ISRAELI STRIKES..... NOW WHAT  DOES IT MEAN?

By now, just about anyone who follows the Middle East has read or heard of the IAF strike in Syria.

Let's get right down to it and see what it means.

 Here are a few simple, quick questions that need to be answered.

Why did Israel strike?

Why did they hit what they did?

It's reported they struck SAM 17 systems still in cargo mode.

If this really was the target, why now?

The "rumor" was they were being moved to Lebanon for Hezbollah.

Now, Israel's most recent warning was based on WMD status and the issue of them being given or falling into the wrong hands, but in the past, Israel has also warned of "other" systems being handed over to Hezbollah or other groups.

Ok, so if SAM 17 units were the target and they were being moved, again the question becomes, "why".. not why did Israel hit them, but why did Assad decide to give the impression he was about to give them to  someone else.... Hezbollah?

We have to accept the fact Assad knows full well Israel would never allow this transaction to take place.

After we accept that fact, then we need to look at why did he decide to execute the plan?

Was he forcing Israel's hand?

Does he believe such an act would change the current environment in Syria?

Would he do such a thing without consulting the Iranians or the Russians?

You see, it's one thing to understand the Israelis took action today, it's another, one that is more important, to figure out why Syria took this step!!!!!

If Assad was cleared to take such a provocative move, that would mean Iran has a "plan" for what this event may lead to?

Does that mean Iran is prepared for war with Israel?

I don't think so.

Does it mean Iran is once again trying to turn the issue away from their nuclear program?

Perhaps!!!

Let me take us to the next question?

Now what?

What does Iran do?

What does Israel anticipate, and I can guarantee you they have though this through, Iran will do?

I've not heard an official response from Iran yet, at least not one that the blogs or open press has picked up on.

That is an interesting indication to me..

It could very well be, Iran didn't really believe the IAF would strike this movement.

Was Iran truly caught off guard?

If so, will they react?

My bet is they will react with words only!!!

Yes, I know they were beating their chest this week declaring an attack on Syria would be seen as an attack on Iran and it could be they even anticipated this event.

But, it appears Israel has now officially said,  " so what"!!!

Ok, back to what the IAF hit and why?

Let's get passed the fact it was a weapon system the Israelis would not allow Hezbollah to have.

Why would Hezbollah want to have a SAM 17 unit?

Are they capable of implementing such a sophisticated system?

I will tell you it is one thing to send a group of people to a "school", but it is a whole different issue to think that a group of "students" right out of a abbreviated course can engage a very complicated, advanced enemy such as the IAF.

Taking your picture or making a You Tube clip showing off your new toys in Lebanon is not what is going to stop the IAF!!!

No one knows this better than Israel.

So, why did they chose now, on Syrian land, to eliminate this threat?

Was it a message?

Was the real event here a warning, more than just words, more than just to Assad, that Israel will enter Syria if needed?

My bet is this is exactly what took place today!!

Ok,

What next?

Simple....

The next move is up to Iran, not Assad...

If Assad decides to " retaliate", and I bet he does not, then he will not do so without Iranian support and that is exactly how Israel will see it.

The bottom line is... Israel has just stated, "we are willing and able to enter this conflict"!!

Now.... How about Iran????

http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=301585