Iran Throws Down Gauntlet, Offers to Escort Ships to Gaza
Sunday, 6 Jun 2010 — Contributed by Kuncen
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After scattered reports last week that Turkey was planning to escort the next aid flotilla to Gaza, new information is trickling in now that Iran has entered the fray by offering to provide protection to ships trying to enter Gaza.
The Guardian reports that Ali Shirazi, representative of the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini, said:
"Iran's Revolutionary Guard naval forces are prepared to escort the peace and freedom convoys that carry humanitarian assistance for the defenceless and oppressed people of Gaza with all their strength."
John Romano of YesButHowever.com translates:
"The use of the word “strength” is seen as a thinly veiled threat and meant to say that Iran is prepared to use force against Israel’s navy."
Iran's longstanding hatred of Israel is nothing new. What is surprising is the abrupt about-face that Turkey has exhibited with respect to Israel. Some are suggesting that the entire Gaza flotilla fiasco was organized with the goal of improving Turkey's standing in the Muslim world. Further, Israel is concerned that the appointment of a new head of intelligence in Turkey heralds the beginning of an era of much tighter Turkish-Iranian relations.
Are we witnessing the beginning of a broader coalition of Muslim nations against Israel, with the inclusion of Turkey? Did Turkey intentionally create the catalyst (flotilla raid) that such a coalition would need to form?
Editor's note: This is an emotionally-charged issue for many. Please remember to keep comments intelligent and civil. Abusive, attacking, or hate-filled comments will be flagged and removed by registered users.
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Turkey and Iran better be
Turkey and Iran better be careful.... don't wanna draw the US into this...
the US
The US is already involved. Who owns Israel. The US.
Who owns Israel?
I was recently approached by a gentleman who wished to goad me into this particular subject. He stated that Israel controlled America, as all the big banks in America are "Jewish owned". I refuted this point, without actually knowing the answer. Is this correct? I would look it up myself by my eyes hurt!!
Fear of Jewish people
This is actually a very common belief among some people in America. "All the banks are owned by the Jews." "The Jews are taking over Hollywood." It's conspiracy-theory stuff, and it's racist fear-mongering. True, there are a lot of talented Jewish people in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. And there do seem to be a lot of Jewish people who choose to make their careers in the banking industry. But this concept of "the Jews are taking over" is just offensive and my hunch is that the roots & origin of this type of statement run far into the past.... does anyone know?
US helping Israel
Its a conspiracy that has a lot of fact if you decide to research it a bit.
I just found this article which to me backs up the fact that the US is involved by supplying arms to Israel. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-to-store-800m-in-military-...
I don't think believing in a conspiracy that most of the banks are owned by Jews makes me a racist or fear monger.
The United States is very good at misleading the public and creating fictional incidents or fake facts to hide what they dont want people to see.
I don't think you're a
I don't think you're a racist. But the idea that Jews own all the banks for some evil plan is an idea that goes back many years, and one which is untrue, founded in fear, and yes, racist. People have been blaming society's ills on Jews for years. This is part of that package, and it comes from a position of ignorance and bigotry. I'm not attacking you, I'm attacking the idea.
sweet then
I do believe that the Jew's hold a lot of clout in the world banking sense. Just like the middle east has a lot of power when it comes to oil markets. Do you think that someone just made this stuff up and started a snowball effect based on fear and racism?
Scapegoats
I don't think anyone made it up. But people often look for scapegoats (gypsies, homosexuals, foreigners, etc) rather than accepting the blame for their own faults. When a society has a problem, it's much easier to blame a common enemy, regardless of validity, than it is to find the real cause of the problem.
In addition, I think that the reason Jews get blamed for so much must have something to do with the perception that "they killed Jesus".
blame the italians
In addition, I think that the reason Jews get blamed for so much must have something to do with the perception that "they killed Jesus".
It's interesting to bear in mind that had they not, Christianity wouldn't have existed since it's core rests on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Anyway, it was the Italians who killed Jesus - lets get 'em!!
Turkey orchestrated flotilla
Very interesting angle that Turkey purposefully orchestrated the flotilla, knowing it would provoke a standoff/fiasco that would work in its favor. Hadn't heard that before. Israel certainly took the bait.
changing sides
Only way to make changing sides look reasonable to the international community, maybe?
Turkey is now the leader in the Middle East
Thomas L. Friedman suggests that in the midst of a leadership vacuum in the Middle East, Turkey is now the most powerful and influential player. Rejected by the European Union and now looking elsewhere. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/16/opinion/16friedman.html?src=me&ref=gen...
Seize the skull!
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