Foreign Affairs
Source: THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published: 9/25/01 Author: Abraham Rabinovich
Posted on 9/25/01 1:57 PM Pacific by Spirit Of Truth
September 25, 2001Israel braces for chemical attack from Iraq 
By Abraham
Rabinovich
THE
WASHINGTON TIMES
JERUSALEM — The long lines that have formed
outside gas-mask distribution centers in Israel over the past few
days reflect a widespread feeling that while the U.S. retaliation for the Sept.
11 attacks may begin in Afghanistan, it will eventually reach Iraq.
If that indeed happens, the expectation is that
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein may, if threatened, attempt to take Israel with him before he
falls.
Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles
at Israel during the 1991
Gulf war and it is believed to still have 10 to 20 missiles hidden. This time,
it is feared, Saddam may attempt to use chemical or biological
warheads instead of high explosives. Israel did not respond to
the Scuds in 1991 at Washington's
request.
Israeli military sources say that Israel is better positioned
to forestall such attacks than it was a decade ago. An Israeli spy satellite is
now aloft in the skies of the Middle East, keeping a diligent eye on Iraq. Other means of
intelligence are also in place.
Israel's modern
air fleet and its special forces have improved their capability of reaching
Iraqi launch sites since the Gulf war. Israel's Arrow anti-missile system is now
operational, as are several Patriot anti-missile batteries acquired from the
United States. Patriots proved unable to interdict missiles in the Gulf war, but
an improved version, now in place, is said to be
effective.
Despite all these safeguards, Israel and the United States
would prefer to forestall an Iraqi attack in the event of a
showdown, which is why Israel is more likely to
insist on striking first if it feels threatened this
time.
Osama bin Laden has also targeted Israel, say Israeli
officials, although his organization has not yet carried out operations in the
country. Last year, Israeli authorities arrested a Palestinian in the Gaza Strip
who, they said, had returned from Pakistan with a mission from bin Laden's
organization to set up a network in the Palestinian
territories.
Israelis generally understand
Washington's desire to keep their country out of the coalition, as it did during
the Gulf war, in order not to undermine efforts to recruit Muslim nations to the
anti-terror cause. Behind the scenes, Israel will continue to
provide intelligence.
The irony of being kept
out of the coalition while states that harbor terrorist organizations, like
Syria — and perhaps the Palestinian Authority as well — are invited in is not
lost on Israel.
A
senior aide to Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, Avi Gil, is reported to have
commented on it to a senior Palestinian official last week. Washington has
demanded that the Palestinian Authority make "a 100 percent effort" to curb
terror while Israel,
which has insisted on "100 percent results," says that the authority is in fact
encouraging terror.
Noting that the authority
might nevertheless be invited to join the coalition, Mr. Gil said in jest,
"Maybe you can put in a good word for us with the Americans." The Palestinian,
likewise appreciating the irony of the situation, said, "We'll make a 100
percent effort."
THE VISIBLE HAND: The Iraqi Connection
1 posted on 9/25/01 1:57 PM Pacific by Spirit Of Truth
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To: Spirit Of Truth
If Iraq attacks Israel, don't look for Israel to hold off like they did in the Gulf War. And they'd be justified.
Perhaps Bush & Powell have convinced Israel to hold off in case Hussein does attack. But this should serve as a WAKE UP call to those who dissed Israel when they BOMBED these jackasses in '81 for making a nuclear plant.
And it SHOULD serve as a wake up call for ALL who supported Bill Clinton--he
who did NOTHING when Saddam Hussein shut out United Nations inspectors. Clinton
was a passive enabler of this terrorist state, taking action against Hussein
ONLY once: on the eve of his impeachment, as a diversion. Clinton has a lot of
blame to bear in the growing power of Saddam Hussein.
2 posted on 9/25/01 2:03 PM Pacific by Recovering_Democrat
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To: Spirit Of Truth, goldilucky, Snow Bunny, truther, Ragtime Cowgirl, abigail2, Kathleen, KLT, MHGinTN
"JERUSALEM — The long lines that have formed outside gas-mask distribution centers in Israel over the past few days..."
I'll guarantee that if any nation - is identified as gassing the Jews in Israel - Israel will respond with
nukes! No doubt in my mind!!
3 posted on 9/25/01 2:05 PM Pacific by ChaseR
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To: Spirit Of Truth
If this happens, I hope that Israel unleashes all of her
might on Iraq.
4 posted on 9/25/01 2:07 PM Pacific by cicero's_son
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To: Spirit Of Truth
What a GREAT time for Iraq to escalate! (not!)
Why do you post this shit!!!!????
5 posted on 9/25/01 2:07 PM Pacific by Phil V.
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To: Spirit Of Truth
"An Israeli spy satellite is now aloft in the skies of the Middle East, keeping a diligent eye on Iraq."
Missile defense shield bump.
6 posted on 9/25/01 2:08 PM Pacific by toenail
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To: Spirit Of Truth, 2sheep, truebeliever9, Prodigal Daughter
Is Saddam's replacement groomed yet?
7 posted on 9/25/01 2:08 PM Pacific by Thinkin' Gal
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To: Recovering_Democrat
If Iraq attacks Israel, don't look for Israel to hold off like they did in the Gulf War. And they'd be justified.
Agreed and agreed. I think it's ludicrous to even ask them to absorb hits and
do nothing like they did last time. Perhaps we should just ask them if they'd
mind taking care of Iraq
for us.
8 posted on 9/25/01 2:08 PM Pacific by MississippiMan
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To: Recovering_Democrat
Laughingly, the Taliban warns Americans to think for themselves.
If there are any Iraqis in Iraq who can think for themselves, I would suggest they quickly remove saddam Hussein from leadership or suffer the consequences.
I have no sympathy for Iraq. The people of Iraq don't deserve the doom to come. Is there not one single brave Iraqi left to do the right thing?
In America we have 280 million brave thinking people.
9 posted on 9/25/01 2:09 PM Pacific by CROSSHIGHWAYMAN
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To: Phil V.
Take it easy there Phil.
10 posted on 9/25/01 2:10 PM Pacific by
optiguy
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To: Recovering_Democrat
Memo to Israel - Fire
forward, and fire for effect.
11 posted on 9/25/01 2:11 PM Pacific by
mgc1122
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To: Thinkin' Gal
Only the UN knows the answer!
12 posted on 9/25/01 2:12 PM Pacific by
TrueBeliever9
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To: cicero's_son
Israel has every right
to defend itself and if it means using nukes then using nukes.
USS LIBERTY
Memorial
13 posted on 9/25/01 2:13 PM Pacific by
luvzhottea
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To: Spirit Of Truth
Israel will not hold
back this time! Iraq
could very well be targeted by the U.S. in this campaign! If scuds are lobbed at
Tel Aviv, all bets are off! We are living in extremely dangerous times! God
bless the USA and Israel!
Shema Yisroel, Adonoi Elochaynu, Adonoi Echad!!!!!
14 posted on 9/25/01 2:15 PM Pacific by
Mossad1967
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To: CROSSHIGHWAYMAN
If there are any Iraqis in Iraq who can think for themselves, I would suggest they quickly remove saddam Hussein from leadership or suffer the consequences.
Guess what? The Iraqi people didn't elect Saddam Hussein.
They are victims
of his oppressive regime.
We Americans voted in Clinton TWO TIMES, now not me
and not you but the American people did. So when Clinton bombed the civilians in
Serbia should the Serbs blame me and you and the other guy?
15 posted on 9/25/01 2:17 PM Pacific by
luvzhottea
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To: Phil V.
Why do you post this shit!!!!????
What's wrong with it? It's a mainstream newspaper, with a warning to Iraq buried in it.
Hussein would commit suicide if he attacked Israel.
16 posted on 9/25/01 2:18 PM Pacific by
sinkspur
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To: Mossad1967
As gamers say, there may be a go-get-'im on Iraq.
US, Israel, Turkey,
and even Iran at the bottom of the river.
17 posted on 9/25/01 2:18 PM Pacific by
Diogenesis
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To: sinkspur
Hussein would commit suicide if he attacked Israel.
Exactly. And he knows it.
The title,"Israel braces for chemical attack from Iraq", implies imminence, and is inflammatory in a region that needs no more fuel.
I would be astonished if even one percent of Israelis did not already have gas masks - a prudent household item - one in the glove box of the car - Hell, one strapped on one's side.
But Iraq is not (at
this time) going to launch Scuds.
18 posted on 9/25/01 2:34 PM Pacific by
Phil V.
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To: Spirit Of Truth
Psst, Israel....think
nuclear.
19 posted on 9/25/01 2:42 PM Pacific by
Victor
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To: ChaseR
Did you hear former PM John Major on Washington Journal this morning? I don't ordinarily watch c-span anymore, but this man was so cool and polite, even liberal anti-Americans were gently scolded and re-educated by Mr. Major. He said one thing about President GHW Bush, the courage and determination he had while gathering the first coalition to drive Saddam out of Kuwait. He kept his word, and he was serious. Saddam was told that if he used chem or biol. weapons we would take out his country. The coalition knew the first Pres. Bush meant it, Saddam knew it, too. PM Major said that it was the trust GW's father gained from world leaders in building the first coalition that is helping GW gain their cooperation today. Unlike, xxx42, GW is a man of his word.
Saddam tries chem/bio/nuke he's gone. He knows it.
20 posted on 9/25/01 2:55 PM Pacific by
Ragtime Cowgirl
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To: Spirit Of Truth
Hmm.. I hadn't noticed Spirit of Truth on FreeRebpublic before. He's been
braying about the "Grand Super Cycle Top" in the markets for years now in the
misc.invest newsgroups.
As a commodity trading pool manager and a
portfolio manager, I look at such advice with a keen eye for skepticism and
prefer to use sound statistical analysis and computer models to aid my
judgement. A brief study I conducted of astrological influences (illuminated
percentage of the moon, planetary cycles, etc) in the markets yielded no
statistical evidence supporting the notion that it has any effect at all. This
isn't to say our study encompassed all research in that field, but the initial
results were so weak we couldn't afford to spend time on the subject any longer.
When considering your own portfolio, only *you* are interested enough to
make money for yourself-- your broker is a salesman (he spends all day on the
phone selling stock, 98% don't perform any research), your mutual fund is a for
profit company that at least aligns its motivation with yours, and your 401K is
often a limiting environment when it comes to employing sophisticated
strategies. Do your own research folks, and don't let folks like "Spirit of
Truth" sway you too far.
21 posted on 9/25/01 3:13 PM Pacific by
RightlySo
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To: Thinkin' Gal
Is Saddam's replacement groomed yet?
Yes.
Both of his sons have been groomed for his replacement, and both men are even more crazy than Saddam.
Watching this whole thing unfold will be very interesting indeed.
22 posted on 9/25/01 3:28 PM Pacific by
SunStar
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To: Phil V.
The title,"Israel braces for chemical attack from Iraq", implies imminence, and is inflammatory in a region that needs no more fuel.
70,000 gas masks have been sold in Israel in the past 30 days. I'd call that "bracing". Wouldn't you?
By the way, you may want to calm down your rhetoric. There's no need to attack any poster here.
23 posted on 9/25/01 3:30 PM Pacific by
SunStar
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Comment #24 Removed by Moderator
To: ChaseR
America should have always been very clearly on the sifde of the Jews and Isreal. Bill and hillary and their hate for Jews ahs made double the work for Bush now. But Bush is the man to show them America did not agree with the Clinton's and hated how they ( the Clinton's ) snubbed Natenyahu ( spelling is probably wrong I apologize ) .
Mr. Snow Bunny was in Isreal several times long ago and said , he was so impressed with the Isreali army. He met and got to know many of them and speaks of them with such high respect. America can learn a lot from them and should.
Thanks for the ping ChaseR.
25 posted on 9/25/01 4:10 PM Pacific by
Snow Bunny
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Comment #26 Removed by Moderator
To: ChaseR , Spirit Of Truth, goldilucky, truther, Ragtime Cowgirl, abigail2, Kathleen, KLT,MHGinTN
Check this out........
http://webpages.homestead.com/mccdaddy/files/machinegun/gattler.html
27 posted on 9/25/01 5:57 PM Pacific by
Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny
Thanks, Mrs. Bunny! That was great. I hit refreshed and did it twice. Better
than a nap. Hugs.(^:
28 posted on 9/25/01 6:29 PM Pacific by
Ragtime Cowgirl
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To: Phil V.
You're out of line, dude. Abuse pressed.
29 posted on 9/25/01 6:30 PM Pacific by
Petronski
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl
Oh wow you are a genius I tell you. I love your graphics you just posted.
Thank you sooooo much.
30 posted on 9/25/01 6:41 PM Pacific by
Snow Bunny
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To: ChaseR
You're right on the money with that one. If Iraq is that stupid, there
will be fallout in Tehran for weeks to follow.
31 posted on 9/25/01 6:44 PM Pacific by
Nuke'm Glowing
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To: Phil V.
The title,"Israel braces for chemical attack from Iraq", implies imminence, and is inflammatory in a region that needs no more fuel.
No, ace, it's a news report. Get a grip.
32 posted on 9/25/01 7:38 PM Pacific by
M. Thatcher
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To: Spirit Of Truth
Arrow 2 missile
33 posted on 9/25/01 11:26 PM Pacific by
klpt
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To: Snow Bunny
Thanks for this one, Snow Bunny! After so many hits, I couldn't make out what
was on that screen.
34 posted on 9/26/01 12:15 AM Pacific by
goldilucky
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To: ChaseR
"I'll guarantee that if any nation - is identified as gassing the Jews in Israel - Israel will respond with nukes! No doubt in my mind!!"
I would hope that Israel would do something
like this!
35 posted on 9/26/01 12:40 AM Pacific by
goldilucky
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To: ChaseR
I'll guarantee that if any nation - is identified as gassing the Jews in Israel - Israel will respond with nukes! No doubt in my mind!!
It depends, Israel
would not want to waste every single Baghdadian, that would make them look
really, really bad in the international community. People quickly forget about
Israeli victims, but would remember the Iraqis for centuries to come. Israel might use tactical
nukes against Iraqi palaces, though. That would send a message and do serious
damage to Saddam's infrastructure.
36 posted on 9/26/01 12:43 AM Pacific by
xm177e2
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