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Retired Generals, Admiral Warn Against Attack on Iran

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Posted on Feb 4, 2007

Three former high-ranking U.S. military men have called on the Bush administration to pursue diplomacy with Iran, saying “an attack on Iran would have disastrous consequences,” a concern shared by a group of 22 physicists, including 12 Nobel laureates, which has asked Congress to restrict the president’s ability to use nuclear weapons against Tehran.


Diplomacy can still win Iran (published in the Sunday Times):

As former US military leaders, we strongly caution against the use of military force against Iran. An attack on Iran would have disastrous consequences for security in the region, coalition forces in Iraq and would further exacerbate regional and global tensions. The current crisis must be resolved through diplomacy.

A strategy of diplomatic engagement with Iran would serve the interests of the US and the UK and potentially could enhance regional and international security. The British government has a vital role to play in securing a renewed diplomatic push and making it clear that it will oppose any recourse to military force. The Bush administration should engage immediately in direct talks with the government of Iran without preconditions. There is time available to talk, we must ensure that we use it.

Lieutenant General Robert G Gard Jr
US Army (Ret), Former assistant to the Secretary of Defense, president, National Defense University
General Joseph P Hoar
US Marine Corps (Ret), Former Commander in Chief, US Central Command
Vice Admiral Jack Shanahan
US Navy (Ret), Former Director of the Center for Defense Information and currently Chairman, Military Advisory Committee

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By Steve Hammons, February 5, 2007 at 5:52 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Will Bush and Cheney ignore these experts? You bet they might.

With the political and legal pressures mounting on Bush and Cheney, they need a distraction and more war as an excuse to gain more power and divert attention from the investigative tsunami headed their way.

For more on this see:

Will Bush, Cheney attack Iran? When and why?

Steve Hammons
American Chronicle
February 1, 2007

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=20093

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By Jeff Badura, February 5, 2007 at 11:59 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

the point of view of neo-con:

there is no diplomacy that will ever work on the Islamic extremist in Iran !! 

its not that we want war ???

  war, is a by-product of self defense !! Iran is a chief sponsor of Islamic extremism, they have already declared war on the west!!  only becuase of our fecklessness and cowardice, do we refuse to face facts and admit we are in a long term global struggle that is keeping us from doing the right thing and bombing the nuke facilities, and the military facilities in Iran, that are supporting the killing of US troops in Iraq !!

whether its today or in 10 yrs, its only a matter of time before we are taking military action against our enemy’s in Iran !!

I leave you with the words of JFK- “The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe…Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” -John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961   - how far the Dem’s have fallen for they would never such today

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By Druthers, February 5, 2007 at 10:50 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Since it seems Kissinger is a secret counseler,  this great rock of wisdom who favored diminshing
the population long ago, not necessarily by contaception, would hardly be concerned by the “massive wave of radio active fallout” that could contaminated millions of people…all brown and hoarding all that oil.

The administration motto is “In God we trust but We Know Best.”  To think these trigger happy reliques have at their disposal tons of weaponery and nuclear devices is worse than anything we have ever known…and they have the impertinence to tell US, to whom they come begging for votes that it is “them out there” who are a menace to the world.

Few get a chance like Kissinger to re-do a war, lucky man, but even fewer have hi-jacked a democracy to do so like Cheney and his gang.

If I believed in the power of prayer I would not dare tell what I would pray for.

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By SuGee, February 5, 2007 at 6:56 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

How come “we”(the current posters)can see that GWB is criminally insane and our current congressional government public occupants can’t?  Hmm . . . He IS a serial killer and always has been.  Thanks Barbara (whose female canine personality we can see in her son)for raising a serial killer.  What, is it okay in Texas to allow your young child to blow up frogs with firecrackers for fun and games?  Or were you just too busy porking out and lushing up in the kitchen to properly raise your child?(he got his alcoholism from someone and you were supposed to raising him.)  Oh yes,“They’re underprivileged anyway, so things are working out well for them”.  Talk to his childhood and adolescent friend, Mr. Throckmorton, who wrote an article in the NYTimes opinion page which stated that he and Georgie boy were really mean to small animals(they killed them). The idea about another tea party sounds good to me.  But I’m sure that our criminally insane president will declare marshall law before the next election/pending war. His look of glee is so disgusting to see when he talks about HIS war and the killing. I knew there was a reason that I never wanted to have children.

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By Big Al, February 5, 2007 at 5:41 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Israel wants this war, so Israel will get it. That’s the bottom line of American politics.

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By Wayne Smyer, February 5, 2007 at 5:33 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

“Lest We Forget” Bush is just trying to follow the REPUKE War Policy;.i.e,  When in trouble at home, you must attack someone! After all, Iran has lots of oil, even more that Iraq! There is, however, one small problem, Iran is a lot tougher than Iraq, or even the mighty nation of Greneda!
After all, The Chimp is almost as smart as Ronnie! WHAT’S GOOD FOR HALLIBURTON, IS GOOD FOR AMERIKA! attributed to F-Y Cheney, your truly “vice” War president
  Lwayno, disabled vet

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By Spinoza, February 4, 2007 at 9:38 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

I was listening to NPR a while ago and they were as jingoist as ever, promoting war againmst Iran.

What can we do about it?

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By DennisD, February 4, 2007 at 9:33 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Been there and heard it all before. The question is does BU$HCHEN care what anyone says and we all know the answer to that by now. NO

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By Brapp, February 4, 2007 at 9:18 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Diplomacy?  but military-induced carnage will more effectively bring about the Return Of Jesus.  I mean, do you want to hasten The Rapture, or don’t you?

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By Reg, February 4, 2007 at 8:29 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

None of the corporate networks reported this at all. Something has to be done.  STOP HIM BEFORE HE KILLS MORE!

Blog opens:  There is a serial killer living in the White House.

Must read:
CLICK HERE

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By Agent 99, February 4, 2007 at 7:02 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

And don’t limit it to Iran!  Take the button away from him altogether.  How about invoking 25 and carting him off to the bin where he belongs.

I’m serious.

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By Terry Sloth, February 4, 2007 at 6:19 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

“I was always curious to know: how can well-educated and reasonable people be so easily mislead? How can people actually believe Bush’s lies? How could, for example, someone believe that a magician is actually capable turning a chicken into a tiger? How could anyone actually believe that a fortune teller is capable of foretelling the future? How could someone actually spend money at a casino, in the vain hopes of winning when the statistics are clearly in favor of the casino? How could someone actually give money to some guy in Nigeria in response to one of those well-known email scam letters that you too have probably received? How could someone actually respond to one of those “You May Have Already Won $1 Billion” junk mail letters?”


http://www.iranian.com/Mohammadi/2004/September/Report/index.html

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By Joe, February 4, 2007 at 6:15 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Why believe generals and admirals - compared to the fact that god talks directly to Bush? You know what they say about people who think god is talking to them? Please, Laura, George, Barbara get this man the help he needs before he crashes - and takes the world with him!

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By Quy Tran, February 4, 2007 at 5:56 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

He never follows good advices. How about a coup to throw him and his stupid servants away. We really need a clean up as we usually cleaned our bathrooms and toilets.

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By fakker el wadi, February 4, 2007 at 5:56 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

I hear a lot a hand wringing and complacency. You Brits need to recall that you invented the term “appeasement”. We need to teach the Persians a lesson now not later all we will all be living “The Road”.
F E-W.

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By dick, February 4, 2007 at 4:15 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Read Ravi Batra’s new book “The Coming Revolution…”. He predicts it within ten years.

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By Kathlyn, February 4, 2007 at 4:03 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Georgie Porgie puddin & pie
Kissed the girls and made them cry
When the BOYS came out to play
Georgie Porgie ran away

It’s time to get Georgie and Dickie off our backs.

Impeach.  Remove from Office.  Prosecute

NOW

Georgie and Nancy looked real cozy on their picture Ops at the Democratic Conference.  Watch Out Nancy.  Georgie is a CAD.

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By L.G., February 4, 2007 at 3:16 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

The problem is simple. It can not be stress enough that the military oath is to uphold and defend The Constitution of The United States before ALL else. The “chain of command” and following “orders” is NOT their mission. Otherwise they are no different from those tried at Neuremberg.

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By Nick @ Enough Fear, February 4, 2007 at 3:00 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

If generals and Nobel Prize winners can speak out against an attack on Iran, surely we all can.

Please join our campaign at http://www.EnoughFear.org where Iranians and Americans are finding ways to work together against war.

Right now we’re collecting photos of Iranians and Americans, and we’re looking to go further and create actions in both countries so we can show that we stand together for peace.

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By Jackie T. Gabel, February 4, 2007 at 2:34 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

This is for mass consumption.

In DC. the 911 coup is an open secret. The scramble is on to rein in the madmen without blowing the coverup, exploding a constitutional crisis and precipitating a global financial meltdown, all of which is inevitable.

The madmen must be stopped before they start WWIII.

Support 911Truth - End War of Terror
Investigae, indict, prosecute and execute!

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By Christopher Robin, February 4, 2007 at 1:56 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

For Bush/Cheney “diplomacy” is saber rattling. He can’t wrap his stubborn brain around more subtle ways of getting what you want, without using force.

“Diplomacy” is getting your adversary to cooperate with you, and to enjoy doing so.

But our war mongers only know confrontation and ultimatums and threats..Which are reaping wonderful results so far… Why stop now?
We’re on such a roll.

Did they take the lost opportunities to engage with Iran?...no, no and no.

Had we followed this Bush pre-emptive doctrine with the Soviet Union, there would have been a nuclear war long ago. Or maybe even worse, an occupation which we’d have to deal with.

No one wants to see nuclear weapons in the middle east (except the war mongers) That we have the ability to render Iran into a sheet of glass remains, the Iranians are an intelligent people and can fully understand the consequences of their daring to use nuclear weapons.

Destruction of themselves. So lets get to the heart of the long standing differences and try to build good will where ever we can.

This idea that we can put the genie of nuclear weaponry back into a bottle is fantasy land.
And even more faulty reasoning is we need to unleash the dogs of war ...in some attempt to prevent such a thing from happening?

The United States and Iran should naturally have friendly relations. It has been pig headedness on both sides that has, separated the warm feelings that Americans have toward the Iran people and vice versa. I’m thinking back to an earlier period where there was much mutual respect and and cooperation between US and Iran.

Yes, the United States supported the Shah. This is our legacy. This is at the root of the long standing resentments and bitterness. Which only serves to enable the fanatics to hold power by feeding on the paranoia an anger.

Can’t we find the simplest, humble gesture of good will to begin to bridge this estrangement? We give up no military power? That remains. No one is negotiating a give away.

Iran is not the despot Saddam Hussein (think about that). There is still some shred of reason left in the leadership of that country.

I hope the poison and bitterness, is not what is running this confrontation and events. Which is what I’m afraid, is exactly what is happening. We need to outsmart Ahmadinejad, not feed his paranoia or unleash yet a further disaster.

I only wish Bill Richardson was handling talks between both sides of this, he has an ability to listen to everyone and bridge differences.

Let’s not let pride and bitterness drive events between our countries.

Our leaders can do far better.

Both sides.

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By Dale Headley, February 4, 2007 at 12:43 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

George Bush and his fascist inner circle are spouting the same lies, platitudes, and fear-mongering warnings they blathered before their immoral and illegal war against the innocent Iraqi people was launched.  Worst of all, many flag-waving, uber-patriotic, Americans will again abandon all skepticism and goosestep toward another cynical and illusory “victory”.

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By wilderness voice, February 4, 2007 at 11:27 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Just because we are plumb out of troops, ya don’t think a minor issue like that would deter the “decider” from pursuing his war plans?
....
Impeach.. Remove from Office.. Prosecute

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By C Quil, February 4, 2007 at 11:22 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

One of Iran’s top nuclear scientists has died “under mysterious circumstances”. It happened over a week ago. I wonder whose special forces are responsible for this one?

http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Security&loid=8.0.380293765&par=0

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By Jon B, February 4, 2007 at 9:56 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

While Bush kept talking iranian nukes, the news says CIA finds no nuke program in Iran.
http://www.jwharrison.com/blog/2006/11/20/cia-finds-no-nuclear-weapons-program-in-iran/

Will Bush and his neocons create another false preten to launch attack, with the support of congressional majority including those Bush wannabe presidential candidates?

Be very wary of these prez candidates who voted for the war, support the infusion of more troop to Iraq and talked about the support of attack on Iran from previous years to this date. If not, you are likely to have another bloodthirsty warmonger.

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By Joe, February 4, 2007 at 7:52 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Neocons in the White House are “Leocons”, right?

They believe and follow Straussian philosophy: “Noble lies and perpetual war” for “the unwashed masses not fit for either truth or liberty,” right?

And all accomplished with a smirk and a swagger by the Commander-in-chief and Vice even though both craftily dodged the 1960s draft.

Leo Strauss would be so proud.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article5010.htm

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By Chaseme, February 4, 2007 at 7:49 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

I think it’s time the US military got training from the Thailand military on ‘How to carry out a bloodless coup.’

Or, maybe the US military should simply carry out the coup and whatever happens, happens.

Needless to say, it’s time for a change!

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