deja vu

Friday, 7:14 pm

By Kate

Aug

12

2005

JERUSALEM (AFP) - US President George W. Bush refused to rule out the use of force against Iran over the Islamic Republic’s resumption of nuclear activities, in an interview aired on Israeli television.

When asked if the use of force was an alternative to faltering diplomatic efforts, Bush said: “All options are on the table."

"The use of force is the last option for any president. You know we have used force in the recent past to secure our country,” he said in a clear reference to Iraq, which the United States invaded in March 2003.

"I have been willing to do so as a last resort in order to secure the country and provide the opportunity for people to live in free societies,” he added.

[...]

Bush’s interview to Israeli television was a step up from his previous warning to Iran Thursday.

"If Iran doesn’t take the steps described in the resolution, we would expect that the next step would be referral to the Security Council,” he had said.

Israel has been prodding Washington to adopt a tough stance on Iran and charged that Iran resumed its uranium conversion activities because it had sensed the “weakness” of the international community.

"Iran made this decision because they are getting the impression that the United States and the Europeans are spineless,” a senior official from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s office told AFP Tuesday.

First of all, haven’t we heard this pitch before? War as a last resort. All options are on the table. Take it to the Security Council. Etc.

I guess this means we’ll be at war with Iran within the next year.

And what is this business about Ariel Sharon “shaming” us into doing his dirty work? He has a nuclear arsenal. It’s not as if his country is helpless.

But really, the Iraq war has secured our country from what, exactly? And, my goodness, look how democracy is flourishing there.

And why, exactly, is it our responsibility to make Iran safe for Israel?

I’m sure these are strictly rhetorical questions. Iran has been on Bush’s hit list since whenever. Since it worked so well the first time, why not do it again?

(link via Delusional Duck)