Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Today. He will be meeting President Obama at the White House on Monday. In an interview with Newsweek, to be published on 25 May, Obama said he cannot tell Israel not to fear Iran's nuclear ambitions.
"I understand very clearly that Israel considers Iran an existential threat, and given some of the statements that have been made by President Ahmadinejad, you can understand why," Obama told Newsweek.
"Their calculation of costs and benefits are going to be more acute," Obama added. "They're right there in range and I don't think it's my place to determine for the Israelis what their security needs are."
In the Newsweek interview, Obama said he wanted to offer Iran an opportunity to align itself with international norms and international rules.
"We are going to reach out to them and try to shift off of a pattern over the last 30 years that hasn't produced results in the region," he said.
Obama added if the overtures to the Islamic Republic failed, "The fact that we have tried will strengthen our position in mobilizing the international community, and Iran will have isolated itself."
In a related development, Strategy Page reported today that MIG-29s have been observed flying over Israel.
“Israeli F-16 pilots were training against one or more MiG-29s, borrowed from an unnamed country, and operated by Israeli pilots.”
The MIG-29 Folcrum interceptors are the most modern aircraft deployed by IRIAF to protect Iran’s airspace.
5 comments:
Netanyaho, is gonna try tricking the Obama people, by telling them of his decision of a 2 states solution, if Iran is dealt with and punished for its thrive...
US is gonna have to make a decision, either finally stand up to AIPAC or have another war that will eventually bring down many contries and Givernments, Israel will probably be one of the first to come down after 10-15 years of war... because once the conflict starts, Iran wont stop at some UN security resolution .
That last little bit about borrowed Mig's sounds a little incredible, it takes months if not years to learn to operate a piece of machinery that complex. Not the sort of of thing you can cram for over the weekend so as to perform pr-stunt exercises.
Masoud
I agree with masoud, but we have to remember, 70% of Israeli reports are monitored propaganda, mainly bullshit in other words, their capabilities and bravery was judged in Lebanon and Gaza.
Masoud jan,
I agree with you, flying a MIG-29 is not a weekend affair. The report did not say when the Israelis aquired the aircraft. It said it was obseved being flown over Israel.
Anon, these reports are worth noting, even if they could be part of a psychological operation.
The question then is, is the strategy page report indeed accurate? They have been known to report what could be described as gossip. Granted, gossip can be true from time to time.
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