Blair’s loyalty tested as Bush menaces Iran

[434 2]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1452252_1,00.html

AFTER two years of unswerving solidarity over the war in Iraq, Tony Blair’s relationship with President George W Bush is coming under strain from the newly revived threat of an American military attack on nuclear facilities in Iran.

[mr2mk1g 10]

I would put an awful lot of money on saying that Bush would be going it alone on such a move.

I wouldn't put money on Blair pulling out of Iraq altogether over it... but that would be a possible outcome of such action.

[434 2]

I think our own election in Norway next autumn, will be about which party will make stronger connections to europe than USA! But who care about little Norway?

[base428 1]

BASE jumpers care a lot about Norway!!!

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But who care about little Norway?

(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only

[Dougiefresh 0]

Great, George. Now that you've pissed off the rest of our allies, why don't you kick the lap dog?

What a jackass. He and the rest of the warmongers need to go. What we need now is not another engagment in a Mideast Muslim country.

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. --Douglas Adams

[shropshire 0]

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BASE jumpers care a lot about Norway!!!

-Yeah and Slartibartfast


.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[dorbie 0]

It's just great that the folks who refused to acknowledge the UK as a valued ally for this past two years now see them as vital when one article voices an opinion that there might be strain in the relationship. The only time the left in America acknowledges any "ally" is when it's bitching about the U.S. or looks like it might be about to bitch.

The idea that Blair and the UK went into Iraq purely out of loyalty to Bush or the U.S. is farcical. Get a clue, other countries act out of their national interests too, not exclusively on how their actions are regarded by whoever governs America at that moment.

[livendive 8]

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The idea that Blair and the UK went into Iraq purely out of loyalty to Bush or the U.S. is farcical. Get a clue, other countries act out of their national interests too, not exclusively on how their actions are regarded by whoever governs America at that moment.

Then again they might simply perceive that staying on Bush's good side is in their national interest. You know, the whole "with us or against us" thing?

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[crozby 0]

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Then again they might simply perceive that staying on Bush's good side is in their national interest. You know, the whole "with us or against us" thing?

That is exactly why he did it. There is not a chance in hell that he would do it again though. Having to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with Bush throughout the last year or so has made him look like a prize-turd at home and in Europe and he is well aware of it.

[skydyvr 0]

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What we need now is not another engagment in a Mideast Muslim country.

Yea, I agree. Let's all just sit around on our asses while Iran quietly gets to the point that it can safely remove Israel from the planet.

. . =(_8^(1)

[Dougiefresh 0]

I'm not suggesting that we sit on our asses. There are other ways of putting pressure on a country than saying, "Cut it out or we fuck you up". Bush and Co. doesn't seem to want to use them though. Whatever happened to inspections? Whatever happened to quietly cutting off their economic base by making deals with their trade partners? Whatever happened to, god forbid, diplomacy? The Iranians aren't the easiest to talk to, granted, but I haven't seen any proof we've tried.

Our military has enough to do without taking on Iran.

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. --Douglas Adams

[skydyvr 0]

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Our military has enough to do without taking on Iran.

I'm not advocating US military action against Iran, but in the long run somebody will have to take out their nuclear capabilities, most likely Israel.

. . =(_8^(1)

[ColdDuck 0]

Exactly, And it is much better in the long run for the U.S. to deal with Iran rather than Israel.

"Insurance should called In case shit happens, if shit don't happen shouldn't I get my money back?"

[crozby 0]

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I'm not advocating US military action against Iran, but in the long run somebody will have to take out their nuclear capabilities, most likely Israel.

Why is that so? What do you think will happen if they do get some nukes?

[ColdDuck 0]

Be unwilling to secure them

"Insurance should called In case shit happens, if shit don't happen shouldn't I get my money back?"

[skydyvr 0]

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I'm not advocating US military action against Iran, but in the long run somebody will have to take out their nuclear capabilities, most likely Israel.

Why is that so? What do you think will happen if they do get some nukes?

Iran denies Israel's right to exist, so you tell me the possibilities.

Having nuclear capabilities will make Iran a very real danger to Israel. It's not a simple problem, but the bottom line is that Israel has a window of time available now to stop the threat. Don't be surprised if they take advantage of it.

. . =(_8^(1)

[crozby 0]

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Having nuclear capabilities will make Iran a very real danger to Israel.

For decades the USA based its security on the concept of mutually assured destruction. If it worked against the commies, why woudn't it work for Israel against Iran?

It's not as if Israel would be left to face them alone. As soon as any nation uses a nuke the whole world is going to get involved pretty sharpish.

[miked10270 0]

Hi 434,

We all care A LOT about Norway. WE need it to fully join the EU.

WIthout Norway, the present map of the EU looks positively pornographic!!! I mean, just look at what Germany & Denmark are doing to Sweden & Finland!!!!! Is that the image we want to send to the world!!?

Mike.

Taking the piss out of the FrenchAmericans since before it was fashionable.

Prenait la pisse hors du FrançaisCanadiens méridionaux puisqu'avant lui à la mode.

[434 2]

Hahaha that made my day TY!

We are about to celebrate 100 years with out a union, and last time we got ripped off!

We will see what is going to happen after the election, I guess it is just about time to join EC with our Oil money and fish!

The funny thing is why did they not take out Saddam last desert war when they had the chance?

To many to shear with? It was a huge coalition who could have made a success, even with other Arab countries supporting, and involved!
http://www.desert-storm.com/War/nations.html

[falxori 0]

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For decades the USA based its security on the concept of mutually assured destruction. If it worked against the commies, why woudn't it work for Israel against Iran?

i dont remember the US or the "commies" declare that it god's will to destroy eachother and that they are god's messengers...

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As soon as any nation uses a nuke the whole world is going to get involved pretty sharpish.

errrr, being on the receiving end of this threat, i dont really want to wait for the "world's reaction".
i think it will be a bit too late over here...

O

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."

[skydyvr 0]

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If it worked against the commies, why woudn't it work for Israel against Iran?

Why should Israel take that gamble if they don't have to?

. . =(_8^(1)

[crozby 0]

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i dont remember the US or the "commies" declare that it god's will to destroy eachother and that they are god's messengers...

Their remit was to spread communism throughout the world. The US took them pretty seriously - it's what the arms race was all about.

Do you think Iran would nuke Israel if the result would be Iran getting nuked?

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errrr, being on the receiving end of this threat, i dont really want to wait for the "world's reaction".
i think it will be a bit too late over here...

umm... good point.

Hey what's your take on what is happening since the new Palestinian leader took over? It looks quite positive from here.

[dorbie 0]

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Then again they might simply perceive that staying on Bush's good side is in their national interest. You know, the whole "with us or against us" thing?

That is exactly why he did it. There is not a chance in hell that he would do it again though. Having to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with Bush throughout the last year or so has made him look like a prize-turd at home and in Europe and he is well aware of it.

How easily people forget. This was unpopular when Blair sided with Bush but he stuck at it and made the case domestically at the time despite being called a poodle, this was all long before the Monday morning quarterbacking of today. As for looking like a turd in Europe there are quite a few European nations involved in Iraq. Looking liek a turd is in the eye of the beholder.

Blair went into Iraq as a U.S. ally on principal and because of compatible strategic interests. That's also why I supported Tony Blair's position and gained respect for him.

[falxori 0]

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Do you think Iran would nuke Israel if the result would be Iran getting nuked?

i doubt it.
my fear is that they'll apply their current tactics of supporting "other" terror groups. they are already doing it with logistics, money and weapons both in the palestinian territories and mainly with hezbollah in lebanon.
so my fear is that a nuke or a "dirty bomb" will hit where you can't directly link it to anyone.

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Hey what's your take on what is happening since the new Palestinian leader took over? It looks quite positive from here.

so far it does, and i hope it keeps looking good.
if he's serious about taking control over his people he will be remembered in history.
but he's in for some pretty rough ride, there are many hands stirring up this small piece of land...
i do hope he will succeed in the path arafat decided not to take.

O

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."

[crozby 0]

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Looking like a turd is in the eye of the beholder.

Of course it is. The lack of a good WMD find has seriously dented Blairs credibility at home and he understands that, which is why the UK government is expending so much energy lately on stressing it would not support military intervention in Iran.