I agree that every country has a right to defend itself. So when/if Israel bombs Iran FIRST, I hope I won't see too much hypocritical nonsense when Iran RESPONDS by raining missiles on Tel Aviv.

zakimar, Toronto, Canada

Farouk: [A Zionist leader (take your choice)] is quite categorical in his pronouncement that he will wipe [Palestine] off the map, by killing everyone, there can be no defending such outrageous genocidal comments...unless you are yourself racist. [Please visit: RighteousJews.org and Al-Awda.org]

Sarie, Thousand Oaks, USA

I think the US is scare of Israel coz it left alone they would probably lose a conventional war in which case they'd have to go nuclear. Imagine what that would do to the oilfields in the region for the next however many years? By the same toke, the US feels 2 madmen with nukes is worse than one

Glynn, Kingston,

I wish that the people of Iran would stand up against their leaders and fight for freedom, rather than allowing their leaders to crush them. If it wasn't for Ahmadinejad and his evil mouth, and Iran funding terrorists, Iran wouldn't be in this situation.

Chris, UK,

Irans president is quite categorical in his pronouncement that he will wipe Israel off the map,by killing everyone,there can be no defending such outrageous genocidal comments...unless you are yourself racist.

farouk, Beirut, lebanon

Perhaps its time to do to Bush what he did to Saddam.
offer a reward for his capture or death and if captured placing him in front of a court staffed by his victims who could then decide on his fate.

Michael, london, UK

There's a reason all the uniformed military are against the strike. Iran has hundreds of Exocet, Sunburn and Yakhonts cruise missles plus Shkval 200mph+ rocket torpedos. In the Navy's own war game scenarios, the US Fifth Fleet inside the Persian Gulf was totally destroyed. That's 30,000 dead.

Ishmael, Belen/Bethlehem NM, USA

"Iran wants to kill all Jews"...so why has Iran got the biggest Jewish population in the ME outside Israel! He said the state of Israel will disappear that doesn't mean it will involve killing people, just renaming....Palestine sounds good!! The Arabs are also Semites (Syrians still speak the lingo)

Pete, Solihull, UK

The Isreal lobby.... words like genocide, anti semitism have gone past their use by dates.. but why does it always creep back into our lives? the media creates an illusion to the jewish/palestinian issue by downgrading the worth of palestinian lives to obscurity...

DinChe, Hamilton, New Zealand

Iran has missiles that can potentially hit Belarus Romania Serbia Greece seems Czech radar/Polish missile aint bad idea. Given how quickly they've developed their assets with North Korean Chinese help we better act.
<br/>P.S : Sarie your statement is tountamount to apeasement Chamberlin 1939.

mek, London, United Kingdom

An unprovoked attack against Iran will not lead to an overthrow of their government, but will instead rally Iranians around their country as they did when invaded by Iraq in 1980.

In the 1980 war, when Saddam Hussein realized he could not win, he offered a truce and reparations. Iran refused the offer and demanded the removal of the Saddam Hussein regime.

Unfortunately for the Iraqi people, Iran was eventually forced to agree to a ceasefire without the removal of Saddam, as they could not decisively win against a US-backed Iraq.

Michael Smith, Saskatoon, Canada

Here we go again! I know we have a little over six month's left until GWB and his people leave office. Until then the threat of war is imminent! Whatever reasoning this administration has to conduct itself in such an agressive manner, doesn't take away the facts and motives for attacking Iran!

Ronald Nagata, Sanger, United States

When the Iranian President said, "Israel will be wiped off the pages of history," the U.S. media published a mistranslation. The statement, as understood by everyone in the Middle East (and me), was directed against the RACIST STATE of Israel. It was NOT a death threat against the PEOPLE of Israel.

Sarie, Thousand Oaks, USA

If we are going to equate the idiotic vitriol of Ahmadinejad with Iranians en masse then we should equate the warmongering and idiocy of GWB with all Americans. Iranians are the greatest victims of the Islamic Regime. Name ONE terrorist of Iranian origin involved in an attack against the West...

Esmita, London,

I don't think that US is nearly bankrupt. it is but for the fact that it owes so much - and has intellectual rights over the world economy, it would be finished by now. Therefore it is the world's own fault if the US causes WWIII because we are actually funding all of the us's wars. Margin call!

Glynn, Kingston,

Please view my new film, a five minute video which is a plea for the preservation of the most vulnerable lives in the face of threats of nuclear war resulting from attacks on Iran. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqXSVh5a30s
"All Present in the Universe of Guns/Message to the President".

Kari Ann Owen, El Sobrante, CA, USA

You say Iran "want" to wipe Israel of the map and kill innocent Americans. Well lets stop looking at the possibilities of what might happen, instead lets focus on the reality. Isreal are wiping Palestine off the map and the USA, well lets just say they are playing the same old game!! Invade invade!!

Yaz B, London, UK

@ Patricia Spillman:
"america must stand with israel and protect their right to exist. just as we did in WWII. "

Uh ... Israel didn't exist in WWII.

FYI, WWII ended in 1945, Israel was created in1948.

Also, some people might want to look up the meaning of the word "semitic".

Louis, Beirut, Lebanon

"anti Semitic"!!!!!!
I urge every one to educate himself from trustful sources on this term. Gentlemen: This term is being misunderstood and misused in favor of Israel. Please enlighten yourself, don't be an easy victim!

saleh darwish, Amman, Jordan

http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02104judaism.htm
“The large majority of those Jews who were murdered during the holocaust were more antagonistic than sympathetic towards the whole Zionist enterprise. The majority of those coming from Central and Western Europe were enlightened modern citizens …”

Sarie, Thousand Oaks, USA

Israel is in the process of wiping Palestine off the map with their actions, not just threatening to do so with rhetoric.
The Shah was put back in power in Iran a long time ago and this led to the Islamic revolution.
Will this sabre-rattling improve anything in the Middle East?

Lawrence, Surabaya, Indonesia

Bush needs another war to distract people from the economic woes in the US right now. In addition, if there is an all-out war in November, McCain will be seen as more competent to lead the troops. So regardless of what the US military or the US public think, Bush will support an attack on Iran.

Ramesh, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Its a catch 22 situation. We attack Iran now and get it over with or we wait for them to develop nukes and detonate the warheads dirty bomb style anywhere in the east. We wait the endgame solution is world war three. we go now endgame situation world war three. You decide stop being anti semetic

Benai, New York, USA

Bush must be desperate to secure the Iranian oil feels since it looks like we may be kicked out of Iraq.

Jacquie, USA,

My Goodness, I can't believe all the Americans on here that are screaming for ANOTHER war! You think gas is expensive now?!? What do you think is going to happen to gas prices once we bomb Iran?!? Furthermore, after spending trillions already in Iraq, we're nearly BANKRUPT! Wake up and think!

Kevin Smith, Kellogg, USA

The depth of anti-semitism that is alive in forums like this one is absolutely staggering. Iran has made its wish to wipe Israel off the map very clear. Israel is a tiny country of 7 million people surrounded by enemies on all sides. I would suggest they have a right to be concerned.

Jim, Durham,

israel has the right to defend itself. iran wants to kill every man, woman and child who is an israeli. they are being threatened by hateful lunatics who have only one thing in mind -to kill the israelis. america must stand with israel and protect their right to exist. just as we did in WWII.

Patricia Spillman, Glendora, CA., USA

Apparently 67 percent of the the US senate are have a jewish background.

Is it surprising therefore that America supports Israel?

I would say it's more a case of big brother helping little brother.

Peter, Cambridge, UK

to the englishman who can't understand america's involvement with israel. the bible says that those who help israel will be blessed. they are God's chosen people. nations that don't help israel willbe destroyed. God bless president bush. God bless prime minister tony blair.

Patricia Spillman, Glendora, CA., USA

Yes, and how have the "actions" of the EU and the UN brought Iran's nuclear aspirations to heel?

Silly Europeans (and their American sycophants...)

H. Carr, Wellesley, MA, USA

It's all Israel's faulty; israel runs America, etc. What absolute garbage. Read some history: America supported isael for the past 60 years as a counter to Soviet communist support for Arab countries. Communism has gone but not the game - Israel still remains America's bargaining chip there.

Mark T, London, UK

Daniel, Manchester, UK:

"as an Englishman I've never understood why the united states so vigorously supports the state of Israel... can anybody explain this? "

As an Iranian I have concluded that Israel is American's financial arm, or better to say, America is Israel's military arm.

Peyman, Tehran, Iran

"When have Iran said they would attack anybody."
They say they'll wipe Israel off the map. They say "Death to America." Not to mention the fact that they supply weapons to the people killing our soldiers in Iraq.

MBU, New York, USA

daniel, the USA supports the state of israel as any president has to have the backing of the powerful zionist lobby.

Suleyman Siddiqui, london,

America needs a PRESIDENT who has the ability to STOP & THINK, before they act. SUCH AS THE CONSIQUENCES OF ATCTION as well as NO ACTION. Racing into another WAR what will the consiquences be? Think long and HARD.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

I am saddened by the number of comments which place the onus on, and express opprobrium for, Israel and the United States.

Think of the consequences of a nuclear Iran with the ability to hit not only Israel, but also oil fields and Europe? Would the commenters prefer Iranian regional hegemony?

Jared Silverman, West Orange, New Jersey, USA

"As Tehran tests new missiles, America believes only a show of force can deter President Ahmadinejad"

Not true. Our administration believes that, the majority of the American people don't support this lunacy.

Tom, St. Petersburg, USA

I cant believe some of the posts on here...5 years of war in Iraq, many deaths both civilian and military, your dollar going to ZERO, massive inflation, Huge attacks on our Civil Liberties and you clowns want more?

You have got to be kidding me....BRAINDEAD

Wes, Melbourne, USA

Most countries in the middle east, iran included, had democratic liberal, progressive governments until they were overthrown by the west and dictators installed who sold out their oil and resources. Understand it's their oil that's been heating your houses, fueling your cars day in day out.

j jacobian , London, UK

Well, I say that this is all in the control and command of God's mighty hand, and we needn't fear, because when God finishes a war, He and ALL the believers will be the victors. All the greedy, selfish war-mongers will pay their penance, don't you worry.
Our God is an awesome and just God! Selah*

Roger D French, Auckland, NZ

Uh, pardon me, but there is, as of yet, no incoming Democratic President. As much as liberal left wants to believe differently, we still have to have the presidential elections...that's November, 2008, not July.

Mike, Sacramento, USA

"as an Englishman I've never understood why the united states so vigorously supports the state of Israel... can anybody explain this?"

- as an american i would like an explanation as well. perhaps israel has one of the largest lobby groups? money?

JT, kansas city, usa

So, according to The Times, an unnamed American official is quoted as saying that the President has given an “amber light” to an Israeli plan to attack Iran’s main nuclear sites? Sorry folks, Americans don't talk that way. A real American official would have said, "yellow light" not "amber."

C.P., Los Angeles, USA

Bush threatening Iran. Pentagon officials encouraging Israel to attack Iran. Iran is a United Nations member state. An illegal attack on Iran, gives United Nations member states the right to invade Israel or the United States under the Charter.

Mike, Sacramento,

I can not stand how come Jew people have to live always in danger along history. They are occupying a little piece of land in our big planet. Just give them a chance to live without this deadly circus thing always around them, it has taken so long. Move on people on Earth.

Maria Hernandez, Puebla, MEXICO

Iran sparked off the latest round of regional tension, you say? The missile tests were a direct response to Israeli / Greek and US "war games" yet no mention is made of that. Furthermore, Iran has not threatened Israel. The infamous mistranslation by Ahmadinijad is still being quoted as truth

J Hubbard, Harlow, UK

This makes no sense for the US. This could result in a serious counter attack in Iraq and packistan agaisnt US forces. This would be followed with higher gas prices and a world wide rescession. Russia?? Israel could use nuclear weapons but the rest of the world would be more than a little upset.

Jim Rothwell, Burke, USA

The Pentagon admits it will only delay any Iranian nuclear program with a five year delay considered a success-but bombing Iran will further inflame the passions of people in the middle east and that fire will last much longer than 5 years

Julia Lowe, Toronto, Canada

I'm shocked by these events; here are are some "inconvenient truths" for America and Israel:

Iran doesn't have long range missles capable of hitting Europe/America

CIA confirmed that Iran is no longer developing nuclear weapons... What is going on here folks?

Stop the zionists :O

David Roberts, Shrewsbury, UK

First, if either Israel or Iran bomb the other it will undoubtedly result in a regional war, which will quite probably escalate into WW III once the Chinese and Russians get into it. You think Iraq was bad? Oh baby! The best is yet to come and the West will lose that one .

Jim Jensen, Greenfield, Wisconsin, USA

to Daniel, Manchester, UK

It is because Israel is USA's financial arm; oh sorry ... USA is Israel's military arm.

Aidin, York, UK

If Israel strike at Iran, the US will be dragged into the conflict. I say "dragged" b'cos the US cannot afford another adventure. US army needs a rest. Signs of fatigue can be seen in the US forces. Soldier shooting at Koran, Friendly fire, bombing mistakes, etc. Surely US soldiers are mortals too

Lim , Johor Bahru,

i'm iraninan
George W Bush is good man
i love freedom

mohammad, tehran, iran

As crazy as this may sound to some, I think the world could live with a necular Iran. Lets say they develop 3 or 4 nukes. I have trouble believing that the mulahs would allow any of their presidents to throw one at Isreal. Knowing that Isreal has somewhere around 300.

Steve Fraioli, Escondido, USA

Which country bombed Heroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, killing 200,000 and maiming millions? Which country invaded Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, killing and maiming millions of people. The answer is America and not Iran!!! Then which country is a threat to world peace? America or Iran?

Syed Taheer Hussain, Karachi, Pakistan

Iran is not Afghanistan

Ayub, Bradford, England

I saw we stop getting involved, let them fight and kill each other and we can remain on the sidelines for once. Who cares about the middleeast its a horrible backwards place stuck in the dark ages.

carl, carlsbad,

This dangerous dilema is a direct result of the Democrat Party in the US and anti-war zealotry in Europe.
Not the fact they are antiwar, but the fact that they have been so reckless with their condemnation of the War in Iraq .This has emboldened the enemies of freedom and rendered talk useless.

Alan , Griffin,Ga., USA

Iran is a country that harbors terrorists, instills hatred in their youth, brainwashes its own people, kills its own people who speak out against Iran. Im baffled reading most of these ignorant comments here. Wake up people, it only took 9/11 to make most of you realize we are not safe.

Jah, Los Angeles, USa

As long as the Zionist ideology exists the world will never have peace. It's will end in total destruction of the the human race.

Mossad Motto-

"By Way of Deception, thou shalt do War"

jayil, london, uk

daniel, manchester, uk - Simple really the Jews run America. They are so powerful in all aspects of business & politics that they actually run the country. Add to that it gives the US Aministration a proxy to war if they need it.

Lloyd, UK,

Well, look for a strike before November of this year. Bush and Israel will not take the chance of Obama taking office, (which seems VERY likely) they will make the move before the election. This is very depressing. I cannot wait for the Bush gang to be GONE.

LOIS , LAS VEGAS , USA

Looks like WWIII is on the way. Don't think for a second, Britain doesn't control Israel. This has been part of the plan all along. Throwing Israel around the necks of America to bring everybody down. Who created this middle eastern countries? Britain, who created Israel, Britain. Think people!

james, Tampa, FL, USA

Why is it not reported that the Iranians test fired missiles IN RESPONSE to the Israelis provocative Air Force 'war games' and rhetoric?

And please show a map of US military bases in the region. Then we'll understand why a (surrounded) Iran might have some justification in wanting a nuclear weapon

Matt, Bagnkok,

Whether someone explain to me why the United States and Israel can have nuclear weapons, while Iran does not have that right?

CCupo, Sarajevo, Bosnia

Why would anyone in America worry about Iran and a nuclear capability? The MSM and the Bush administration have caved in to AIPAC and allowed a Lobby representing a Foreign country to pressure the US into a war with Iran for Israel's interest, not the US interests. Ever hear of the Atlantic ocean?

Rod Glover, Brentwood, TN, USA

If Israel were to dare to commit such a terrorist war crime is it not the obligation of nations such as America to insitute regime change in Israel? The majority of Israelis are decent up right people who do not support the nuclear armed radicals that control the government there.

Ted Blodgett, East Randolph, USA

I pray that Bush & his cronies do not start yet another war. I think his whole plan is to have Israel attack so he can jump in. No wonder the world hates us. I hope they know that it is not the the American people who want any of this.Maybe they will forgive us for his ignorance when he is gone.

Andrea, Maumee , USA

To answer recent posts: as Israel has had nukes for decades, their non-usage shows that the Israelis are responsible.

And no, Israel did not 'lose' in Lebanon. They drove back Hezbollah to the Litani, wrecked their base in Beirut. The UN kept them from finishing Hezbollah off. That is a loss?

C Bozner, London,

I could care less for Israel. Let them pay for what they have done in the last 60 years.

kalario, Boston, USA

If Iran is attacked, it WILL retaliate massively. By proxy if it can't directly. Israel will then nuke Tehran, eithor the Chinese or Russions or both will get involved, America will defend Israel. Thus, WWIII. Those that say 'attack' to stop mushroom clouds rising in future, pease think again.

Mark, Carfiff, Wales

E. Hutchison, Charlotte, USA says: "They have said and shown to be ready to do something against Isreal and the U.S.A. " Could you supply a link to evidence of this. Because it sounds like a flat out lie to me, I've never heard any such thing.

Ted Blodgett, East Randolph, USA

As long as Israel have more than 200 nuclear warheads, out of control of UN-IAEA, its neighbours have the right to self defence. Israel have proved its aggression against the world by attacks, large scale assassinations in other countries and its oppression of the people bestolen of theri land.

Ian, uppsala,

I hate to say that I believe George Bush would attack Iran for partisan reasons that have nothing to do with their nuclear capability or threat to Israel. Of course, I also believe that he either knew or was complicit in 9/11.
I hope and pray that the US Congress will listen and impeach!

Carol Burns, Pensacola, USA

The Iranian president is hardly subtle about what he wants to do to Israel given the chance. Let Israel defend itself and do so while she has a sympathetic president in the White House. Obama's inexperience and naivete will only place Israel at greater risk. Hence Israel needs to act soon.

BT, Mt. Vernon, USA

How long are we going to let this irresponsible and unquaified man contineu getting us into trouble.

Impeach. Impeach, now.

Cathexis, Raleigh, USA

It seems ridiculous to me that the US has any right to dictate to other countries how to use nuclear weapons. Considering that we are the only country in history to actually use them.
Furthermore, decisions like invading Iraq are damaging our economy enough already. I do not want to see $300 oil.

Seth, Ohio,

Between 1945 and 1948, the British government deployed 100,000 troops in a hopeless struggle to arbitrate between Arab residents and Jewish settlers in Palestine, under the terms of a League of Nations mandate. The commitment cost Britain, which was broke, £200m. In 1947, 60 British soldiers died...

Asif, newport, uk

Keep the pressure on Iran! Internally they are in chaos and that only means they are forced to oppress their own dissidents more severely than ever. But this news is leaking, pouring, out of Iran. Ahmadinejad's enemies are multiplying and the autocratic mullahs can no longer protect this regime.

jdcarmine, Pittsburgh, USA

Why do we, the USA, always seem to grab our spears when we are trying to get someone to cooperate? Are we REALLY so feeble that we need to resort to threats of violence to get our way?

Scott, Reno, NV

No one wants war. But allowing a Muslim fanatic who has vowed to destroy Israel to acquire the bomb is not the way to achieve peace. Peace sometimes has to be fought for. European posters ought to realize this. The alternative is the "peace" imposed by the Hitlers and Stalin's of the world.

Richard, Napa, USA

Only Obama can save America from itself. He needs to state loudly and clearly that any attack on Iran must have no American help or support. Israel will be the death of many Americans and Europeans. They just aren't worth it.

Mike, southport, UK

Israel is the ONLY state in the Mid East owning nuclear weapons- what makesthe country more 'responsible' in usage than Iran?Both are hardline. And who are the US,guilty of using deadly chemical weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan, to judge 'responsibility'?Is the US Israel's dog?

F, London,

The Israelis suffered defeat in Lebanon and now they make noises against Iran.

james phillips, durham, united States

as an Englishman I've never understood why the united states so vigorously supports the state of Israel... can anybody explain this?


daniel, manchester, uk

Daniel, watch the documentary 'Ring of Power' on google video. It gives a quite succinct low down on your question.

Glen, Workington, Cumbria, UK

More war propaganda through the mainstream media. Just as they spreaded the Iraq war propaganda and lies, now they are escalating the situation.There was no critisism when Israel started testing missiles and playing war games 3 weeks ago, that wasn't seen as a provocation like in the case of Iran!

james, Hoboken, NJ, USA

Its clear that being strung out on negotiations year in year out are note bringing us to a genuine agreement. Israel has to act given that its very existence is on the line. The truth is they are going to act to ensure their survival no matter what, as they should. Iraq 1984 again. A pity but ...

Mark Stewart, Grandvaux, Switzerland

"Oil will skyrocket, but it will force the US to actually drill for their own oil and refine it. It will make the US less dependent on foreign oil ."

jim, palmer, usa

Better yet, it may teach America to be less gluttonous in it's oil use before it runs out or gets even more expensive.

Lando, London,

The guy that wrote this article is Uzi Mahnaimi.

Uzi is a very popular type of Israeli machine gun.

This speaks of the whole article and US/Israel policy in a nutshell.

John MacArthur, DC, USA

War doesn't just happen - Bush is ratcheting up the tension, in order for us to say "Do it now, we can't stand the tension". Since when can a manipulative addict exercise self-control in the interests of others. It's about the oil - we "have to" demonise a third country so as to kill and rob them.

Julia Iskandar, London, England

as an Englishman I've never understood why the united states so vigorously supports the state of Israel... can anybody explain this?

daniel, manchester, uk

I do hope that the intelligence services keep a watch on some of your letter writers, myself included... you don't get more liberal than that!

Douglas Miller, Fulham,

All these experts, (Katzman, Feldman) appear to be Israeli Americans how about they rest of US standing up for their interests & not letting a ME country run their foreign policies!! Looks as if US has a new form of slavery, this time white, brown & black Christians are the subserviant ones!

Peter, Solihull, UK

If a war happens, it will be because the mullah regime has given the world no choice.
Its a lose-lose situation. No doubt that the anti-US and anti-Israel movements will be strengthened, thousands will die if a full scale war erupts and terrorism will escalate. No one wants it, but it may be needed

Fabien, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

The Iranian people are already suffering from the hands of their autocratic and tyrannical regime, the last thing they need is to be bombed by foreign forces. Israel was created to assuage the guilt of the West for Hitler's actions and the Middle East is paying the price...shame on this world...

E C, London,

The entire world now sees that Israel is wagging the dog that is America.While the US has the capability to obliterate Iran, it cannot win a conventional war against Iran. In a nuclear conflict, Israel would be glass, and Iranian oil unavailable, due to irradiation! Absolute insanity.

Nathan Brazil, Coventry, England

As a distraught American caught in the middle of this mass madness it's time to let Israel go it alone and then cut them off completely. Time for the true menace to world peace to have to face the music for their actions. 10-12 a gallon gas will hopefully provide a long overdue epiphany here.

Ed Encho, Tampa, FL, USA

I think our President Bush has foresaken his religious beliefs completely. He appears more than willing to continue manufacturing wars and murdering people. Just the ticket for our insatiable military-industrial complex! It's the Crusades- in spades!

Rob, Maine,

Wasn't it Ariel Sharon that said '"we the Jewish people control America and the Americans know it" - he was right and Bush will do as he is told.Americans, it appears, like sacrificing their young people for the Jewish state.

graham casey, perth, australia

Iran should only be attacked IF negotiations break down, AND if it looks certain that they may attack Israel. However diplomacy must be proven to be exhausted before any strike. However it has to be a global effort which includes our 'Allies' France and Germany who have a habbit of doing nothing!

kyle smith, bristol, uk

Of course the US will eventually attack Iran . After 9-11 president Bush said the US had 3 target countries Iraq, Iran and Syria.

Jim Wills, Brisbane, Australia

The Iranians have been fighting a proxy war with the US in Iraq. There is nothing wrong with the US allowing Israel to fight a proxy war in Iran. It's a war that's going to have to be fought sooner rather than later.

Brad Schmehl, York, PA, USA

A million+ dead civilians in Iraq is not enough for some. The facts are that Iran has a right to it's nuclear programme, which is safeguarded by the IAEA. NPT signatory states are OBLIGED to protect non-nuclear armed states like Iran, threatened on all sides by states violating the NPT.

David Leeming, Honiara,

It would be a very costly for the Israelis and the US. Let the arrogant Israelis try and suffer the heaviest loss ever. Also, the war will not end with few strikes because once attacked, Iranians will take the fight to Israel.

Azar, Wheaton, USA

All of those who are antiwar would not mine if Americans and others take refuge in Biblical Christianity is there is a conflict with iran/islam would you?

Clifford, Los Angeles,

Project for a new American century. Project for a new crimminal class. The Hague will be very busy when America comes to its senses. Unlike the nazis driven by ideology, these are driven by greed and the zionist lobby.
The Iran folly should be the last puff from the Bullies in the White House

Laurence Howell, Bridgend, UK

Josiah;
you're proud to be American eh? are you sure about that?

This article is describing a situation with such international pressures that were only rivaled by the biggest wars in recent history. You're advocating war, death, and poverty for Americans if this continues. Still proud?

Yasmin Ali, Hanover Park, USA

@"I believe the UK would be speaking German as well as the rest of Europe"
Or just maybe they would be speaking russian now.
If you feel it was a mistake to join in ww2, google hitler's plan to invade America.Hitler's worry was that the Americans might get their declaration of war in ahead of his

Alex, Madrid,

It seems Israel is determined to drag the United States and the world into a catastrophe of their making. It's their way to saying "thanks" to the only nation in the world that has welcomed them in in recent history.

Heri Meza, Los Angeles, US

The way USA is threathening more and more countries with war (Death/crippling) it would not be so strange if some of them would learn from their foreign-policy-philosophy of pre-emptive strikes, and strike before they they are hit.

Johnny De Vulcan, Odense , Denmark

Can you say "World War III"?

Gary, Windsor Ontario, Canada

I don't understand how a country of 300 million people is about to be dragged into a conflict by a country of only 7 million. It doesn't make sense. If Israel wants to attack Iran do it but leave Americans out of it. We have enough problems over here with banks collapsing and inflation surging.

Edward, New York, USA

Tell it to the people of New Orleans, Pete!

"...they survive based on the generosity and protection the USA provides."
Peter, Little Rock, USA

Edward Ferris, Hong Kong,

Lessons have not been learned from Iraq, Afganistan and Vietnam

George, knowsley, uk

Typical war-mongering from Uzi Mahnaimi. He has put out a lot of unbelievable articles in his time. All intended to get the war going.

Alex, Paris, France

I'm no fan of the war in Iraq or of Bush or American foreign policy. It does grate on my nerves rather though the way British lefties seem happy at the idea of Iran having nuclear missiles pointed at London, Paris and Rome. A nation that executes teenagers for homosexuality and sex beore marriage.

Bruno, London,

I am proud to be an American and feel that we must attack Iran now, before it's too late. The reasons are simple:- 1) IIsrael needs our help to continue the suppression of the Palestinian people; 2) we need to give our friend in England, Gordon Brown, a war to enable his survival. Lets do it.

Josiah Goldstein, Ohio, USA

Is history repeating itself again ? When confronted with defeat there is always a tendency to widen/escalate wars as we have seen in Vietnam when the U.S. invaded Laos and Cambodja. After all Iraq is a lost cause anyway, America has nothing more to loose there.

Tom, Christchurch, New Zealand

Iran follows an earlier philosopher, than Averroes. Averroes was much more of a Purely Aristotelian. Until Robert Grossteste began the recovery of Aristotle, under the influence of Aristotle, Europe was a Miserable Dung Heap of Feudal Military Dictatorships.

Xeno77777, Saint Petersburg,

Iran has been fighting a proxy war with Israel for years through Hamas and Hezbollah. Their leaders have made frequent statements about Israel's upcoming demise. They are working on nuclear weapons.

Give the way the world just watched in 1938, do you really think Israel can afford to do nothing?

Lisa, Detroit, US

Excepting his entirely correct and courageous stand against the global warming alarmists and his refusal to open the oil reserves just because gas is at $5 a gallon (in my area), George Bush has made the most appallingly bad and disastrous decisions of any leader since Napoleon.

Dayahka, Aberdeen, USA

What do people have to do to stop this warmonger??

Seth, Charlotte, USA

It's a very dangerous game of hot potato that the US and Israel are playing. The longer they dither with their "No, you first," the closer the world's premier jihadist regime gets to having a real nuclear weapon -- and then we're all checkmated. Time for someone to act. Faster, please.

John, Ottawa, Canada

How is Israel threatened? Are the Iranians developing a 'Jewish' bomb that will leave the millions of their co-religionists living there untouched by nuclear fire? What happened to the M.A.D. doctrine that justified the proliferation of the bomb? Were our governments lying to us? Surely not.

martyn, calvia, spain

see chess. the persians invented it. but the americans are very good at it , see B. Fischer.

tom, nyc,

Neither side wants a war, Isreal or Iran. This is just flexing of muscles by Iran to get a better deal for stopping their enrichment.
As for the US involvement in other countries..I believe the UK would be speaking German as well as the rest of Europe if we kept to ourselves.

John Hommes, New York,

To England Writers,

If you live near a facility you knew was going to be bombed, would you stick around? America has given the warning long enough. England is in poor shape for its citizens to be criticizing God fearing Americans. Don't complain when Shariah law comes to England. You were asleep.

Paul Brown, Las Cruces, NM

I say we (the USA) should let that region fight it out on their own. When we (USA) use our resources, keep our crops, and cut billions of dollars we send everywhere in foreign aid the world will realise they survive based on the generosity and protection the USA provides.

Peter, Little Rock, USA

The only times when Bush speaks with any lucidity at all is when it is about violence and the deaths of others. The fact that an additional war in the region will wreck millions of lives and what's left of the world economy means nothing to him.

Totto, Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA

Europe? You want us to invade a country using a lot of lies, kill thousands, install our military bases and control the oil? No sir. When we want oil, we buy it.

josu, Spain,

It’s hypocrisy of America and the western world when it comes to Israelis. Israel have just played war game over Mediterranean and it was portrayed as a Israel getting ready to bomb Iran, and now Iran have just fired few missile in defence and been portrayed as a threat to the world peace. Who has the bomb Israel or Iran?

Munna , London, UK

I think we Europeans need to stay out of this one we've heard this before with Iraq.

The fact is America is dying and their trying to flex their muscles before China and Russia run the world.

It's really quite pathetic and we should let these moronic Americans crash and burn on their own.

Mike, Manchester, England

The magic number is 100 pounds of highly enriched U-235 for a Hiroshima "gun type" bomb design. Until then, nothing is going to happen. The US did all the heavy lifting in Iraq, now it is Europe's turn to do something.

William, Apex, North Carolina

How far or to what extent should Iran go before it would be O.K. to attack Iran? They have said and shown to be ready to do something against Isreal and the U.S.A. I don't think pre-emptive strike is self defense, but we should be ready for some amount of pain, evan against political fallout.

E. Hutchison, Charlotte, USA

Is George Bush or Israel concerned that bombing Iran's nuclear plants might result in the deaths of many innocent people from radioactive fallout and might expose them to the same genocide charges being sought for the government of Sudan? Would someone please ask them?

Joe Blocks, Sheffield, UK

Dutch Shell has the hydrogen cell. It is time to dump BIG OIL and mass produce a vehicle that can carry on family and commercial life . Sorry Exxon/Mobile, Cheveron, BP, Citco, ect. Bill Gates, how about a plant that produces hydrogen powered vehicles?

Doug Johnson, Hammond Louisiana, USA

Not as easy as "challengers" and "bargainers" I believe Jackson did this to boost the electibility of Barack Obama. How so? by reinforcing to millions of whites that Barack is indeed a"bargainer" This was well planned and needed to elect the first black president in America.

Stratect, Edgewater, USA

Where is the International Criminal Court now? it is a bunch of unaccountable guys that are serving political objectives of a few countries in a discriminatory fashion.

Heinz Geyer, London,

America and Israel attack other countries and destroy their communities, bomb civilians, plancluster bombs, use illegal weapons, terrorize and destroy. Yet somehow Iran which has never attacked anyone is 'the greatest threat' to the world. Where is the honesty? Where is the truth?

Roger Lafontaine, Youngstown, USA

Wow the range of Iran's ballistic missiles clearly justify their is no need for anti-missile bases in Poland and Czech.

Maybe Turkey but eastern Europe means it is targeted at Russia.

Bush must get a declaration of war from Congress or a UN Resolution!

John, Chicago,

Tom,

God bless America?

Why would God bless a nation that wants to destroy another and kill thousands?

America, you mean both North and South America because the Americas consists of 2 continents right?

John, Chicago,

WOW! I am surprised to see people here from ALL over the world. We really are mostly the same, aren't we ?

Look at it this way. Every conflict that people have is over something that the other one either has or wants on this planet. What if we all had nothing but each other?

GTH, Planet Earth,

Iran is constantly on the attack through Hezbollah, Hamas, Sadr. Obviously they are considerably smarter and more clever than western liberals.

Patrick Henry, Bristol,

Farrukh, Woking,

Don't forget to vote.

T. J. Cassidy, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.

Israel must attack Iran's nuclear sites for their own survival. A war with Iran would be very bad. But a nuclear war between Israel / Iran would be a million times worse. Hopefully Israel bombs the nuke sites which would allow the great people of Iran time to overthrow their oppressive regime.

Dobby, D.C., USA

What people forget was that the war in Iraq was a success, it is the occupation and the rebuilding of Iraq that is proving challenging. A rapid military strike targeting Irans nuclear facilities and republican guard bases would wipe out much of the countries military strength. Just don't occupy Iran

David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.

Analysts have everything wrong about ayatollahs' retaliation. The most effective way to eliminate this threat is REGIME CHANGE in Iran. Iranians are overwhelmingly pro-Western, pro-American and Pro-Israeli, the regime supporters are Palestinians, Hezbollah and Hamas Revolutionary Guards not Iranian.

John, Atlanta, GA, USA

What do these "experts" mean? The US wouldn't be involved? Give me a break. Israel would be doing the US bidding and, even if they weren't involved in the opening salvos, the retaliation by the Iranians would bring the US into the battle--which there would certainly be, no matter what Mr. Katzman

ron, asheville, NC, USA

Of course, he backs more criminal behavior by Israel.

His entire presidency is one long criminal activity.

JOHN CHUCKMAN, Toronto, Canada

Iran are not working to build nucler weapons or wish to have them HOWEVER if the US and/or Israel does attack Iran then we will no other choice left BUT to follow the footsteps of Pakistan & NKorea who have not been threatned or attacked since their development of nuclear weapons. It's that simple.

Abdul Ali, Tehran, Iran

Any Britons who believe in backing Israel should look up how the State of Israel was created 60 years ago.

Paul, Coventry,

Spare the nuke, spoil the Iranian dictator!

Tim, Pittsburgh, United States

"God Bless America!!!! Nuke 'em all!!"
Since this type of statements are made repeatedlz by citizens of the US of A, I think the Iranians and others will get their nukes!

T. Andre, London,

If Iran already had nukes, there would be no crisis at all. Iran would be unable to use them (massive nuclear retaliation would follow). And so would Israel, for fear of retaliation by Iran. I am not for nuclear proliferation, but today's nuclear unbalance in the Middle-East is even worse.

Gerd, Berlin, Germany

Fred U.S.,

The greatest nation ever?

Since when would God bless the destruction of other nations and killing of tens of thousands?

9/11 was staged and/or Bush knew about it their can be no other explanation for the failures of U.S. security under Bush that day!

John, Chicago,

Doesn't sound like the US wants to get very involved; even though they say they'll support Israel. If the US perceives Israel as not having a sound plan (and is the super power), then for G-d's sake help them out with any planned attack and be there for them this time.

Andrew, Little Rock,

Israel is our only hope? they got us into this in the first place. omg i'm anything but a leftist. we are fighting in a place we do not belong. trillions for what? and nothing but big fat lies from bush. it will get worse when one of the moron candidates gets in office.

maggie, louisville, usa

If Iran is attacked and some how manages to block the Strait and not allow oil shipments it might actually be a good thing in the long run. Oil will skyrocket, but it will force the US to actually drill for their own oil and refine it. It will make the US less dependent on foreign oil .

jim, palmer, usa

>>>God Bless America!!!! Nuke 'em all!!

Tom, Vero Beach, USA<<<

Please, God, there is no need to punish all the fine, descent people with the few bad ones: One missile for the chimp and his masters will do the job....

Sven, Germany, Europe

Neville Chamberlain, the great appeaser would be proud of many of you. Personally, I look forward to the day that Europe is within range of Iranian nuclear missilles.

Let Europe solve an international problem for a change. They better hope that Israel takes the nuke sites out for them lol.

rb, cumberland, usa

Reading the comments to this article it's easy to see who are media-parrots and sound-byte repeaters, and who are the ones that think for themselves. Stop being friggen` mental robots! Do you people have any clue where a war like this could take the world? TV speaks, sheep obey. Sickening.

David, Bardstown, Kentucky, United States

joe, america,

totally agree joe.

eton, Oxford, uk

No way. And how will our friends in the UN back us up? They already let Isreal, the only democaracy in the mid-east, twist in the wind. Oh, but maybe bushis doing it for oil. Europes talk and inaction sickens me while people die all over the world. No thanks, count us out. Recent events prove this.

William, Atlanta, USA

When will we, the everyday citizens of the world, be free of this tyrant and his fear-led foolishness. Bring forth the elections!

Farrukh, Woking,

If G Bush starts a new war he should send his children and grand children on the front line to become 'heroes'

derek, Brighton, uk

America has had the navy patrolling the Straits for months past and undercover CIA operatives in Iran attempting to undermine the country . And Iran is suddenly the aggressor for letting fly a few rockets? The sooner Bush and his psychopathic team are out of power the better for the world at large

David Homewood, Argentat, France

The main bottleneck for oil are refinaries, Iran will not attack military installation and needs only inaccurate weapons to pulverise the refinaries. they can wait to retaliate 3-6-9 months, either with rockets or just with the people on the ground. it takes 5 years to rebuild one refinary

T. Andre, London,

To attack Iranian nuclear sites is not an easy decision. Israel has all reasons to defend herself in view of repeated threats of annihilation. Economic considerations are meaningless when the very existence of a threatened country is questioned.

DAVID DASTYCH, Wasaw, Poland

When have Iran said they would attack anybody. When have they attacked anybody. Does Iran have the right to defend itself from attack?

JOHNNY WARD, Pensacola, United Staes

Hmmm. An oil-rich nation attacked on a pretext of weapons of mass destruction. The price of oil goes even higher. US oil companies get richer, as do weapons firms and Haliburton, KBR, Blackwater.. Sound familiar? Iraq II: Neocon Apocalypse, coming soon.

John Claro, Cleggan, Ireland

No more wars please!!!!!!!!

Luciano Godoy, Atlanta, USA

Agrippa, YOU are wrong, it was Eisenhower (GOP) who sanctioned the CIA overthrow of the first democratic government of Iran under Mossadeq in 1953. By backing the brutal regime of the Shah, the US laid the groundwork for the Ayatollahs to take over in a revolution.

John Claro, Cleggan, Ireland

The truth is that Iranians are the biggest liars and bluffers on the face of the planet, and on a good day make GWB look like a saint when it comes to telling the truth. Lying is the official policy. Saddam was a poor imitation, and the problem is that he convinced everyone. Same now with Iran.

Richard, San Mateo, CA, USA

I am greatly blessed, having been born in America. The greatest country existing since the planet began. I am doubly blessed by God in having George W. Bush as my president. He's git more than his share of blemishes. but thanks to him and God's providence there have been no repeats of 9/11 terrorist

Fred Sinclair, Holland, US of A

All these obscene left wing peace fools. Yes oil prices wil go up for about 3 weeks until Iran's economy is destroyed by the lack of exports. If Iran obtains a nuke, they wil immediately deliver dirty bombs to the terrorists. Then everyone will be dictated by them. Israel is our only hope!!

Dr Niekld, London, England

Bush is not just mad; he seems to be a pathological war-monger. How many must die before this maniac realizes that there is no real "crusade" to wage. If America and Israel and Pakistan and China can have nukes and missiles, why not Iran. Which of these nations has the worst history?

Anant, Chandigarh, India

Bush is a very stupid man, and back to bending over for Israel. God please have mercy on us and stop our President. He is a stupid pathetic excuse for a human being.

maggie, louisville, usa

A nuclear Iran is a terrifying thought, but if an attack is launched i hope those that launch it have thought about what happens next and how they deal with it, because they didn't before Iraq. Iran would be a different ketle of fish, but that doesn't mean it can't be dealt with.

John Lewis, London, UK

negotiation does not work with these kind of countries as you can tell we have been asking them to stop for years and they will not, i would much rather have them stop them then have them kill innocent people but i guess you all want us to negotiate it until some people die then we can attack?

Jmorrison, Salem, US

God Bless America!!!! Nuke 'em all!!

Tom, Vero Beach, USA

Americans have sold their country and their souls to the Jews-only state in Palestine. They are traitors not merely to their own country but to themselves. That is the state of American politics today. AIPAC is CANCER of US politics just like appartheid Israel is CANCER of Middle East.

petr vojta, prag, czech republic

Where all these responces for attacking Iran are from the most vilolent country in the world, USA. Where are all the Israel readers responces. Chances are their government has made sure that free speech like this is stiffeled or they follow the line just like all the middle east countries.

tom, upper beeding, uk

Many of you are right and many are wrong, and none of you considered the desire for Persian hegemony to return to the mid east on the part of the Iranians.

If an American President is to blame for this situation it is Jimmy Carter. In 1979 he allowed the Ayatollas to return to Iran.

Agrippa, Berlin, USA

Mike, Bronx. Don't sully the memory of those brave Americans who died in WWII with such stupid comments. They fought alongside millions of others who laid down their lives with equal bravery and the war was won by all.

English by the way, Is a Germanic based language. West-Frisian to be precise.

Richard Crow , Warsaw, Poland

The U.S. will open the strategic petroleum reserve at the start of an attack, it will ease an oil spike for hundreds of days. (60 days by itself or hundreds if it augments U.S. supplies) Israel's existence is threatened. They can't let Iran get a bomb, Iran has to back down or Israel has to attack.

Scott, Logan, USA

The war-mongering US president is a fool, and I am ashamed to be an American these days.

Thomas, Los Angeles, USA

Lighten up, people. In the worst case scenario a lightning force strikes Iran and leaves their structures in fumes. No war. No retaliation. Just Iran left to rub its sores. It's been done once already. Iraq is all about occupation.

Eugene, heidelberg, germany

No surprise here, then: the Bush administration is all about "getting away with it" AND "Wasn't me, guv", and will invent anything to get at the oil.
And, now that the US has stolen Saddam's degraded yellowcake from Iraq, that makes everything all right? Vindication all round? And the Iraqi dead?

Julia Iskandar, London, England

The Bush administration, no longer supported by the majority even in the USA, is going to plunge the overwhelming majority of billions of people into an appalling crisis against their will. These are the great democratic values Mr. Bush so fondly champions!

Nissar Ahmed A. Naik, New Bombay, India

Hello World!
I feel so sorry for this angry world.
We are dying for nothing...

Reza Karimi, Tehran, Iran

Who is the US's primary target? China! When have we seen Game Theory on the world stage? Russia! What did we do to Russia? Made them go bankrupt! How do we deal with China? Same fashion as we did with Russia except with oil/commodity prices! Who would survive $500 oil, China or US, US!

Ed, Austin, USA

The world must know that only disarming Israel and the dismantlment of zionist regime,will bring peace solution in middle-east,and jews and arabs will live together in peace in palestine like before zionism established.
since Israel established there are only bloodshed and wars

Avraham, Ashdod, Palestine

I really wonder what you fools will say the day Iran obtains a nuclear bomb and proclaims that Israel must be destroyed with a time line. How you cannot see that this will undoubtedly cause a world war is amazingly ignorant. In addition to being our closest ally, Israel represents hope and democracy

Joe, San Francisco, USA

This whole thing between Israel and Iran is being driven by the ancient conflict between Christianity and Islam. Ahmanijedad believes it's his mission to create the conflagration that will cause the Mahdi to return, kill the Christians, and establish Islam's world domination. He'll drop the bomb.

Sam, Runaway Bay, USA

I wonder how helpless American citizens are. They knew that their President is liar, criminal & has no moral. Still they bear him. Look at American economy... it's all because of wrong policies of this president.
Is it the most powerful democracy in the world???? May be Americans are as Chinese

Aziz Ali Hitawala, Kuwait, Kuwait

Tim in Chicago:

Well said

Andy, machester, uk

Israel can not stop a small rocket from Gaza...go figure

john, new york,

Afghanistan, Iraq...next Iran and Pakistan. I think we can see the pattern emerging here.

Steve, London, UK

The "root causes" of the problem in the Middle East are European. First the Roman Empire (diaspora) and then the church (crusades, inquisition, nazism -ad infinitum). Israel's first concern should be Israel. It was Hitler who brought anti-semitism to the Arab world. Go Israel Go!!!!!

Steven Gomprecht, lodi, NY, USA

Keith you claim the US may have doctored the photo's to show a greater threat. That picture was taken directly from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard web page. The US isn't saber rattling it is Israel and Iran. Iran's doctrine is the destruction of Israel and Israel is all about self preservation.

Carl, Albuquerque, USA

Our lack data on Iran is a fact, the more we wait the worst it will be. So make up your mind and do it before we see mushroom clouds in the US

arafe, karaj,iran, Irab

It seems Iran is a piece of cake offered by Bush to Israel!

Hassan, Tehran, Iran

The vast majority of the world do not want another war between US/Israel and Iran including the American people except G Bush and his cronies. Nothing can be achieved with war appart from the misery not only the counties directly involved but the rest of us as well.

alison, blackburn, uk

May be its time to test the latest American weapons. Its been nearly ten years since the last time they were tested

Barry, Durham, uk

how about a weapons of mass destruction free mideast..isreal should get rid of their nuclear weapons and then iran wouldnt need them

george, frederick, usa

The winners of this prospective war will be the Russians as they will be selling us oil and gas at sky high prices

derek, essex, uk

Why Israel has always to come first including the destruction of world economy?

emily, Burnley, uk

Put aside an attack on Iran for a moment. Those who perpetuate this myth are unrealistic in their doomed mindset.

Such an attack will terminally cease all options for peace and co-existance with the Islamic world. Every islamic nation will then weigh acquiring nuclear technology. Climate Change?

CMyers, Maryland, USA

"If the US invades Iraq, the price of oil will skyrocket, and the US will lose 50,000 American lives." --Sam Donaldson before the first and second Iraq war.. If Iran ever gets the atom bomb expect the price of oil to double, and expect Iraq's foreign policy to be controlled by Iran.

Pete Moss, Miami, USA

The Iranian people don't have the want or desire for war. Iran won't attack, it wants to be respected. This is a war of egos, nothing more. It's the showdown of the playground bullies.
Grow up.
This is no way to run a world.

Rick, Columbus, US

Please pardon my ignorance, but since when does a non-nuclear weapon possessing country, threaten a country that has advanced nuclear weapons capability, as well as the world's biggest super-power backing it?

Benson Stein, NYC, USA

GW Bush is determined to hand a poisonous chalice to Brrack Obama when the Presidency changes in the next 6 months. Bush and his Pals are determined to have their way, at whatever costs, and it will be US Servicemen and Women who will pay the price for Bush's folly. Another 'Vietnam?'

B Clarke, Chelmsford, England

The Iranians "will" throw flowers at our soldiers this time damnit! even if we have to use force to make them.

stanzler, ny, usa

Just tell em how many innocent kives have been lost for a blunder called Israel up to now? How many more to come?

Why our sons have to be killed for Israel? How many wars for sake of zionists are enough?

Tim, Chicago, USA

A typical American reply. They feel they own the world.Let me remind Danny boy that both Americans and Iraqis still die eveyday in Iraq,so I wouldn't be bosting so much about your 'win' in Iraq. It is pathetic given that human lives are still being lost because of this war.

Charis, Cambridge, UK

Do you really think leaving Iran alone and all this will disappear...China waiting to move into Iraq once we leave, Iran eliminating Israel from existence, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Jordon join together with China to form a nuclear presence and terrorist network like the world has never seen

David, Nashville , USA

We Americas saved you English from speaking German. But now I think with newspapers like this you will reading paper in 10 years in Arabic.

Did this newspapers support Hitler during World War II?

Mike, The Bronx,

"Yet US officials acknowledge that no American president can afford to remain idle if Israel is threatened."

And why not? Because the Israeli lobby determines US foreign policy. See "The Israel Lobby" by Mearsheimer & Walt.

Also, both Democrats and Republicans fear the Zionist-controlled media.

John, New Palz, NY, US

Our economy is in tatters, the cost of Iran/Afghanistan is in the trillions, and our government is laying the groundwork for yet another war for Israel. Securing the continued dominance of the only nuclear-armed power in the Middle East, Israel, is more important then the well-being of Americans.

Ana, Newport Beach, USA

It is not significant that Iran can launch a missile. What is significant, is whether or not they can hit anything with it. How about some reporting on where those went and what they did when they got there. :)

fred, shannon, illinois, USA

Bush is scheming a way to suck US into yet another war. An Israeli attack against Iran will inevitably provoke Iranian retaliation against US fleet, foolishly hemmed up in the narrow Gulf. Even granting that Iran's guided missile technology not of the best, it'll be like shooting fish in a barrel.

Frank L Harrison, Greenville, US

Marek,
a hit on iran leading to $500 per barrel is sweet but crude. it kills 2 birds with 1 strike.
opec oil wont get through the straits cutting off the $$$ to freaks and china's yuan or whatever being pegged to the dollar will bleed out its foreign reserves.

anticipation...

Joe, Colorado Springs, USA

What an irresponsible remark ? Attack Iran, and oil will immediately go up to $500 a barrel, and every western stock market will crash resulting in a world-wide recession.
It`s only 200 days before this "son-of-a-bush" leaves office. I only hope there will be a world left for his sucessor...

Peter McCall, Den Haag, Holland

There will be no war with Iran.

This is what will happen, the US and Iran will agree that Iran continue its enrichment program, as long as UN inspectors are there to monitor the logistics of the handling and transportation of the spent fuel. Also Iran will stop missile testing.

Alex George, Detroit, USA

Idiocy! Your naive concerns over oil prices! How trivial your worries will be when an Israeli or American city becomes the target of an Iranian nuclear weapon. How tragic that your preoccupations will end only in the morning after.

Thomas, Cumming, Hegemonic United States

President George W. Bush is trying to finish what his father, George Bush Senior started, and then some. It seems like he's been planning this from the beginning. Can you blame him though? Not only does Iran wish death to Israel, but to America also. President Bush doesn't have very many options.

Ryan, Usa,

War with Iran will drive oil prices through the roof. You might as well declare war on the world economy.

Tom, Epsom,

Bush hears the Iranians haven't invaded another country since 1512 and with his statistics thinks it proves they are long over due to stage an attack.

Next thing Bush will be threatening the Swiss.

Republicans aid the Sunni-Wahhabis who attacked the USA on 9-11 in their war against Shias.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Why do all the British news organizations leave out the fact that the Iranian missile test this week was nothing but a few beefed up scuds? The photos of the missiles were photoshopped by either the Iranians or US media to overplay the threat, and here the British papers are still hyping it.

tim, nyc, usa

Why is it that the Republicans are blocking S. 3185, which passed the House 402-18, and which would regulate oil futures and break the oil bubble?
Is it because they want to keep up the price of oil, so that people will want offshore drilling?
Collapse of the bubble will destroy the Mullahs.

george, Peterborough, NH, USA

Great news! Oil at $500 per barrel is precisely what the world economy needs at the moment!

Marek, London,

they will fold like cheap suit, please finish them up once and for all.
DT,USA

Danny, Heber spring, USA

"Middle Eastern countries are all bluff."

Yeah, especially Israel. The Israelis are not going to do a thing except bluster and talk tuff.

The Israelis and Americans are doing a lot of whinging about the "danger" of Iran but Dan says they're "all bluff." So which is it, danger or all bluff?