Commentary
Simmering Danger - Real and Present
November 1, 2005 -- I know the US media and political types have been talking about the indictment of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby and his subsequent resignation as Chief of Staff for Vice President Cheney . . . which will most likely be overshadowed by the coverage and heated debate over President Bush’s nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the Supreme Court.
However, I believe Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's calling for Israel to be "wiped out from the map" on October 27th and reiterated again at an anti-Israel rally in Tehran on October 29th . . . is the most important, far reaching news that we should all be discussing . . . as it indicates a real and present simmering danger to global stability.
Nor does any stepping back from these words by Ahmadinejad and other Iranian leaders change the expressed intent or should minimize the concern. (Ahmadinejad even said “death to America” during the rally on October 29th.)
These declarations should be a wake-up slap to the face of all partisan politicians in the USA and allied countries, reminding all where the real danger lies to one’s respective country and fellow citizens. More importantly, every citizen in the USA and elsewhere should be more concerned about the reaction of our political leaders to avert what might occur.
Unfortunately, the collective media (at least in the USA) has only given it secondary coverage relative to the political news over the last week. Yeah, nothing like covering bloodshed of a political nature, when a chilling danger with deep roots is lurking from Iran. (An informal observation indicates Fox News has spent more time covering the threat by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.)
And keep in mind that Iran is believed to be pursuing the development of nuclear weapons regardless of what might be said differently in public.
There was even a recent media report about Iran offering financial incentives for terrorist activities towards Israel. And how involved is Iran in Iraq and Afghanistan? Then what if “death to America” translates to past and future terrorist attacks and/or attempts in the USA and/or in allied countries?
Now, just try to imagine Israel’s reaction… How long will Israel sit idly by knowing what Iran has been doing and its goal to have nuclear weapons? What will Israel do if it believes it must take proactive efforts to eliminate a potential nuclear threat from Iran?
Then there is the terrible thought about nuclear material being provided by Iran for use as a dirty bomb in the USA and other countries that are considered enemies including where US and allied troops might be stationed. Does this nightmare potential sound familiar?
That’s right . . . back to the Iraq concern when Saddam Hussein was its dictator. The difference is that Iran has the wealth, means, and resources reflective of Iraq before it was defeated in 1990 by coalition forces of Operation Desert Storm.
Hoping for a true change of heart from within Iran . . . and the avoidance of what might have to occur.
David G. Bancroft
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