IS IRAN STILL ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE HAMAS?

Several months ago, it was very clear Hamas  pulled away from the Syrian / Iranian orbit.

Anyone who understands the dynamics of the region understands the move by the Muslim Brotherhood to pull the Sunni proxy back into the Sunni world and away from the Persians and the Shia.

Abbas's struggle with Hamas was addressed and words were spoken to placate the MB.

Nothing was solved, but the MB could push the issue to the back burner while they finished their drive to control Egypt.

So, how is it that Iran is making a play to influence Hamas once again?

Is Iran trying to show the MB just how important they are to the region?

Is Iran trying to keep Hamas and Abbas in turmoil?

Is Iran's theory, "if we can't have them, nobody can"?

How this next week will be interesting to watch.

If this is Hamas, secretly trying to play both sides of the fence and the MB still thinks they had something to do with the attack in the Sinai, then we will see the reaction.

Double Cross is the favorite game played in the Middle East and the MB will not take it with a smile.

Oh by the way, time is running out to defuse the events in Lebanon.

If someone doesn't get that situation under control within the next few days, the NAM meeting will be overcome by "events".

http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=282492

LEBANON CLASHES? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

This is not the first or second round of "clashes" in Lebanon since the crisis in Syria began, so is this round any different?

Unfortunately yes!

Let me remind everyone the prevailing mindset for the region.

If Lebanon slide into a full blown crisis, the region will do so as well.

As a reminder, I have not moved off of my belief Iran cannot accept the loss of Syria and Hezbollah dominated Lebanon at the same time.

War is a better option for Iran than to lose both these proxies and Iran will not hesitate to make that fateful decision.

For Iranian leadership, the loss of Lebanon / Hezbollah and Syria is a direct threat to the current leadership in Iran.

Can Iran stop the events in Lebanon from taking place?

They can surly try, if they chose to.

Will Hezbollah obey Tehran if they are told to give ground for now in Lebanon?

They already have!

It's the Sunni side of the conflict that is pushing the crisis in Lebanon and that is what has Iran in a panic.

For months many have talked about the dangers of Lebanon slipping into conflict and it appears those fears are quickly coming true.

Iran is almost out of time to force Israel into attacking Arab / Muslims in Lebanon.

If Lebanon's conflict starts with Sunni and Shia attacks, it's virtually impossible to draw Israel into that fight.

So, how much longer does the region have before Iran is force to be the one that starts the war they are waiting for; the war the Iranian people don't want?

It depends on the Lebanese military.

If they cannot stop the escalation from spreading out from streets around Tripoli, then Lebanon will quickly slide into the abyss.  

What to watch for:

If the current so called " coalition government" in Lebanon steps down, then the crisis will be unavoidable.

If Lebanon starts to "burn" then look for the Iranians to counter the event quickly.

If Lebanon starts to "burn" watch Bahrain and the PKK in Turkey / Syria.

The moment Iran understand they cannot prevent the crisis involving Hezbollah, they will make the whole region pay as much of a price as they possibly can.

Are we close to a region conflict?

Absolutely!

The only and I mean only thing the region has going for it is the unrelenting desire to stay out of a regional war by key players... .Saudi / Turkey / Egypt / Jordan.. GCC...

Will that be enough?

You will have to ask Assad and Tehran!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19354337

DEFEAT IRAN'S LEADERSHIP, NOT IT'S PEOPLE?? IS IT POSSIBLE?

One question that is being asked more and more right now, as we run out of time and options, is this; " Is there a way to stop Iran's drive for nuclear weapons without warfare"?

The prevailing answer seems to be no!

Some have said "Sanctions" is, and now, was, part of the attempt to avoid conflict.

The concept of sanctions has had a terrible track record not just in Iran but in just about every example one can think of.

Some will even argue sanctions have a history of forcing a conflict... again.. Japan is a classic example.

If we accept the fact that sanctions are not and will not work, especially sanctions that have about as many " loop holes" as the US tax code,  then what is the answer?

Before we jump to the conclusion of " limited / scalable / military action, let me bring up another option, an option most will say is less honorable than the above listed two.

Before I use the ugly "word" for what I am about to advocate, let me ask  a core question.

Do the people of Iran truly have the loyalty to their nation's leadership their leaders want us to believe?

Are the Iranians ready to follow the Ayatollah Khamenei and the Mad Persian off the edge of the cliff?

Do they really cheer when their leaders preach about the disappearance of the Zionist?

Let me give you my answer to these two questions.

NO!

As I have said from the beginning of the Arab Spring,  both Iranian leaders fear one thing more than anything else, even more than Zionist... they fear their own people and a human drive to be free!

They fear this movement so much, they are willing to take Iran to destruction.

They would rather end the history book of Iran with their sick vision of the world than to live to see the Iranian people truly deciding what takes place in Iran.

Assassination!  

There it is... that ugly ... ugly ... world...

The facts are removing the tyrannical leadership of Iran will very possibly elevate the crisis.

Who carries out this ugly mission and how it is executed is the real trick.

Those that could do it with a simple phone call, insert the word " Mossad" here, must be avoided for obvious reasons.

Now, that is not to say Netanyahu would not or has not considered this course of action and frankly, if he has, I would find a nice White Sheet for both Iranian leaders to be wrapped in, but the risk of such an event would rank right up there with "limited warfare".

No, if this course of action is to take place, then it's going to need an insider; yep a 2012 version of the Shah!!!!

Could it be that somewhere inside the Iranian government, military; even the Republican Guard, there is someone or even better some group that sees the value / opportunity /  to "save Iran" from the madness.

Now, who could approach such a person or group?

The GCC?

Turkey?

Russia?

Nobody wants a regional war, especially the youth of Iran.

The problem is, even the people of Iran cannot sit by and watch their country be bombed into the darkness?

If pushed, even those who don't want to fight, will fight.

That is why they have to shown, "other options".

The problem is the two mad leaders of Iran fear this " other options" mindset inside their own population and they will do anything to head it off.

Rushing the country to war is acceptable to these two madmen and that is why "other options" must be moved on quickly.

The good news is, I would be wiling to bet this " other option" has been well thought through, and perhaps even approached.

Is there a 2012 version of the Shah out there?

Let's hope so and let's pray a deal is struck before it's too late.

Time grows short.

http://www.debka.com/article/22293/Iranian-leaders-in-Israel%E2%80%99s-sights-after-calling-for-its-destruction

BUT, IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS!

When you read this news article, pay particular attention to the last line.

Jamil could very well be stating what his leadership feels or he may be restating what the Russian / Chinese have advised him.

What does appear to be obvious is Jamil's confidence in the protection of the two big powers.

On that note, it's interesting he doesn't mention anything about Iranian support?

Why lean on Iran when you can hide behind Russia and China?

So, is this counter warning about a Regional War based on a true belief in "top cover" by Russia and China?

If it is, it verifies Jamil is just another fool stepping up to the media microphone.

Let's ask the next important question.

Regardless of the confidence Assad may have in support from his so called friends, does he really intend on attacking others in the region if he believes "Western powers" or supported / Allies of the West take overt action in Syria?

Probably so, although it could very well be at that moment in time his two most trusted "friends" may put a bullet in the back of his head; as the Iranians angrily stand by and watch.

Does Russia and China want or more importantly need a "Regional War" in the Middle East?

No!!

Can they prevent one from taking place?

Probably not!

So you see, it's up to Assad and his true handler, Iran.

Finally, I'm not convinced Assad or Iran will wait until they see US / NATO / tail flashes flying in Syrian airspace.

Both he and his Masters in Tehran already believe outsiders are supporting the rebels.

When he decides to "pull the trigger" on inflicting pain on those he blames for his crisis is truly up to him; well... it's really up to his Masters in Tehran.

Hiding behind Russia and China may seem safe for now, but I would equate that to hiding behind a Great White Shark as I was bleeding from the leg!!!!

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=282050

MURSI AND  THE SINAI:

The verdict is still out on who was responsible for the attack a few weeks ago, but it is very apparent how the event has been molded into the " Master Plan" for the MB.

 Getting Israel's consent to move forces into the restricted Sinai under the auspice of countering a proven threat to not only Egypt but Israel as well, was a clever move.

Moving more than you were given permission to, such as Tanks, is brilliant opportunity not lost by the MB.

Does anyone really think these forces will be removed, even if  the supposed threat is removed?

Don't bet on it.

With these troops already in place, why would Egypt / the MB / not raise the subject of reviewing "treaty statuses" with Israel?

Would the argument not be, " it is obvious that times have changed and Egypt must be given the ability to keep 'everyone' in the region safe from Terrorist acts"?

You can bet Mursi will frame his argument in a manner close to this.

How will Israel respond?

Does Israel already have too much on it's plate with Iran to spend energy and political capital on the subject of the Sinai; at least for now?

My bet is they do.

MURSI'S / MB / MOVE ON THE EGYPTIAN MEDIA:

Almost completely off the radar, something the MB is very good at, is the topic of Mursi's government moving on the media of Egypt.

If you have not been following this story, you are not alone.

Syria is the sexy, crisis for the media right now and that will be backed up by Iran and Israel.

When the smoke clears, the media of Egypt will be just as tightly controlled as Mubarak ever could have dreamt of.

Let not forget who we are dealing with here.

When the Muslim Brotherhood makes the statement, "we are a new, more passive, more compassionate organization", that is the equivalent of the Mob stating they are opening a community center for the good of the neighborhood.

It's like Putin saying, " I feel your pain"!!!

The problem obviously continues to be, the rest of the Western world is just too tired or too preoccupied by crisis called the Middle East to confront what they know is taking place.

The Muslim Brotherhood is the slow cancer that no one pays attention to until it's too late.

Smiling as he lies to the "Infidels" is a key tool in Mursi's leadership style.

He is about to use it when he visits the Persians next week.

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2012/1111/eg5.htm

SO; DOES IRAN REALLY....REALLY BELIEVE THEY ARE READY?

As I stated yesterday, it is puzzling to me that Iran would truly attempt to prod Israel into a war.

For over a year now I have wondered if Iran was so frightened of the Tunisian Virus / Arab Spring / that it would contemplate warfare with Israel as an alternative.

In the past, I have commented on the concept of " Limited Warfare vs Total Warfare and how Iran could easily blunder into an event far beyond what they anticipated.

Prodding Israel with Hezbollah with the intention of Israel attacking Lebanon territory is a plot the Israelis have long figure out.

So, why the push for warfare?

Why a desire for a probable end state that leaves Iran in ruins?

Let's disregard the idea of Iran believing they can defeat Israel.

They know that is completely impossible; at least at this point in time.

If we accept this premise, then what other conclusions are out there?

Here is the one I fear and have feared for some time now.

Iran has watched with absolute horror the destruction of Syria town by town, city by city.

Iran has witnessed a population that is disintegrating into uncontrollable, mindless violence and they know this could easily be  their fate!

Is Iran willing to risk the fallout from what they hope would be a "Limited War" with Israel rather than the " Total Warfare" destruction of an Arab Spring in Iran?

Would Iran's leadership rather risk the loyalty of the Iranian public fighting the Zionist, then to turn it's own weapons on it's own people?

Simply put; is Iran more afraid of the Arab Spring than they are a war with Israel?

I think the answer might just be yes!!!

Here is the nightmare of my theory.

If I am right, then the pending war between Iran and Israel must take place and Iran knows it.

Hence; the constant push for Israeli response to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

If Lebanon slides into civil crisis because of Syria, the window of opportunity for Iran to utilize Hezbollah as the launching pad  is gone and the hope of a limited war with a enemy who will be pushed for "limits" will also be gone.

Iran's war of words is one last desperate attempt to convince the Iranian public they don't have time for their version of the Arab Spring.

If it doesn't work, Iran is left with one option; Total Warfare!

Time will have run out for Limited Warfare.

All countries strive to shape the future of their existence.

Iran has all but lost their ability to do so.

Israel holds the cards, for now.

WAR OF WORDS. NOTHING NEW.. .OR IS IT?

Iran and Israel using inflammatory language towards each other is nothing new.

I've even said this before in on this blogg site.

So, is this most recent round of "words" anything new?

yes!

"Chicken Little" is the attitude of the average American right now, but some of the more ominous signs are out there.

First off, the US stock market was weak at best this last week and all the talk was about a continuing "weak" market.

That is not the type of news or movement that moves the price of oil up, yet the price did go up... all week.

Those that run the oil markets and oil industry know no political or ideological boundaries.

Their ability to get the "ground facts" from those who are in the know is common knowledge.

Short answer, when you see the market going down or staying weak, but the price of spec market oil is going up, that's a sign of interpreted tension.

Now, a great deal of the hot air coming out of Iran and it's Puppet Hebollah this week had to do with the celebration of " CUD", a trumped up 1979 gimmick by the old Iranian regime to promote violence.

In the next few days, I will go back and revisit just how devastating this conflict could be, but before I do that I will ask one simple question; an important issue that sets the tone for the entire region.

Is Iran truly ready for the level of destruction that could be about to fall on them?

Do the leaders in Iran truly believe their own hype?

Last but not least; do the people of Iran understand what might be about to happen to them?

If Iran responds to a limited Israeli strike with a disproportionate counter assault, the results for Iran will leave them in a crisis they will not climb out of for a decade.

But then again, will Israel strike first?

That is a point I will once again revisit in the next few days.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/201281717556151270.html