really thinks this, I suppose he’d be scared shitless.

      Which would be really really interesting, boy, what an ANGLE, I wonder what makes dick run, other than that worn out pacemaker?

      Must be a human nightmare, being dick…

  • Mr.Murder

    France is the country whose *company* dossier of interests parallel Iran’s economic interests back to their days of colonial rule.

    Multinationals are the companies that control countries though. So the Freudian typo stands.

  • IndyRobin

    Well, it’s IndyRobin so it must be OFF TOPIC

    Importnt: Media Matters tells the press to STFU

    Hillary Clinton is NOT a RACIST

    http://mediamatters.org/columns/200803110002

  • Paul

    Thank you Larry for bringing this to our attention.

    It’s the most important news story of the day & I pray to God there is another man in our military like Admiral Fallon that will not let this administrations mad men recklessly bomb Iran.

    Lord hear our prayer.

  • Cromwell’s severed head

    Cromwell’s severed head says:

    Simon:

    Of course I was being sarcastic. I never put much stock in the premature obituaries, of the neocon war mongers, who still have more influence than they deserve, even if everything they have touched hadn’t turned into a FUBAR, cluster fuck.

    “It would be a disaster for Israel, and Bush, further isolating both, and depriving them of more oil profit, no matter what crazy delusions are currently playing in their heads.”

    Yes and so what? Moral certitude doesn’t require reflection or restraint.They are like the compulsive gambler, who doubles down, even if they know they are going to get knee capped, if they don’t roll the hard eight.
    The only people who are dull witted, are the ones who assume that a war with Iran is so idiotic that even our Moron and Chief wouldn’t go there. They i.e., the toga wearing, triangulating, congress, critters may be right but if they are wrong than they will bare as much blame as any of the neocons.

    • simon

      Moral certitude doesn’t require reflection or restraint.They are like the compulsive gambler, who doubles down, even if they know they are going to get knee capped, if they don’t roll the hard eight.

      I have no doubt they would bomb, I think Cheney, and Bush, and the rest of that crew are fucking nuts.

      But this smacks of another simplistic psy ops move, smoke, if you will, and I hate to see the American people, nice people, tied up in psychological knots because those ko0ks can’t run the country, or their war, and their sophisticated game of “go fish”, against the world has blown up in their faces.

      And someone mentioned the financial shenanigans going on, now, and that is the bigger picture, I would venture.

      But they trot this old warhorse out every three months, and it’s tired.

      But you know, Cheney would bomb, but again, like Iraq, it would blow up in their faces. Smart diplomacy does not involve a repeated move of “I’m going to blow up your country if you dont do as I say.” Childish amateur bullshit from the minds of frightened little neocons.

      They just cannot see the long term, or calculate how their enemies manipulate them.

      They’re not smart men, look at Bush, what you see is what you get.

  • OxyCon

    Fallon, who opposes attacking Iran gets fired at the same time DICK cheney is traveling to the Middle east.

    Is DICK cheney going to the Middle East as an envoy to make the case for attacking Iran? The story deliberately being flogged by the MSM is that DICK cheney is going to the Middle East to talk about oil prices. Yeah, right.

  • John Stanton

    Thank you LJ for lending your name to the theory that Fallon was a roadblock to war with Iran. I think so too having had more experience than most in covering Iran since the late 70′s. The Esquire piece, all should note, mentioned–in so many words–that Fallon believed that Iran would be crushed “like ants.” It was not a puff piece, I think. In fact, there were so many cross-currents in it that it’s hard to know why such a powerful UCC would resign based on an article in, of all publications, Esquire. Not to minimize the great journalism but—it’s Esquire.

    So, the timing of this is odd–not conspiracy BS, but just odd. Eight US soldiers killed in Iraq yesterday, a rash of bombings in Baghdad, whatever. Any talks between us and Iran–forward, backward, canceled– are going to be cloaked in chess moves with people (their lives), places, things so who can say…

    Ahhhhhhhh!! Who am I kidding! Whadda I know!?…On the news of Fallon’s departure, I went and bought a six of cheap ice beer…

    • simon

      The Esquire piece, all should note, mentioned–in so many words–that Fallon believed that Iran would be crushed “like ants

      In an asymmetric war?

      Are our heads still stuck up our ass, do we still think it’s world war two?

      How sad.

      • TeakwoodKite

        In an asymmetric war?… III, I’m sure China Russia won’t just be covert about it..

        • simon

          III, I’m sure China Russia won’t just be covert about it

          I guess it would depend on my long term goal.

          If I’m going to try to break the neck of the US, the US dollar, and I’m smarter than Bush, but not smarter , than say, the Pentagon, I would use an attack on Iran to again drain US resources, much like the US did the USSR, in Afghanistan. How many ways could I creatively monkeyfuck with US military operations? How long could I create problems, and how will the Pentagon respond, given Cheney’s reactions?

          And I do this while consolidating oil, and diminishing Israel’s role in the middle east. And the EU, too, dont forget, has a stake in this too, thank god for Auchi. (heh)

          But again, I’m only smarter than Bush, say.

          I have seen words come out of Iran that could have been written by Bush’s media teams, so they’re hip to the psy ops, probably far more informed than most like to give credit, Iran, China and the Russians. Asia and the middle east have become so western.

  • Nobama

    Since the Dec NIE was a total fabrication and Iran is indeed developing the capacity to produce and deploy nuclear weapons, some sort of preemptive strike may be necessary. There isn’t a whole lot of time left. The point of no return will be reached before the end of next year.

    If the US doesn’t eliminate Iran’s capacity to develop a bomb, Israel will do something to slow things up somewhat. We’re running out of time and choices. It’s doubtful that UN sanctions would do much to prevent Iran from moving ahead.

    So, please, spare us the BS about the neocons. Totally irrelevant. We have to deal with reality. Everyone–Israel, France and Britain–knows that Iran never halted its nuclear program. They’re hell bent on attaining nuclear weapons and that can’t be allowed to happen. Eliminating their program can be done with a bombing campaign, not an invasion.

    • simon

      Since the Dec NIE was a total fabrication and Iran is indeed developing the capacity to produce and deploy nuclear weapons, some sort of preemptive strike may be necessary.

      Please spare us the bullshit of the military rhetoric.

      Really, a nuclear Iran was a reality a long time ago, how can it be contained?

      Iran has HUGE economic interests, and other countries have HUGE economic interests in Iran, that is the leverage.

      Again, anyone who thinks bombing is the answer has his head up his ass, and is being trolled.

      You know, this seems rather apparent given the advances in war theory.

      And really, terrorism?

      Who is facilitating that?

      This whole nuclear scenario, Iran as boogieman, is a load of shit.

      God, this is simplistic thinking..

      • simon

        I guess as long as the subject has been broached, I think Iran will have nuclear energy, and the US must adjust.

        The idea Iran will use the technology to immediately bomb Israel, or New York, is a load of shit. The Russians and the Chinese have far too much invested in Iranian oil to allow ANY nuclear mishap, and the mullahs like that money, IMO.

        But how do we broach diplomatic relations with Iran, in the next administration?

        Just a what if, just wondering…

    • Michael Lafferty

      You are out of your damned mind! And, I say that as a former military intelligence officer.

      The near unanimous consensus opinion of the many intelligence agencies which contributed to the National Intelligence Estimate is that Iran poses no credible threat, and is not on track to developing a nuclear weapons program.

      There is NEVER a justification for such a preemptive strike, and all US Presidents before George Bush, including is own father, understood that. Israel would be foolish to strike Iran. It barely fought Hezbollah to a standstill in their last engagement. It is ill equipped to strike Iran or anyone else!

      Spare us your bullshit! Your thoughts run completely counter to the best available intelligence information. Unless, of course, you trust the twisted minds that brought you the mess in Iraq. How’s that going, by the way?

      • simon

        You are out of your damned mind! And, I say that as a former military intelligence officer.

        Thank you.

      • Nobama

        Michael, you are not up to date and are rather naive to still believe the Dec NIE BS. The US intelligence agencies that knew better dissented. That report, for the first time in history, was put together by ex-State flacks. The intelligence agencies of Britain, France, Israel and others know full well that Iran never halted its nuclear development program. They just shut it down in October, 2003, so they could redeploy to secret underground facilities unknown to the IAEA.

        Iran is not going to halt development because of UN sanctions or because of what Russia wants.

        As for preemptive strikes, they sure worked well for Israel against Iraq’s Osirak facility and against nuclear facilities in Syria.

        • simon

          Iran is not going to halt development because of UN sanctions or because of what Russia wants.

          You’re not reading correctly.

          BTW, why are you so anxious to bomb Iran?

          Seems as if you’re a little frightened?

          Or is it something else, to do with money, and Cheney, as patrick henry said, the threat to Iran only being the first step in this now all to commmon money dance?

          I think that scares Dick…

        • Taters

          Nobama, some very honorable people in the know put their careers on the line to get that NIE out – despite fierce opposition. Do you lend Cheney credence? It was State “flacks” who dissented on the 2002 NIE. You’re sounding like Podhoretz.

          Do you really believe the Mahdi Army would sit idly by if we bombed Iran? Baghdad could easily become Gordon’s Khartoum.
          One of the few successes of recent strategy, no, not the surge - but working with tribesmen would be negated. US supply lines could easily be cut off.
          An army marches on it’s stomach. No good can come in attacking Iran.

        • Michael Lafferty

          The more you say, the more foolish you sound.

          The National Intelligence Estimate is the result of the collaborative efforts of sixteen agencies, a consensus view presented to the administration by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Prior to the creation of this superfluous and largely ineffective agency under the Bush administration, it was offered to the Director National Intelligence, a post held by the Director of Central Intelligence.

          Assembled by “…ex-State flacks?” And you base this claim on what? Your long career in the intelligence field? Reports from FOX News? The claims of the same cabal that brought you reports of yellowcake and weapons of mass destruction?

          I will pit my 15 years of experience in both the active US Army and its reserve components—most of it as a tactical intelligence office and electronic warfare specialist—against your resume.

          Keep talkin’ – you appear more clueless by the moment…

    • CK

      I agree that the republicans and their donk enablers will have to start this war before election day.
      They have to believe that the only way to keep a woman or a black from having access to the football is to have a war going on before the voters go to the polls.
      Otherwise old man McCan’t is going down harder than an Empire Hooker on a Governor with money.

  • Michael Lafferty

    This is ominous news, almost on the order of a cold war ‘early warning indicator’ to the ‘enemy.’ You can be confident that Admiral Fallon resigned, because he was not willing to carry out the orders of the present civilian ‘leadership.’

    The Iranians will interpret this as a cannon fired over the bow, and will plan accordingly. They cannot withstand a direct attack, but neither can we be confident that Chuck Horner’s air war—the now infamous shock and awe approach—will actually do sufficient damage to their infrastructure to end what we perceive as their efforts to build a deliverable nuclear weapon.

    The immediate response as an attack approaches: world oil prices spike and gasoline at the pump heads to the $ 7.00 to $ 8.00 range. The Iranians are patient, and will not preemptively strike, or immediately offer a substantial counter to our attack. But in the months following such a strike, the Middle East will be bloodied as their proxies mount retaliatory skirmishes and introduce the word ‘insurgency’ to nations surrounding Iraq. While we are far stronger on land, in the air and at see than Iran, we are NOT invincible, particularly because we are so seriously stretched with present engagements and commitments.

    To attack Iraq is foolish, counterproductive and will result in a dangerous acceleration of lethal attacks on US and allied targets: in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel, and against US and allied interests in Africa, Europe and the Far East.

    Clearly, the inmates are running the asylum.

    • simon

      You can be confident that Admiral Fallon resigned, because he was not willing to carry out the orders of the present civilian ‘leadership.’

      Actually, according to the Esquire piece, Bush was unhappy with his independence.

      Bush does like his lackeys.

      No matter what Cheney does, there is no need to blow this out of proportion. What else does a crazy simple minded neocon do but continually threaten Iran?

      And feeding this garbage (not you) in a hysterical manner does not help, unless that is your intent, and then I have to wonder why?

    • Taters

      Well said, Michael Laffery.

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  • Fleaflicker

    Thank you for the important information. I am certain that if I hadn’t read your piece I wouldn’t have read the Esquire article. I really appreciate that you linked to it and that I took the time to read it. I learned things I would not have otherwise known.

    My concern is what the new guy Lt. General Marty Dempsey will do. The rumor is that he is closer to the Bush Administration and that is worrisome.

    This is a story worth paying attention to down the road.

    • simon

      My concern is what the new guy Lt. General Marty Dempsey will do. The rumor is that he is closer to the Bush Administration and that is worrisome

      Based on past experience, I suppose he’d be Obamaed.

      Aren’t they all?

  • John Stanton

    Yes, and let’s bomb Egypt and Saudi Arabia. How ’bout Malaysia? Or, better still, every country listed on the World Nuclear Association’s website who wants to build a nuclear power plant? No wait! We should send B-2′s to destroy uranium mines in Africa. But wait! Brasil and Argentina have a joint program to develop nuclear propulsion systems for subs absent US intervention. Whoops, I forgot, Israel is alleged to have perfected nukes on Tomahawks for its 3 German subs. Oh, can the world limit nuke powers to just 9? Are you kidding me!? Yes, and Turkey has no designs for its own nuke capability.

    There remains good will between we little people in both countries. If we are stupid enough to buy into this BS, that’s gone. Not sure if anyone out there has a 21 year old, but that tends to drag one to reality. And I almost forgot: bomb Iran? What’s the fallout in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, China, Saudi, Kuwait, Lebanon…?

    “Mandrake! The Iranians, Cubans, 10 divisions of terrorists, the French, illegal immigrants, Chinese, Latin Americans are poisoning our precious bodily fluids…We can no longer tolerate these next generation of commie bastards to impinge upon our natural essence…

  • Patrick Henry

    There must have been High Level meetings prior to Cheney..Lieberman..McCain..and other Cons and baggage handlers going on this Trip..

    Looks Like Admiral Fallon May have disagreed with the the Bottom Line Planning for the Next stage of Threats..Deals..Hand Holding..Posturing..Sabre Clanking..Bank deposits..and Invitations to Crawford..

    Please Dick..No Hunting Trips..You Have done enough
    damage..Doin’t forget ..Your Code name is ” FAT POOCH” ..and you want a Nice Villa right next to the Bin Ladens..and You Want a water Front Seat when Iran go’s up in Smoke..Be sure to Leave the Pool early enough to get there..

    I can’t wait to see how many more American Companys get sold to foreign Investors Now..

    Oh…and Farm land too..The Price of Milk is going Up..Great Opportunitys there..

    Thanks Mr. Murder..Your darts are always on Point..

  • TeakwoodKite

    but because he is, says Secretary of Defense Gates, “one of the best strategic thinkers in uniform today.”

    40 years of experience just said enough. F’ing crazy!

    Larry: You has the same reaction I did…”One Step Closer to War” What does that say? I, just a silly kite and you’ve been there done that….
    Rico Man Bush is a dangerous man. If you saw his “speech” today the dictator is now a telling the folks it is a biblical crusade.

    • simon

      Rico Man Bush is a dangerous man. If you saw his “speech” today the dictator is now a telling the folks it is a biblical crusade.

      The Rapture?

      Again?

      Boy, they ARE stuck for ideas…

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  • John Stanton

    I really, really want to believe there is more behind the scenes on this one. I mean, there is basically 8 months left with these people. On the other hand, Cheney was at a military realted (Navy?) graduation ceremony somewhere speaking as if Iraq were Washington, DC. Bush is vetoing, and McCain voting against, water boarding.

    Tell me this all makes sense anymore. Anyone who has done some information gathering for a living has to feel that the rhyme and reason, is, well, there is no rhyme and reason other than let’s see where it goes. I’m struck by the Vanity Fair piece on Gaza and the quote that expresses the exasperation of those in Gaza (no political fools) who try to figure out what Bush and Rice are all about–they reduce, and are quoted as saying –that they both are crazy and want everything destroyed. That’s not the first critique of our allies and enemies and paid terrorists these days.

    I’m not saying that the above is not normal fare for our human history. What I am saying is that it seems there were more rules and regulations to play the game in the past. We’ve instituted a system where no one knows what the games is ’cause we don’t. It’s a let’s see what happens gig.

    Sorry all for that but I am really concerned. I bring flag rank warfighters, appointee/fso diplomats, think tankers, cops, intel folks–in short; all those that help develop and execute our national policies. They are worried…

    • simon

      Sorry all for that but I am really concerned. I bring flag rank warfighters, appointee/fso diplomats, think tankers, cops, intel folks–in short; all those that help develop and execute our national policies. They are worried…

      We operate within a democracy, we have no right to dictate the actions of others, by force, it is the basis of our constitution.

      In a world where this becomes increasingly difficult, how can security for the US be maintained, within the parameters of the Constitution?

      If you look closely, you see men like Cheney, and Bush, and Auchi are short sighted morons, they do not represent the best and the brightest. But a world war two mentality in the face of asymmetric war will not suffice to win, for lack of a better word. Chaos can be controlled, the idea of complete destruction is nonsense, used to scare people. We still have the abilty to function within the law, and prosper.

      And it is horrible people have to die for the actions of a man like Auchi, or the Sauds, or Cheney, but hopefully, within 15-20 years, the problems we are facing now will have been addressed.

      If, for instance, men like Auchi are put out of business, and the US converts to a green form of energy, how will world strategic position be affected? How will things change with an intelligent individual in the White House, even?

      Dont get caught looking through Dick Cheney’s, or Donald Rumsfeld’s eyes, they are idiots, simple minded cretins.

      IMO.

  • John Stanton

    Last para: I teach a class on military & diplomacy. Cheap Ice is working its magic!

  • Taters

    Thanks Larry, much appeciated on a very serious subject. Kudos to Adm. Fallon, many times over.
    I finished the article before I realized that it was written by Thomas PM Barnett, which reminded me of another reason of why I subscribe to Esquire.
    Along With The Women We Love – hey I’m red blooded.
    Its a great mag. Thanks again Larry for bringing attention to Iran.
    For those not familiar with Pat Lang and Larry’s co authored piece, “Contemplating the Ifs” for The National Interest – you owe it to yourself to read it.
    http://turcopolier.typepad.com/sic_semper_tyrannis/files/lang_johnson_tni_83.pdf

    Gen. Anthony Zinni (USMC, Ret.) like Adm. Fallon is also an of alum of Villanova and like many of my fellow NQ readers here know, also a former honcho of Centcomm.
    And if you want to give a thanks to former Naval War College prof. Thomas PM Barnett for an excellent article, here’s his website.

    http://www.thomaspmbarnett.com/weblog/2008/03/fallon_trip_posts_days_one_and.html

  • Taters

    Larry,
    Your analysis is spot on. Again, thanks.

  • Andy

    Larry,

    Many thanks for your analysis.

    If memory serves me I think you had a post not so long ago about a “state of emergency” document recently signed by the Bush Adm. that allowed the Gov. to shut down Congress or /.. and/or suspend constitution rights “in case of emergency”.

    Am I recalling this correctly ? (I am not sure…).

    If this is so, those events together with the current developments about Adm.Fallon’s resignation are very very serious.

    Please correct me if I am recalling the first part erroneously.

    • http://NoQuarterUSA.net Larry Johnson

      that wasn’t me. someone else, maybe Susan.
      LJ

      • Andy

        I’ll try to search –I hope I am not losing my mind…. — Do you know if this was so?
        (some new “state of emergency” document?)
        Thanks again.

        • http://noquarterusa.net/ SusanUnPC

          Doesn’t ring a bell. Did you use our search engine?

          • Andy

            I think it was related to the National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive
            signed on May 2007

            http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070509-12.html

            I’ll try your search engine.

            It was some article about in the evnt of war
            (say Iran for ex,) such a “directive” could essentially allow to put the elections on hold.

            But don’t take my word for it; b/c I cannot remember exactly what was it.

            • Andy

              Larry, Susan:

              Yes, it was about this “Executive Directive 51″
              signed quietly by Bush in May 2007 and not reported in the MSM.

              I guess I didn’t read it here (can’t find it with your search engine).

              The question is whether is possible (?) that after Fallon’s resignation something with Iran could be used to manipulate the elections.

              I know it sounds far fetched….

              But I would like to understand whether it is something that could be done under ExDir 51.?
              (hard for me to fully understand its wording or meaning of it…)

              Thanks.

  • wellclosed

    C’mon guys, Fallon was never standing in the way on Iraq. Just like Shinseki, his only problem with the administration was that of the career folks of the German army prior to the big one… “yeah, blitzkrieg is cute but most of our precious troops are gonna get it in the end. The stupid fucker is probably going to try to do Russia in the winter”.
    The Republocrats only differ from the the Republicans in their respect for the man in uniform. On bending over, ask don’t tell!

  • http://wiskeytangofoxtrotoscar.blogspot.com/ James (San Deigo)

    Two words about this bit of news “Oh Crap!”

  • http://wiskeytangofoxtrotoscar.blogspot.com/ James (San Deigo)

    Fair winds and following seas to Admiral Fallon. The nation owes you its thanks.

  • EL

    Might Amadinejad’s waltz through Iraq have convinced the Bush administration that something must be done about Iran before it has uncontested control over most of Iraq? And Fallon objected to the plan? Gates didn’t put up much resistance to Fallon’s departure. It all looks ominous.

  • Mr.Murder

    Fell on his sword, to defend the Constitution and the troops sworn to uphold it.

    War with Iran is not what the public supports as a next step, and those in danger most from our side were under his command. This was a pre-emptive statement vs. pre-emption. He’s a Profile in Courage for that reason.

  • GR3

    And I was feeling pretty good seeing the moon set Sunday evening. We got past another new moon and no attack on Iran!
    Reading the comments here makes me think that ANY new moon will do, however. Since there won’t be a massive invasion by ground troops, an aerial attack can happen in the dead of summer.
    Not that heaps of fear and loathing are REQUIRED in an election year…

  • Fred C. Dobbs

    Attack Iran?

    Does Shrubbie own a MAP?

    Our Most Supreme Decider is on a path that brings shame and ignominy upon sociopathic narcissistic autorcrats everywhere.

    “Surgical Air Strike,” is another triple oxymoron. It’s like saying that one plans to, “surgically,” apply an oxyacetylene flame to a frame home to kill termites.

    Do ya think it hurts to be that stupid?

  • Mr.Murder

    An attack on Iran, probably not. An attack on Lebanon though?

    Then we watch sigints for how Iran responds and develop the plans further for the next President to have dumped in the Oval Office.

    • simon

      Then we watch sigints for how Iran responds and develop the plans further for the next President to have dumped in the Oval Office.

      I would be surprised, they might test, but to pursue a military agenda in this manner would be a critical mistake, for Iran.

      We’ll see.

      But interesting, it will take some time for America to build goodwill, again, independent of that fat whale in the white house (cheney) and the whalettes who support him (the corrupt business men, and the neocons).

    • Mr.Murder

      An Israeli diplomat(ret.) of legendary caliber has called for full recognition of a Palestenian unity government. http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2008/03/former_israeli/index.php

      This could be a major item in so many ways for the region and the world community in light of its ease on some fuel concerns if it goes through.

  • Donovan Fraser

    The real bummer is that when a general has to speak out ( due to conscience) he has to”retire” to be heard.

    They will just replace him with a bigger war loving, ribbon wearing Ape who dances to their tune.

    It guarantees that the best are never at the top, only sycophants…

    why we as Americans haven’t thrown the bums out is beyond me….Too much good TV to care I guess.

    I am sure AFTER we attack Iran ( when gas is too expensive to buy and so is everything else) we’ll say “gee , maybe that wasn’t such a good idea after all.”

    HOW COULD WE HAVE KNOWN?????

    • simon

      why we as Americans haven’t thrown the bums out is beyond me

      Too much corruption, the democrats will never impeach, our government, like Obama, is beholden to special interests.

      And Iran?

      I think the threats out of Moby Dick are only the first step in the republican kabuki theatre, ending with bank deposits, and as Patrick Henry said, yesterday, an invitation for drinks, in Texas.

  • readerOfTeaLeaves

    Larry, I hope a lot of people link to this and pass it around. Anyone who’s watched this administration has to be suspicious of the Spitzer timing. And clearly, the NYT fell right into the trap.

    Granted, Spitzer is guv of NY, but that’s no reason for a sex scandal to take up the full front page of the NYT all day on Tuesday, and Fallon wasn’t even showing up on the front page.

    Where the hell is the US Congress?!

  • http://whatsgoingon-bekalynn.blogspot.com/ Becca

    I can’t help wondering if the Bush admintration isn’t just determined to bring us to war.

    http://whatsgoingon-bekalynn.blogspot.com/

  • http://whatsgoingon-bekalynn.blogspot.com/ Becca

    Oops, I meant to say I wonder if the Bush adminstration wants to bankrupt this country.

  • http://www.despair.com/idiocy.html Smilin’ Jim

    So did Petraeus help to sandbag this fella in order to get his ticket punched in Iraq?

    And Brutus is an honorable man
    Furthermore
    The military always eschews politics.

  • Kathleen

    The Fallon firewall between the “cakewalk in Iraq” zealots who have been pushing for a confrontation with Iran for four years has come down with Fallon’s resignation.

    Hillary’s vote for the Kyl Lieberman amendment in Oct 2007 and then soon after that vote jumping on Senator Webb’s continued efforts that would require this warmongering administration to pass it through congress as an afterthought is hypocritical on Hillary’s part.

    She should have been pushing for Senator Webb’s efforts to demand this long ago she would be far more credible.

    Admiral Fallon leaving is frightening. Run for cover folks in Iran. Run for cover!

    The Iranian folks have been witness to the death and destruction our invasion of Iraq has caused. They are also witness to the lack of concern that most Americans feel about the Iraqi people who have been killed, injured and the millions displaced.

  • Kathleen

    I’ll tell you what Bush and his radical administration has learned from their immoral and illegal war in Iraq. They have learned that they can get away with it without being held accountable for the Intelligence snowjob that has directly caused millions of deaths, injuries and refugees.

  • Kathleen

    It is not only the Spitzer thing distracting the American people…look at the Obama Clinton war. Look at the comments under the bash Obama blogs..They fill up!

    How many comments under this section about Fallon’s resignation and the neo-cons march toward a pre-emptive strike on Iran.

    Onward Judeo/Christian killers

  • Kathleen

    ‘Fox’ Fallon Fired

    And we’re f*cked…

    By Justin Raimondo

    12/03/08 “Antiwar” — – “If, in the dying light of the Bush administration, we go to war with Iran,” says the March Esquire, “it’ll all come down to one man. If we do not go to war with Iran, it’ll come down to the same man.” The piece describes this top military figure as the last obstacle to the Bush administration’s persistent push for war with Iran: “It’s left to” him and him “alone … to argue that, as he told al-Jazeera last fall: ‘This constant drumbeat of conflict … is not helpful and not useful. I expect that there will be no war, and that is what we ought to be working [for].’”

    That was Adm. William “Fox” Fallon speaking, top U.S. commander in the Middle East, last of the Vietnam vets in the high command, and, yes, the very same Adm. Fallon who has just submitted his resignation as head of Central Command. What makes this particularly ominous is that, according to former Defense Intelligence Agency analyst Patrick Lang, Fallon told him, upon taking over at Centcom, that war with Iran “isn’t going to happen on my watch.” Lang asked him how he thought he could stop it: “‘I have options, you know,’ Fallon responded, which Lang interpreted as implying Fallon would step down rather than follow orders he considers mistaken.”

    Do I really need to draw you a picture to get you to imagine what’s coming next? This is as clear a signal as any that the Bush administration intends to go out with a bang – one that will shake not only the Middle East but this country to its very foundations.

    http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19517.htm

  • Kathleen

    Stop Hyperventilating: Fallon Fired but Iran War Not Back On

    http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2008/03/stop_hyperventi/

  • CyberPh34r_AmaTorY_

    Russia is sided with Iran, since it helped with the Nuclear Program. All of you people better start moving to Canada, Because when the time comes around, if you are still living, its going to be WW3. It will be 200 Times worse than Germany and Japan, USA is wanting to find the fastest way to pick a fight with someone, threatening to drop bombs if they don’t change.

    When USA shifts over to fight a war in Pakistan, You might as well round up your kids, family, and whatever crap you can find because China backs up Pakistan.
    Pakistan has helped China when it was in dire need, and China will fight by their side in ANY onslaught. Link here http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=10490

    Now, When China goes to war since it’s a Communist Country. That also means Russia is going to get involved along with Iran. List of allies that will indeed fight.

    Lebenon
    Syria
    China
    Russia
    India
    Pakistan (dodgy ally)
    Iraq (new Iraq)
    Afghanistan (even though you never hear it in the media they really are allies!)
    Venezuela
    North Korea (they got great relations)

    And do not forget Cuba.

    Iran’s most important ally today is the oil rich country of Venezuala, led by none other than Mr. Hugo Chavez. If there is ever an oil conflict, Venezula would side with Iran.
    other important allies
    1. Zimbabwe- Mr. Mugabe
    2. South Africa- apartheid
    3. Syria
    4. Turkmenistan

    The UK would stay out of the war, due to good relationship with Iran and whatever they have with the USA.

    All of the people you think are USA’s allies today, like Russia and China, They are not. The news tells you lies, and does not want you to hear the truth told out. Tell me, Why don’t they air USA combat troops everyday Atrocities in Iraq on MSNBC? Because they want to make their military look professional. So much for “Be the best you can be” slogan for the ARMY.

    If you going to fight a Nuclear war. You might as well have your tails prepared for a “World Wide Nuclear Winter” or better yet, if Earth stays in Contact, Inhabit other planets, or Invent something to open wormholes or travel through Slip-space so you can get to planets suitable for human life just like earth and begin Reconstruction, but like that will ever happen. The world as we know it, will be in total disarray, it will rain radiation, everything will be dead.
    Best bet, start digging a 100 foot hole in your yard as enough space you see in a hangar. Have enough food, air, and don’t forget a place to crap and piss.

    When you feel bad and find someone to blame, don’t blame Iran, china, or Russia, blame yourselves, USA, for making such a destructive bomb, now that everybody in the world possibly has one, but you just don’t know it. The US doesn’t have a complete “Eye” on the world.

    Lastly, Technology won’t matter in a Nuclear war, Either way, We are all F*cked. So please, the yanks pleading to Nuke a country, the US may have good tech, but it wont matter in many numbers. In this situation, Everybody has a Nuclear Weapon, Can’t shoot them all down.